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Hell (DC Comics)
Encyclopedia
Hell is a fictional location
, an infernal underworld utilized in titles published by DC Comics
. It is the locational antithesis
of the Silver City
. The DC Comics location known as Hell is based heavily on its
depiction in Judeo-Christian mythology
. Aside from a brief appearance in DC Special Series
#8 (1977) that was never referred to again, the DC Comics concept of Hell was first mentioned in Swamp Thing
(vol. 2) #27 (July 1984), described by Alan Moore
, and was first seen in Swamp Thing Annual #2 (January 1985), written by Moore and depicted by Steve Bissette and John Totleben
.
The hierarchy of Hell, specifically the triumvirate of (Lucifer
, Beelzebub, and Azazel
), was first depicted in The Sandman #4 (April 1989), and was created by Neil Gaiman
and Sam Kieth
; in the story, Lucifer had been forced to accept the rule due to the disruption caused by the Darkness' attack in Swamp Thing. Hellblazer
would add in the First of the Fallen
, who predates Lucifer. In Who's Who in the DC Universe
#11 (July 1991), the entry on "Hell's Hierarchy" included all the elements of Gaiman's version, plus John Constantine
's archfoe Nergal
, Agony and Ecstacy (from Hellblazer
#12), Asteroth, Abaddon the Destroyer, Morax, and Superman
's demonic foe Blaze
, who, with Satanus, came to rule Hell in DC's 2008-2009 Reign in Hell
limited series
.
At Quality Comics
in 1942, the hero known as Midnight encountered the Devil and his domineering Wife after his untimely death. At Fawcett Comics
in 1942, Ibis the Invincible
confronted a demonic entity who inexplicably named itself "Satan". From DC Comics
, The pages of Showcase
#60 (January 1966) featured the first appearance of Azmodus. And Justice League of America #49 (November 1966) introduced the demon Abaddon, who possesses a farmer named Hiram Spiezel. From DC Comics, Lucifer
debuted in a dream sequence in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #65 (December 1962), and eventually for real in DC Special Series
#8 (1977). The latter appearance depicted Lucifer in Hell with an advisory board consisting of Guy Fawkes
, Benedict Arnold
, Adolf Hitler
, Jack the Ripper
, Nero
, and Bluebeard
, and controlling a human operative named Edward Dirkes. Jason Blood has a nightmare of Hell in Jack Kirby
's The Demon (vol. 1) #14 (November 1973), but otherwise, the concept is in absentia other than through retcon
. Etrigan the Demon debuted in the first issue of the series, but Hell was never actually mentioned in a concrete manner in Demon stories until Swamp Thing
(vol. 2) #27, in which Alan Moore
made the first canonical claim for Etrigan being a denizen of Hell, referring to his promotion to a Rhyming Demon, and having him speak consistently in rhyme, which he did not do during the Kirby series. Many stories in DC's various mystery titles featured "Satan," and at least one, in Weird Mystery Tales
#4, featured Lucifer, but those stories may or may not be in continuity. Satan did appear, along with an angelic pre-fall Etrigan, in one of the four possible origins of The Phantom Stranger (three of which are Judeo-Christian inspired, a fourth, science fiction) in Secret Origins
(vol. 3) #10 (January 1987).
Aside from DC Special Series #8, which was ignored in subsequent continuity, Hell made its actual first appearance in Swamp Thing
(vol. 2) Anunual #2. Subsequently it would appear in issues #49-#50, in which there is a war going on in Hell, and Etrigan is there. The Spectre's failure in his intervention in this conflict leads to a reduction of his power as described in The Spectre (vol. 2) #1 (April 1987). While Hell appeared in issues of that series, we never saw any but characters from the stories condemned to go there and the occasional demon tormenting them, such as in issue #21. Hell subsequently appeared in issues of Blue Devil
. In The Sandman #4 (April 1989), we are introduced to the leaders of Hell, a trinity consisting of Lucifer, an angel drawn to resemble David Bowie
; Beelzebub, a large fly, and Azazael, a shadowy, many-eyed creature (Azazel had previously appeared as an incubus
in the Madame Xanadu
story in Cancelled Comic Cavalcade #2 and The Unexpected
#190 (March/April 1978)). In April 1990, this trinity (albeit with Beelzebub referred to as Belial) appeared in Secret Origins
#48, presenting the never-before-told origin of Stanley and His Monster
, in which the trinity expels a monster to Earth for being too nice, where he is discovered by Stanley Dover, who names him Spot. This version of Hell continued to appear in issues of The Demon (vol. 3), and The Books of Magic
.
In the second Swamp Thing annual, Hell was said to be a place that beings went to only because they believed that they belonged there. During the fourth Sandman story arc, Season of Mists, in issues 21-28 (January–July 1991), Lucifer decides to abandon Hell, and forces all of these beings to leave. He gives the key to Dream
, who does not want it, and has many divine beings, such as Odin
, Bast, and Shivering Jemmy, a Lord of Chaos
, attempt to persuade him to give the key to them. Odin attempts to bribe Dream with the Twilight Dimension of Ragnarok
from The Last Days of the Justice Society of America
Special, specifically because it contains his successor's grandfather, Hawkman (Carter Hall), and his protégé, Sandman (Wesley Dodds)
, but this fails. Eventually, Dream gives Hell to the angels Remiel and Duma
, who, denied reentry into the Silver City
, reinstate Hell as a place of spiritual rehabilitation rather than punishment. This version of Hell is also depicted in the Stanley and His Monster 1993 limited series
, an October 1993 Phantom Stranger one shot under the Vertigo imprint by Alisa Kwitney
and Guy Davis, the 1993-1994 Kid Eternity
series by Ann Nocenti
and Sean Phillips
, also under the Vertigo imprint, albeit with Beelzebub having taken human form, and Batman
#544 (July 1997), which guest-starred Etrigan.
Hellblazer
under Garth Ennis
would have its own Satan, and to avoid clashes with Sandman this was turned in Hellblazer #59 into the First of the Fallen
: the first being in Hell, predating Lucifer and the failed uprising in Heaven. The First and two other demons ruled Hell once Lucifer had quit, with the two angels said to be only nominally in charge, and in a fourth wall
moment the First complained about "those endless, bloody triumverates". John Constantine
, to save himself, set up the First to be taken out and the succubus Chantinelle took control, but the First retook power shortly after.
The Master Baytor was nominally the ruler of Hell for a brief period, but spent the whole time rambling incoherently. (Hitman #17)
In the Lucifer series, which ran from 1999–2006, A human is eventually placed in charge of Hell while the title character roams Earth and owns a piano bar as depicted in the Sandman story arc The Kindly Ones
(#57-69, February 1994-July 1995).
The Human Defense Corps
mini-series in 2003 detailed the US Military designation for Demonic entities as "Hostile Species NHH-014". The Human Defense Corps were able to defeat a minor Lord of the Damned named Scarmaglione, and Sergeant Montgomery Kelly assumed his powers and claimed his clan and seat for the United States of America, his status as minor ruler was confirmed by Neron, who was then the First Seated of Hell.
Superman
briefly became lord of Hell in Superman
#666 (October 2007).
The 2008-2009 limited series Reign in Hell created by Keith Giffen
and Tom Derenick introduces a new status quo for the DC Comics version of Hell; it also gave readers specific geographical references, and defined a codex of rules that govern the damned. Two years after Reign in Hell, DC decided to remove all DC Universe characters from the Vertigo imprint, though Vertigo would have its own version of Constantine. Rumors are flying that Justice League Dark
wil be Constantine's only title when Peter Milligan leaves Hellblazer
, both of which he writes.
, Hell is an alternate plane of reality, traditionally accessible only by those of demonic heritage, beings of a higher order, and those whose soul
s have been barred from entering the Silver City. The DC Comics Hell is a debased reflection of Earth, so as Earth became more technologically or socially advanced so does Hell. Due to an effect not unlike time dilation
"[a] day in Hell is equal to a minute's passage on Earth". All denizens of DC's Comics' infernal region known as Hell are all capable of using some form of maleficium
, the most powerful infernal magic users are the ruling gentry of Hell, and their enforcers the Necro-Mages, Forges, Renderers, Howlers, and Rhyming Demons. Every building, every piece of furniture, weapons, armor, clothing, food, etc. in hell is made from the bodies of the damned. The damned are put through a process called rendering by the Exegis Guild, in order to manufacture the raw materials of Hell.
event, the Rhyming Demon known as Etrigan offered to bring all of the living people of Earth into Hell so they could stay warm. During the "Day of Judgment
" storyline, with the help of Etrigan a fallen angel named Asmodel
took control of the Spectre
and sought to destroy Heaven and Hell. He used the Spectre's powers to extinguish the hellfire font, causing Hell to freeze over. A team of heroes including Superman
, Zatanna
, Faust
, Firestorm
, The Atom
, Enchantress
and Deadman
were sent deep into Hell in order to reignite the hellfire font. The re-ignition required an act of true evil, so Sebastian Faust took matters into his own hands and slit the Enchantress' throat, thereby satisfying the infernal conditions. The story ends with a three way battle between Neron, Asmodel and Hal Jordan for control over the Spectre Force.
s, ghoul
s, werewolves
, and infernally powered humans to Hell
.
Lobo who is confined to the Labyrinth, Hell's prison is freed as a result of the titanic battle between Etrigan the Demon and Blue Devil, a battle which results in Etrigan's temporary death at Blue Devil's hands.
Lord Satanus reveals that he used the war to spread a modified viral version of DMN, the anagogic drug he had once used to destabilize Metropolis
and confound Superman
. This version of DMN is airborne and when combined with the magical word "Shazam
" it transforms Neron and all of Hell's demons into soulless humans, all except Lilith who was not a true Demon. Satanus then decapitates Neron and takes over as Hell's ruler. The Damned turn their rage upon the now human and powerless demons and imps, slaughtering them wholesale, and damning themselves anew.
Lady Blaze later takes advantage of her brother's momentary weakness during a moment when he allows Black Alice to touch him and sample his powers, this action shatters Alice's psyche and allows Lady Blaze to drain Lord Satanus' power and take the throne for herself. At the end of the series the Unspoken Principium of Hell is revealed by Doctor Occult
"You can leave whenever you want," reiterating what was said about Hell in the Gaiman version.
(male) or Domina
(female), the first such dominus was Neron, the current domina is Blaze, sister of Satanus, and daughter of the Wizard Shazam
.
The First Seated rules by their "Infernal will and chthonic way", they are addressed as the "Lord (or Lady) of the Hosts of Hell, first seated of the entire Infernal Dominion".
and Ed Benes
, which does not take place in mainstream DC Universe canon
, there are 13 princely thrones in hell, each selected to oversee 13 different realms of hell. It is then assumed that these Demon Princes ultimately answer to the crown head of hell. The demoness Belyllioth
is Princess of 1/13th of hell's realms in these stories. She supposedly replaced the previous ruler Dalkriig-Hath once he was destroyed by his bride Artemis. Artemis was by rights next in line to rule her former husband's realm, but instead had the other twelve Princes of hell grant Belyllioth her station instead. Notable in this depiction were the Myrmidons
, a race of savage ant-like demons faithful to Belyllioth
.
.
and the First Triumvirate. Contrary to popular belief, Lucifer was the fourth fallen Angel and not the first ruler of Hell, though he later became the supreme ruler of Hell for many centuries. When the great Darkness of creation threatened all existence, a civil war erupted in Hell and the realm was split into a triumvirate. Eventually, Lucifer grew bored with his position and retired to Earth with his consort, the Lilim known as Mazikeen
.
, and eventually, two angels, Remiel and Duma
transform Hell into a place of rehabilitation. In the interim, Lucifer was shown as ruler of Hell in the DC Universe titles The Demon, The Spectre, and Stanley and His Monster
.
Location (geography)
The terms location and place in geography are used to identify a point or an area on the Earth's surface or elsewhere. The term 'location' generally implies a higher degree of can certainty than "place" which often has an ambiguous boundary relying more on human/social attributes of place identity...
, an infernal underworld utilized in titles published by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
. It is the locational antithesis
Antithesis
Antithesis is a counter-proposition and denotes a direct contrast to the original proposition...
of the Silver City
Silver City (comics)
The Silver City is a fictional location in stories published DC Universe. It is the home of beings known as Angels and of the The Presence, the primary deity of Judeo-Christian theology in the DC Universe...
. The DC Comics location known as Hell is based heavily on its
Hell
In many religious traditions, a hell is a place of suffering and punishment in the afterlife. Religions with a linear divine history often depict hells as endless. Religions with a cyclic history often depict a hell as an intermediary period between incarnations...
depiction in Judeo-Christian mythology
Christian mythology
Christian mythology is the body of myths associated with Christianity. In the study of mythology, the term "myth" refers to a traditional story, often one which is regarded as sacred and which explains how the world and its inhabitants came to have their present form.Classicist G.S. Kirk defines a...
. Aside from a brief appearance in DC Special Series
DC Special Series
DC Special Series was an umbrella title for one-shots and special issues published by DC Comics between 1977 and 1981. Each issue featured a different character and was often in a different format than the issue before it. DC Special Series was published in four different formats: Dollar Comics, 48...
#8 (1977) that was never referred to again, the DC Comics concept of Hell was first mentioned in Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing, a fictional character, is a plant elemental in the created by Len Wein and Berni Wrightson. He first appeared in House of Secrets #92 in a stand-alone horror story set in the early 20th century . The Swamp Thing then returned in his own series, set in the contemporary world and in...
(vol. 2) #27 (July 1984), described by Alan Moore
Alan Moore
Alan Oswald Moore is an English writer primarily known for his work in comic books, a medium where he has produced a number of critically acclaimed and popular series, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and From Hell...
, and was first seen in Swamp Thing Annual #2 (January 1985), written by Moore and depicted by Steve Bissette and John Totleben
John Totleben
John Totleben is an American illustrator working mostly in comics.-Biography:After studying art at a vocational high school in Erie, Totleben attended The Kubert School for one year...
.
The hierarchy of Hell, specifically the triumvirate of (Lucifer
Lucifer (DC Comics)
Lucifer is a DC Comics character that starred in an eponymous comic book published under the Vertigo imprint, whose entire run was written by Mike Carey...
, Beelzebub, and Azazel
Azazel (DC Comics)
Azazel is a fictional demon published by DC Comics. He debuted in The Sandman #4 , and was created by Neil Gaiman and Sam Kieth...
), was first depicted in The Sandman #4 (April 1989), and was created by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman
Neil Richard Gaiman born 10 November 1960)is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book...
and Sam Kieth
Sam Kieth
Sam Kieth is a New York Times best-selling American comic book writer and illustrator, best known as the creator of The Maxx and Zero Girl.-Comics career:...
; in the story, Lucifer had been forced to accept the rule due to the disruption caused by the Darkness' attack in Swamp Thing. Hellblazer
Hellblazer
Hellblazer is a contemporary horror comic book series, originally published by DC Comics, and subsequently by the Vertigo imprint since March 1993, the month the imprint was introduced, where it remains to this day...
would add in the First of the Fallen
First of the Fallen
The First of the Fallen is a fictional demon published by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint. He debuted in Hellblazer #42 , and was created by Garth Ennis and Will Simpson,-Publication history:...
, who predates Lucifer. In Who's Who in the DC Universe
Who's Who in the DC Universe
Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe is the umbrella title for a number of comic book series which DC Comics published to catalogue the wide variety of fictional characters in their imaginary universe, the DC Universe.-History:Who's Who was the creation of Len Wein, Marv...
#11 (July 1991), the entry on "Hell's Hierarchy" included all the elements of Gaiman's version, plus John Constantine
John Constantine
John Constantine is a fictional character, an occult detective anti-hero in comic books published by DC Comics, mostly under the Vertigo imprint. The character first appeared in Swamp Thing #37 , and was created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, John Totleben and Rick Veitch...
's archfoe Nergal
Nergal
The name Nergal, Nirgal, or Nirgali refers to a deity in Babylon with the main seat of his cult at Cuthah represented by the mound of Tell-Ibrahim. Nergal is mentioned in the Hebrew bible as the deity of the city of Cuth : "And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal"...
, Agony and Ecstacy (from Hellblazer
Hellblazer
Hellblazer is a contemporary horror comic book series, originally published by DC Comics, and subsequently by the Vertigo imprint since March 1993, the month the imprint was introduced, where it remains to this day...
#12), Asteroth, Abaddon the Destroyer, Morax, and Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
's demonic foe Blaze
Blaze and Satanus
Blaze and Satanus are fictional demonic siblings published by DC Comics. Blaze debuted in Action Comics #655 ; she was created by Roger Stern and Bob McLeod...
, who, with Satanus, came to rule Hell in DC's 2008-2009 Reign in Hell
Reign in Hell
Reign in Hell is a 2008-2009 comic book limited series written by Keith Giffen, pencilled by Thomas Derenick and published by DC Comics. The title is a reference to a line spoken by Lucifer in John Milton's Paradise Lost: "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven."-Plot:During the events of...
limited series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
.
Publication history
Because of the multiplicity of imprints and acquisitions under the DC Comics umbrella, there have been many versions of "Satan" and "Hell".At Quality Comics
Quality Comics
Quality Comics was an American comic book publishing company that operated from 1939 to 1956 and was an influential creative force in what historians and fans call the Golden Age of comic books....
in 1942, the hero known as Midnight encountered the Devil and his domineering Wife after his untimely death. At Fawcett Comics
Fawcett Comics
Fawcett Comics, a division of Fawcett Publications, was one of several successful comic book publishers during the Golden Age of Comic Books in the 1940s...
in 1942, Ibis the Invincible
Ibis the Invincible
Ibis the Invincible is a fictional character, a comic book superhero originally published by Fawcett Comics in the 1940s and then by DC Comics beginning in the 1970s. Like many magician superheroes introduced in the Golden Age of Comics, Ibis owes much to the popular comic strip character Mandrake...
confronted a demonic entity who inexplicably named itself "Satan". From DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, The pages of Showcase
Showcase (comics)
Showcase has been the title of several comic anthology series published by DC Comics. The general theme of these series has been to feature new and minor characters as a way to gauge reader interest in them, without the difficulty and risk of featuring "untested" characters in their own ongoing...
#60 (January 1966) featured the first appearance of Azmodus. And Justice League of America #49 (November 1966) introduced the demon Abaddon, who possesses a farmer named Hiram Spiezel. From DC Comics, Lucifer
Lucifer (DC Comics)
Lucifer is a DC Comics character that starred in an eponymous comic book published under the Vertigo imprint, whose entire run was written by Mike Carey...
debuted in a dream sequence in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #65 (December 1962), and eventually for real in DC Special Series
DC Special Series
DC Special Series was an umbrella title for one-shots and special issues published by DC Comics between 1977 and 1981. Each issue featured a different character and was often in a different format than the issue before it. DC Special Series was published in four different formats: Dollar Comics, 48...
#8 (1977). The latter appearance depicted Lucifer in Hell with an advisory board consisting of Guy Fawkes
Guy Fawkes
Guy Fawkes , also known as Guido Fawkes, the name he adopted while fighting for the Spanish in the Low Countries, belonged to a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.Fawkes was born and educated in York...
, Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold V was a general during the American Revolutionary War. He began the war in the Continental Army but later defected to the British Army. While a general on the American side, he obtained command of the fort at West Point, New York, and plotted to surrender it to the British forces...
, Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party , commonly referred to as the Nazi Party). He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and head of state from 1934 to 1945...
, Jack the Ripper
Jack the Ripper
"Jack the Ripper" is the best-known name given to an unidentified serial killer who was active in the largely impoverished areas in and around the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. The name originated in a letter, written by someone claiming to be the murderer, that was disseminated in the...
, Nero
Nero
Nero , was Roman Emperor from 54 to 68, and the last in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Nero was adopted by his great-uncle Claudius to become his heir and successor, and succeeded to the throne in 54 following Claudius' death....
, and Bluebeard
Bluebeard
"Bluebeard" is a French literary folktale written by Charles Perrault and is one of eight tales by the author first published by Barbin in Paris in January 1697 in Histoires ou Contes du temps passé. The tale tells the story of a violent nobleman in the habit of murdering his wives and the...
, and controlling a human operative named Edward Dirkes. Jason Blood has a nightmare of Hell in Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby , born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor regarded by historians and fans as one of the major innovators and most influential creators in the comic book medium....
's The Demon (vol. 1) #14 (November 1973), but otherwise, the concept is in absentia other than through retcon
Retcon
Retroactive continuity is the alteration of previously established facts in a fictional work. Retcons are done for many reasons, including the accommodation of sequels or further derivative works in a series, wherein newer authors or creators want to revise the in-story history to allow a course...
. Etrigan the Demon debuted in the first issue of the series, but Hell was never actually mentioned in a concrete manner in Demon stories until Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing, a fictional character, is a plant elemental in the created by Len Wein and Berni Wrightson. He first appeared in House of Secrets #92 in a stand-alone horror story set in the early 20th century . The Swamp Thing then returned in his own series, set in the contemporary world and in...
(vol. 2) #27, in which Alan Moore
Alan Moore
Alan Oswald Moore is an English writer primarily known for his work in comic books, a medium where he has produced a number of critically acclaimed and popular series, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and From Hell...
made the first canonical claim for Etrigan being a denizen of Hell, referring to his promotion to a Rhyming Demon, and having him speak consistently in rhyme, which he did not do during the Kirby series. Many stories in DC's various mystery titles featured "Satan," and at least one, in Weird Mystery Tales
Weird Mystery Tales
Weird Mystery Tales was a mystery anthology from DC Comics, which ran from July/Aug. 1972-November 1975. Like its sister books House of Mystery and The Witching Hour, it was known for its "monstrous stories" with shock endings....
#4, featured Lucifer, but those stories may or may not be in continuity. Satan did appear, along with an angelic pre-fall Etrigan, in one of the four possible origins of The Phantom Stranger (three of which are Judeo-Christian inspired, a fourth, science fiction) in Secret Origins
Secret Origins
Secret Origins is the title of three American comic book series published by DC Comics.The title began in 1961 and for one issue, all reprints. The title Secret Origins of Super Heroes went onto a second series, also reprints, which ran for seven issues from 1973-1974...
(vol. 3) #10 (January 1987).
Aside from DC Special Series #8, which was ignored in subsequent continuity, Hell made its actual first appearance in Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing, a fictional character, is a plant elemental in the created by Len Wein and Berni Wrightson. He first appeared in House of Secrets #92 in a stand-alone horror story set in the early 20th century . The Swamp Thing then returned in his own series, set in the contemporary world and in...
(vol. 2) Anunual #2. Subsequently it would appear in issues #49-#50, in which there is a war going on in Hell, and Etrigan is there. The Spectre's failure in his intervention in this conflict leads to a reduction of his power as described in The Spectre (vol. 2) #1 (April 1987). While Hell appeared in issues of that series, we never saw any but characters from the stories condemned to go there and the occasional demon tormenting them, such as in issue #21. Hell subsequently appeared in issues of Blue Devil
Blue Devil
Blue Devil is a superhero featured in material published by DC Comics. He first appeared in a special insert published in Fury of Firestorm #24 . That story led directly into Blue Devil #1, also cover dated June 1984...
. In The Sandman #4 (April 1989), we are introduced to the leaders of Hell, a trinity consisting of Lucifer, an angel drawn to resemble David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
; Beelzebub, a large fly, and Azazael, a shadowy, many-eyed creature (Azazel had previously appeared as an incubus
Incubus
An incubus is a male demon that has sexual intercourse with sleeping women.Incubus may also refer to:- Film :* Incubus , a film in Esperanto starring William Shatner* Incubus , a horror film starring Tara Reid...
in the Madame Xanadu
Madame Xanadu
Madame Xanadu is a fictional character, a comic book mystic published by DC Comics. The character is identified with Nimue, the sorceress from Arthurian mythology made popular by Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur.-Publication history:...
story in Cancelled Comic Cavalcade #2 and The Unexpected
The Unexpected
The Unexpected was a DC Comics horror comic book, a continuation of Tales of the Unexpected. It ran 117 issues, #105-222, from 1968 to 1982.-Publication history:...
#190 (March/April 1978)). In April 1990, this trinity (albeit with Beelzebub referred to as Belial) appeared in Secret Origins
Secret Origins
Secret Origins is the title of three American comic book series published by DC Comics.The title began in 1961 and for one issue, all reprints. The title Secret Origins of Super Heroes went onto a second series, also reprints, which ran for seven issues from 1973-1974...
#48, presenting the never-before-told origin of Stanley and His Monster
Stanley and His Monster
Stanley and His Monster was an American comic-book humor feature and later series from DC Comics, about a boy who has a monster as his companion instead of a dog. Created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Winslow Mortimer as a backup feature the funny-animal comic The Fox and the Crow #95 Stanley...
, in which the trinity expels a monster to Earth for being too nice, where he is discovered by Stanley Dover, who names him Spot. This version of Hell continued to appear in issues of The Demon (vol. 3), and The Books of Magic
The Books of Magic
The Books of Magic is a four-issue English-language comic book mini-series written by Neil Gaiman, published by DC Comics, and later an ongoing series under the imprint Vertigo. Since its original publication, the mini-series has also been published in a single-volume collection under the Vertigo...
.
In the second Swamp Thing annual, Hell was said to be a place that beings went to only because they believed that they belonged there. During the fourth Sandman story arc, Season of Mists, in issues 21-28 (January–July 1991), Lucifer decides to abandon Hell, and forces all of these beings to leave. He gives the key to Dream
Dream (comics)
Dream is the fictional protagonist of DC Comics' Vertigo comic book series The Sandman, written by Neil Gaiman. One of the seven Endless, inconceivably powerful beings older and greater than gods, Dream is both lord and personification of all dreams and stories, all that is not in reality...
, who does not want it, and has many divine beings, such as Odin
Odin
Odin is a major god in Norse mythology and the ruler of Asgard. Homologous with the Anglo-Saxon "Wōden" and the Old High German "Wotan", the name is descended from Proto-Germanic "*Wodanaz" or "*Wōđanaz"....
, Bast, and Shivering Jemmy, a Lord of Chaos
Lords of Chaos and Order
The Lords of Chaos and Lords of Order are complementary groups of supernatural entities with godlike powers that appear in DC Comics. They have also been retconned into the histories of Amethyst, Doctor Fate, Kid Eternity, the Phantom Stranger, Shazam and Hawk and Dove...
, attempt to persuade him to give the key to them. Odin attempts to bribe Dream with the Twilight Dimension of Ragnarok
Ragnarök
In Norse mythology, Ragnarök is a series of future events, including a great battle foretold to ultimately result in the death of a number of major figures , the occurrence of various natural disasters, and the subsequent submersion of the world in water...
from The Last Days of the Justice Society of America
Justice Society of America
The Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. Conceived by editor Sheldon Mayer and writer Gardner Fox, the JSA first appeared in All Star Comics #3 ....
Special, specifically because it contains his successor's grandfather, Hawkman (Carter Hall), and his protégé, Sandman (Wesley Dodds)
Sandman (Wesley Dodds)
Sandman , is a fictional superhero appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The first of several DC characters to bear the name, he was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Bert Christman....
, but this fails. Eventually, Dream gives Hell to the angels Remiel and Duma
Duma
A Duma is any of various representative assemblies in modern Russia and Russian history. The State Duma in the Russian Empire and Russian Federation corresponds to the lower house of the parliament. Simply it is a form of Russian governmental institution, that was formed during the reign of the...
, who, denied reentry into the Silver City
Silver City (comics)
The Silver City is a fictional location in stories published DC Universe. It is the home of beings known as Angels and of the The Presence, the primary deity of Judeo-Christian theology in the DC Universe...
, reinstate Hell as a place of spiritual rehabilitation rather than punishment. This version of Hell is also depicted in the Stanley and His Monster 1993 limited series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
, an October 1993 Phantom Stranger one shot under the Vertigo imprint by Alisa Kwitney
Alisa Kwitney
Alisa Kwitney is an American author.Kwitney was born in New York City. She graduated from Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Columbia University's Master of Fine Arts Fiction Writing Program. Kwitney was also an editor for Vertigo, the mature/dark fantasy branch of DC...
and Guy Davis, the 1993-1994 Kid Eternity
Kid Eternity
Kid Eternity is a comic book superhero who first premiered in Hit Comics #25, published by Quality Comics in December, 1942. The character - as well as all of Quality's intellectual properties were sold to DC Comics in 1956...
series by Ann Nocenti
Ann Nocenti
Ann "Annie" Nocenti is an American journalist, writer, editor, and filmmaker best known for her work on comic books and magazines. As an editor for Marvel Comics, she edited New Mutants and The Uncanny X-Men...
and Sean Phillips
Sean Phillips
Sean Phillips is a British comic book artist.He is best known in the American comic book industry for his work on DC Comics' Sleeper, WildC.A.T.s, Batman and Hellblazer.-Career:...
, also under the Vertigo imprint, albeit with Beelzebub having taken human form, and Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
#544 (July 1997), which guest-starred Etrigan.
Hellblazer
Hellblazer
Hellblazer is a contemporary horror comic book series, originally published by DC Comics, and subsequently by the Vertigo imprint since March 1993, the month the imprint was introduced, where it remains to this day...
under Garth Ennis
Garth Ennis
Garth Ennis is a Northern Irish comics writer, best known for the Vertigo series Preacher with artist Steve Dillon and his successful nine-year run on Marvel Comics' Punisher franchise...
would have its own Satan, and to avoid clashes with Sandman this was turned in Hellblazer #59 into the First of the Fallen
First of the Fallen
The First of the Fallen is a fictional demon published by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint. He debuted in Hellblazer #42 , and was created by Garth Ennis and Will Simpson,-Publication history:...
: the first being in Hell, predating Lucifer and the failed uprising in Heaven. The First and two other demons ruled Hell once Lucifer had quit, with the two angels said to be only nominally in charge, and in a fourth wall
Fourth wall
The fourth wall is the imaginary "wall" at the front of the stage in a traditional three-walled box set in a proscenium theatre, through which the audience sees the action in the world of the play...
moment the First complained about "those endless, bloody triumverates". John Constantine
John Constantine
John Constantine is a fictional character, an occult detective anti-hero in comic books published by DC Comics, mostly under the Vertigo imprint. The character first appeared in Swamp Thing #37 , and was created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, John Totleben and Rick Veitch...
, to save himself, set up the First to be taken out and the succubus Chantinelle took control, but the First retook power shortly after.
The Master Baytor was nominally the ruler of Hell for a brief period, but spent the whole time rambling incoherently. (Hitman #17)
In the Lucifer series, which ran from 1999–2006, A human is eventually placed in charge of Hell while the title character roams Earth and owns a piano bar as depicted in the Sandman story arc The Kindly Ones
The Sandman: The Kindly Ones
The Kindly Ones is the ninth collection of issues in the DC Comics series, The Sandman. Written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Marc Hempel, Richard Case, D'Israeli, Teddy Kristiansen, Glyn Dillon, Charles Vess, Dean Ormston and Kevin Nowlan, coloured by Danny Vozzo, and lettered by Todd Klein.The...
(#57-69, February 1994-July 1995).
The Human Defense Corps
Human Defense Corps
The Human Defense Corps are a fictional comic book military organization published by DC Comics. They first appeared in Human Defense Corps #1 , and were created by writer Ty Templeton and artist Clément Sauvé.- Publication history :...
mini-series in 2003 detailed the US Military designation for Demonic entities as "Hostile Species NHH-014". The Human Defense Corps were able to defeat a minor Lord of the Damned named Scarmaglione, and Sergeant Montgomery Kelly assumed his powers and claimed his clan and seat for the United States of America, his status as minor ruler was confirmed by Neron, who was then the First Seated of Hell.
Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
briefly became lord of Hell in Superman
Superman (comic book)
Superman is an ongoing comic book series featuring the DC Comics hero of the same name. The character Superman began as one of several anthology features in the National Periodical Publications comic book Action Comics #1 in June 1938...
#666 (October 2007).
The 2008-2009 limited series Reign in Hell created by Keith Giffen
Keith Giffen
Keith Ian Giffen is an American comic book illustrator and writer.-Biography:Giffen was born in Queens, New York City....
and Tom Derenick introduces a new status quo for the DC Comics version of Hell; it also gave readers specific geographical references, and defined a codex of rules that govern the damned. Two years after Reign in Hell, DC decided to remove all DC Universe characters from the Vertigo imprint, though Vertigo would have its own version of Constantine. Rumors are flying that Justice League Dark
Justice League Dark
Justice League Dark is an ongoing DC Comics series, announced as part of the universe wide overhaul, announced on May 31, 2011. The title will follow the adventures of a more supernatural team than traditional Justice League titles, and is written by Peter Milligan, with art by Mikel Janin...
wil be Constantine's only title when Peter Milligan leaves Hellblazer
Hellblazer
Hellblazer is a contemporary horror comic book series, originally published by DC Comics, and subsequently by the Vertigo imprint since March 1993, the month the imprint was introduced, where it remains to this day...
, both of which he writes.
Description
In the DC UniverseDC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
, Hell is an alternate plane of reality, traditionally accessible only by those of demonic heritage, beings of a higher order, and those whose soul
Soul
A soul in certain spiritual, philosophical, and psychological traditions is the incorporeal essence of a person or living thing or object. Many philosophical and spiritual systems teach that humans have souls, and others teach that all living things and even inanimate objects have souls. The...
s have been barred from entering the Silver City. The DC Comics Hell is a debased reflection of Earth, so as Earth became more technologically or socially advanced so does Hell. Due to an effect not unlike time dilation
Time dilation
In the theory of relativity, time dilation is an observed difference of elapsed time between two events as measured by observers either moving relative to each other or differently situated from gravitational masses. An accurate clock at rest with respect to one observer may be measured to tick at...
"[a] day in Hell is equal to a minute's passage on Earth". All denizens of DC's Comics' infernal region known as Hell are all capable of using some form of maleficium
Maleficium (sorcery)
Maleficium is a Latin term meaning "wrongdoing" or "mischief" and is used to describe malevolent, dangerous, or harmful magic, "evildoing" or "malevolent sorcery"...
, the most powerful infernal magic users are the ruling gentry of Hell, and their enforcers the Necro-Mages, Forges, Renderers, Howlers, and Rhyming Demons. Every building, every piece of furniture, weapons, armor, clothing, food, etc. in hell is made from the bodies of the damned. The damned are put through a process called rendering by the Exegis Guild, in order to manufacture the raw materials of Hell.
Fictional history
During the Final NightFinal Night
"The Final Night" was a 1996 comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self titled limited series and most of the comics published by DC Comics with a cover date of November 1996. It featured the main heroes of the DC Universe. At the end of each issue is an in-story text piece written by...
event, the Rhyming Demon known as Etrigan offered to bring all of the living people of Earth into Hell so they could stay warm. During the "Day of Judgment
Day of Judgment (comics)
Day of Judgment was a DC Comics limited series and crossover storyline during the autumn of 1999. The limited series was written by Geoff Johns, with art by Matthew Dow Smith....
" storyline, with the help of Etrigan a fallen angel named Asmodel
Asmodel
Asmodel is a fictional fallen angel, a comic book character published by DC Comics, his namesake deriving from the Asmodel of real Christian theology, the Angel of April and Patience. He first appeared in JLA #7, and was created by Grant Morrison and Howard Porter...
took control of the Spectre
Spectre (comics)
The Spectre is a fictional character and superhero who has appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in a next issue ad in More Fun Comics #51 and received his first story the following month, #52...
and sought to destroy Heaven and Hell. He used the Spectre's powers to extinguish the hellfire font, causing Hell to freeze over. A team of heroes including Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
, Zatanna
Zatanna
Zatanna Zatara is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Murphy Anderson, Zatanna first appeared in Hawkman vol. 1 #4...
, Faust
Sebastian Faust
Sebastian Faust, or simply Faust, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero from DC Comics, loosely based on the protagonist of the German legend who sold his soul to the Devil. He was introduced in the 1993 Outsiders comic book series....
, Firestorm
Firestorm (comics)
Firestorm is the name of several comic book superheroes published by DC Comics. Ronnie Raymond and Martin Stein, the first Firestorm, debuted in Firestorm, the Nuclear Man #1 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Al Milgrom. Martin Stein, by himself as Firestorm, debuted in Firestorm the Nuclear...
, The Atom
Atom (comics)
The Atom is a name shared by several fictional comic book superheroes from the DC Comics universe.There have been five characters who have shared the Atom codename. The original Golden Age Atom, Al Pratt, was created by Ben Flinton and Bill O'Connor and first appeared in All-American Publications'...
, Enchantress
Enchantress (DC Comics)
The Enchantress is a DC Comics character who has been both a superheroine and supervillainess. She first appeared in National Comics flagship science fiction anthology title Strange Adventures #187 , and was created by writer Bob Haney and artist Howard Purcell.More recently she is usually called...
and Deadman
Deadman
Deadman is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Strange Adventures #205 , and was created by Arnold Drake and Carmine Infantino.-Publication history:...
were sent deep into Hell in order to reignite the hellfire font. The re-ignition required an act of true evil, so Sebastian Faust took matters into his own hands and slit the Enchantress' throat, thereby satisfying the infernal conditions. The story ends with a three way battle between Neron, Asmodel and Hal Jordan for control over the Spectre Force.
Reign in Hell
During the events of Reign in Hell, the Underworld is thrown into a massive conflict as Neron and his generals are confronted with a rebellion led by Lord Satanus and Lady Blaze, the rulers of Purgatory. Neron soon discovered that the rebel demons were offering the damned hope, and that this was a powerful spur. Recognizing what would happen if the damned rose up against him, Neron has his consort Lilith the "mother of all earthborn fiends" summon all vampireVampire
Vampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence of living creatures, regardless of whether they are undead or a living person...
s, ghoul
Ghoul
A ghoul is a folkloric monster associated with graveyards and consuming human flesh, often classified as undead. The oldest surviving literature that mention ghouls is likely One Thousand and One Nights...
s, werewolves
Werewolf
A werewolf, also known as a lycanthrope , is a mythological or folkloric human with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or an anthropomorphic wolf-like creature, either purposely or after being placed under a curse...
, and infernally powered humans to Hell
Hell
In many religious traditions, a hell is a place of suffering and punishment in the afterlife. Religions with a linear divine history often depict hells as endless. Religions with a cyclic history often depict a hell as an intermediary period between incarnations...
.
Lobo who is confined to the Labyrinth, Hell's prison is freed as a result of the titanic battle between Etrigan the Demon and Blue Devil, a battle which results in Etrigan's temporary death at Blue Devil's hands.
Lord Satanus reveals that he used the war to spread a modified viral version of DMN, the anagogic drug he had once used to destabilize Metropolis
Metropolis (comics)
Metropolis is a fictional city that appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. Metropolis first appeared by name in Action Comics #16 ....
and confound Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
. This version of DMN is airborne and when combined with the magical word "Shazam
Shazam (comics)
Shazam is a comic book character created by Bill Parker and C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics. He is an ancient sorcerer who gives young Billy Batson the power to transform into the superhero Captain Marvel...
" it transforms Neron and all of Hell's demons into soulless humans, all except Lilith who was not a true Demon. Satanus then decapitates Neron and takes over as Hell's ruler. The Damned turn their rage upon the now human and powerless demons and imps, slaughtering them wholesale, and damning themselves anew.
Lady Blaze later takes advantage of her brother's momentary weakness during a moment when he allows Black Alice to touch him and sample his powers, this action shatters Alice's psyche and allows Lady Blaze to drain Lord Satanus' power and take the throne for herself. At the end of the series the Unspoken Principium of Hell is revealed by Doctor Occult
Doctor Occult
Doctor Occult is a fictional character, a magic user in the . Created by Superman's creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Doctor Occult is the earliest character created by DC Comics still currently in use in its shared universe fiction....
"You can leave whenever you want," reiterating what was said about Hell in the Gaiman version.
Geography
In the Reign in Hell mini-series the Infernal Dominion is divided up into nine provinces, each of which have their own rulers. All rulers bowed to Neron. The Nine Provinces included Pandemonia, The Odium, The Gull, Praetori, Internecia, Ament, Labyrinth, Err, and Purgatory. Below see descriptions of the Nine Provinces of the Infernal Dominion as depicted in the Reign in Hell mini-series.- Pandemonia - The First Province, home of Hell's high caste demons and of Hell's throne, the first seat of the Dominus or Domina.
- Odium - The Second Province, the industrialIndustryIndustry refers to the production of an economic good or service within an economy.-Industrial sectors:There are four key industrial economic sectors: the primary sector, largely raw material extraction industries such as mining and farming; the secondary sector, involving refining, construction,...
and manufacturingManufacturingManufacturing is the use of machines, tools and labor to produce goods for use or sale. The term may refer to a range of human activity, from handicraft to high tech, but is most commonly applied to industrial production, in which raw materials are transformed into finished goods on a large scale...
center. Home of the rendering factories and the Renderers. - Gull - The Third Province, the mercantile and commerceCommerceWhile business refers to the value-creating activities of an organization for profit, commerce means the whole system of an economy that constitutes an environment for business. The system includes legal, economic, political, social, cultural, and technological systems that are in operation in any...
center. - Praetori - The Fourth Province, administrative and governmental ministries.
- Internecia - The Fifth Province, the military and enforcement ministries.
- Ament - The Sixth Province, home of the cultural propagandaPropagandaPropaganda is a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position so as to benefit oneself or one's group....
ministry. - Labyrinth - The Seventh Province, judicial detainmentInternmentInternment is the imprisonment or confinement of people, commonly in large groups, without trial. The Oxford English Dictionary gives the meaning as: "The action of 'interning'; confinement within the limits of a country or place." Most modern usage is about individuals, and there is a distinction...
in hell's only prison. - Err - The Eighth Province, the ministry of theological suppressionReligious intoleranceReligious intolerance is intolerance against another's religious beliefs or practices.-Definition:The mere statement on the part of a religion that its own beliefs and practices are correct and any contrary beliefs incorrect does not in itself constitute intolerance...
. - Purgatory - The Ninth Province, the place of secondary damnationDamnationDamnation is the concept of everlasting divine punishment and/or disgrace, especially the punishment for sin as threatened by God . A damned being "in damnation" is said to be either in Hell, or living in a state wherein they are divorced from Heaven and/or in a state of disgrace from God's favor...
, it was formerly ruled by Blaze and Satanus. Anyone can leave Purgatory and enter Hell, but they can never return. - The Selvage - The SelvageSelvageThe selvage or selvedge is the term for the self-finished edges of fabric. The selvages keep the fabric from unraveling or fraying. The selvages are a result of how the fabric is created...
is the infernal aetherAether (classical element)According to ancient and medieval science aether , also spelled æther or ether, is the material that fills the region of the universe above the terrestrial sphere.-Mythological origins:...
, a dimensional waste which separates and surrounds the Infernal Provinces, all passage between Provinces must pass through the Selvage. The very nature of the Selvage rejects magic.
Infernal Hosts
According to the Reign in Hell mini-series, Blaze the sister of Satanus is the current ruler of Hell, she succeeds her brother who in turn succeeded Neron. The mainstream DC Comics Hell always has a single ruler known as the "First Seated of the Infernal Dominion" and holding the title of DominusDominus (title)
Dominus is the Latin word for master or owner. As a title of sovereignty the term under the Roman Republic had all the associations of the Greek Tyrannos; refused during the early principate, it finally became an official title of the Roman Emperors under Diocletian...
(male) or Domina
Dominus (title)
Dominus is the Latin word for master or owner. As a title of sovereignty the term under the Roman Republic had all the associations of the Greek Tyrannos; refused during the early principate, it finally became an official title of the Roman Emperors under Diocletian...
(female), the first such dominus was Neron, the current domina is Blaze, sister of Satanus, and daughter of the Wizard Shazam
Shazam (comics)
Shazam is a comic book character created by Bill Parker and C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics. He is an ancient sorcerer who gives young Billy Batson the power to transform into the superhero Captain Marvel...
.
The First Seated rules by their "Infernal will and chthonic way", they are addressed as the "Lord (or Lady) of the Hosts of Hell, first seated of the entire Infernal Dominion".
First Seated
- BlazeBlaze and SatanusBlaze and Satanus are fictional demonic siblings published by DC Comics. Blaze debuted in Action Comics #655 ; she was created by Roger Stern and Bob McLeod...
- Former co-ruler of Purgatory, current Domina, the First Seated of the Infernal Dominion of Hell, daughter of the Wizard Shazam. - SatanusBlaze and SatanusBlaze and Satanus are fictional demonic siblings published by DC Comics. Blaze debuted in Action Comics #655 ; she was created by Roger Stern and Bob McLeod...
- Former co-ruler of Purgatory, and former Dominus, First Seated of the Infernal Dominion, son of the Wizard Shazam. - NeronNeronNeron is a fictional demon, a comic book character published by DC Comics. He first appeared in the DC Comics cross-over event Underworld Unleashed #1, , and was created by Mark Waid and Howard Porter.- Publication history :...
- Neron is known as the Prince of Lies. He mysteriously returned from obscurity several years ago, and soon established himself as the ruler of Hell. He is the former Dominus, First Seated of the Infernal Dominion.
Archfiends
- AbaddonAbaddonAbaddon in the Revelation of St. John, is the king of tormenting locusts and the angel of the bottomless pit. The exact nature of Abaddon is debated, but the Hebrew word is related to the triliteral root אבד , which in verb form means "to perish."...
- Guardian and oracle of the lowest circle of Hell. - AsmodelAsmodelAsmodel is a fictional fallen angel, a comic book character published by DC Comics, his namesake deriving from the Asmodel of real Christian theology, the Angel of April and Patience. He first appeared in JLA #7, and was created by Grant Morrison and Howard Porter...
- Asmodel is a fallen angel, the former leader of the Bull-Host an elite order tasked with protecting the Silver City. Asmodel served as Neron's Dominion Overseer, in charge of the armies of the Dominion. - BelialBelialBelial is one of the four crown princes of Hell and a demon in the Bible, Jewish apocrypha and Christian apocrypha...
- The and father of Etrigan and Merlin. Belial served as Neron's Archfiend of Internal Security, his spies kept watch on Damned and Demon alike. - LilithLilithLilith is a character in Jewish mythology, found earliest in the Babylonian Talmud, who is generally thought to be related to a class of female demons Līlīṯu in Mesopotamian texts. However, Lowell K. Handy notes, "Very little information has been found relating to the Akkadian and Babylonian view...
- Mother of all earthbound atrocities, first wife of the progenitor Adam of Judeo-Christian mythology. She holds dominion over any human empowered by infernal energies, as well as the succubi, incubi, lilim, werewolves, ghouls and vampires. - Lobo - former prisoner in Labyrinth, Lobo now serves the First Seated of Hell.
- MyrddinMerlin (DC Comics)Merlin, is a fictional character, a comic book magician published by DC Comics. Myrddin debuted in New Comics #3, , and was created by Rafael Astarita...
- Myrrdin is the modern version of DC Comics' Merlin as introduced in the Trials of Shazam maxi-series. He is the son of Belial and a human woman, and half-brother of the Demons Etrigan and Lord Scapegoat. - Mordecai Smyt - A tactical genius from the CrusadesCrusadesThe Crusades were a series of religious wars, blessed by the Pope and the Catholic Church with the main goal of restoring Christian access to the holy places in and near Jerusalem...
who served as one of Satanus' generals. - NebirosNebirosNebiros is a fictional demon, a comic book character published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Swamp Thing #15, , and was created by David Michelinie and Nestor Redondo.-Fictional character biography:...
- Ruler of one of an unnamed infernal province, nemesis of Blue Devil. - Prince Ra-ManPrince Ra-ManPrince Ra-Man is a fictional comic book magician published by DC Comics. Mark Merlin first appeared in House of Secrets #23 , and was created by Mort Meskin...
- A powerful magician who served as Satanus' Secretary of StateSecretary of StateSecretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
. - Shamma - A protoplasmic shapeshifter who served as Satanus' chief of intelligence.
- Thing-that-cannot-die - Resident of a prison called the "Region Beyond", which may be a section of Labyrinth Prison.
- TrigonTrigon (comics)Trigon is a fictional demon, a comic book character published by DC Comics. Trigon first appeared in New Teen Titans #2 and was created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez.-Fictional character biography:...
- Trigon is an Archfiend and ruler of an unnamed Infernal Province.
Fiends
- The Arkannone - The "Lords of Gunfire".
- AsmodeusAsmodeusAsmodeus may refer to:* Asmodai, a demon-like figure of the Talmud and Book of Tobit* Asmodeus , Austrian black-metal band*Asmodeus , the name of several characters in Marvel Comics*Asmodeus...
- A minor Duke who is believed to be the son of a demoness named Naamah and the Phantom StrangerPhantom StrangerThe Phantom Stranger is a fictional character of unspecified paranormal origins who battles mysterious and occult forces in various titles published by DC Comics, sometimes under their Vertigo imprint.-Publication history:...
. - BaphometBaphometBaphomet is an imagined pagan deity , revived in the 19th century as a figure of occultism and Satanism. It appeared as a term for a pagan idol in trial transcripts of the Inquisition of the Knights Templar in the early 14th century...
- A 6th century demon who confronted Arak, Son of Thunder. - Black Nergal - The demon known as Black Nergal fought the Spectre in More Fun Comics #67.
- Bloodklott - A very bad Rhymer who is considered an ally of Etrigan.
- Etrigan - Son of Belial and a prominent Rhymer who made a failed bid for Hell's throne.
- Exegesis Guild - The Exegesis Guild controls manufacturing in the Odium; they command the Renderers, machines capable of transmuting damned souls into building materials, and are Hell's architects, using the rendered brick and mortar in their projects.
- Forge - Forges are robotic constructs built by the Exegesis Guild, they are tasked with scouring anomalies from Hell.
- Grockk, the Devil's Son - Due to his unique physical appearance, Grockk appears to be related to the demon Etrigan. A Dial H for HeroDial H for HeroDial H for Hero is a comic book feature published by DC Comics about a mysterious dial that enables an ordinary person to become a superhero for a short time, by selecting the letters H-E-R-O in order. Each time it is used, the dial causes its possessor to become a superhero with a different name,...
villain. - Howlers - Howlers are one of the Infernal Hosts, they are described as lycanthropes, so they appear to be infernal werewolves. They have also been mentioned in Merlin's Eternity Book and have been known to work for Morgaine Le Fey.
- Incendiaries - Incendiaries are living hellfire constructs used by Satanus' armies.
- Lord Scapegoat - The older brother of Etrigan and his sometimes ally.
- Morax - The Bull-Beast of Stygia, a sometimes ally of Etrigan.
- Necro-Mages - Part of the Infernal Hosts, the Necro-Mages under Neron were tasked with monitoring all magical activity in the Dominion.
- Rhavenj - Rhavenj is a minotaurMinotaurIn Greek mythology, the Minotaur , as the Greeks imagined him, was a creature with the head of a bull on the body of a man or, as described by Roman poet Ovid, "part man and part bull"...
-like purple skinned vengeance demon from Action Comics #569. - Rhymers - are one of the Infernal Hosts, Rhymers like Etrigan are compelled to rhyme all spoken word conversations.
- Scabbies - according to the Yellow PeriYellow PeriThe Yellow Peri is a fictional character published by DC Comics. She first appeared in The New Adventures of Superboy #34 , and was created by Bob Rozakis and Kurt Schaffenberger.-Fictional character biography:...
, the Scabbies are Angels who were captured and tortured by demons. They appear to have become cannibals, feeding on demon and damned alike. - Shathan - Shathan the Eternal is a giant demon who fought the Spectre in Showcase #61.
- Xolotl - Xolotl is the demon guardian of the "Mictlan Gate", servant of Lord MictlantecuhtliMictlantecuhtliMictlantecuhtli , in Aztec mythology, was a god of the dead and the king of Mictlan , the lowest and northernmost section of the underworld. He was one of the principal gods of the Aztecs and was the most prominent of several gods and goddesses of death and the underworld...
, the Aztec death god.
Notable Damned
- BaalBaalBaʿal is a Northwest Semitic title and honorific meaning "master" or "lord" that is used for various gods who were patrons of cities in the Levant and Asia Minor, cognate to Akkadian Bēlu...
- A Semitic fertility and storm god confined to a temple hidden in an unnamed corner of Hell. - Buzz - Buzz was born Gaius Marcus, a RomanAncient RomeAncient Rome was a thriving civilization that grew on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC. Located along the Mediterranean Sea and centered on the city of Rome, it expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world....
Patrician from 41 AD, he was a frequent nemesis of the fallen angel Linda DanversLinda DanversLinda Danvers, formerly known as Supergirl, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. She debuted in Supergirl #1 , and was created by Peter David and Gary Frank...
. - Chthon - One of Echidna's monstrous children, guardian of the "Pillars of Unreason".
- Daemon - An incubus who assaulted Supergirl.
- EchidnaEchidna (mythology)In Greek mythology, Echidna was half woman half snake, known as the "Mother of All Monsters" because most of the monsters in Greek myth were mothered by her...
- The Mother of Monsters, to whom Power Girl promises to return once a year for instruction. - Demons ThreeDemons ThreeAbnegazar, Rath and Ghast are three fictional characters in the DC Universe who are collectively known as the Demons Three. They first appeared in Justice League of America #10 , and were created by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky....
- Abnegazar, Rath & Ghast are three proto-demons who predate humanity, and yet are children of Lilith. - Mawzir - The ten-armed, Nazi, gun-wielding hitman of Hell.
Lesser Damned
- Barbariccia - A demonic astral guard.
- Baytor - An ally of the Demon Etrigan. Later escaped Hell and became a bartender in Noonan's Bar, Gotham City.
- Calcabrina - A demon from Scarmaglione's clan who was captured by the Human Defense CorpsHuman Defense CorpsThe Human Defense Corps are a fictional comic book military organization published by DC Comics. They first appeared in Human Defense Corps #1 , and were created by writer Ty Templeton and artist Clément Sauvé.- Publication history :...
. - Scarmaglione - A minor Lord from the Human Defense Corps mini-series.
- Sergeant Montgomery Kelly - Member of the Human Defense CorpsHuman Defense CorpsThe Human Defense Corps are a fictional comic book military organization published by DC Comics. They first appeared in Human Defense Corps #1 , and were created by writer Ty Templeton and artist Clément Sauvé.- Publication history :...
, killed the minor demon lord Scarmaglione and takes his place. - Spot ("Thpot") - Also known as Stanley's Monster, he has befriended a human named Stanley Dover.
Notable Half-Demons
- Black Alice - A young woman whose infernally tinged powers allows her to steal magical energy.
- Blue DevilBlue DevilBlue Devil is a superhero featured in material published by DC Comics. He first appeared in a special insert published in Fury of Firestorm #24 . That story led directly into Blue Devil #1, also cover dated June 1984...
- Former movie stuntman turned hero. - CreeperCreeper (comics)The Creeper is a fictional comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe. Created by Steve Ditko, he first appeared in Showcase #73 .-Publication history:...
- A hero somehow bonded to one of the Damned. - Felix FaustFelix FaustFelix Faust is a fictional character and supervillain who appears in stories published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in 1962 as an adversary of the Justice League of America...
- A damned sorcerer. - Linda DanversLinda DanversLinda Danvers, formerly known as Supergirl, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. She debuted in Supergirl #1 , and was created by Peter David and Gary Frank...
- A fallen angel summoned to hell by Lilith. - Lord Satanis - a nameless warlock from the far future who sold his soul to Neron for power while residing in 14th century BritainEarly Modern BritainEarly modern Britain is the history of the island of Great Britain, roughly corresponding to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Major historical events in Early Modern British history include the English Renaissance, the English Reformation and Scottish Reformation, the English Civil War, the...
. - Raven - Daughter of the archfiend Trigon.
- SabbacSabbacFor uses of similar names, see SabacSabbac is the name of two comic book supervillains appearing in Fawcett Comics and/or DC Comics. The original Sabbac debuted in Captain Marvel, Jr. #4 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Carreno in 1943 as an enemy of Captain Marvel, Jr., while the modern...
- A cursed human able to take on demonic power through the use of a word of power. - Sebastian FaustSebastian FaustSebastian Faust, or simply Faust, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero from DC Comics, loosely based on the protagonist of the German legend who sold his soul to the Devil. He was introduced in the 1993 Outsiders comic book series....
- Son of Felix Faust and also damned. - White Magician - A powerful human warlock able to summon a demonic aspect after selling his soul to one of Hell's minions.
- Witchfire - A homunculus sorceress.
Infernal artifacts
- Ace of Winchesters - A powerful demon forged weapon capable of slaying any mortal or immortal being.
- Croen of Thorns - A powerful magical artifact supposedly worn by some of the rulers of Hell.
- Trident of Lucifer - A powerful weapon with the ability to return exiled Demons to Hell, currently in the possession of Blue DevilBlue DevilBlue Devil is a superhero featured in material published by DC Comics. He first appeared in a special insert published in Fury of Firestorm #24 . That story led directly into Blue Devil #1, also cover dated June 1984...
.
Other versions
According to Artemis: Requiem mini-series by William Messner-LoebsWilliam Messner-Loebs
William Messner-Loebs is an American comic book writer and artist from Michigan, also known as Bill Loebs and Bill Messner-Loebs...
and Ed Benes
Ed Benes
José Edilbenes Bezerra is a Brazilian comic book artist, better known by his pen name of Ed Benes...
, which does not take place in mainstream DC Universe canon
Canon (fiction)
In the context of a work of fiction, the term canon denotes the material accepted as "official" in a fictional universe's fan base. It is often contrasted with, or used as the basis for, works of fan fiction, which are not considered canonical...
, there are 13 princely thrones in hell, each selected to oversee 13 different realms of hell. It is then assumed that these Demon Princes ultimately answer to the crown head of hell. The demoness Belyllioth
Belyllioth
Belyllioth is a fictional demon published by DC Comics. She debuted in Artemis: Requiem #1 , and was created by William Messner-Loebs and Ed Benes.-Fictional character biography:...
is Princess of 1/13th of hell's realms in these stories. She supposedly replaced the previous ruler Dalkriig-Hath once he was destroyed by his bride Artemis. Artemis was by rights next in line to rule her former husband's realm, but instead had the other twelve Princes of hell grant Belyllioth her station instead. Notable in this depiction were the Myrmidons
Myrmidons
The Myrmidons or Myrmidones were legendary people of Greek history. They were very brave and skilled warriors commanded by Achilles, as described in Homer's Iliad. Their eponymous ancestor was Myrmidon, a king of Thessalian Phthia, who was the son of Zeus and "wide-ruling" Eurymedousa, a...
, a race of savage ant-like demons faithful to Belyllioth
Belyllioth
Belyllioth is a fictional demon published by DC Comics. She debuted in Artemis: Requiem #1 , and was created by William Messner-Loebs and Ed Benes.-Fictional character biography:...
.
Description
The Vertigo Comics imprint also has its own version of Hell, with its own very specific infernal sovereignty formerly ruled by Lucifer MorningstarLucifer (DC Comics)
Lucifer is a DC Comics character that starred in an eponymous comic book published under the Vertigo imprint, whose entire run was written by Mike Carey...
.
Fictional history
Contrary to popular belief, the term Satan represents a rank within the legions of Hell and is not a name. The most well-known Satan is Lucifer Morningstar whose rule supplanted that of the First of the FallenFirst of the Fallen
The First of the Fallen is a fictional demon published by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint. He debuted in Hellblazer #42 , and was created by Garth Ennis and Will Simpson,-Publication history:...
and the First Triumvirate. Contrary to popular belief, Lucifer was the fourth fallen Angel and not the first ruler of Hell, though he later became the supreme ruler of Hell for many centuries. When the great Darkness of creation threatened all existence, a civil war erupted in Hell and the realm was split into a triumvirate. Eventually, Lucifer grew bored with his position and retired to Earth with his consort, the Lilim known as Mazikeen
Mazikeen (comics)
Mazikeen is one of the Lilim, that is, the children of Lilith; she is a comic book character published by DC Comics. She first appeared in Sandman vol...
.
Geography
The regions of Vertigo Comics' Hell are not as defined as the mainstream universe after the Reign in Hell mini-series, but specific areas have been mentioned in various books.- DisDis (Divine Comedy)In Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy, the City of Dis encompasses the sixth through the ninth circles of Hell. The most serious sins are punished here, in lower Hell...
- a Hellcity, home to the palace of Lucifer Morningstar. - Effrul - The home province of Lord Arux an Arch-Duke of Hell.
- Mashkan-Shapir - The home city of Arch-Duke Nergal.
Infernal sovereignty
The hierarchy of Vertigo Comics' Hell has changed several times over the centuries, the leader of which has always assumed the title of Satan. Eventually, Lucifer abandons Hell, gives its key to DreamDream (comics)
Dream is the fictional protagonist of DC Comics' Vertigo comic book series The Sandman, written by Neil Gaiman. One of the seven Endless, inconceivably powerful beings older and greater than gods, Dream is both lord and personification of all dreams and stories, all that is not in reality...
, and eventually, two angels, Remiel and Duma
Duma (DC Comics)
Duma is a fallen angel in the DC Vertigo series The Sandman, created by the British author Neil Gaiman. His name means "silence", and he is based on an angel from Jewish mythology.-Outside the Sandman mythos:...
transform Hell into a place of rehabilitation. In the interim, Lucifer was shown as ruler of Hell in the DC Universe titles The Demon, The Spectre, and Stanley and His Monster
Stanley and His Monster
Stanley and His Monster was an American comic-book humor feature and later series from DC Comics, about a boy who has a monster as his companion instead of a dog. Created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Winslow Mortimer as a backup feature the funny-animal comic The Fox and the Crow #95 Stanley...
.
Triumvirs of Hell
- First of the FallenFirst of the FallenThe First of the Fallen is a fictional demon published by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint. He debuted in Hellblazer #42 , and was created by Garth Ennis and Will Simpson,-Publication history:...
- The first being created and the first to be banished to Hell. - Second of the Fallen - The second being created and the second to be banished to Hell.
- Third of the Fallen - The third being created and the third to be banished to Hell.
- LuciferLucifer (comics)Lucifer, in comics, may refer to:*Lucifer , a comic book series and character from DC Comics's Vertigo line*Lucifer , a comic book supervillain from the Marvel Universe...
- The fourth being created and the fourth to be banished to Hell. - AzazelAzazelAzazel or Azazael or Azâzêl is a term used three times in the Hebrew scriptures, and later in Hebrew mythology as the enigmatic name of a character....
- A former djinn who ascended to Lucifer's triumvirate. - BeelzebubBeelzebubBeelzebub -Religious meaning:Ba‘al Zəbûb is variously understood to mean "lord of flies", or "lord of the dwelling". Originally the name of a Philistine god, Beelzebub is also identified in the New Testament as Satan, the "prince of the demons". In Arabic the name is retained as Ba‘al dhubaab /...
- A prominent Arch-Duke who was later promoted to Triumvir alongside Lucifer and Azazel.
Arch-Dukes of Hell
- Adramalech - Ally of Tim Hunter.
- Arux - Ruler of Effrul, father of Brosag, and of Lady Lys who succeeds him.
- MazikeenMazikeenIn Jewish mythology, Mazikeen are invisible demons which can create minor annoyances or greater dangers....
- The Lilim consort of Lucifer. - NergalNergalThe name Nergal, Nirgal, or Nirgali refers to a deity in Babylon with the main seat of his cult at Cuthah represented by the mound of Tell-Ibrahim. Nergal is mentioned in the Hebrew bible as the deity of the city of Cuth : "And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal"...
- Ruler of the city of Mashkan-Shapir, Arch-Duke of Mendacity, demoted by First of the Fallen.
Dukes of Hell
- AgaresAgaresIn demonology, according to some authors, Agares is a Duke , ruling the eastern zone of Hell, and being served by 31 legions of demons....
- A minor Duke of Hell, and possible future servant of Tim Hunter.
Minor Gentry
- Braid - Braid the assassin was sent by Remiel and Arux to kill Lucifer.
- CerberusCerberusCerberus , or Kerberos, in Greek and Roman mythology, is a multi-headed hound which guards the gates of the Underworld, to prevent those who have crossed the river Styx from ever escaping...
- Guardian of HadesHadesHades , Hadēs, originally , Haidēs or , Aidēs , meaning "the unseen") was the ancient Greek god of the underworld. The genitive , Haidou, was an elision to denote locality: "[the house/dominion] of Hades". Eventually, the nominative came to designate the abode of the dead.In Greek mythology, Hades...
and Hell. - CharonCharon (mythology)In Greek mythology, Charon or Kharon is the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. A coin to pay Charon for passage, usually an obolus or danake, was sometimes placed in or on...
- ferryman of the River Styx.
Notable Half-Demons
- John ConstantineJohn ConstantineJohn Constantine is a fictional character, an occult detective anti-hero in comic books published by DC Comics, mostly under the Vertigo imprint. The character first appeared in Swamp Thing #37 , and was created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, John Totleben and Rick Veitch...
- A dilettante exorcist, conman, thief and minor wizard.
Infernal artifacts
- Knife of the Fallen - Two bladed knife created by the First of the Fallen from the bodies of the Second and Third of the Fallen.