In the earlier related series " The Sandman" (vol. 2), written by Neil Gaiman, Lucifer abandoned his lordship over Hell. While Lucifer had previously appeared in various stereotypical guises in earlier DC books, Gaiman's version was premised on English poet and prose writer John Milton's "Paradise Lost". At Gaiman's request of the artist, Lucifer looks like David Bowie at the time. In "The Sandman" (vol. 2), Lucifer had ruled as Lord of Hell for 10 billion years after rebelling three seconds after Creation. Over that time, he had manipulated the various demons of Hell against each other, provided a place for dead mortals to be tormented, and led the war against Heaven.