last collection in the Lucifer saga in the Sandman Universe series. mood: bittersweet. structure: feels like it's winding down, a bit aimlessly (but isn't that the nature of the beast. or at least, maybe). guest appearances: Destiny, in his Endless garden. end of an era, for Lucifer. end of his legacy? destiny, it's a funny thing in a world conceptually driven by the contrast of light with darkness. ( )

While I appreciate the need for slightly different character interpretations and motivations in order to find ways to further the character after Carey's seminal work, I do find it a bit disappointing how Watters did not put a bit more effort into making the continuity fit with Carey's run. To a small extent, that sours this reading experience, especially as we finally meet Lucifer's brother Michael again and he seems to really just be yet another archangel in this version.

But that said, this is a very good book, and upon its cancellation, a fitting conclusion. The world's need for a devil and Lucifer's desire not to be part of the Plan are brought at odds, and while never quite brilliant, the story is solid, clever, and with some hair-on-end moments towards the end. Watters' interpretation is a bit more devil and a bit less fallen angel, but it still feels like "Lucifer", and it's still a hell of a ride. ( )