Within Sandman
| Duma | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Vertigo Comics\DC Comics |
| First appearance | The Sandman #24 (March 1991) |
| Created by | Neil Gaiman |
| In-story information | |
| Species | Angel |
| Place of origin | The Silver City |
It is unknown how much of Duma's background from Jewish mythology that Gaiman actually incorporated into the character (in fact Duma's role as the vindicator was taken by another DC Character, the Spectre, who also entered in contact with Duma). Many theories and interpretations have been put forward, but nothing is concrete.
In Season of Mists, Lucifer has closed down Hell in frustration, handing off the key to Morpheus. Eventually, after much squabbling between various gods, Duma and Remiel receive a message saying that they are to watch over Hell. Remiel immediately rejects it. But Duma, being the angel of silence and thus unable to voice his opinion on the matter, simply takes the key and puts it around his neck. It is thus that Remiel and Duma become the guardians of the Sandman mythos' Hell ironically creating a "happy ending" in Hell.
Duma later appears in The Kindly Ones, Remiel desperately tries to convince Lucifer to return to Hell, which he laughs at. Lucifer mentions that he respects Duma, and Remiel derisively states that Duma can talk to Lucifer if he wants to.
Later in The Wake in a rare demonstration of emotion Duma weeps at the funeral of Dream.
Duma's sacrifice in taking the key enlightened Remiel, who subsequently accepted the heavy burden of rehabilitating lost souls.
Read more about this topic: Duma (DC Comics)