Not every casual viewer of the Netflix TV series Lucifer realizes that he is based on a character from DC Comics. Lucifer Morningstar first appeared in the Sandman series, with the character then adapted to be played by actor Tom Ellis in the dark fantasy crime show.
There are striking differences between the two versions, however, as the live-action Lucifer has been created to fit the narrative of his series. Tom Ellis’ take on the character has certainly been a hit, but he’s a big departure from the comics’ Lucifer for those who are aware of the DC character. It’s worth taking a look into these differences.
Comics’ Lucifer Was Supposed To Look Like David Bowie
Tom Ellis has won millions of fans in his depiction of Lucifer through a combination of his charisma and good looks. However, Lucifer Morningstar in the comics looks nothing like the actor, seeing as he was supposed to be based on David Bowie.
The TV series chose to go a different route with how the protagonist looks, but the connection has been acknowledged. In a fun nod to this, Lucifer has shown the titular character to be a big fan of David Bowie’s music.
Comics’ Lucifer Is Far More Powerful Than TV Lucifer
The TV series’ Lucifer hasn’t been shown to be all that powerful, having basic abilities like super strength and immortality. This is vastly in contrast to the comics’ Lucifer, who is considered to be one of the most powerful characters in all of the DC Multiverse.
Basically, the original version can do whatever he likes, having control of various aspects of the universe and being capable of controlling time as well. Comics’ Lucifer can even project the power levels of an entire star, which is something the TV version can never hope to accomplish.
Comics’ Lucifer Ruled Hell For Billions Of Years
It’s not made clear just how long the TV series’ Lucifer ruled over Hell but it certainly wasn’t for billions of years. The comics’ Lucifer has been confirmed to have done just that, with Lucifer being the Lord of Hell for as many as 10 billion years when he first arrived in the comics.
The TV series’ Lucifer didn’t seem to do much in Hell during his time there apart from watching over demons, while the comic book version actively participated in the torment of others and took pleasure in manipulating the demons.
Comics’ Lucifer Released The Souls From Hell
The TV series’ Lucifer didn’t have to do much of anything to leave Hell, while he needed the help of John Constantine to get Maze out. Lucifer simply left his demons as they were, with these beings returning in Season 4 to ask him to return.
The comics’ Lucifer was much different, as The Sandman vol. 2 Season of Mists showed that Lucifer’s act of leaving Hell included expelling all the demons and souls within it and then sealing its gates, leaving Hell uninhabited and its key in possession of the Dream of the Endless.
TV Lucifer’s Love For Chloe Is An Original Take
A major part of Lucifer’s success has come from his relationship with Chloe. This, though, is exclusive to the TV series version of the character, as comics’ Lucifer doesn’t have anything to do with a character named Chloe.
The love story between Lucifer and Chloe is an entirely original take for the TV show as the central theme of the series is Lucifer’s change due to his love for her. The comic book version isn’t restricted or empowered by such a love interest, choosing to be his own person.
TV Lucifer Is Supposed To Be An Alternate Version
There’s a big difference in the personality of Lucifer from the TV show compared to the comics, which is significant due to comics’ Lucifer’s ability to exist outside of the multiverse and be the same version in different universes.
According to Sandman author Neil Gaiman, the TV series’ Lucifer is different, making him an alternate version of the character. As Gaiman has claimed, the TV series’ Lucifer is “inspired by” the comics’ Lucifer and can’t be “retrofit” to the Sandman universe.
Comics’ Lucifer Has Given His Role To Major Characters
Hell was returned to a functioning realm after Lucifer left, by which point the role was delegated to two angels. These were Duma and Remiel, whom God himself gave this authority, although they eventually left their positions as well.
Interestingly enough, the most major character to have taken up the role as ruler of Hell was none other than Superman, who did so in the aptly titled Superman #666. In the story, it was believed that a corrupted Superman had taken control until the real Superman revealed himself. Meanwhile, TV series’ Lucifer only briefly gave his job to Amenadiel until God ordered the former to return to Earth.
Comics’ Lucifer’s First Destination Was Australia
Lucifer appeared briefly in Sandman (vol. 2) #28, which showed him chronologically after he had left Hell. Here, it was revealed that Lucifer didn’t go to Los Angeles at first as is widely believed, but had retired to Perth, Australia.
This was the first location he visited upon arriving at Earth, meaning L.A. wasn’t his first choice. TV series’ Lucifer seems to have a particular love for Los Angeles and has been based there ever since he left his position in Hell.
Comics’ Lucifer’s Relationship With Amenadiel Is Firmly Based On Hate
The TV series has made Michael out to be the worst angel and he has a hostile relationship with his twin brother Lucifer. The titular character’s dynamic with his elder brother Amenadiel started out at odds but has since become a loving one.
Amenadiel in the comics is far more different, so much so that he can be considered Lucifer’s archnemesis. Amenadiel has frequently attempted to kill Lucifer by using weapons from Heaven and through personal combat, with Lucifer constantly having to stave off these attacks.
TV Lucifer Doesn’t Get Involved In The Multiverse
The beginning of the Lucifer comics showed the character’s attempt at creating a new universe simply to spite his father. In Lucifer vol. 1 #16, he ended up creating one using the energy from Michael’s death.
In contrast, the TV series’ Lucifer couldn’t care less about the multiverse or even his own universe. This was shown in Crisis on Infinite Earths, in which Lucifer begrudgingly helped John Constantine get into Hell and outright stated he didn’t care about the Anti-Monitor threat as he considered the whole thing “too biblical.”
