This is the first issue of a new storyline, but it's also the newest chapter of the ongoing storyline of Lucifer's new realm and the first challengers he faces for its control. Which is to say that while it is technically a jumping-on point, if you're really looking to get in on Lucifer (and you should be) you should pick up the trades instead. For those who have been hanging around, though, this issue steps up the disturbing and sad relationship between Jill Presto and the Basanos, introduces the increasingly strong-willed Elaine Belloc to another angel and brings in a much-beloved guest star from Sandman in what is so far little more than a cute cameo.
Carey's story is taking place on a grand level, and while you can make comparisons to Gaiman's Sandman you also must acknowledge that it's a very different type of storytelling. Gaiman referenced the actual lives of Dream and the Endless relatively rarely, showing Dream hunting for his lost brother or reclaiming objects of power, while in Lucifer, its the interstitials of mortals crossing the immortals' paths that are the change-of-pace stories. This is more like epic fantasy, with a variety of powerful characters (some from mortal backgrounds) intertwining in complex and pyrotechnically impressive ways. In other words, it's exactly what a book about the first fallen angel should be, operating on an enormous scale.
However, while the book does take some of the widescreen approach, especially in the scenes involving the ostentatious and wicked Basanos, there's a nice layer of subtlety to the whole thing as well. It's been fascinating to watch Elaine Belloc grow from being simply a child with an unusual gift into someone who can order around a demonic ally and strive to help Lucifer with a strength of will unexpected in one her age. In addition, Jill Presto has gone from being an intriguing and spirited character to an even more intriguing example of what happens to mortals who dabble in powers they don't understand. Her confrontation with the Basanos this issue, showing just how terrible her position is and how inescapable it seems to be, is heart-breaking.
Through all of this, the large and the small, we have the artwork of Gross and Kelly. The firestorm of the opening pages is an incredible sequence, and it makes a nice counterpart to the "force of nature" personality that the Basanos have. The designs for the Lilim army are fantastic, and the depiction of Jill Presto is excellent at portraying that her world has grown bloody, painful and dark. These two first impressed me with their work on Books of Magic, but their Lucifer work is even stronger in many ways.
It's not hard to imagine that someone just coming onto Lucifer might be confused by all of these characters and goings-on, as Carey is building quite the epic plot here. However, as well as the book will read in trade collections, there's a joy to be gained from the cliffhangers in each issue, and the sense that literally anything could happen to the characters as the story goes along.
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