Azrael the 'Replacement Batman' is Finally Getting The Story He Deserves
Warning: spoilers ahead for Sword of Azrael #1
After years of being regarded as Batman’s temporary replacement, Azrael’s new solo series is just the story the Angel of Vengeance deserves. Finally addressing his forthcomings and failures in the past, Jean-Paul Valley hangs up the suit and runs off to a monastery, looking for guidance. The challenges presented to him could prove to be just the thing he needs to master control over the Angel of Vengeance. Built from the foundations of religious fanaticism, Azrael became a figurehead for violent justice and vengeance in Gotham and pushed an unwilling Jean-Paul to the extremes. As one of the darker members of the extended Bat-Family, the Angel of Vengeance struck fear into the hearts of criminals and enacted the will of the Order of St. Dumas. Created for violent extremism, the anti-hero has finally become a trusted ally to Batman, but it’s time for him to find his worth and become the best that he can be.
Most readers know of Azrael as Batman’s replacement after Bane broke his back in the events of «Knightfall,» which started at Batman #497 by Doug Moench, Jim Aparo, Dick Giordano, and Kelley Jones. After being asked by Bruce to take over, Jean-Paul takes up the mantle of Batman until Bruce is healed. He wasn’t considered dangerous until a run-in with Scarecrow prompted the System to take over. With Azrael in full control, he becomes unstable and violent, putting many bystanders at risk and even breaking Bane mentally and physically. It all accumulated to an innocent civilian's condemnation to death when the System purposely let a villain die. Finally, Bruce Wayne took back over as Batman after a long battle when Jean-Paul admits his defeat and is left to wander the streets
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