Remember the Batman character AZRAEL? If you read Batman in the 90s, yes you do! Azrael made his debut in the 1992 mini-series "SWORD OF AZRAEL". Young Jean-Paul Valley was an "ordinary" teen. Then one day he's told that his father is dead... and that his father was actually AZRAEL, the Avenging Angel for the ancient Order of St. Dumas. Jean-Paul must take up the mantle and become an instrument of vengeance. Let the brain washing begin! One things leads to another and the new Azrael is fighting Batman. The mini was pretty sweet with awesome art by JOE QUESADA. (pick up the trade!)At the end of the mini, Jean-Paul is rescued by Batman. Soon after, when Batman is broken by the villain BANE, Bruce Wayne gives the Mantle of the Bat to Jean-Paul. At first, he's ok but we soon realize the brain-washing of the Order of St. Dumas is strong. Jean-Paul quickly reverts back into the role of Azrael and tarnishes the name of "Batman" as he becomes a ruthless, brutal vigilante on par with the Villains he goes after. Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement and healing to kick his ass and reclaim the Cape & Cowl (which he then gives to Dick Grayson, which he should have done in the 1st place!). This all happened in the storylines "Knightfall" and "KnightQuest".... Dick Grayson as Batman in "Prodigal" (trades available!).
From there, Jean-Paul continues his journey of redemption. While donning his old Azrael threads, he now works as an "AGENT OF THE BAT" in his own solo series. The series was ok and had its moments. Near the end, Azrael got a new costume that wasn't as cool as the original. The series ended with Jean-Paul being shot and killed by 2 villains. That was 2002.
And we haven't seen him since.
And there was never a body found.
I hate to say it, but bring him back! Atleast bring back AZRAEL... it doesn't have to be Jean-Paul. In fact, I'd prefer that - Jean-Paul was kinda lame.
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