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Azrael (1995) #1-7
Azrael Vol. 1: Fallen Angel (Azrael: Agent of the Bat
The beginning of one of the most controversial comics characters of all time. There's a new hero in Batman's world, whether the Dark Knight likes it or not! Jean-Paul Valley has just been told by his dying father that his family is part of an ancient secret society known as The Order of St. Dumas-and that he is the latest in a long line of deadly assassins! Now with his psychological conditioning complete, Valley has been transformed from a computer science major into the unstoppable weapon known as Azrael. But when he is forced to target the heroic Batman, he starts to question his life and duty. Legendary creators Dennis O'Neil and Joe Quesada are joined by comic industry superstars Barry Kitson, James Pascoe, and Kevin Nowlan. AZRAEL VOL.1 FALLEN ANGEL collects SWORD OF AZRAEL #1-4, SHOWCASE '94 #10, and AZRAEL #1-7.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2016
78 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Dennis O'Neil
1,758 books276 followers
Dennis "Denny" O'Neil
was a comic book writer and editor best known for his work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics from the 1960s through the 1990s, and Group Editor for the Batman family of titles until his retirement.
His best-known works include Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Batman with Neal Adams, The Shadow with Michael Kaluta and The Question with Denys Cowan. As an editor, he is principally known for editing the various Batman titles. From 2013 unti his death, he sat on the board of directors of the charity The Hero Initiative and served on its Disbursement Committee.
His best-known works include Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Batman with Neal Adams, The Shadow with Michael Kaluta and The Question with Denys Cowan. As an editor, he is principally known for editing the various Batman titles. From 2013 unti his death, he sat on the board of directors of the charity The Hero Initiative and served on its Disbursement Committee.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 9, 2020
I’m finally through this Knightfall slog.
Even though I haven’t finished Troika for now the run is over.
I gotta say I mostly hated this trade. I think the first four issues of it are vital for the knightfall run and the showcase is cool but the rest is just bad. Really really bad. Jean Paul just doesn’t work in the batfamily I’m surprised he’s still in it today. That’s something I didn’t see happening.
I’m going to mention it here that it seems baffling to me why Batman would let Azrael go and do whatever he wanted when he knows he’s going to kill. It just doesn’t make sense.
Also, (and this is more of a knightsend beef) what was with Batman getting training from Lady Shiva? Especially when she was opening killing people. Seemed very dumb.
But I guess that’s just the 90’s.
Time to take a mini break from 90’s Batman and read Infinity Gauntlet for the first time before I read Contagion for the first time.
Even though I haven’t finished Troika for now the run is over.
I gotta say I mostly hated this trade. I think the first four issues of it are vital for the knightfall run and the showcase is cool but the rest is just bad. Really really bad. Jean Paul just doesn’t work in the batfamily I’m surprised he’s still in it today. That’s something I didn’t see happening.
I’m going to mention it here that it seems baffling to me why Batman would let Azrael go and do whatever he wanted when he knows he’s going to kill. It just doesn’t make sense.
Also, (and this is more of a knightsend beef) what was with Batman getting training from Lady Shiva? Especially when she was opening killing people. Seemed very dumb.
But I guess that’s just the 90’s.
Time to take a mini break from 90’s Batman and read Infinity Gauntlet for the first time before I read Contagion for the first time.
October 30, 2025
For years I wrote off Azrael as a stupid idea. Maybe because I didn't read Knightfall in the right order. Still haven't. And how- in the wrong hands... Jean Paul Valley (AKA Azrael) is little more than Bat-Punisher.
Whereas, in the right hands, he is a tormented victim of religious violence. He's horrible scarred. All he wants are answers and help from those who have the power to do so- first his father, then Nomox, then Batman, then Brian Bryan and Sister Lilhy and in various ways they all turn him down or at least don't help as much as he needs.
It's nice to see Bruce actually ADMIT this. Especially mid to late 90s Batman, which is where the whole 'I can be as big a dick as I want and get away with it, because I'm always right' Batman really got its start.
Is Azrael, what I'd call a hero? No. Not even an antihero. But in the right hands his story is compelling.
And it just goes to show that Dennis O'Neil could spin even some of the most ludicrous Batman stories into gold.
Whereas, in the right hands, he is a tormented victim of religious violence. He's horrible scarred. All he wants are answers and help from those who have the power to do so- first his father, then Nomox, then Batman, then Brian Bryan and Sister Lilhy and in various ways they all turn him down or at least don't help as much as he needs.
It's nice to see Bruce actually ADMIT this. Especially mid to late 90s Batman, which is where the whole 'I can be as big a dick as I want and get away with it, because I'm always right' Batman really got its start.
Is Azrael, what I'd call a hero? No. Not even an antihero. But in the right hands his story is compelling.
And it just goes to show that Dennis O'Neil could spin even some of the most ludicrous Batman stories into gold.
April 7, 2017
Excellent
Leave it to Denny O'Neill, who revived Batman with Neil Adams, now creating a new and excellent character, with Joe Quesada to be part of the Batman mythos. Great stories and wonderful artwork.
Leave it to Denny O'Neill, who revived Batman with Neil Adams, now creating a new and excellent character, with Joe Quesada to be part of the Batman mythos. Great stories and wonderful artwork.
Read
January 7, 2020I kind of like Jean Paul Valley. Not as Batman, mind, but as the avenging angel of a mysterious order, draped in red and carrying a flaming sword. Yes, Azrael is a ridiculous character clearly influenced by Spawn, but he can be fun to read about and I like the quasi-medieval flavor of his stories. This book collects the Sword of Azrael miniseries taking place before Knightfall, as well as the first seven issues of his ongoing title (which ran for 100 issues). I enjoyed both. I’m not sure if DC knew Azrael was going to take over as Batman when they created him, but it’s not apparent from Sword. It reads simply as an origin for this new character with Batman supporting, and it mostly works. The ongoing series takes place immediately after Knightfal, where Valley is confused and homeless with great power, going after the Order in Switzerland. It goes about as well as you’d expect. On the way, he meets Ra’s Al Ghul, who's always great to see. The seven issues constitute a full arc. You can tell O’Neil wasn’t entirely sure what to do with Azrael post-Knightfall, especially with the retcon of his origin. I still had fun reading it, though, in all its outsized 90’s action.
July 18, 2024
Very good at explaining the origin to Azrael before and after the events of Knightfall. Very complex character and to have him explored in more detail outside of the Batman story is very interesting. His actual origin that is explained at the end is absolutely wild and not expected at all.
December 9, 2024
Read because azrael himself is a great character and has so much potential, but this comic is overwhelmingly 90s in that the plot is ridiculous at points- and for some reason it's impossible for a DC writer to not include an over sexualized plot point/design for every woman. Sister lilhy has such an interesting back story, but the obvious fan service takes away from so much of her character. Least favorite of all the azrael comics I've read.
January 19, 2020
Azrael Is Surprisingly Uncool
Before reading this comic, all I knew about Azrael was that he was Batman for a while after Bane smashed a certain back.
Now I know so much more, and somehow care so much less than before. The biggest problem I have is how little agency Azrael/Jean Paul seems to have in his own story. He's very reactive, doing things because someone else tells him to. Other people are pushing him to do things throughout the book, kicking him into gear. He doesn't really seize control until towards the end (of a quest Batman sent him on, with supplies and everything), and whoo boy, that end is something else. Without spoilers, his origin is ridiculous, and that ending is more a cliffhanger than anything.
Also, Jean Paul reminds me in looks of the lead from a MST3K time travel movie (Time Chasers?), who is a total dork. Fitting, really.
There's also a couple issues with continuity, the most glaring being Ras Al Ghul switching from facial hair to clean shaven and back between issues.
Now, for a couple of nice things I can say. Alfred was in this for a bit and I liked most of his character, though he was quick to blab about Batman. Sister Lilhy, who seemed to be a one note character at first, became more developed, interesting, and likeable as the comic progressed. And, for something I almost never notice and have literally never commented on, the coloring in this comic is awesome. The colors themselves, the contrast, everything about them just elevates the comic. The art is normal, but the colorist did a fantastic job and should feel proud of himself.
Would I recommend this? Not unless you're dying to know the story of Azrael, who is pushed into pretty much anything. Well, the coloring is great, too, but still, overall, I doubt anyone will love the book.
Before reading this comic, all I knew about Azrael was that he was Batman for a while after Bane smashed a certain back.
Now I know so much more, and somehow care so much less than before. The biggest problem I have is how little agency Azrael/Jean Paul seems to have in his own story. He's very reactive, doing things because someone else tells him to. Other people are pushing him to do things throughout the book, kicking him into gear. He doesn't really seize control until towards the end (of a quest Batman sent him on, with supplies and everything), and whoo boy, that end is something else. Without spoilers, his origin is ridiculous, and that ending is more a cliffhanger than anything.
Also, Jean Paul reminds me in looks of the lead from a MST3K time travel movie (Time Chasers?), who is a total dork. Fitting, really.
There's also a couple issues with continuity, the most glaring being Ras Al Ghul switching from facial hair to clean shaven and back between issues.
Now, for a couple of nice things I can say. Alfred was in this for a bit and I liked most of his character, though he was quick to blab about Batman. Sister Lilhy, who seemed to be a one note character at first, became more developed, interesting, and likeable as the comic progressed. And, for something I almost never notice and have literally never commented on, the coloring in this comic is awesome. The colors themselves, the contrast, everything about them just elevates the comic. The art is normal, but the colorist did a fantastic job and should feel proud of himself.
Would I recommend this? Not unless you're dying to know the story of Azrael, who is pushed into pretty much anything. Well, the coloring is great, too, but still, overall, I doubt anyone will love the book.
February 17, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the origin of a character that I'd always loved the concept and design of but never actually read.
Azrael's origin and introduction didn't disappoint and the very 90s artwork was fun - for the most part - but even by the end of this collection it becomes clear that the writers weren't sure what to do with him beyond his role in Knightfall and the immediate aftermath, which is a shame.
Azrael's origin and introduction didn't disappoint and the very 90s artwork was fun - for the most part - but even by the end of this collection it becomes clear that the writers weren't sure what to do with him beyond his role in Knightfall and the immediate aftermath, which is a shame.
August 3, 2020
peak 90s stuff in that there's a lot going on here and it seems like there was no real plan. Also the continuation of this character's story is so bad that it kinda makes Knightfall worse.
October 4, 2023
The Azrael ongoing run serves to flesh out the character of Azrael, a character pivotal to the major "Knightfall" storyline that occupied an entire year of DC publications in the mid '90s. But how much about Azrael does this first volume really lay out for the reader? Not much, I'd say. Azrael is an utterly bland character as written here, serving mostly to be a cog in the wheel of larger machinations. Perhaps the tragedy of Jean Paul Valley as a quasi-slave to a secretive ancient order could have been more intriguing if they went that direction, but as written here, Azrael is just a generic superhero with little to no agency in anything that happens. The only worthwhile issues here are the Sword of Azrael issues which are a bit more critical to "Knightfall", but the issues as part of the ongoing run were a rough read.
Never been a big fan of Quesada's artwork, but he does do a solid job here. Some panels are packed a little tight, but overall the sense of design behind Azrael, the Order of St. Dumas, and Gotham are well established. The signature '90s comics aesthetic is apparent here, but it works well for a book like Azrael.
Never been a big fan of Quesada's artwork, but he does do a solid job here. Some panels are packed a little tight, but overall the sense of design behind Azrael, the Order of St. Dumas, and Gotham are well established. The signature '90s comics aesthetic is apparent here, but it works well for a book like Azrael.
July 30, 2025
As a reader with very little familiarity with Azrael outside of the minimum required to understand Knightfall, I thought this book was a good introduction to his solo stuff. Jean Paul navigates an interesting conflict between his mild-mannered everyday persona and the uncontrollable violence he unleashes when attacked. Unfortunately, the plot in these issues really needed some more meat and both major arcs just sort of end without much fanfare. This is somewhat forgivable for the second arc, which was part of a long ongoing series. However, that first miniseries was chugging along with great momentum and then, you turn the page, and it's just over. Next-to-no discussion of the adventure or the characters we met, or the importance of what happened. A very unsatisfying to an otherwise serviceable miniseries. Two of the three stars in this rating are for Quesada's art. Shame he didn't do more for DC, he was an absolutely brilliant penciller.
September 30, 2022
This is a good collection that explains the origins of Azrael and has some related stories connected to the Knightfall saga.
It also reflects the state of the industry in the time it was produced, with free-form paneling that is often chaotic, a move into dark-and-edgy characters, and bloody, consequence-free violence. Azrael, in particular, reflects the visual trend toward character design that has weird pointy things coming off his shoulders and a hulking look overall, especially as drawn by Joe Quesada.
Having skipped most of this era, I was introduced to Azrael in the video game Arkham Knight. I found his presence in the Batman setting jarring and out of place, and after reading these comics, I still do. That’s because I don’t see Batman looking the other way at some of Azrael’s excesses. In fact, Azrael may be better as a kind of vigilante rival to Batman. I am also not sure why an Azrael of the Order of St. Dumas would be in Gotham, other than coincidence, but perhaps this is explained elsewhere.
It also reflects the state of the industry in the time it was produced, with free-form paneling that is often chaotic, a move into dark-and-edgy characters, and bloody, consequence-free violence. Azrael, in particular, reflects the visual trend toward character design that has weird pointy things coming off his shoulders and a hulking look overall, especially as drawn by Joe Quesada.
Having skipped most of this era, I was introduced to Azrael in the video game Arkham Knight. I found his presence in the Batman setting jarring and out of place, and after reading these comics, I still do. That’s because I don’t see Batman looking the other way at some of Azrael’s excesses. In fact, Azrael may be better as a kind of vigilante rival to Batman. I am also not sure why an Azrael of the Order of St. Dumas would be in Gotham, other than coincidence, but perhaps this is explained elsewhere.
August 14, 2020
Huge gap in the story
This is a bit of a whirlwind. It introduces the character with a miniseries then skips the entirety of "knightfall" before beginning his solo series. But skipping the whole "being batman" phase is really weird and doesn't work as a graphic novel. It should arguably be split in two. The artwork is strong, quesada steals the show but kitson does a decent job too. I preferred the pre batman story
This is a bit of a whirlwind. It introduces the character with a miniseries then skips the entirety of "knightfall" before beginning his solo series. But skipping the whole "being batman" phase is really weird and doesn't work as a graphic novel. It should arguably be split in two. The artwork is strong, quesada steals the show but kitson does a decent job too. I preferred the pre batman story
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July 27, 2022Practically the epitome of 90s comics
90s comics has a certain attitude in common; this wasn't entirely a good or bad thing, just a specific flavor. This volume really encapsulates that time period, for good and ill. It's an enjoyable enough collection, but only read it if you're willing to take that nostalgia trip.
90s comics has a certain attitude in common; this wasn't entirely a good or bad thing, just a specific flavor. This volume really encapsulates that time period, for good and ill. It's an enjoyable enough collection, but only read it if you're willing to take that nostalgia trip.
December 9, 2021
This was soooooooo 90s. The introduction of Azrael is bizarre and hard to believe he replaces Bruce as Batman. Great to see Joe Quesada's art though. Azrael's own series was better but still very dated. The art by Barry Kitson was good. Overall, the book is probably just for diehards.
January 1, 2021
Mini series is excellent, especially for people like me who cut their teeth on Knightfall, but all the subsequent stories pale.
March 4, 2022
I gave it a try and it's really not my thing. Everything is weird, especially the end.
October 1, 2022
First part (miniseries) was great
Ongoing series wasn’t as good. A little shallow
Ongoing series wasn’t as good. A little shallow
November 25, 2022
The art is good
The art is good and the story felt like an old sci-fi pulp meets Indiana Jones. I thought some parts dragged on but all around a good read
The art is good and the story felt like an old sci-fi pulp meets Indiana Jones. I thought some parts dragged on but all around a good read
August 16, 2025
journey of azreal continues strong ,he is slowly becoming t2 favorite characters in fiction
April 21, 2016
I've always been a fan of Jean-Paul Valley's Azrael, not at all liking the Da Vinci Code nonsense that Michael Lane's Azrael got wrapped up in. So I was ecstatic when they announced that JPV's series would finally be collected in trade paperback, for the first time ever! However, now that I read through solid, pure JPV/Azrael adventures, I realize that I might be more of a fan of the idea of Jean-Paul rather than the actual character.
JPV was created to become a replacement Batman as something of a sarcastic "Take that!" to fans who wanted Batman to be more like the Punisher. I mean, look at his costume. It's the most quintessential over-the-top loud and flashy '90s look that you could dream up.
He's got this crazy origin story which is dying to be retold in a more toned down fashion, involving some kind of Christian cult dating back to the Knights Templar (Okaaayyy...). But the clincher is that JPV is genuinely mentally ill. A mentally ill superhero has boatloads of dramatic potential! Unfortunately, Denny O'Neil squanders that and instead just makes him a spacey, clueless schlub who is prone to bouts of psychotic violence.
The basic plot of this trade (after the origin story in the first four issues, plus the entire Knightfall saga) is that Jean-Paul is sent by Batman to find out just what's going on with the Order of St. Dumas, the aforementioned cult. It's mildly entertaining, and has genuinely good comic book storytelling. (It is Denny O'Neil we're talking here!) But neither Jean-Paul nor Azrael are sufficiently charismatic enough to make it particularly memorable.
I suppose if you read it as an affectionate, self-aware parody of pretty much everything that was happening in mid-'90s comics, it's worth a read. I don't have that context to read it in though, so I can't enjoy it that way. Pretty much the only draw from that point is nostalgia for a terribly mishandled character. The best parts of this book were when Jean-Paul was in Gotham City, so maybe it will get more interesting in future trades when he returns there.
JPV was created to become a replacement Batman as something of a sarcastic "Take that!" to fans who wanted Batman to be more like the Punisher. I mean, look at his costume. It's the most quintessential over-the-top loud and flashy '90s look that you could dream up.
He's got this crazy origin story which is dying to be retold in a more toned down fashion, involving some kind of Christian cult dating back to the Knights Templar (Okaaayyy...). But the clincher is that JPV is genuinely mentally ill. A mentally ill superhero has boatloads of dramatic potential! Unfortunately, Denny O'Neil squanders that and instead just makes him a spacey, clueless schlub who is prone to bouts of psychotic violence.
The basic plot of this trade (after the origin story in the first four issues, plus the entire Knightfall saga) is that Jean-Paul is sent by Batman to find out just what's going on with the Order of St. Dumas, the aforementioned cult. It's mildly entertaining, and has genuinely good comic book storytelling. (It is Denny O'Neil we're talking here!) But neither Jean-Paul nor Azrael are sufficiently charismatic enough to make it particularly memorable.
I suppose if you read it as an affectionate, self-aware parody of pretty much everything that was happening in mid-'90s comics, it's worth a read. I don't have that context to read it in though, so I can't enjoy it that way. Pretty much the only draw from that point is nostalgia for a terribly mishandled character. The best parts of this book were when Jean-Paul was in Gotham City, so maybe it will get more interesting in future trades when he returns there.
January 29, 2025
Summary
Azrael Vol.1: Fallen Angel introduces readers to Jean-Paul Valley, a young man who discovers that his family is part of an ancient secret society known as The Order of St. Dumas. Valley is conditioned to become the latest in a line of deadly assassins, taking on the mantle of Azrael. However, when he is tasked with targeting Batman, Azrael begins to question his life and duty.
Characters
The characters in Azrael Vol.1 are somewhat one-dimensional, but they show potential for growth. Jean-Paul Valley/Azrael is an interesting protagonist, and his inner conflict between his conditioning and his morals is compelling. Batman makes appearances throughout the volume, and his character is consistent with other DC Comics storylines.
Trigger Warnings
This graphic novel contains violence, gore, and mature themes. Some scenes may be triggering for readers who have experienced trauma or abuse.
Favorite Quotes
"The angel of death has many faces, but only one purpose." This quote highlights the themes of mortality and morality that run throughout the story.
Overall Review
Azrael Vol.1: Fallen Angel is a solid, if unremarkable, addition to the DC Comics universe. The story is engaging, and the artwork is well-done. However, the characters feel somewhat underdeveloped, and the pacing can be slow at times. Overall, I would recommend this graphic novel to fans of Batman and DC Comics, but it may not stand out to readers who are new to the genre. Rating: 3/5 stars.
Azrael Vol.1: Fallen Angel introduces readers to Jean-Paul Valley, a young man who discovers that his family is part of an ancient secret society known as The Order of St. Dumas. Valley is conditioned to become the latest in a line of deadly assassins, taking on the mantle of Azrael. However, when he is tasked with targeting Batman, Azrael begins to question his life and duty.
Characters
The characters in Azrael Vol.1 are somewhat one-dimensional, but they show potential for growth. Jean-Paul Valley/Azrael is an interesting protagonist, and his inner conflict between his conditioning and his morals is compelling. Batman makes appearances throughout the volume, and his character is consistent with other DC Comics storylines.
Trigger Warnings
This graphic novel contains violence, gore, and mature themes. Some scenes may be triggering for readers who have experienced trauma or abuse.
Favorite Quotes
"The angel of death has many faces, but only one purpose." This quote highlights the themes of mortality and morality that run throughout the story.
Overall Review
Azrael Vol.1: Fallen Angel is a solid, if unremarkable, addition to the DC Comics universe. The story is engaging, and the artwork is well-done. However, the characters feel somewhat underdeveloped, and the pacing can be slow at times. Overall, I would recommend this graphic novel to fans of Batman and DC Comics, but it may not stand out to readers who are new to the genre. Rating: 3/5 stars.
May 9, 2016
It's kind of annoying they put the Sword of Azrael miniseries in this and only an annual and 7 issues of the actual series. I already owned the Sword of Azrael miniseries so that was redundant. Anyway, the rest is the first series arc as former Azrael-turned Batman Jean-Paul Valley tries to rediscover his Azrael powers. The best is yet to come, right?
August 14, 2016
Sword of Azrael is good. It has an obvious wit to it. One of the draws is how over-the-top it is. The issues after that aren't as enjoyable. They are too bland and ordinary. I lost the reason to keep reading.
April 7, 2017
Brilliant
March 1, 2019
I love Azrael as a character. A driven man, not unlike Batman, that brings some religious undertones to the crimefighting genre. This book has two large sections, one is four-part origin story that is illustrated by Joe Quesada (both are written by Dennis O'Neil). His art is good and has its moments of excellence. The remains of the order of St. Dumas are established and the story splits between the Batman and Azrael parts. Batman is, surprisingly (and pretty rarely nowadays, I think), taken captive and it's up to Alfred and Azrael to rescue him. Overall, a good entry for the character.
The other two thirds of the book is taken by the first eight issues of the main series. Taking place after the events of Knightfall, it deals with Jean-Paul Valley trying to find himself and his past in a journey all over the world and culminating when he finds the place where he was born. The book ends on a tragic cliffhanger leaving me wanting for more. Unfortunately, in the usual DC fashion, only a single volume has been produced so far (in 2016, no less, it's already been two years, DC!), so I would have to resort to buying single issues which I rarely do. The pencils here are by Barry Kitson and the team of penciller/inker/colorist does not change during the course of this volume. However, the art is uneven. The first issues are amazing but then it declines into mediocrity with some spikes of greatness here and there. A pity. Let's hope that it will become better later on.
Great page by Joe Quesada detailing the transformation from Jean-Paul Valley to Azrael.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews