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Batman: Sword of Azrael #1-4
Batman: Sword of Azrael
The descendant of holy warriors, Jean Paul is forced into using his ancestral super powers and abilities to become Azrael, the avenging angel of an ancient cult. But when the Order of St. Dumas targets Batman, Azrael begins to question his life and duty. After working alongside the Dark Knight to defeat the deadly demon that threatens the ancient cult, Azrael turns his back on the Order and leaves to train under the tutelage of Batman.
Collects the miniseries Batman: Sword of Azrael #1-4.
Collects the miniseries Batman: Sword of Azrael #1-4.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
About the author
Dennis O'Neil
1,737 books257 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 3, 2024
A Komikon 2011 special
I bought this at Komikon 2011 from the Comic Odyssey booth, who had an impressive array of back issues and trades on hand available at a very tempting discount. My hardcover purchases and the commissioned sketches and original art was what broke my bank at the event.
I picked this out from a pile of discount trades not knowing that this was signed copy. I bought it at a discounted price of four hundred pesos thinking it was a worthy price for a title with Joe Quesada art. I should have looked harder for an unsigned copy. Still, this edition has long been out of print and would look great besides my twin volumes of Knightfall trade paperbacks. This was the prequel to that event that gave Bruce Wayne a broken back and Gotham City a more violent Batman.
The original mini series had excellent art, from the pencils to the inks and colors. I've always enjoyed Quesada's art, especially the way he uses blacks to give it mood. Kevin Nowlan on inks is a treat, but often his inks overpower Quesada's pencils and that's not a bad thing.
I bought this at Komikon 2011 from the Comic Odyssey booth, who had an impressive array of back issues and trades on hand available at a very tempting discount. My hardcover purchases and the commissioned sketches and original art was what broke my bank at the event.
I picked this out from a pile of discount trades not knowing that this was signed copy. I bought it at a discounted price of four hundred pesos thinking it was a worthy price for a title with Joe Quesada art. I should have looked harder for an unsigned copy. Still, this edition has long been out of print and would look great besides my twin volumes of Knightfall trade paperbacks. This was the prequel to that event that gave Bruce Wayne a broken back and Gotham City a more violent Batman.
The original mini series had excellent art, from the pencils to the inks and colors. I've always enjoyed Quesada's art, especially the way he uses blacks to give it mood. Kevin Nowlan on inks is a treat, but often his inks overpower Quesada's pencils and that's not a bad thing.
January 25, 2022
It was an alright volume tbh.
Its an excellent volume and it does well to establish this threat but for the first few issues it feels confusing, it should have been given more issues/pages to fully flesh out the story bbut regardless it makes for a good read though the origins of the enemy Biss/Lehah was not fully fleshed out and sort of remains confusing. Bruce should have been more involved in the action but I guess it was more about Azrael and him coming more on his so that works. On second thought this book had a lot of shortcomings but still makes for a good story and is a surprising read. The art was okay, the colors seemed dull but 90s comics so it was to be expected.
Its an excellent volume and it does well to establish this threat but for the first few issues it feels confusing, it should have been given more issues/pages to fully flesh out the story bbut regardless it makes for a good read though the origins of the enemy Biss/Lehah was not fully fleshed out and sort of remains confusing. Bruce should have been more involved in the action but I guess it was more about Azrael and him coming more on his so that works. On second thought this book had a lot of shortcomings but still makes for a good story and is a surprising read. The art was okay, the colors seemed dull but 90s comics so it was to be expected.
August 26, 2019
Un’esperienza divina per il pipistrello… tra santi, angeli e demoni :D
Opera colorita, e non solo per via delle tinte psichedeliche, ma anche per la presenza dello scontroso botolo Nomoz ->eh<-
Al di là dell’approccio speditivo nel risolvere ogni tipo di scontro o situazione, trovo che la semplicità della storia sia di quel tipo “rustico” assai piacevole, perché nonostante gli anni è dotata di una forte personalità.
Impossibile poi non restare ammaliati dall’affascinante figura di Azrael, e il suo alias Jean Paul Valley, valorizzati dalla prestazione di Quesada. Non altrettanto carismatico il cattivo.
Opera colorita, e non solo per via delle tinte psichedeliche, ma anche per la presenza dello scontroso botolo Nomoz ->eh<-
Al di là dell’approccio speditivo nel risolvere ogni tipo di scontro o situazione, trovo che la semplicità della storia sia di quel tipo “rustico” assai piacevole, perché nonostante gli anni è dotata di una forte personalità.
Impossibile poi non restare ammaliati dall’affascinante figura di Azrael, e il suo alias Jean Paul Valley, valorizzati dalla prestazione di Quesada. Non altrettanto carismatico il cattivo.
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January 14, 2024
One of the primary complaints about modern comics, a justifiable and accurate criticism at that, is the rampant decompression of narratives. A storyline or event that, at best, needs 5 issues will be drawn out to 10, 15, 20, etc. issues, leaving the narrative bloated, flaccid and lifeless.
Well, here we have an example of the opposite problem. Dennis O'Neil was tasked with setting up a new character who would need to be swiftly incorporated into the "Bat-family" and become a part of the Knightfall saga, even forming the effective "final boss" once the notorious Bane had been defeated. He rightly felt that a mini-series was the best way to handle the character of Azrael, laying out his origin and establishing WHY Batman would care about him. But it feels like he didn't accurately gauge the amount of time that would be necessary for all that action, character-building and lore, and as a result it rushes from event to event without any time to breathe OR truly delve into the thoughts and feelings of the characters we are supposed to know and care about. Not much is needed for Batman or Alfred, they are iconic and a reader with even basic knowledge in the '90s wouldn't have needed much from them, but Jean-Paul, Nomoz, LeHah, Biis...well, they certainly do exist! But the whys and wherefores are all pretty shallow & nebulous, and I can't help but compare all of that to the story of The General in Chuck Dixon's Batman: Prelude to Knightfall, a minor villain established in B-plot sections of other issues until he springs forth with his own army and has to be taken down once and for all by the Dark Knight & co. He's fully fleshed-out, his motivations and origins clear, and we are both engaged by him and by the attempts to defeat him. That's what Azrael needed.
Because as presented here, I'm MORE confused, MORE bewildered than when his identity & origin were established in one-off lines in Dixon's larger series. What happened with Nomoz? What happened with Biis? When does he meet Robin? What was the POINT of everything? Was that laid out before Dixon's run or just before the TPB was published? *shrug* It feels like a missed opportunity due to excessive narrative compression.
Well, here we have an example of the opposite problem. Dennis O'Neil was tasked with setting up a new character who would need to be swiftly incorporated into the "Bat-family" and become a part of the Knightfall saga, even forming the effective "final boss" once the notorious Bane had been defeated. He rightly felt that a mini-series was the best way to handle the character of Azrael, laying out his origin and establishing WHY Batman would care about him. But it feels like he didn't accurately gauge the amount of time that would be necessary for all that action, character-building and lore, and as a result it rushes from event to event without any time to breathe OR truly delve into the thoughts and feelings of the characters we are supposed to know and care about. Not much is needed for Batman or Alfred, they are iconic and a reader with even basic knowledge in the '90s wouldn't have needed much from them, but Jean-Paul, Nomoz, LeHah, Biis...well, they certainly do exist! But the whys and wherefores are all pretty shallow & nebulous, and I can't help but compare all of that to the story of The General in Chuck Dixon's Batman: Prelude to Knightfall, a minor villain established in B-plot sections of other issues until he springs forth with his own army and has to be taken down once and for all by the Dark Knight & co. He's fully fleshed-out, his motivations and origins clear, and we are both engaged by him and by the attempts to defeat him. That's what Azrael needed.
Because as presented here, I'm MORE confused, MORE bewildered than when his identity & origin were established in one-off lines in Dixon's larger series. What happened with Nomoz? What happened with Biis? When does he meet Robin? What was the POINT of everything? Was that laid out before Dixon's run or just before the TPB was published? *shrug* It feels like a missed opportunity due to excessive narrative compression.
May 19, 2015
Excellent story about a clash of ideals between an iconic legend (Batman) and Azrael, the Angel of Death. This story was very action packed and not as wordy as I would've liked, but full of many memorable moments. The insinuations towards ancient secret societies give this story a real world gravitas and if you like action, beautiful artwork, and a great character driven story, then read this. The chemistry between Batman, Alfred, and Azrael was pretty tight. Dennis O' Neal really loves these characters and its evident in every panel.
January 5, 2021
Part of my Batman comic book reread project. Continued from Batman: Venom.
Between that (mid 1991) and Azrael (early 1993), I have six comic books with random villains, none of the biggies. I think I got them because they relate to ongoing soap stuff. Batman takes on Harold as his IT man in the batcave. Tim Drake's father gets better, which means Tim has to join him. Luckily the mansion next to Wayne manor is for sale, and the Drakes buy it, which is incredibly convenient for Robin. Batman also acquires Ace (his dog) somewhere in this time frame, but I don't have that issue.
Then comes this story, which I officially give 4.5 stars, rounded down to four. I tried to rate it as a standalone story, but I can't seem to do it. This introduces us to Jean-Paul Valley, aka Azrael. I know what's in store for him during the Knightfall/Knightquest/Knightsend story line, and the anticipation makes me quite excited, so I may be giving this higher marks that it deserves. This is an origin story for Azrael, and the editors and writers knew where he was going when they started. That makes the story so much better than most origin tales as there are no continuity errors that need to be creatively explained or glossed-over later on which always seems to happen when you make an origin story after the fact.
This often slipped into second-person narration which always annoys me, and that's the main thing that kept the fifth start at bay. The writers weren't addressing the reader, but one character was addressing another off-page for a couple of pages, and... ugh. It's just a personal preference thing. But the artwork was superb, the story was exciting, interesting, and it's a perfect set-up for things to come in the next couple of years.
I don't have that year's worth of books between this and the first Knightfall trade paperback, so here's a summary as I understand it. (1/4/21 update: There's a trade paperback with a lot of those issues in it which I got for Christmas! The review for that is linked at the end of this review.) Batman takes Azrael under his wing and he and Robin try to train him as an assistant and deprogram him of his more murderous tendencies. Both Batman and Azrael seek justice, but Azrael goes straight to final jeopardy whereas Batman never does.
Meanwhile, a noob named Bane starts a master plan intended to bring down the dark knight which starts by simply monitoring him. Batman begins to be overworked due to Bane arranging matters behind the scenes which keeps him hopping. He dwells more and more on Jason Todd's death, can't concentrate, and refuses to get enough rest. Batman fails to catch a couple of bad guys which makes him doubt his efficacy, and Bane tests his limits by giving a couple of his adversaries "venom," a drug that makes them incredibly strong. After a year of this, Batman is just plumb wore out. Then Bane... well, that's really the start of the Knightfall tale, so I'll hold off until that review.
Fun ads from the handful of books mentioned at the start of this review:
Remember once upon a time when you could rent video games from the video store? I bugged the hell out of Master Video when the first Sonic came out, checking to see if other people had brought it back yet, and it took several days for me to get a copy. It was totally worth the wait, and eventually I was able to save enough money to buy it... I can't believe that was almost 30 years ago... Wow.
But you know what wasn't worth the wait?
Thank God I didn't go see this in the theater. The commercials made it look kind of cool. I mean, I was 13 years old, still liked cartoon/real people mixed movies, and all that jazz. I caught a little bit of it on TV eventually, and wow, does it suck. Actually, I don't remember a thing about it other than I thought it was terrible, and that's enough to keep me from checking it out again. But you know what isn't terrible?
It was odd seeing this ad since I know this came out in 1984, because I coulda swore I saw it before it was released on VHS in 1992. Anyway, it's with us now, and I think it should be required viewing for everybody. In fact, check it out here. And ignore the 2012 remake because that sucks a Pygmy's rectum.
Next checkpoint: Prelude to Knightfall
Between that (mid 1991) and Azrael (early 1993), I have six comic books with random villains, none of the biggies. I think I got them because they relate to ongoing soap stuff. Batman takes on Harold as his IT man in the batcave. Tim Drake's father gets better, which means Tim has to join him. Luckily the mansion next to Wayne manor is for sale, and the Drakes buy it, which is incredibly convenient for Robin. Batman also acquires Ace (his dog) somewhere in this time frame, but I don't have that issue.
Then comes this story, which I officially give 4.5 stars, rounded down to four. I tried to rate it as a standalone story, but I can't seem to do it. This introduces us to Jean-Paul Valley, aka Azrael. I know what's in store for him during the Knightfall/Knightquest/Knightsend story line, and the anticipation makes me quite excited, so I may be giving this higher marks that it deserves. This is an origin story for Azrael, and the editors and writers knew where he was going when they started. That makes the story so much better than most origin tales as there are no continuity errors that need to be creatively explained or glossed-over later on which always seems to happen when you make an origin story after the fact.
This often slipped into second-person narration which always annoys me, and that's the main thing that kept the fifth start at bay. The writers weren't addressing the reader, but one character was addressing another off-page for a couple of pages, and... ugh. It's just a personal preference thing. But the artwork was superb, the story was exciting, interesting, and it's a perfect set-up for things to come in the next couple of years.
I don't have that year's worth of books between this and the first Knightfall trade paperback, so here's a summary as I understand it. (1/4/21 update: There's a trade paperback with a lot of those issues in it which I got for Christmas! The review for that is linked at the end of this review.) Batman takes Azrael under his wing and he and Robin try to train him as an assistant and deprogram him of his more murderous tendencies. Both Batman and Azrael seek justice, but Azrael goes straight to final jeopardy whereas Batman never does.
Meanwhile, a noob named Bane starts a master plan intended to bring down the dark knight which starts by simply monitoring him. Batman begins to be overworked due to Bane arranging matters behind the scenes which keeps him hopping. He dwells more and more on Jason Todd's death, can't concentrate, and refuses to get enough rest. Batman fails to catch a couple of bad guys which makes him doubt his efficacy, and Bane tests his limits by giving a couple of his adversaries "venom," a drug that makes them incredibly strong. After a year of this, Batman is just plumb wore out. Then Bane... well, that's really the start of the Knightfall tale, so I'll hold off until that review.
Fun ads from the handful of books mentioned at the start of this review:
Remember once upon a time when you could rent video games from the video store? I bugged the hell out of Master Video when the first Sonic came out, checking to see if other people had brought it back yet, and it took several days for me to get a copy. It was totally worth the wait, and eventually I was able to save enough money to buy it... I can't believe that was almost 30 years ago... Wow.
But you know what wasn't worth the wait?
Thank God I didn't go see this in the theater. The commercials made it look kind of cool. I mean, I was 13 years old, still liked cartoon/real people mixed movies, and all that jazz. I caught a little bit of it on TV eventually, and wow, does it suck. Actually, I don't remember a thing about it other than I thought it was terrible, and that's enough to keep me from checking it out again. But you know what isn't terrible?
It was odd seeing this ad since I know this came out in 1984, because I coulda swore I saw it before it was released on VHS in 1992. Anyway, it's with us now, and I think it should be required viewing for everybody. In fact, check it out here. And ignore the 2012 remake because that sucks a Pygmy's rectum.
Next checkpoint: Prelude to Knightfall
December 20, 2016
Reseña | Batman: La Espada De Azrael
Hay personajes del mundo de Batman que son muy populares, tales como El Joker, Dos Caras o El Acertijo, pero también hay otros no tan populares, como Azrael. Es por eso que en éste cómic conoceremos cómo es el proceso por el cual nace el ángel vengador llamado Azrael, y así quizás ya sepas un poquito más de él.
La historia parte cuando el "primer" o "antiguo" Azrael, busca ajusticiar a un hombre que debe pagar sus delitos con la muerte, es por eso que el ángel vengador va a su encuentro, pero sin saberlo, será repelido a punta de balas y quedará herido de muerte. Ya casi muriendo, logra llegar a la casa de su hijo, y delega en él la misión de ir a un lugar donde tendrá que descubrir su destino.
El cómic se centra en la historia de Azrael y de cómo el hombre que está bajo la armadura debe aprender, sin saberlo, que es parte de un legado muy antiguo, y del cual él deberá seguirlo de forma predestinada.
Y como es de costumbre, Batman investigará "ciertos asuntos" que lo relacionarán con un asesino que también está ligado a Azrael y toda la Orden de San Dumas, de la que éste es parte. Éste asesino es siervo de un demonio y se las pondrá bien difíciles tanto a Bruce Wayne, como al ángel de la venganza.
Me gustó el rumbo del cómic, entre investigación, un Bruce Wayne más presente que Batman, el misterio, y también la acción a manos de Azrael, de hecho me encantó que fuera letal, sin miramientos ni sutilezas.
No veremos a un Batman en todo su esplendor, pero sí nos deleitará con todos sus dotes de investigador e inteligencia a la hora de encontrarse en problemas.
El estilo del dibujo es de la época de los 90 y no tiene grandes detalles técnicos, pero aún así los colores son llamativos y la historia más.
Éste cómic recopila las 4 partes de La Espada de Azrael y su calidad es lo mejor, ya que está en con una tapa bien resistente, y las viñetas, ilustraciones y colores, me encantaron.
Lo recomiendo para todos los que quieran aprender más sobre los personajes secundarios del mundo del hombre murciélago, en este caso del ángel vengador, y lo mejor es que de aquí nace, posteriormente, [ inicio de spoiler ] el reemplazo de Bruce Wayne cuando no pueda seguir siendo Batman. [ fin de spoiler ]
Hay personajes del mundo de Batman que son muy populares, tales como El Joker, Dos Caras o El Acertijo, pero también hay otros no tan populares, como Azrael. Es por eso que en éste cómic conoceremos cómo es el proceso por el cual nace el ángel vengador llamado Azrael, y así quizás ya sepas un poquito más de él.
La historia parte cuando el "primer" o "antiguo" Azrael, busca ajusticiar a un hombre que debe pagar sus delitos con la muerte, es por eso que el ángel vengador va a su encuentro, pero sin saberlo, será repelido a punta de balas y quedará herido de muerte. Ya casi muriendo, logra llegar a la casa de su hijo, y delega en él la misión de ir a un lugar donde tendrá que descubrir su destino.
El cómic se centra en la historia de Azrael y de cómo el hombre que está bajo la armadura debe aprender, sin saberlo, que es parte de un legado muy antiguo, y del cual él deberá seguirlo de forma predestinada.
Y como es de costumbre, Batman investigará "ciertos asuntos" que lo relacionarán con un asesino que también está ligado a Azrael y toda la Orden de San Dumas, de la que éste es parte. Éste asesino es siervo de un demonio y se las pondrá bien difíciles tanto a Bruce Wayne, como al ángel de la venganza.
Me gustó el rumbo del cómic, entre investigación, un Bruce Wayne más presente que Batman, el misterio, y también la acción a manos de Azrael, de hecho me encantó que fuera letal, sin miramientos ni sutilezas.
No veremos a un Batman en todo su esplendor, pero sí nos deleitará con todos sus dotes de investigador e inteligencia a la hora de encontrarse en problemas.
El estilo del dibujo es de la época de los 90 y no tiene grandes detalles técnicos, pero aún así los colores son llamativos y la historia más.
Éste cómic recopila las 4 partes de La Espada de Azrael y su calidad es lo mejor, ya que está en con una tapa bien resistente, y las viñetas, ilustraciones y colores, me encantaron.
Lo recomiendo para todos los que quieran aprender más sobre los personajes secundarios del mundo del hombre murciélago, en este caso del ángel vengador, y lo mejor es que de aquí nace, posteriormente, [ inicio de spoiler ] el reemplazo de Bruce Wayne cuando no pueda seguir siendo Batman. [ fin de spoiler ]
January 27, 2021
Azrael's origin story. Pretty fun but completely skippable unless you are an Azrael fan or you want to read everything in and around the Knightfall arc.
April 1, 2022
First of all, the 3 narrators were WAY too confusing, you cannot change narrators like that in a story and expect me to understand what's going on, ESPECIALLY when you're introducing literally an entire cast of new characters (with characters we know it could be at most acceptable, since I could maybe recognise them by voice).
I do enjoy a good snow story however, so they do win some extra points for that, and I did enjoy seeing Batman struggling but not getting downed in one hit, which is something that has happened a bit too much for the type of character he's supposed to be. In this one, even if he gets downed, he still keeps fighting which is what I like to see. Not being able to get mind controlled. Trying to play mind games. Being restrained and still dominating the fight. As he should.
Jean-Paul whatever suffers from a very unfortunate name and a backstory that I do not care much about. I would have liked the discrepancy between him and Azrael to be bigger, as well as his shock to what was happening around him. As is, he's just another random superhero/villain I do not care much about.
Alfred was here however and that is all I could have asked for. Deserved. Trying to control yet another young-ish person looking for violence. Poor guy.
I do enjoy a good snow story however, so they do win some extra points for that, and I did enjoy seeing Batman struggling but not getting downed in one hit, which is something that has happened a bit too much for the type of character he's supposed to be. In this one, even if he gets downed, he still keeps fighting which is what I like to see. Not being able to get mind controlled. Trying to play mind games. Being restrained and still dominating the fight. As he should.
Jean-Paul whatever suffers from a very unfortunate name and a backstory that I do not care much about. I would have liked the discrepancy between him and Azrael to be bigger, as well as his shock to what was happening around him. As is, he's just another random superhero/villain I do not care much about.
Alfred was here however and that is all I could have asked for. Deserved. Trying to control yet another young-ish person looking for violence. Poor guy.
January 23, 2025
Annoyingly I have the Omnibus containing the Sword of Azrael series I wanted to read as preparation for the Knightfall saga, a one-shot which takes place during the third act and the beginning of the post-Knightfall Azrael comic series. Comics, eh?
This is enjoyable. Moreso knowing that it connects to a larger narrative later on and that we're really just getting a bit of sketched in history to a character who hadn't otherwise been introduced yet. In truth a "masterpiece" would have given this more time, perhaps but then most to-schedule comic books work differently, far more on the fly and should be judged accordingly. This is a gutsy, quite violent and fast paced side story that introduces a conflict that comes to a thread very quickly, but it does a lot well and I was sucked in quickly by the consistently beautiful page layouts from Quesada; Azrael feels a lot like Spawn in appearance and the flow of the violence works well to set up a Batman story you know is gonna be full of a lot of drama.
In truth, I dived into Knightfall once before in my twenties and got bored - I was expecting something closer to Dark Knight Returns which was my baby at the time. This time I know that it'll be a bit siller, a bit bloodier and a bit more back breaking and I'm here for it.
This is enjoyable. Moreso knowing that it connects to a larger narrative later on and that we're really just getting a bit of sketched in history to a character who hadn't otherwise been introduced yet. In truth a "masterpiece" would have given this more time, perhaps but then most to-schedule comic books work differently, far more on the fly and should be judged accordingly. This is a gutsy, quite violent and fast paced side story that introduces a conflict that comes to a thread very quickly, but it does a lot well and I was sucked in quickly by the consistently beautiful page layouts from Quesada; Azrael feels a lot like Spawn in appearance and the flow of the violence works well to set up a Batman story you know is gonna be full of a lot of drama.
In truth, I dived into Knightfall once before in my twenties and got bored - I was expecting something closer to Dark Knight Returns which was my baby at the time. This time I know that it'll be a bit siller, a bit bloodier and a bit more back breaking and I'm here for it.
November 1, 2021
Sicuramente figlio dei suoi anni, invecchiato e molto stringato come narrazione, ma ai testi c’è il compianto Dennis O’Neal e ai disegni un giovanissimo Joe Quesada.
In questa mini appare per la prima volta Azrael, introducendo tutta la mitologia dell’ordine si Saint Dumas all’interno della continuity batmaniana.
Non un capolavoro, ma sicuramente piacevole e importante.
In questa mini appare per la prima volta Azrael, introducendo tutta la mitologia dell’ordine si Saint Dumas all’interno della continuity batmaniana.
Non un capolavoro, ma sicuramente piacevole e importante.
September 17, 2023
The story is slightly better than the regular average of Dennis O'Neil (I've started to think of the man as DC's Stan Lee). But seemingly Mr. O'Neil has been handpicking the best artists out there to draw his mediocre stories.
October 3, 2019
Sword of Azrael is a miniseries published by DC Comics and introduces Jean-Paul Valley as Azrael, who becomes a prominent figure in the Knightfall crossover event and in some editions is included as part of Batman: Prelude to Knightfall. Batman: Sword of Azrael collects all four issues of the 1992 miniseries.
This story is about Jean Paul Valley, the descendant of holy warriors. Jean Paul Valley is forced into using his ancestral super powers and abilities to become Azrael, the avenging angel of an ancient cult. However, when the Order of St. Dumas targets Batman, Azrael begins to question his life and duty. After working alongside the Dark Knight to defeat the deadly demon that threatens the ancient cult, Azrael turns his back on the Order and leaves to train under the tutelage of Batman.
Dennis O'Neil penned the entire mini-series. For the most part, it is written somewhat well, as it gives a decent introduction and backstory to Jean-Paul Valley as Azrael – the Avenging Angel and how he would be intertwined with Batman. It is a tad too religious in some places, but overall it is a decent introduction for a character that would become prominent with the year-long Knightfall event.
Joe Quesada penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the main penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, I somewhat enjoyed his penciling style – it's a tad dated, but done well nevertheless.
All in all, Batman: Sword of Azrael is a somewhat good miniseries, which serves as a decent introduction and backstory of a new character in Jean-Paul Valley as Azrael.
This story is about Jean Paul Valley, the descendant of holy warriors. Jean Paul Valley is forced into using his ancestral super powers and abilities to become Azrael, the avenging angel of an ancient cult. However, when the Order of St. Dumas targets Batman, Azrael begins to question his life and duty. After working alongside the Dark Knight to defeat the deadly demon that threatens the ancient cult, Azrael turns his back on the Order and leaves to train under the tutelage of Batman.
Dennis O'Neil penned the entire mini-series. For the most part, it is written somewhat well, as it gives a decent introduction and backstory to Jean-Paul Valley as Azrael – the Avenging Angel and how he would be intertwined with Batman. It is a tad too religious in some places, but overall it is a decent introduction for a character that would become prominent with the year-long Knightfall event.
Joe Quesada penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the main penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, I somewhat enjoyed his penciling style – it's a tad dated, but done well nevertheless.
All in all, Batman: Sword of Azrael is a somewhat good miniseries, which serves as a decent introduction and backstory of a new character in Jean-Paul Valley as Azrael.
October 25, 2021
This is the origin for Jean-Paul Valley becoming Azrael and Batman’s first encounter with him.
It was interesting to see how much Azrael has changed from when he first becomes Azrael to when he is Batman! I liked this story, it was an enjoyable origin of the character and lays the groundwork nicely for the Knightfall story. It was quite fast paced and had a lot of action which suits the character nicely.
Overall I think that this was a good story to read, but I think that this is more of a Azrael book than a Batman book which might not be for everyone.
It was interesting to see how much Azrael has changed from when he first becomes Azrael to when he is Batman! I liked this story, it was an enjoyable origin of the character and lays the groundwork nicely for the Knightfall story. It was quite fast paced and had a lot of action which suits the character nicely.
Overall I think that this was a good story to read, but I think that this is more of a Azrael book than a Batman book which might not be for everyone.
September 23, 2021
The best line in the whole book is when Jean-Paul Valley reveals his name and how it was his fathers name also and then bloody DC retconned it and changed his dads named to like Ludwig or something after this was published???
But anyway, this story was quite poor. It was all over the place- literally. I think Azrael is a cool concept but the artistic design was done before the character design and it shows. On to Knightfall!
But anyway, this story was quite poor. It was all over the place- literally. I think Azrael is a cool concept but the artistic design was done before the character design and it shows. On to Knightfall!
July 5, 2020
I liked this, I didn’t love it as it felt a bit rushed, especially the ending. I suppose this was meant to be a quick introduction to Azrael before the next big arc Knightfall. I quite liked the art though, it reminded me of the stuff I grew up on in the 90s.
October 16, 2021
2.5 Stars
August 11, 2023
dennis was always putting him in situations
March 1, 2022
I actually read this in monthly installments when it came out, although I missed issue two or three. An above-average Bat-story, with Batman written as more cynical than usual (that’s my memory, anyway) and a droll Alfred along for the adventure to act as foil. The art was the real standout, though: Joe Quesada’s mainstream pencilling debut with inks by Kevin Nowlan. I was really blown away by what I thought to be Quesada’s style, only to be disappointed when I picked up an X-Men book in which he was inked by someone else. Quesada’s pencils have a lot of energy but they’ve never looked better than here with Nowlan, but that’s true of anyone Nolan inks. The colors in this book are also fantastic. Although Image was using better paper and colors at this point, the Big Two hadn’t caught up yet, so this prestige book looked better than the ongoing Batman books at the time. I have fond memories of “Azrael” but don’t know how well it would hold up if I read it now.
April 23, 2019
Batman: The Sword of Azrael is a bit of an oddity in the Batman canon. Serving as a prelude to the mammoth Knightfall arc (which I will get around to tackling at some point) and an introduction to the mysterious Azrael, it’s not really a Batman story at all. In fact there’s not a whole lot of Batman in it. There’s lots of Bruce Wayne, but he’s captured for a large chunk. This is an Azrael story.
Admittedly, I first learned about Azrael in the Arkham games (a different incarnation, voiced amazingly by Khary Payton). But he was just far too interesting to leave there, so I tracked down this origin story. It begins with Azrael being killed, which is a good way to get your attention. The mantle of Azrael is taken on by the original Azrael’s son, Jean-Paul Valley and he travels to Switzerland to learn more about the Sacred Order of Saint Dumas and his birth right. Hot on his heels is Batman and his trusty butler, Alfred Pennyworth.
This is the first interesting thing about the comic, very little of it takes place in Gotham. The action goes from the mountains of Switzerland, across Europe, to the British countryside, and eventually culminates in an abandoned Texan oil refinery. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a Batman story take the Bat out of Gotham this much, never mind sending him all over the world. Also, he spends a lot of time out of costume, doing flips around a Swiss hospital because, he argues, “Nobody knows Bruce Wayne here.” I’m not sure that holds up. But as I said, this is an Azrael story. Batman is in pursuit, but the cool moments all belong to Azrael.
After being brainwashed by his father since birth, Jean-Paul has the powers of Azrael and doesn’t even know it. He’s part of a long line of assassins calling themselves Azrael. Aided by the dwarf Nomoz, who explains the history of the order which goes back to the crusades, Jean-Paul becomes the angel of vengeance. When he slips on the mask, a bloodbath ensues. It’s not Batman’s style, but it gets the job done. There’s a really great moment as Azrael is fully unleashed, and he takes down a party of henchman and their dogs. It’s violent and stylised, but it’s also over-the-top and a lot of fun. As Alfred looks on in horror, it also presents a nice contrast to Batman/Bruce Wayne. Is what happens to Jean-Paul when he puts on the mask really that different to Bruce?
It’s very, very 90s. That means lots happening on each page, garish colours, grimacing characters, and a few kinda naff (but also kinda cool) double-page illustrations that you have to turn the comic on its side to read – I’m glad you don’t see many of them. It looks gorgeous in its own way. It is over the top and silly, but just roll with it and you’ll have a good time. Just don’t expect a Batman-centric story. It’s Azrael’s show.
Admittedly, I first learned about Azrael in the Arkham games (a different incarnation, voiced amazingly by Khary Payton). But he was just far too interesting to leave there, so I tracked down this origin story. It begins with Azrael being killed, which is a good way to get your attention. The mantle of Azrael is taken on by the original Azrael’s son, Jean-Paul Valley and he travels to Switzerland to learn more about the Sacred Order of Saint Dumas and his birth right. Hot on his heels is Batman and his trusty butler, Alfred Pennyworth.
This is the first interesting thing about the comic, very little of it takes place in Gotham. The action goes from the mountains of Switzerland, across Europe, to the British countryside, and eventually culminates in an abandoned Texan oil refinery. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a Batman story take the Bat out of Gotham this much, never mind sending him all over the world. Also, he spends a lot of time out of costume, doing flips around a Swiss hospital because, he argues, “Nobody knows Bruce Wayne here.” I’m not sure that holds up. But as I said, this is an Azrael story. Batman is in pursuit, but the cool moments all belong to Azrael.
After being brainwashed by his father since birth, Jean-Paul has the powers of Azrael and doesn’t even know it. He’s part of a long line of assassins calling themselves Azrael. Aided by the dwarf Nomoz, who explains the history of the order which goes back to the crusades, Jean-Paul becomes the angel of vengeance. When he slips on the mask, a bloodbath ensues. It’s not Batman’s style, but it gets the job done. There’s a really great moment as Azrael is fully unleashed, and he takes down a party of henchman and their dogs. It’s violent and stylised, but it’s also over-the-top and a lot of fun. As Alfred looks on in horror, it also presents a nice contrast to Batman/Bruce Wayne. Is what happens to Jean-Paul when he puts on the mask really that different to Bruce?
It’s very, very 90s. That means lots happening on each page, garish colours, grimacing characters, and a few kinda naff (but also kinda cool) double-page illustrations that you have to turn the comic on its side to read – I’m glad you don’t see many of them. It looks gorgeous in its own way. It is over the top and silly, but just roll with it and you’ll have a good time. Just don’t expect a Batman-centric story. It’s Azrael’s show.
August 15, 2024
"To hurt you. To show you how weak you are. To tell you the truth. To prepare you to become Azrael." - Nomoz
Short Review:
Kinda interesting but the villain and the current order were a little whacky. I appreciated the savagery of both "angel" and "demon" representatives. There was a lot of time spent (almost making it the theme) of someone narrating a recap for another character. Batman was almost inconsequential here. Maybe more brutal activity, maybe some assassinations on both sides, and mayhem throughout, with a heavier concentration on the order and some deep philosophy behind it.
1. Vanishing Angels & Sudden Death
2. Azrael Does Not Protect
3. Direct Action.
4. No One is Innocent
Short Review:
Kinda interesting but the villain and the current order were a little whacky. I appreciated the savagery of both "angel" and "demon" representatives. There was a lot of time spent (almost making it the theme) of someone narrating a recap for another character. Batman was almost inconsequential here. Maybe more brutal activity, maybe some assassinations on both sides, and mayhem throughout, with a heavier concentration on the order and some deep philosophy behind it.
1. Vanishing Angels & Sudden Death
2. Azrael Does Not Protect
3. Direct Action.
4. No One is Innocent
December 19, 2024
De camino al arco de Knightfall, un misterioso agente de una orden secreta aparece con una misión enigmática, la cual por fuerza mayores debe encargársela a su hijo. Éste reclama el manto del padre, sin saber que ha sido entrenado inconscientemente para reemplazarlo y tomar su lugar como el siguiente Azrael. En estos devenires, se encuentra con el Caballero de la Noche, quien tratará de resolver el embrollo pero quedará atrapado en la trama de esta orden secreta.
En líneas muy generales, esta es una historia de origen del personaje de Azrael, justiciero y verdugo, alias del joven estudiante Jean-Paul Valley, entrenado subliminalmente por su padre para reemplazarlo. También es de alguna forma su entrada al mundo de Batman y su familia, y su anticipación a lo que sucederá en Knightfall.
La trama es súper directa y a pesar de elaborar alguno que otro giro, va al grano, ya que su principal razón es mostrarnos quién es Azrael, de dónde viene la Orden de San Dumas y como intersectan éstos con el Murciélago. Igual como la idea es darle cierto protagonismo a Azrael, Batman se ve disminuido y menos asertivo que en sus mejores interpretaciones. Por otro lado, Alfred destaca mucho más que en otras historias siendo un pivote crucial en la historia y en generar un cambio en el joven Jean-Paul (yo no he leído Knightfall todavía, pero veo que Alfred tendrá algo que ver en que Bruce acepte a Jean Paul como su reemplazo).
En lo artístico, es un trabajo 90tero con algunas trazas de oscuridad similares a "El Largo Halloween", con una paleta un poco cargada al rojo (obvio por Azrael). No diría que es el mejor dibujo de Batman, pero creo que le da un toque clásico y a la vez oscuro. También la portada y algunas ilustraciones muestran el conflicto entre Bataman y Azrael pero es puro humo (un equivalente al clickbait de ahora).
La edición que leí es de Ovni Press, cartoné no pocket con alguna que otra ilustración y boceto, pero nada más que los 4 números de "Sword of Azrael" y que parece evocar la edición de la difunta Editorial Vid. Igual venía con una Solapa Celeste que decía "camino a Knightfall".
En general, diría que es un volumen para conocer al personaje de Azrael y que no aporta mucho si no vas a leer Knightfall. Aún así, tampoco se requiere mucho en este cómic para entender la trama, ya que se abre y cierra en el mismo volumen (el cierre es abierto igual, para dar curso a Knightfall; 3/5).
En líneas muy generales, esta es una historia de origen del personaje de Azrael, justiciero y verdugo, alias del joven estudiante Jean-Paul Valley, entrenado subliminalmente por su padre para reemplazarlo. También es de alguna forma su entrada al mundo de Batman y su familia, y su anticipación a lo que sucederá en Knightfall.
La trama es súper directa y a pesar de elaborar alguno que otro giro, va al grano, ya que su principal razón es mostrarnos quién es Azrael, de dónde viene la Orden de San Dumas y como intersectan éstos con el Murciélago. Igual como la idea es darle cierto protagonismo a Azrael, Batman se ve disminuido y menos asertivo que en sus mejores interpretaciones. Por otro lado, Alfred destaca mucho más que en otras historias siendo un pivote crucial en la historia y en generar un cambio en el joven Jean-Paul (yo no he leído Knightfall todavía, pero veo que Alfred tendrá algo que ver en que Bruce acepte a Jean Paul como su reemplazo).
En lo artístico, es un trabajo 90tero con algunas trazas de oscuridad similares a "El Largo Halloween", con una paleta un poco cargada al rojo (obvio por Azrael). No diría que es el mejor dibujo de Batman, pero creo que le da un toque clásico y a la vez oscuro. También la portada y algunas ilustraciones muestran el conflicto entre Bataman y Azrael pero es puro humo (un equivalente al clickbait de ahora).
La edición que leí es de Ovni Press, cartoné no pocket con alguna que otra ilustración y boceto, pero nada más que los 4 números de "Sword of Azrael" y que parece evocar la edición de la difunta Editorial Vid. Igual venía con una Solapa Celeste que decía "camino a Knightfall".
En general, diría que es un volumen para conocer al personaje de Azrael y que no aporta mucho si no vas a leer Knightfall. Aún así, tampoco se requiere mucho en este cómic para entender la trama, ya que se abre y cierra en el mismo volumen (el cierre es abierto igual, para dar curso a Knightfall; 3/5).
August 15, 2020
He's a character of his time and somewhat infamous but i think his design waa always quite striking. Joe Quesada demonstrates his skill and fluid storytelling (although you can see his version of daredevil several tines here). The main problem is that it misses out a huge chunk of Azrael's character development which was having a stint as batman and the story just jumps from his introduction as azrael to him handling no longer being batman. Just seems odd. I'd have probably put his first minseries in the "prelude to knightfall" collection prior to his appearances in the batman comic. That said by the time his ongoing intriduced the idea of hybrid human/animal Azrael clones i was thinking it was probably as well the collection went no further. Shame as i think the costume and concept could work.
August 12, 2021
After reading the Knightfall and Knightquest storylines, I decided to go back and read Jean Paul Valley's origins as Azrael before continuing. I have to say, I am slightly disappointed. I think Dennis O'Neil is a really good writer, but his writing in this miniseries was wooden and even confusing at times. (The one really good aspect is the development of Alfred's bond with Jean Paul, which hardly returns in Knightfall and later storylines. Shame on you, later writers!) The villain in this miniseries is not really interesting, scary or relatable in any way, and the character of Nomoz is annoying more than anything else. The art by (a then-young) Joe Quesada is amazing, but the general pacing and story are meh.
Read this if you're a completionist like me who really wants to experience the whole story, but casual Batman readers can let this slide.
Read this if you're a completionist like me who really wants to experience the whole story, but casual Batman readers can let this slide.
October 11, 2018
A miniseries with one only goal, introduce us to the disposable second protagonist of the Knightfall/Knightquest/Knightsend trilogy, and it shows. Wooden dialogue coupled with wooden storytelling, the protagonist -a power ranger with flaming swords coming from his hands - with no personality whatsoever except some monosyllabic dialogue, a disposable antagonist with big muscles and big guns because "the 90's! Pouches, oversized bodies and big guns!Rob Liefeld and Image you Rock!", art raging from the very good and scary of Jean's initiation ceremony to the very bad of Batman's cheesy quadruple little wings...in a word, the worst of 90's excesses in a single package. Avoid.
May 2, 2021
Lo más genial es por fin leer un poco del Batman original de antaño.
La historia tiene sus tintes de historia un poquitín medio de detectives, un poco de esos enemigos medio monstruosos tipo de He Man, explosiones, bombas y naves espaciales.
Lo más genial, Alfred. Me empieza a caer super bien por su compostura y sus chistes.
Lo más cañón, varios personajes y un perro degollados... Pff, eso hoy en día es dogma. Dog-ma
La historia está bien. Corta, fácil y la introducción nos recuerda que hace años era imposible conseguir estas historias completas. No había forma de lograrlo si te perdías un número en el puesto de revistas.
La historia tiene sus tintes de historia un poquitín medio de detectives, un poco de esos enemigos medio monstruosos tipo de He Man, explosiones, bombas y naves espaciales.
Lo más genial, Alfred. Me empieza a caer super bien por su compostura y sus chistes.
Lo más cañón, varios personajes y un perro degollados... Pff, eso hoy en día es dogma. Dog-ma
La historia está bien. Corta, fácil y la introducción nos recuerda que hace años era imposible conseguir estas historias completas. No había forma de lograrlo si te perdías un número en el puesto de revistas.
November 8, 2021
The origin story of Azrael. I don't get the appeal of Azrael, a character who basically boils down to "I am angry some of the time and my sword is on fire most of the time, isn't this cool." The plot was generic and predictable. The characters - including both Azrael and Bruce/Batman - were so flat and generic that you could have removed them and pasted in any other superhero of your choice and it would not have changed the story, at all. The only real reason to read this is if you are a total completionist for the Knightfall storyarc, as this leads directly into Knightfall. Otherwise, there's no point to reading it.
October 27, 2024
Anche in questo caso mi trovo davanti ad un opera davvero bella, dove possiamo vedere il Cavaliere Oscuro in modalità detective, cercando di trovare informazioni su un particolare omicidio avvenuto a Gotham. Ho apprezzato sia la personalità di Azrael che si plasma man mano che la storia avanza, trovando la sua definizione solo alla fine. Molto importante il ruolo di Alfred che fa da tramite tra i diversi personaggi. Curioso il finale che mi è sembrato "aperto".
May 28, 2017
A really good comic in the making of the Batman Mythology and all of there characters. The inception of Azrael opens up a new world where bats fight against a villain ancient as the Templars from the Cruzade times. If you want to understand in a deep and more complete level the great world of Batman this is one of the stories that you have to read.
November 19, 2018
Some of Quesada’s best work, not least due to the style of Nolan’s inks. A gorgeous book from beginning to end. The story stays on the right side of ridiculousness, with globe trotting adventures and plenty of fist fights. The debuting Azrael is presented as s much more complex and sympathetic character than he would go on to become.
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