Azrael / Azrael: Agent of the Bat (Volume 1) – #1 – 1995–2003 – DC

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🔥 Fallen Angel: 1 – Some Say in Fire... Published in February 1995 by DC Comics, this issue launches the Azrael ongoing series under the “Agent of the Bat” era. Written by Dennis O ’Neil with pencils by Barry Kitson, inks by James Pascoe, colors by Demetrius Bassoukos, and lettering by Ken Bruzenak, the story follows Jean-Paul Valley after losing the mantle of Batman. Haunted by destabilizing hallucinations and struggling with identity, Azrael wanders Gotham City without direction. He encounters Brian Bryan—a former psychologist making his first appearance—who attempts to help Jean-Paul overcome his deteriorating mental state. Their connection is immediately tested when local punks, seeking revenge, attack them and later target the priest running the men’s shelter. As the punks escalate their violence and set the shelter ablaze, Jean-Paul’s visions—featuring disturbing symbols such as the Giant Joker Card and the Mechanical T-Rex—blur his perception of reality. Elsewhere, Batman, feeling responsible for Jean-Paul’s collapse, sets out to find him. The issue also features appearances by the Order of St. Dumas, Brother Zoo, Sister Lilhy, Robin, and locations such as Wayne Manor, the Batcave, the Men’s Shelter, and Gotham’s streets. As the opening chapter of the “Fallen Angel” arc, the issue establishes the psychological conflict, violent encounters, and religious undertones that define Azrael’s journey as he attempts to rebuild his identity apart from the Batman legacy. Show more