Batman: Sword of Azrael
DC · 1992–1993 · 4 issues
About the series
In this 1992 DC miniseries, writer Denny O'Neil and artist Joe Quesada introduced a new, deadly force into Batman's world: Jean-Paul Valley, the man fated to become Azrael. Over four issues, the story delves into Jean-Paul's violent indoctrination by the ancient Order of St. Dumas and his first, fateful clash with the Batman, Bruce Wayne. This series is significant for laying the groundwork for Jean-Paul Valley's later, controversial tenure as Batman, making it a crucial prelude to one of the Dark Knight's most tumultuous eras.