Instead of copy/pasting the original News section into here I just thought I would archive it here.
Read below all ‘new News!
August 6th, 2022
Check out an audio interview with Dan Watters with Traversing the Stars on Youtube.
August 5th, 2022
Interview with Pop Matters is readable here…or you can read it in the interview section of this site.
August 3rd, 2022
Quietly at midnight last night, McFarlane Toys released their Azrael as Batman figure, an exclusive to Walmart, online. It sold out within a minute. Keep your eyes peeled at your local Walmart stores as I’m sure these will be a tough find.
August 2nd, 2022
Out today – two Azrael issues! ‘Dark Knight of the Soul,’ a one-shot collecting 3 shorts from Batman: Urban Legends is collected in this issue. This issue has a regular, and variant cover. The second is ‘Sword of Azrael’ (Volume 2), which has 4 different covers, one of which is a special foil by Azrael co-creator, Joe Quesada himself.
July 25th, 2022
The New 52/Rebirth section of the site has been updated to now include the upcoming Sword of Azrael (Volume 2) Limited Series. I will update as the issues are released.
July 22nd, 2022
Did you Pre-Order the JPV as Batman ‘Knightfall’ figure from Mafex a year and a half ago? Well, good news – as of today the figures are FINALLY shipping out! Be sure to keep an eye on my Instagram feed for my short review of the figure.
July 9th, 2022
Synopsis for Issue 2 of DC VS Vampires: All-Out War revealed – The survivors of a horrifying vampire attack, led by Deathstroke, take shelter with Talia al Ghul. With intel from a hero recently saved from vampirism, John Constantine prepares them for a (suicide) mission, while Midnighter goes through every scenario in his head and finds out the dark truth. Meanwhile the mysterious vampire Lord Cinder has become aware of their plans and prepares a surprise…
June 25th, 2022
Out at the end of August (I can’t believe that they’re naming a comic this), ‘DC’s Saved by the Bell Reve’ one-shot.
June 24th, 2022
It looks like the second issue of Sword of Azrael will be bringing in Bane’s daughter into the mix. End of summer is looking to get exciting
May 9th, 2022
With this year being the 30th anniversary of Azrael, DC will release a 6-issue limited series, Sword of Azrael seeing Jean-Paul moving to a monastery in Europe in search of inner peace. There, he encounters a young woman who alleges that she also has the harsh mental programming of the Order of St. Dumas, the offshoot of the Knights Templar dedicated to creating avenging assassins, or Azraels. Jean-Paul must come to terms with his heroic identity as he defends this newfound companion against all who would harm her. What do you all think, are you ok with them titling the series ‘Sword of Azrael?’
April 21st, 2022
Just announced – Constantine leads a team also featuring Bane, Deadman, and Azrael in the ‘monochromatic’ DC vs. Vampires companion series. DC vs. Vampires: All-Out War is a new six-issue “all-you-can-eat buffet of grindhouse mayhem” limited series beginning in July that serves as a companion series to the main DC vs. Vampire series, following the companion one-shots DC vs Vampires: Hunters in May and DC vs Vampires: Killers in June.
April 3rd, 2022
Some great fan service to TDKR in issue 1 of Sean Gordon Muphy’s new series, ‘Beyond the White Knight.’ Let’s be honest, DC has kind of sucked lately, and here comes SGM bringing the excitement back!
December 19th, 2021
Detective Comics issue 1053 has a very cool variant cover – It’s Knightfall in Gotham during part seven of “House of Gotham,” as the Boy (growing into a man before our eyes) runs afoul of an uber-violent, unhinged Azrael Batman! This latest conflict pushes Gotham’s most vulnerable into madness, and one man’s rogues gallery reveals itself as another man’s salvation. Essentially, what we get with this issue is a bit of a flashback to JPV’s time as the bat during Knightfall.
December 14th, 2021
Issue 10 of ‘Urban Legends,’ the finale issue is out today – and we get our battle between JPV and new character, The Poor Fellow.
December 7th, 2021
Issue 3 of Arkham City: Order of the World is out today, and JPV utters a line we have not heard in quite some time.
November 9th, 2021
Issue 9 of Urban Legends is out now with a story that really picks up the pace.
November 2nd, 2021
Issue 2 of Arkham City: Order of the World is out today. Artwork very reminiscent of ‘The Long Halloween.’ Some real wall crawler vibes as well. Check out the issue now and you’ll see what I mean.
October 12th, 2021
Issue 8 of ‘Urban Legends’ is out today. The art is a bit different, and there is a bit of humor. But overall, a fun read.
September 10th, 2021
‘Curse of the White Knight’ Batman VS Armored Azrael 2-pack from McFarlane Toys is now up for pre-order from Joel’s Big Bad Toy Store. You can Pre-Order at this link. Essentially, it is the same Armored Azrael that you get in the single pack, but the Batman is a bit different as he is not wearing a cape, and has a rope.
August 22th, 2021
Just announced – ‘Arkham City: The Order of the World’ 6-issue limited series. The story follows the aftermath of an attack on Arkham by the Joker that leaves only a handful of remaining inmates; The Joker’s Daughter, Professor Pygg, Firefly, Madhatter, among others, roaming the streets of Gotham. One guard tries to hunt them down and JPV is apparently watching it all unfold assisting. Series out this October.
August 15th, 2021
Who do I spy in the top right corner of the just announced ‘Batman – Fear Street: Omega?’ Check out the issue description – As Gotham’s Fear State comes to a close, a new day dawns on the city…one without Batman. But the Dark Knight’s absence does not mean the city is without heroes. Join James Tynion IV and Riccardo Federici as they bring “Fear State” to its conclusion and introduce a new status quo that will reverberate throughout the DCU for years to come.
July 22nd, 2021
It looks like JPV will be making his first post-Justice League Odyssey appearance in the new Batman: Urban Legends series. The Synopsis for issue 8 is as follows – Azrael, the last acolyte of the Order of St. Dumas, has returned to the streets of Gotham City after serving with the Justice League in the stars. He’s convinced he’s strayed too far from his purpose, too far from his teachings, and needs to reassert himself. But he’ll be met with a city that’s changed forever, a city that will shake his faith.”
June 29th, 2021
Being one year since Azrael co-creator and primary writer Denny O’Neil’s passing, DC Comics has inserted a commemorative story in the 100-Page Green Arrow 80th Anniversary issue. The six page tribute story titled, ‘Tap, Tap, Tap,’ penned by Denny’s son Larry, can be viewed in full here.
June 26th, 2021
The DC Digital series, ‘Legends of the Dark Knight’ brings us a 2-issue arc displaying Batman and JPV teaming up starting with issue number 13. It should be noted that JPV is not wearing the suit he has been throughout his run in the New 52 and Rebirth, but is instead wearing a more loose fitted suit ala Sean Gordon Murphy’s design from ‘Curse of the White Knight.’
May 11th, 2020
Last night’s episode of Batgirl gave us a bit of a tease that ‘Azrael,’ may be coming to the CW show next season. However, they mention the ‘Suit of Sorrows,’ which means if we do see an iteration of Azrael it will most likely be the Michael Lane iteration and not JPV. It really is quite a shame that DC’s media writers can’t seem t get things right in this matter :/
March 27th, 2020
The Curse of the White Knight series has been added to the site under the New 52/Rebirth section of the site.
March 25th, 2020
The final issue to Sean Gordon Murphy’s incredible series, Batman: Curse of the White Knight is out today. Pick up signed copies of the regular and variant cover signed from Coast City Comics.
March 12th, 2020
Paul Dini and Tom Fletcher appeared on today’s episode of DC Daily to discuss the upcoming ‘Batman Adventures Continues’ digital limited series, as well as a few clues to how Red Hood, Deathstroke, and Azrael will be be used. It was also said that there will be a limited variant run of Azrael in his red KnightsEnd suit, similarly to how Kenner made their variant for the Knightfall 2-pack of figures.
March 9th, 2020
The site is back up! Unfortunately all of the updates that I made in December are gone! Sit tight as I have to recreate all of that content.
February 28th, 2020
Check out our friends at the Bat Force’s Podcast review of Issue No. 7 here.
February 22nd, 2020
Just in from Tor Fair 2020 – Todd McFarlane’s Toy company will be releasing a ‘Curse of the White Knight’ figure set comprised of Batman, Joker, and Azrael!’ Figures are to have a $19.99 MSRP and are expected to be released in the fall.
December 11th, 2019
This would usually be cause for celebration – the new issue of Justice League Odyssey is out, as well as issue 5 of Sean Gordon Murphy’s ‘Batman: Curse of the White Knight.’ However, this is yet another issue of Odyssey that excludes, not just JPV, but the whole team really. Maybe this book should just be re-titled as a Jessica Cruz solo book? In either case, pick up the new issue of ‘Curse…,’ as we see JPV don his batsuit, and he is just amazing. As always, you can pick up the issue, as well as it’s cover variant signed by Sean himself from Coast City Comics.
December 10th, 2019
The Imaginext Detective Comics 667 1993 Throwback figure of JPV as Batman is out in the wild. If you an’t find them at Walmart, hit up eBay as there are quite a few popping up at affordable prices.
October 15th, 2019
Head over to the interviews section for an in-depth interview with Kyle Higgins on Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Knightfall, which is being released tomorrow!
October 12th, 2019
Tales from the Dark Mutltiverse: Knightfall is out this coming Wednesday the 16th and it turns out that there are two variant covers! They can be found at Buy Me Toys and Comic Mint. Be warned, they are a bit pricey!
October 9th, 2019
You can now purchase copies of Curse of issue 3 of Curse of the White Knight direct from Coast City Comics! Regular cover can be found here and the variant here.
September 1st, 2019
You can now purchase signed copies of issue 2 of Curse of the White Knight direct from Coast City Comics! Regular cover can be found here, and the variant here.
August 29th, 2019
If you are in the Portland, OR area head over to Coast City Comics to have Sean Gordon Murphy himself sign copies of White Knight and Curse of the White Knight! More info can be found on the store’s official event page here.
August 28th, 2019
Issue of 2 Sean Gordon Murphy’s ‘Curse of the White Knight’ is out today!
July 23rd, 2019
Sean Gordon Murphy’s, ‘Batman: Curse of the White Knight’ hits comic shops tomorrow! Be sure to pick up both the standard, and variant cover. Alternately, you can pick up signed copies online from Coast City Comics. Get even more amped by this interview with the Hollywood Reporter discussing COTWK (also in the interview section of the site) and JoBlo here.
July 21st, 2019
Check out Part 1 of the Bat Force’s interview with Sean Gordon Murphy discussing Curse of the White Knight out this Wednesday!
July 20th, 2019
Head over to the interview section for a CD Nation quickie with Sean Gordon Murphy on Curse of the White Knight, out this coming Wednesday!
July 18th, 2019
SDCC is underway and not only were the new Knightfall cowl bust and the new Azrael as Batman in the style of Batman the Animated Series figure shown off, but official release dates as well! The cowl bust is now on pre-order for February 2020 for 79.99, and the figure for 25.99 with an April 2020 release date. You can either order online via stores like Joel’s Big Bad Toy Store, or your local comic shop now!
July 15th, 2019
Just Announced! DC will release a sort of re-telling/What If/in another lifetime style book titled ‘Knightfall,’ as part of a Dark Multiverse series posing the question of, ‘What if Bruce didn’t take back the mantle of the bat and Jean Paul continued being Batman?’ Officially released synopsis – Co-written by Scott Snyder (DARK NIGHTS: METAL, JUSTICE LEAGUE, THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS) and Kyle Higgins (DEATHSTROKE, BATMAN ETERNAL, NIGHTWING: THE NEW ORDER), with art by Javier Fernandez (JUSTICE LEAGUE) and a cover by Lee Weeks (BATMAN), this one-shot takes place in a Gotham City 30 years after a broken Bruce Wayne failed to take back the mantle of the Bat. In his place arose Jean-Paul Valley, also known as Saint Batman. Under his iron rule, Saint Batman has turned Gotham into the city of his dreams – killing has become commonplace and criminals live in constant fear—all in the name of justice. But just when all seems lost, a new hope for Gotham rises: The Son of Bane.
We could probably do without this ‘Son of Bane’ business, but this is looking to be a cool book which will see an October release. More photos can be seen on our Instagram.
July 2nd, 2019
Head over to the video section to check out an interview with Sean Gordon Murphy discussing the upcoming ‘Batman: Curse of the White Knight’ book out this month!
June 18th, 2019
Sorry for the lack of site updates. I am updating the site, but for some reason the latest update to wordpress is not displaying them when published. It is also moving content around. Hope to have these bugs fixed soon. If you are good with wordpress, PM me on IG!
June 17th, 2019
DC Collectible has officially announced a ‘Knightfall’ cowl bust which features the head of JPV’s Knightquest/Knightsend cowl. It is expected to go on sale in 2020, no official release date as of yet.
April 30th, 2019
SGM has announced via his twitter account that he has teamed up with Chris Fequiere who will create an 8-bit style animated episode to ahead of each new issue of Curse of the White Knight as a promotional tool. Check out our Instagram for the first installments as well.
April 9th, 2019
IGN has released an official first look at Sean Gordon Murphy’s upcoming Batman: Curse of the White Knight book. Click here to check it out. The official release date for the 8-issue limited series is slated to be July 24th!
April 8th, 2019
Sean Gordon Murphy has released another tease from his upcoming Batman: Curse of the White Knight book, in that Azrael’s vehicle will be a Vietnam style Jeep. Tomorrow he will release teaser pages from the book as well as its release date. Stay tuned!
March 27th, 2019
Pardon what seems like a lack of updates. I am having issues with the newest version of wordpress displaying updates for some reason. The news section seems to be the only section that is updating. Be sure to keep checking the official Instagram for Azrael news updates.
February 26th, 2019
Check out Newsarama’s interview with Dan Abnett, who takes over writing Justice League Odyssey with issue 6, out tomorrow!
February 18th, 2019
Check out the Instagram feed all this week for my countdown of the Top 7 best Azrael (Jean Paul Valley) stories, starting today with Batman & Robin Eternal issues 15 & 16.
February 16th, 2019
Just announced at the 2019 New York City Toy Fair – an expanded line of Batman the Animated Series inspired figures! These three include Jason Todd as Red Hood, Deathstroke, and Azrael as Batman. These sculpts were done by Paul Harding at Harding Studios. Release dates are TBD.
February 3rd, 2019
Check out the in-depth review of Prime 1 Studios Azrael as Batman statue from Batman-News here. They also have a killer gallery with various angle’s of head and hand variations.
January 2nd, 2019
Issue 4 of Justice League Odyssey proves to be the perfect example that Williamson, among many of the other writers at DC, do not understand the personality of JPV. The next issue, due out on the 30th, which also features an alternative cover of JPV in his batsuit, will be a faceoff between the character Rapture and JPV. Let’s hope that this is not a disappointment.
November 29th, 2018
DC Daily has an exclusive interview with Sean Gordon Murphy discussing 2019’s Curse of the White Knight! Check it out here.
November 28th, 2018
Issue 3 of Justice League Odyssey is out today and we are presented with a possible new character with ‘Rapture’ who is wearing the New 52/Rebirth era Azrael suit that JPV has been wearing. Wouldn’t it be interesting if this ‘new character was JPV of the Ghost Sector’s ‘Wreckage World?
October 27th, 2018
In an odd twist, JPV (sort of) appears in the debut issue of Old Lady Harley. What’s cool is that he is wearing his original suit! Check out the quirky issue released this week.
October 24th, 2018
Issue 2 of Justice League Odyssey is now on stands! Who else feels that this series may set up JPV as a surprise hero?
September 29th, 2018
With Sean Gordon Murphy’s announcement of Batman: Curse of the White Knight, the sequel to White Knight, I thought now would be a perfect time to *finally* post my primer crash course history of Azrael article I worked on for about a month or so earlier this year. This article I wrote will give you a bit of background history on JPV and Azrael. Click here to check it out
September 27th, 2018
News breaks early with an exclusive interview with Paste magazine with Sean Gorgon Murphy on the White Knight sequel, Batman: Curse of the White Knight. Click here to check out the interview, as well as Newsarama and Multiversity comics. I have no doubt that SGM’s sequel book is sure to bring back the popularity of Azrael that gets dumbed down by terrible news sources ::coughs:: CBR ::coughs:: I guess I won’t be alone cosplaying JPV at conventions next year
September 26th, 2018
Bakc in May we reported of writer/artist Sean Gordon Murphy hinting at the sequel to White Knight involving Jean Paul Valley, Azrael, and Jason Todd, Robin. Today the man decided to break the internet and piss off all the haters at CBR by posting a preview image of JPV as Azrael via his twitter page. He will most likely be giving full details to 2019’s White Knight 2 at NY Comic Con next week. All I can do is say thank you in advance because if White Knight 2 is anything like the first series, than the man is going to do JPV’s Azrael justice.
September 25th, 2018
After a 2-month delay, the first issue of Justice League Odyssey will finally hit comic shops! It’s finally time to get a glimpse at just what has culminated out of Dark Knights Metal, No Justice, and how exactly JPV in variant of his batsuit fits into all of this?
July 18th, 2018
It has been announced that all issues of Justice League Odyssey will now be delayed for two months. The release date of the first issue will now be September 26th. The ‘reason’ (excuse) being that the following issues were ‘lost.’
May 24th, 2018
With the new issue of Detective Comics now out, Tynion has shown that the Gotham Knights Batfamily is now no more. With the team splintered, in a single frame JPV is given his lead-in set up where we will most likely see him next appearing in the new Justice League Odyssey book along Cyborg, Starfire, and Darkseid.
May 21st, 2018
As this years marks the 25th anniversary of the KnightsSaga, particularly Knightfall, I have added interviews from a tough to find industry magazine into the interview section. Head over there now to read interviews with with Dennis O’Neil, Mike Manley, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan; architects of the KnightSaga and their take prior to issue 500 of Batman being released.
May 13th, 2018
In a retweet by writer/artist Sean Gordon Murphy, a fan asked about the villain for the sequel book to White Knight. I responded with Jean Paul Valley VS Jason Todd. Considering that a few days prior at the DC Comics C2E2 panel he mentioned that Jean Paul Valley would be in the follow-up this looks to be very exciting!
May 10th, 2018
Batman On Film has posted a great hour and a half-long podcast focusing on the 25th anniversary of Knightfall. The program’s special guest is batwriter Chuck Dixon who had a large hand in writing some of the stories that were a part of the KnightSaga.
May 3rd, 2018
Head over to the video section to check out our abridged section of Black Veil Bride’s vocalist (and Azrael fan) Andy Biersack’s appearance on Kevin Smith’s Fatman on Batman program. Our shorter video shows Andy discussing Batman and how ‘his Batman’ was Jean Paul Valley. You can view the full epide on youtube here.
April 10th, 2018
One of the biggest titles of the year, White Knight by Sean Gordon-Murphy, was discussed to have a sequel this past weekend at the DC Panel at C2E2. No big info was given except for a tease of one character – Azrael. It has not been revealed yet if it will in fact be JPV or the terrible Michael Lane version. This big news tidbit comes courtesy of Bleeding Cool.
March 24th, 2018
This afternoon at the DC Comics panel at WonderCon, Scott Snyder announced a new series of banner titles under the Justice League banner, one of which, ‘Justice League Odyssey,’ will see Azrael in a newly designed Batsuit reminiscent of the one he wore in Detective Comics. He will be joined by Starfire, Jessica Cruz, Cybord, and Darkseid. You can read more about the title here, and see the newly designed Azrael batsuit here.
March 19th, 2018
Via his twitter page yesterday,writer James Tynion accepted questions from fans. One asked, “Was there a story you wanted to tell in Detective Comics but just couldn’t squeeze in before the end of your run?” The response from Tynion was, “Jean-Paul Valley Azrael vs Michael Lane Azrael.” In the current New52/Rebirth era Michael Lane does in fact exist, but is retired in general.
March 16th, 2018
As part of a 25th Anniversary of Knightfall, DC is going to reissue everything in small er volumes…again. Check out the details from Bleeding Cool here.
March 14th, 2018
Detective Comics issue 976 is out today and it looks like the redheaded children of the Gotham Knights batfamily have split off as Batwoman is joined by Azrael and Batwing as a part of a new team by the Colony. I have my own ideas about where this is going to lead, but seeing as how this is Tynion’s final arc before leaving the series, only time will tell.
March 4th, 2018
Head over to the audio section for an interview excerpt from a 2005 interview with Comic Geek Speak where the legendary Dennis O’Neil describes how his writing of Azrael’s death was an ‘art imitating life’ experience.
January 30th, 2018
Just announced! Monolith Edition Board Games has unveiled that Azrael in his Rebirth era look, will be included as a part of the upcoming ‘Batman: Gotham City Chronicles’ board game. Click here for an HD 3D clip of the sculpt of the Azrael board piece. The kickstarter for the game goes live on February 27th. You can view more info on the game on their Facebook page, as well as the Beasts of War web page.
December 26th, 2017
Happy Holidays to all! Out today (apparently) is Detective Comics Rebirth Trade Volume 4 titled ‘Deus Ex Machina.’ This is basically the Azrael arc for Detective Comics despite the fact that it’s pretty much hijacked by Zatanna. You can order it online here.
November 9th, 2017
Just announced by Knight Models, a Web Only Exclusive of JPV in his Knightfall Batman suit. The miniature statue stands 22mm tall (about 8 3/4 in if my math is right). The miniature statue/game piece is made of a high quality resin and comes with a ‘Batman Miniature Game card,’ as well as an exclusive pre-order article. You can order the piece direct online here.
November 7th, 2017
Out today is the hardcover Deluxe Edition of Detective Comics (Rebirth) Volume 1. Definitely the better buy out there as it includes issues 934-949. It can be bought at your local comics shop, or online via Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
October 27th, 2017
Check out this link from artist Caleb Wilkie and his profile on Azrael. The guy actually gets his post-Crisis facts pretty straight! It’s truly amazing how many people (including current DC Writers) mix up JPV with Michael Lane and pick what we want lore from the Arkham video games, but this guy gets it’s right.
October 11th, 2017
Red Hood and the Outlaws issue 15 is on stands today, as the Detective Comics team battles it out with the former Robin and his colorful crew!
October 4th, 2017
The Batfamily of Detective Comics meets Red Hood and the Outlaws in issue 15 out the 11th of October! Check out an exclusive preview of the issue here courtesy of Comicverse!
October 3rd, 2017
Amazon has updated their order page with the official information for the Omnibus Hardcover edition of Knightfall Volume 2: Knightquest. It looks like Omnibus has denied fans requests once again to release a complete version of Knightquest by including ‘The Search,’ as according to the section outlining what issues are included in the volume, all of the issues from Legends of the Dark Knight, which are main components of ‘The Search,’ are indeed left out. The book is currently slated for a November 14th, 2017 release.
August 10th, 2017
Check out this new interview with James Tynion IV on DC Comics site now discussing JPV’s role in Detective Comics and his plans for the series.
August 9th, 2017
Detective Comics issue 962 is out today and it’s a biggie! We finally see JPV in an ‘updated’ version of his Batsuit as he dukes it out with Ascalon. Big reveals in the last few pages! Hit up your local comic shop and pick up both Azrael adorned covers today!
August 3rd, 2017
Fan site The Batman Universe recently posted an interview with James Tynion IV from San Diego Comic Con. A few tidbits regarding JPV and bringing a reinvention of his old school Bat suit can be found here.
July 28th, 2017
Hit up the site Dark Knight News for a nice review of Detective Comics issue 961, as well as an interview with Alvaro Martinez.
July 13th, 2017
Intelligence Part 4 will reportedly see JPV dawning a suit very similar to his Knightquest era suit. Check out our Instagram feed tomorrow for the sneak peak!
July 12th, 2017
Part 2 of “Intelligence” is out today and, unfortnatley it looks like this is more of a Bruce/Zatanna arc then it is JPV. Though Arael does don the cover, we’ll be seeing a whole new side of JPV that’s a little familiar very soon!
June 23rd, 2017
Just released – story teases for ‘Intelligence,’ part 3 and 4! Part 3 of the story hints that JPV is in fact going to start losing his mind (again), while part 4 implies that the batfamily and all the technological wonders that Batman and Batwing throw at the A.I. can’t even stop it! Looks like JPV is in for an interesting summer!
June 14th, 2017
Did you catch that quick little frame on Page 5 of the new issue of Detective Comics? Possible easter egg JPV donning his bat cape and cowl in Rebirth maybe? Only time will tell. Check our instagram tomorrow for the blink and you missed it frame!
June 13th, 2017
Head over to Comic Book.com for a first look at the cover of Detective Comics issue 965 titled ‘A Lonely Place of Living,’ which is a cool throwback to issue 441 of Batman, ‘A Lonely Place of Dying.’ If you’re curious about who Ascalon is, check out this great feature done a month ago by Screen Rant where they not only discuss a bit about JPV’s place in Rebirth, (some of their facts are wrong, but we’ll forgive them since they had nice things to say about our guy). Also, don’t forget to hit your local comic shop tomorrow for the latest issue of Detective Comics where we get more clues into the past of JPV!
June 9, 2017
Check out a preview of Detective Comics issue 958 here courtesy of Newsarama. Looks like Tynion has decided to bring Nomoz out of the shadows!
May 14th, 2017
I get a lot of people asking mainly via PM on Instagram) how I know so much. Well, this site is really all you need (and maybe checking my instagram daily). A very good knowledge center is in the Media section; especially under the Interviews which I have transcribed myself, and the audio section. Happy reading!
May 4th, 2017
Just announced! Secret Compass has unveiled a JPV as Batman from Knightfall statue! This is a Quarter Scale Statue by AVI AY x JEFFREY HSIAO and is estimated to ship in November of this year. Check out the details and images and pre-order info here.
April 17th, 2017
Starting Today on the official Azrael Online Instagram (which you can also view the latest in the feed to the right on this site), I will be posting images in celebration of the new hardcover edition of Knightfall being released by Omnibus Press tomorrow! All images will be exclusive to the site (as no one else has ever been as obsessed as me I guess) and posted to the instagram page leading up to my own in-depth video review of this hardcover edition!
April 12th, 2017
Head over to the Interviews section to check out a rare interview with Azrael co-creator Joe Quesada discussing the design of Azrael’s Batman costume. Considering what happened to Quesada after this interview was published with images, its an interesting read.
April 5th, 2017
Gotham Season 2 cards will officially hit hobby stores on the 12th via Cryptozoic Entertainment. You can check out the features, galleries and autographed pieces here. A checklist can be downloaded here, and viewed on the Beckett site. What’s exciting – new Azrael cards!
March 22nd, 2017
Exciting things are coming for JPV in Detective Comics as the next arc titled “Intelligence,” starts in issue #958! The official synopsis is described as follows…Azrael has found a new home in Gotham City…unfortunately, someone from his old home with the Order of St. Dumas has found him! The Order has unleashed a bizarre new evil on the world, and it’s convinced it must destroy Jean-Paul Valley!. Meanwhile issue #959 is described as ‘While his team comes to grips with Azrael’s past, Batman is on the trail of the shocking secret he learned at the end of last month’s epic BATMAN/FLASH crossover, “The Button”—and it’s brought him directly to the Mistress of Magic, Zatanna!’ This issue will have a variant cover by artist Rafael Abuquerque!
February 20th, 2017
CBR.com have posted an exclusive preview of Detective Comics issue 951 this morning. It not only features an interesting cover with Shiva, but also a cool spread of Azrael, Orphan/Batgirl, Clayface, and Batwing training in the mudroom. Issue hits shops this Wednesday!
February 14th, 2017
Happy Valentines Day (if you’re into that). Check out this great article by Screenrant on the Rebirth of Jean Paul Valley as Azrael. Kudos to writer Andrew Dyce by the way, he really got in-depth with his research.
February 3rd, 2017
The AV Club got an exclusive preview of the upcoming double-sized extravaganza of Detective Comics issue 950 out this Wednesday. You can check it out the 5-page preview of the Azrael/Batwing story here where it shows a bit of an X-Men/Sentinels/Danger Room kind of theme to it. This issue acts as a Prologue to the ‘League of Shadows’ storyline. It will be shipping with an Azrael variant cover which you should be able to reserve from your local comic shop.
January 13th, 2017
Today Newsarama had an exclusive of Detective Comics issue 950 with the first few pages. This issue will be double sized with three stories setting the stage for the upcoming ‘League of Shadows’ arc, a ‘secret story’ which fans are hinting will relate to Red Robin’s disappearance, as well as an adventure with JPV and Batwing which will give him a more proper into the series since his reintroduction. The only hint that is given is that it will set the stage for tremendous threats from his past. It has also been revealed via artist Rafael Albuquerque’s Instagram that there will be 2 covers for the issue. Take a pea at the image here.
December 10th, 2016
Tynion seems to be making his rounds with interviews as Newsarama has posted a new one discussing Tim Drake and what 2017 holds for the future of the team – including Azrael joining it!
November 23rd, 2016
Check out this interview with James Tynion IV about the new issue of Detective Comics #945 out today. There is something key about this issue that is mentioned in the interview; “There’s a character who we haven’t seen in action since the first issue of my run who dives back into the fray this issue in a big way, making way for him to be a core cast member of the series moving forward. Very excited.” That’s right, JPV is back as he is working with Leslie Thompkins.
November 21st, 2016This morning Diamond Select unveiled via The Nerdist the series 4 installment of figures for Gotham Season 2: Rise of the Villains. Figures for Mr. Freeze, Dr. Hugo Strange, and finally, a figure for Theo Galavan as Azrael have been unveiled! The figures each have up to 16 points of articulation, come with character appropriate accessories, and a diorama piece. The Azrael figure has an interchangeable head so you can have him with or without the mask. To make a jail cell you must have both Azrael and Mr. Freeze figures. However Hugo Strange comes with the chair that Galavan was strapped to. The figures will be released in mid spring/early summer of 2017. Click here for more info or check out the Azrael Online Instagram feed.
October 28th, 2016
Check out this interview with James Tynion IV and Eddie Barrows from Den of Geek discussing the Detective Comics #943, as well as what’s in store for the future of Jean Paul Valley. Sounds like exciting things are coming!
October 27th, 2016
Though he is only in two frames, Jean Paul does make an appearance in the latest issue of Detective Comics, #943. Not exactly the most action packed issue, more on the side of dialogue but does raise some interesting questions.
October 4th, 2016
Still no new Azrael news, however Season 3 of The Flash aired tonight and that was awesome. On an Azrael related note though, check out this site I found earlier this afternoon discussing the Azrael episodes of Gotham. They are more on the satirical side, so take with a grain of salt.
August 8th, 2016
Well if this isn’t reason to have introduce Ludovac Valley introduced on Gotham in season 3 or 4…Check out this article from Indie Wire about the 2016 Emmy nomination that cinematographer Crescenzo Notarile received for his work on the ‘Azrael’ episodes of Gotham.
July 25th, 2016
Multimedia added! Head over to the video section now to watch my video edit of the three episodes featuring Theo Galavan (James Frain) as Azrael now. Keep in mind that this is not all three episodes in full, but the parts pertaining to the Azrael storyline. Give a few minutes to load the stream and enjoy!
July 24th, 2016
San Diego Comic-Con was underway this weekend in San Diego, California. Fans were greeted yesterday to some great reveals for the next year, including trailers for Justice League and Wonder Woman, as well as a sneak peak at what’s to come from Season 3 of The Flash. On the collectible side sadly, despite the re-introduction of JPV as Azrael this past November inclusion into the current continuity, as well as the iteration on Gotham they are still introducing figures and statues of the horrid Michael Lane video game version ::insert sad face here:: Let’s cross fingers they make collectibles for both the new comic version and Gotham version soon.
June 29th, 2016
There may not be an issue of Detective Comics out with JPV this week, however; Annual issue number 3 of Grayson (you know, Nightwing/DickGrayson/the first Robin) does have him! The double-sized issue sees JPV, along with Constantine, Harley Quinn, and the Green Lantern Simon Baz, trading stories a la round table discussion. JPV and Harley tend to have the more fun tales. The issue is definitely worth picking up for the action humor.
June 28th, 2016
Gotten something pretty cool in the post – a custom figure I had commissioned by M1 Customs of Black Lantern Azrael. It looks absolutely glorious, Mel does a killer job and is revered in the custom figure/kitbash community. If interested in having one made, hit up Mel and em know I sent ya! If you haven’t seen the video of the figure on my instagram you can view it online here.
June 22nd, 2016
Detective Comics issue 935 is out today and JPV is in it…wounded, in a private recovery room being tended to by none other then Leslie Thompkins! If only this universe knew what a role she really played with the original JPV!
June 8th, 2016
And it’s happened – Detective Comics issue 934 is out today, bringing in the New 52 version of Azrael into the current DC Comics: Rebirth continuity! Interesting issue (spoilers ahead) that sees The Bat asking Batwoman (his friggin cousin, go figure) to help train a team of new heroes. The way they portray it reminds of the Mighty Ducks how they introduce Tim, Stephanie, Cassandra and Basil ‘Clayface’ Carlow. I’m more interested in seeing how exactly they explain JPV being brought into this universe since we’re no longer in the New 52 and apparently in the old post-crisis era. This issue has two different covers for those who are into that sort of thing.
May 12th, 2016
Check out the new ‘Interact’ section of the site for downloadable Azrael Cubeecraft Cubeeart! More to come in the Interact section, stay tuned!
May 10th, 2016
Yahoo! tv has posted a cool Gotham recap of the show with two fun videos featuring Galavan as Azrael. Click here to check it out!
May 9th, 2016
Sadly, the writer’s of Gotham decided to kill of Theo Galavan as Azrael. Seriously, I cried. However, this doesn’t mean that Azrael is gone for good. We’ve seen a room where Hugo Strange had what appeared to be a room of clones of Galavan. Not only that, let’s not forget the timeline and age of the characters; the writers of Gotham could very easily introduce, even if ever so slightly, Ludovac Valley, Jean Paul’s father who was Azrael before him. I’m sure that would blow the minds of the video game fans who don’t know the difference between Jean Paul and that awful Michael Lane version from the Order of Purity.
Also take a look at the 15 second video I posted to our instagram – notice the image I set it to looks like a bat within the explosion? Coincidence? Well, probably, but you never know! Check back Friday to stream both episodes 19 and 20 with the end of 18 tagged on.
May 2nd, 2016
Did you catch tonight’s episode of Gotham? I’ve gotta say James Frain put on a great performance and the voice was lovely. Kudos to whoever the stunt person was as well. The writer’s way of explaining the mind programming through visual tell was a nice touch on the character, however they did screw up and with the ‘Sword of Sin,’ as that sword is from the Order of Purity, not the Order of St. Dumas. As long as they don’t somehow shift gears into anything that has to do with Michael Lane I’m digging what they’re doing with Azrael. If they end up killing off Galavan as Azrael by the end of the season they could actually make a slight introduction of Jean Paul’s father Ludovac; afterall, we’ve already met the people who will become the parents of Dick Grayson, so why not Jean Paul’s father? You can check out the commercial spot for episode 20, ‘Unleashed’ here. Also, I will be adding a section titled ‘Gotham’ which will have all episodes featuring Azrael in it at in the next few days.
April 29th, 2016
Comic Book Resource posted this great article discussing Monday night’s episode of Gotham. There is also a video exclusive to the site talking with Ben McKenzie (James Gordon), and James Frain (Theo Galavan) about a bit of the character development as well. If it’s not available in your country don’t worry, I will have the video up on a ‘Gotham’ section that I am working on as an addition to the site.
April 28th, 2016
According to Newsaramai it’s been made official – Jean Paul Valley will in fact make his return as Azrael into the upcoming ‘Rebirth’ event in the June issue of Detective Comics #934. Batman will also welcome Batwoman into what will be some sort of training squad. I’m still a bit fuzzy on the details of this whole ‘Rebirth’ thing, but if I’m not mistaken this is the old bat universe with the Nw 52 universe Jean Paul Valley as Azrael, which means that the classic JPV who was once Batman is still dead. Perhaps this is Bruce’s way of ensuring that he doesn’t screw up with his treatment of JPV this time around.
April 19th, 2016
Obviously I think Azrael is a big deal, and apparently the good people at Fox and Gotham think so too as just posted this afternoon on the official Gotham youtube page is a 3:46 cinema style trailer titled ‘Movie Trailer: Azrael.’ You can view this killer video here and let it built anticipation for the episode on the 2nd.
April 18th, 2016
Did you catch tonight’s episode of Gotham? Check out the Galavan clips here that a youtuber put together. However the real cool part came when the episode of was over and was got to see the teaser from next week’s episode with Galavan wearing a costume that looks A LOT like the one that Jean Paul has been wearing in Batman and Robin Eternal. Click the video on the instagram feed to the right to hear Theo’s voice in the costume. It is seriously the way I always imagined it would sound.
March 30th, 2016
The last issue of Batman and Robin Eternal is out with it’s interesting finale. JPV gets…1 page in it, but does play a part in Mother’s downfall. Check out issue the double sized issue #26 for the series conclusion.
March 23th, 2016
What insanity lurks in issue #25 of Batman and Robin Eternal? Hate to be a spoiler (pun intended), but JPV breaks out the flaming telescoping blades from his gloves in this issue! How far will Mother’s influence go? Check out the new issue to find out!
March 16th, 2016
JPV is on the cover of this weeks issue of Batman and Robin Eternal! That’s right, Azrael is in issue #24…however he is only on pages 13 & 14. Still though, having the cover of the issue must mean that he is sure to have more face time in the next issues!
March 15th, 2016
Out at book retailers (who carry comics and graphic novels/trades) and comic shops today – Azrael Vol.1 ‘Fallen Angel.’ This book reprints all 4 issues of JPV’s first appearance in the 4-issue mini-series Batman: Sword of Azrael, as well as Showcase ’94: Azrael #10, which directly leads into the solo Azrael series collecting issues 1-7. All in all, not a bad little collection. I’m sure I won’t be the only one looking forward to adding this, as well as the rest of the collected series to my collection as it is released.
February 15th, 2016
In stores now (if you can find them) is the ‘Knightfall Batman’ 3.75″ figure of Jean Paul Valley as Batman from the Batman Arkham Origins series of figures from the Multiverse line put out by Mattel. If you can’t find the figure in stores (I’ve been searching since early December when they started shipping) you can pick one up off of Amazon. The figure he highly detailed and dare I say ALMOST as good as the Hasbro DC Super heroes figure released in 1999. You can check out a pic of the figure in its package that I posted on Instagram here.
February 14th, 2016
Check out this great article from the UK’s Daily Mail on the filming of the Azrael episodes of Gotham!
February 13th, 2015
If you follow us on Instagram (if you don’t why not!) then you saw the images I posted today of Theo Galavan on Gotham as Azrael! His suit looks very similar to the one that JPV is currently wearing…coincidence? This also looks like a very clever marketing move on DC’s part to help build even more interest in Azrael with the official trade paperback of the original Azrael solo series due out next month and Azrael’s introduction into the current ‘New 52’ continuity. Only time will tell as the series continues on the 28th of this month!
January 20th, 2016
You seriously need to pick up issue #16 of Batman and Robin Eternal – awesome team-up of JPV, Red Robin and Red Hood! The plot thickens and you won’t believe the turn of events.
January 13th, 2016
The new year brings JPV back in this weeks issue of Batman and Robin Eternal. This issue has a bit more background on the Order of St. Dumas, as well as the person who currently sits as figurehead. A really warped last page as well. Issue #15 is out now!
December 9th, 2015
This weeks issue of Batman and Robin Eternal gives us a bit more insight on Jean Paul Valley as Azrael. He’s also sporting a very ’90’s era haircut as he uses some interesting new powers to not only mess with Bane, but Red Robin as well. Check out all the insanity in issue #10 out now!
December 2nd, 2015
It’s official! It’s finally happened! This week’s issue of Batman and Robin Eternal marks the official debut of Jean Paul Valley, the REAL Azrael in the ‘New 52!’ This is pretty much the best news that could possibly be announced this winter as far as I’m concerned, so go out and pick up issue #9 now to see that insane pic of JPV on Pg 20!
November 17th, 2015
Last night’s episode of Gotham – did you see those member of the Order of St Dumas marching into Gotham? Something tells me we may be seeing an Azrael. If we are though it definitly will not be Jean Paul Valley as he is about 10 years younger then Bruce. However, that doesn’t mean that we couldn’t see his father Ludovac as Azrael!
October 20th, 2015
Did you catch last night’s episode of Gotham? The real ring leader of the whole ‘Rise of the Villains’ that the show is taking this season just revealed that Theo Galavan actually comes from a family called ‘St Dumas’ and an Order of families that controlled Gotham city. Could this be the beginning of seeing the Order of St Dumas and possibly even an Azrael on the show?