As I mentioned in an earlier post, the (so far excellent) BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL has a number of similarities to the classic KNIGHTSFALL storyline of many years past. So, it should come as no surprise that the character of Azrael has returned. No, it is not the original Azrael as he was (and still is) dead. There is a new Azrael and he is much meaner and more vicious than the original. And, of course, we are left guessing what his real identity is.

The mini-series that deal with the new Azrael is entitled AZRAEL: DEATH’S DARK NIGHT and it really delves into the darker aspects of the Batman universe. Namely, it is a universe punctuated with an assortment of over the top oddballs who have a tendency to do very crazy things. That is one aspect that makes the Batman books so unique. The villains have a tendency to be “the dark side of the nerd” showing what happens when a geek thoroughly loses it. Of course, it is all in an exaggerated sense but you get the picture. This is a far cry from the common villains most heroes face which are generally crafted from variants of the bullies whom torment the downtrodden.

Ok, I am getting a little bit (a lot) off subject. Anyway, this is another solid Batman book well worth purchasing. Those are fans of the Batman comics will be pleased to know that there is still much life in the gallery of characters that permeate the books.