Writer: Dennis O'Neil Artists: Sergio Cariello (p), James Pascoe (i)
Publisher: DC
Plot: A fight to the literal death for the two Azraels.
This issue was definitely a monumental issue. The 75th issue and the Azrael story is put to rest for a spell. There are many Azraelites out there who knew the momentum of the story would take them to issue #75, no matter what the naysayers said. Some of the biggest names have dropped by, such as Sergio Cariello, Barry Kitson, Roger Robinson, Kevin Nowlan, Joe Quesada and Dennis O'Neil.
Azrael has gone through many changes and struggles with his violent tendencies. Let's see how this blockbuster issue ended. There was powerful excitement right from the start as the reader faces down two Azraels and wondered what would happen when the two face the final confrontation. One Azrael dives 20 stories down from a building window, while the other Azrael takes a bullet. A bullet that merely scrapes his rib, not causing any internal damage.
This Azrael is known by all as Jean Paul Valley. As Jean heals from his wounds inside the cave of Batman, a fanatical madman named Jeremiah Thompkins runs amuck. Jean knows that if he were to have another costume, that perhaps this costume will bring about his paranormal abilities. Then maybe not. Jean designs a costume and Batman has it created.
Jean Paul questions why Lilhy sent the other Azrael after him, while Batman ponders if Jean's journey will be safe. Batman knows that Jean must do what must be done and tells him to put on the mask and costume. Jean feels he needs to save the other Azrael. He feels their strong bonding. He knows that they are unique to the world and that they should be like brothers. The night falls, it's a stormy night in Gotham as Jean drives away in a borrowed Porsche from Batman. He seeks the other Azrael and finally meets up with him.
While the final confrontation occurs, Lilhy is held hostage and is ready to be thrown into an abyss. Jean feels his powers returning and miraculously saves Lilhy and prepares for his final battle. In the shadows Jerimiah yells for Azrael to kill Jean. Blow by blow by blow, this was a very intense battle that Sergio Cariello details with clarity. Nothing is left to the imagination of the reader.
We have a final onslaught between the two Azraels and nothing can be more thrilling than this. While Jean tries to persuade the other Azrael to bond with him and became brothers, they fall to deaf ears.
During the end of this battle, both are unmasked, they continue furiously. The battle finally leads to death and Jean becomes the victor. I felt like I was absorbed into the soul of Jean, as he felt each of his blows upon the other Azrael. Lethal blows that lead to death. All that is left for Jean is to grieve. This was a story that went deep into the mind and heart of Jean Paul Valley. The plot was laced with riveting chills for the reader, as Jean Paul at one time seemed so vulnerable. Sheer magnificence for this grand finale of Azrael. Let's all hope Azrael returns soon!
