Allies of the Bat: Azrael

Also posted on my sketchblog: [link]

I was rather pleasantly surprised earlier this month when someone on Twitter pointed out to me that Project: Rooftop had featured my Sons of the Bat re-designs!

From the feedback I've read, people have generally been positive (which I truly appreciate), and would like to see Barbara Gordon as well as other female characters (which I would have guessed). As I mentioned before, I have every intention of drawing up the Daughters of the Bat. However, for the moment I decided to draw a few of Batman's supporting players (male and female) who don't quite fit the category of being his "children." Allies of the Bat will be an open set of drawings and/or re-designs that I post here from time to time.

For those who missed the first round of drawings or want a refresher, these re-designs imagine a future timeline combining elements from the comic book continuity (pre-New 52) and the Bruce Timm animated universe. For context as to how far in the future this timeline exists--Damian Wayne is in his mid-20s. Here are links to the original Sons of the Bat posts:

• Nightwing and Red Hood


• Oracle


• The Demon and Batman

Onwards! Today we have Jean-Paul Valley, AKA Azrael.

• Age: Mid 30's


• At various times Jean-Paul Valley has been an ally, substitute, and antagonist for Batman. After many years of chaos, Jean-Paul faked his death (unbeknownst to all but Bruce Wayne and a few others). He travelled the world searching for his own identity, as well as seeking to better his mind and body. He studied martial arts with Connor Hawke, and meditation with J'onn J'onzz. In Madripoor he sparred with a grizzled warrior, and in Texas he debated faith with a preacher. Newly grounded, with a fresh outlook on life, Jean-Paul Valley returned to Gotham City. When he heard that Batman had fallen and the Sons of the Bat were in dire need, he sprung into action as Azrael once more.


• With the telepathic aid of J'onn J'onzz, Azrael is completely freed of his previous mental conditioning.


• This is a verrry slight re-design. I basically streamlined and simplified things, and made his body suit black to offer more contrast against his red cape.


• His retractable flaming blades have been replaced with the hard light constructs which are more precise and have no risk of collateral fire damage.

(If you caught the two non-DC Universe references in the quick little bio I wrote for Azrael, then you are a good nerd!)

So, to be honest, I'm rather torn about this costume now that I'm posting it. The problem with Azrael is that (I feel) everyone basically wants to see him in his (more or less) original costume... however, storywise, that costume represents everything the character is trying to escape. I guess I am struggling with Jean-Paul Valley's identity as much as he is. I reserve the right to give Azrael a proper redesign in the future, besides which, I need to consider the Suit of Sorrows as well!