Batman #488 Cover (1st Azrael Batman Cover)
Artists: Travis Charest (Penciller) , Ray McCarthy (Inker)
35 Comments - 729 Views - 44 Likes
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Trade Dress
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Artwork Details
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DescriptionRemember when you first started your comic art collection? You know the moment when you first imagine owning the most nostalgic, meaningful cover? For me, as a kid of the 90’s, Batman #488 was at the top of that list. It’s not just one of the most iconic Azrael covers—second only to The Sword of Azrael #1—but also the first appearance of Azrael on a Batman cover. Coincidentally, it was on the stands alongside The Sword of Azrael #4, another cover I’m proud to own. To top it off, it’s by Travis Charest, one of my all time favorite artists from that era, making it a true cornerstone piece in my personal collection. When I first discovered this cover in a dealer’s inventory, it felt completely out of reach… both in rarity and price. I started my collection with modern art, which was more accessible, but this piece seemed like a distant dream. Over time, though, I built a relationship with the dealer, cut a few deals, and with the help of my good friend Rob Rusch, we combined our wants into a package deal that made this dream a reality. This cover isn’t just a piece of art; it’s a milestone in my collection and a testament to the power of patience, relationships, and shared passion in the comic art community. Please join me in welcoming this incredibly meaningful piece to my collection LIVE on Ruben’s Live Stream!!!Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Marcus Wai 
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/2/2025
Marcus Wai wrote:
Sick Debut!
Ooops. Sick second debut.
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 2/2/2025
So cool, peak Azrael nostalgia. huge congrats brother~!
thomas derrick aka #1marvelfan
Member Since 2022
1 - Posted on 2/2/2025
beautiful cover buddy, major wallpower
Rob R
Member Since 2019
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Phenomenal piece! Perfect shot of Azrael by an incredible artist. Appreciate you helping me get one of my most remembered childhood covers alongside this!
Carl Choi
Member Since 2018
Posted on 2/3/2025
Rob R wrote:
Phenomenal piece! Perfect shot of Azrael by an incredible artist. Appreciate you helping me get one of my most remembered childhood covers alongside this!
Our epic buy was one of the best examples of having great friends in the hobby!
David O.
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Oh WOW!! Definitely a cover that brings back memories for me. Congrats.
Lance Suarez
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Congrats Carl! I am very happy for you. This is so beautiful and one of the best Charest early works going into a super great collection!
Carl Choi
Member Since 2018
Posted on 2/3/2025
Lance Suarez wrote:
Congrats Carl! I am very happy for you. This is so beautiful and one of the best Charest early works going into a super great collection!
Lance you've been such a big part of my Charest collecting journey. So Thankful for our friendship!
Dave W
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
I love it when a plan comes together! (roll A-team theme song).
Great cover and such a perfect example for the character and the era. So happy to see this true grail land in your collection!
Octavio d
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Carl, congrats on landing one of your white whale pieces.
Octavio d
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Carl, congrats on landing one of your white whale pieces.
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Fantastic addition! Huge congrats!
Tom McDonald
Member Since 2019
3 - Posted on 2/3/2025
How does the placement of Robin and Azrael create a sense of movement and urgency in the scene, and how is foreshortening used to contribute to the dynamic impact of the composition? Also, please identify specific areas where this technique is used.
Carl Choi
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Tom McDonald wrote:
How does the placement of Robin and Azrael create a sense of movement and urgency in the scene, and how is foreshortening used to contribute to the dynamic impact of the composition? Also, please identify specific areas where this technique is used.
Per ChatGPT:
The placement of Robin and Azrael in the scene likely emphasizes movement and urgency through their positioning, body language, and the angles at which they are drawn. Robin, typically depicted as agile and acrobatic, may be lunging or leaping, while Azrael’s stance might convey power and aggression. If Robin is placed in the foreground with Azrael looming behind, the composition creates a sense of pursuit or impending conflict, reinforcing tension. Alternatively, if they are both mid-motion—perhaps Robin dodging an attack—diagonal lines in their forms would enhance the kinetic energy of the scene.
Foreshortening plays a crucial role in amplifying the dynamism of the composition by making certain body parts appear closer to the viewer, increasing depth and immediacy. Specific areas where foreshortening is likely used include:
1. Robin’s Limbs: If he is leaping or reaching, his arms or legs might be drawn extending toward the viewer, emphasizing speed and agility.
2. Azrael’s Sword or Gauntlets: If he is swinging a weapon or striking, the foreshortening of his arm or blade would make the attack feel like it’s coming directly at the reader, heightening the sense of danger.
3. Perspective on Capes or Cloaks: Robin’s cape or Azrael’s flowing garments might be foreshortened to reinforce depth, leading the eye dynamically through the composition.
Tom McDonald
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Carl Choi wrote:
Per ChatGPT:
The placement of Robin and Azrael in the scene likely emphasizes movement and urgency through their positioning, body language, and the angles at which they are drawn. Robin, typically depicted as agile and acrobatic, may be lunging or leaping, while Azrael’s stance might convey power and aggression. If Robin is placed in the foreground with Azrael looming behind, the composition creates a sense of pursuit or impending conflict, reinforcing tension. Alternatively, if they are both mid-motion—perhaps Robin dodging an attack—diagonal lines in their forms would enhance the kinetic energy of the scene.
Foreshortening plays a crucial role in amplifying the dynamism of the composition by making certain body parts appear closer to the viewer, increasing depth and immediacy. Specific areas where foreshortening is likely used include:
1. Robin’s Limbs: If he is leaping or reaching, his arms or legs might be drawn extending toward the viewer, emphasizing speed and agility.
2. Azrael’s Sword or Gauntlets: If he is swinging a weapon or striking, the foreshortening of his arm or blade would make the attack feel like it’s coming directly at the reader, heightening the sense of danger.
3. Perspective on Capes or Cloaks: Robin’s cape or Azrael’s flowing garments might be foreshortened to reinforce depth, leading the eye dynamically through the composition.
What pray tell is this "Chat GPT" of which you speak?
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Carl Choi wrote:
Per ChatGPT:
The placement of Robin and Azrael in the scene likely emphasizes movement and urgency through their positioning, body language, and the angles at which they are drawn. Robin, typically depicted as agile and acrobatic, may be lunging or leaping, while Azrael’s stance might convey power and aggression. If Robin is placed in the foreground with Azrael looming behind, the composition creates a sense of pursuit or impending conflict, reinforcing tension. Alternatively, if they are both mid-motion—perhaps Robin dodging an attack—diagonal lines in their forms would enhance the kinetic energy of the scene.
Foreshortening plays a crucial role in amplifying the dynamism of the composition by making certain body parts appear closer to the viewer, increasing depth and immediacy. Specific areas where foreshortening is likely used include:
1. Robin’s Limbs: If he is leaping or reaching, his arms or legs might be drawn extending toward the viewer, emphasizing speed and agility.
2. Azrael’s Sword or Gauntlets: If he is swinging a weapon or striking, the foreshortening of his arm or blade would make the attack feel like it’s coming directly at the reader, heightening the sense of danger.
3. Perspective on Capes or Cloaks: Robin’s cape or Azrael’s flowing garments might be foreshortened to reinforce depth, leading the eye dynamically through the composition.
Touché!
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Congratulations once again, Carl, it was so much seeing you unveil this last night during our Show & Tell, especially since I thought you were unveiling the new DiMeo commission and was completely caught off guard by this!
Carl Choi
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 2/3/2025
Ruben DaCollector wrote:
Congratulations once again, Carl, it was so much seeing you unveil this last night during our Show & Tell, especially since I thought you were unveiling the new DiMeo commission and was completely caught off guard by this!
Thanks again for having me Ruben. I loved the surprise Guests and you guys got me with the 7 questions! Next time, I'll be extra caffeinated, so we could do a streaming marathon!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 2/4/2025
A historic and and freakin' awesome cover!!! What a great nostalgia find. Congrats, and thanks for sharing!
Tangled Web Art
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 2/4/2025
Travis Charest was already showing here how an incredible talent he is. Congrats with this outstanding cover!
J L
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/5/2025
Congrats on acquiring such a meaningful cover Carl. It's early Travis Charest art but it's great!
Richard Donnelly
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 2/7/2025
A great, key Batman series cover by a rare artist!
Peter Venkman
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 2/15/2025
A grail indeed, I vividly remember this cover that got me hooked on Travis, well done !
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