Member Since June 2015
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Batman Knightfall Promo Splash from Wizard #23 - 1st appearance of Azrael Batman costume (1993)

Location: Batman covers 🦇
Artists: Joe Quesada (Penciller) , Jimmy Palmiotti (Inker)

Location: Batman covers 🦇
Title: Batman Knightfall Promo Splash from Wizard #23 - 1st appearance of Azrael Batman costume (1993)
Artist: Joe Quesada (Penciller) , Jimmy Palmiotti (Inker)
Media Type: Pen and Ink
Art Type: Splash Page
For Sale Status: Nope!
Views: 1404
Likes on CAF: 37
Comments: 26
Added to Site: 6/13/2024

We all remember when Bane broke Bruce Wayne's back in Batman #497 and Jean Paul Valley (Azrael) then became Batman for a while. Jean Paul designed his own armored Batman (Az-bat) costume which debuted in Batman #500.

This Promo ad titled "BATMAN REBORN!" is the 1st time the new Azrael Batman costume appeared in print. It was published as a promotional poster for comic shops and also as an ad in Wizard magazine. Wizard #23 had a publication date in June of 1993 and a cover date of July 1993. The new Batman costume did not appear in the comics until Batman #500 which was published August 19, 1993 and had a cover date of October 1993. Who better to give a first glimpse of the new armored Batman costume than Joe Quesada who was also a co-creator of Azrael? While Kelley Jones was busy illustrating many of the covers for Knightfall and artists such as Jim Aparo, Norm Breyfogle, and many others illustrated the stories, Joe Quesada illustrated some of the most iconic promotional art and advertisements for the series.

Comiclink Description:
"Joe Quesada, who first became well known for his work on the 1992 mini-series Batman: Sword of Azrael that introduced Jean Paul Valley/Azrael, illustrated this promotional piece featuring Valley as the new Batman following the epic events of the 1993 "Knightfall" saga. This was when Bruce Wayne had his back broken by Bane, with Valley taking over the role of Batman with a new look and a new approach. This was published in Wizard: The Comics Magazine #23, previewing a cover and article on the saga in the following issue, #24.

Jean Paul Valley operating as Azrael was an enforcer for the secret Order of Saint Dumas, a society whose existence dates back to the time of the Crusades. At the time of his introduction, readers didn't know that there were big plans for the character. In 1993, DC published the "Knightfall" Batman crossover saga in which Bane broke Batman's back, putting him out of commission for months. Valley took over as the new Batman in another long saga called "Knightquest". Valley was dealing with mental instability at the time. In "KnightsEnd" Bruce Wayne recovers and takes back the Batman identity. This led into the 1995 launch of Azrael's own series, Azrael, Agent of the Bat, which ran for 100 issues from 1995 to 2003."

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Member Since: June 2015
Last Login: April 2026
Ebay Id: vegascomicninja
Country: UNITED STATES
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Jason D'Ambrosio Member Since 2018

Posted On 6/13/2024

D- this is actually awesome!! Congratulations!

James S Member Since 2017

Posted On 6/13/2024

A magnificent add and a corner stone piece for your collection!

Derek Crabbe Member Since 2020

Posted On 6/13/2024

St. Dumas smiles on you.

Robert C Member Since 2020

Posted On 6/13/2024

Cool page Daryl!

Byron Hamm Member Since 2006

Posted On 6/13/2024

Killer piece. I remember this era fondly. Always loved the first version of the Az-Bats costume!

M L Member Since 2015

Posted On 6/13/2024

Congrats Daryl! A great image and even better story of a forever piece finally making it home.

Carl Choi Member Since 2018

Posted On 6/13/2024

As a fellow fan of AzBatz this gets AAA from the XXX CAFman! Congrats!!! So happy this found the rightful home.

Bill J Member Since 2009

Posted On 6/13/2024

Wow! What a cool first appearance by Azrael! I love this silhouetted image of Azrael posed on a building and the Batsignal appearing in the sky. Jaw-droppingly cool art by Joe Quesada and Jimmy Palmiotti! Killer pick-up, congrats!

Kavi H Member Since 2018

Posted On 6/13/2024

Wow!! Not only is it a great looking piece from Joe Q but a piece of DC Comics/Batman/Azrael history. Can't think of a better piece for your collection (until the next one you post that's better, lol). Congrats!

Jason K Member Since 2018

Posted On 6/13/2024

Classic! Huge congrats

Chris Snorek Member Since 2009

Posted On 6/13/2024

I hate you so much.

Nick - Barry - Matt - Hal - Namor Member Since 2015

Posted On 6/14/2024

Fantastic! Congrats Daryl!

Amir E Member Since 2020

Posted On 6/14/2024

Awesome piece Daryl!

Marcus Wai Member Since 2005

Posted On 6/14/2024

It's reminscent of promo materials Frank Miller made for DKR. Splatter, bat symbol, silhouette of the hero and the city. This is how serious Quessada and Palmiotti took this pivotal move by DC during the big event era. Would the title soar with a new Batman?

Jonathan H Member Since 2005

Posted On 6/14/2024

Beautiful art congrats!!

Timothy Finney Member Since 2006

Posted On 6/14/2024

Sockamagee!

Michael Kirton Member Since 2009

Posted On 6/14/2024

Magnificent and moody. Congrats!

West Stephan Member Since 2007

Posted On 6/14/2024

He is THE DARK KNIGHT!!!

Teddie M Member Since 2008

Posted On 6/14/2024

Great piece.

Matt Kennedy Member Since 2014

Posted On 6/14/2024

A clinic in contrast!

Shemp Member Since 2003

Posted On 6/16/2024

Stop!! You're out of control. Nothing but bangers lately. Great piece!

Tyler T Member Since 2020

Posted On 6/20/2024

Epic image!

Phill R Member Since 2010

Posted On 6/21/2024

This piece just screams 90s nostalgia, killer!!!!

K Gearon Member Since 2011

Posted On 6/24/2024

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! Glad it make it to the right home. Love the technique of the fully shadowed figure and buildings...dramatic, to say the last. Strong graphic sense, too, all adding up to a perfect promo teaser image. Congrats!

JN 80 Member Since 2016

Posted On 6/6/2025

Stunning, vintage Azrael piece

thomas derrick aka #1marvelfan Member Since 2022

Posted On 12/17/2025

awesome buddy, beautiful piece

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Batman Knightfall Promo Splash from Wizard #23 - 1st appearance of Azrael Batman costume (1993)

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