Azrael
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This minifigure has only appeared in video game(s) Although this article is about an official minifigure, it never existed in physical form, or appeared in any official LEGO sets. |
| Azrael | |
|---|---|
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| Theme: | |
| Variations: |
Jean-Paul Valley |
| Accessories: |
Flaming Sword |
| Years: | |
| [List of appearances] | |
Azrael is an ally of Batman who has appeared in the portable versions of LEGO Batman: The Video Game and LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes. A legacy mantle, Azrael appears as Jean-Paul Valley in the former and Michael Lane in the latter. LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham DLC celebrating different versions of Batman for his 75th anniversary includes a costume for "AzBat," a nickname for Jean-Paul when he briefly shed the Azrael mantle to replace Bruce Wayne as the Dark Knight.
Description[edit | edit source]
In his first variation Azrael wore a red hood with a black mask underneath with his nose and mouth further covered with a red fleur de lys. His torso and arms are also red and the latter is designed with a golden belt and armour, part of which is covered by red pauldrons with golden floral designs. His legs are coloured red, and his hips and hands are gold. He carries a flaming sword and can double jump. Even though his cape is absent from the DS versions, it is available for use on consoles and makes use of black colouring to give it it's unique shape.
Azrael was redesigned with a more modern costume for his next variation. He now has a dark grey hood and a white costume. His mask is now white and while the red decor remains, it's shape is slightly different and a red triangle is now also on his forehead. His torso is less ornamental and is now white and muscle-bound with a red cross on his chest. He wears a brown belt with a golden buckle. He has printing on his legs of an apron and a knotted tie off to the side. His arms are decorated with four black slashes above the hands. He once again uses a flaming sword and can use grapple and glide.
Background[edit | edit source]
Jean-Paul Valley, Jr., becomes the crusading anti-hero Azrael due to brain-washing by the Sacred Order of Saint Dumas. He is notable in that while a hero, he lacks any sort of no-kill rule. Even though the people Azrael killed are considered evil, this was not approved of by Batman, who helps Jean-Paul to break the Order's hold over him and become a more ethical hero. Azrael grows closer to his new mentor and is trusted enough to become Batman when Bane breaks Batman's back.
"AzBat's" detective skills are not as honed as his predecessor and he often makes false assumptions, such as misidentifying Catwoman's well-intentioned activities as dangerous. After being attacked by The Scarecrow, AzBat's brain-washing resurfaces as a defence mechanism, causing Jean-Paul to return to his violent ways. He rebuilds the Batsuit into a more threatening armour. When Bruce Wayne returns from retraining with Lady Shiva he defeats AzBat by forcing him to shed his armour and weapons so that he can catch Bruce. After he sheds the last of his armour, Jean-Paul realizes that Bruce is the true Batman and sinks into a depression. Disgraced, he begins to live on the streets until he realizes that he has been forgiven. Returning to the Azrael mantle, Jean-Paul acts as a hero until he is seemingly killed when he falls into a river during a fight with the villains Scratch and LeHah. His death is unconfirmed until Jean-Paul is resurrected as a zombie Black Lantern during the Blackest Night.
The second Azrael is Michael Lane, who is approached by a group that splintered from the Sacred Order of St. Dumas. He uses the Suit of Sorrows, which he attained from Talia Al Ghul. It gives him enhanced speed and strength, but at the risk of shattering his mind. He also carries a flaming blade known as the Sword of Sin. After being manipulated by Ra's Al Ghul into nearly destroying Gotham City, Azrael focuses his energies on praying and looking for forgiveness, fearing that he will have a role to play in the Apocalypse.
In the video games[edit | edit source]
Azrael was playable on the DS version of LEGO Batman: The Videogame, but played no role in the story. Despite being absent from consoles, he was mentioned in the Batcomputer's data section which confirmed his role in the events of Knightfall in LEGO's DC Universe. His parts are also unlocked for the character creator along with The Spoiler, Black Mask, and Huntress' when 100% completion is reached, including his cape which is absent from the DS.
In LEGO Batman 2 Azrael is unlocked on handheld versions of the game when his minikit is found on Gotham Metro.
Azrael as Batman is playable for the first time in LEGO Batman 3, with the purchase of the 75th Anniversary pack DLC.
Gallery of Variants[edit | edit source]
 |  | |
| Jean-Paul Valley | Michael Lane | Batman |
Appearances[edit | edit source]
- LEGO Batman: The Videogame (Portable)
- LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (Portable)
- LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (DLC)
