Batman: Sword of Azrael #1-4 (of 4) Complete

Batman: Sword of Azrael is a four-issue limited series that depicts the origin of Azrael aka Jean Paul Valley, the man who one day would replace Bruce Wayne as Batman and published by DC Comics from October 1992 through January 1993. Otherwise known as the "Prelude to Knightfall." After this 4-issue series Azrael then became a supporting character in the monthly Batman titles, eventually taking over the role of Batman through the Knightfall, Knightquest, and KnightsEnd story arcs. Written by Dennis O'Neil; Art by Joe Quesada and Kevin Nowlan. Dennis O'Neal is perhaps most well known for turning Batman from the campiness of the 1960s TV show, to "The Batman", getting back to the character's darker roots and emphasizing his detective skills. This grimer and more sophisticated Dark Knight, as well as new villians such as Ra's Al Ghul, brought back Batman from the verge of pop culture oblivion. His work would influence later incarnations of Batman, from the seminal comic Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, to the movie Batman Begins in 2005. Stands right up there among the best origin tales in the Batman mythos.