Written by Dennis O’Neil
Art by Barry Kitson; John Stokes; Demetrius Bassoukos; Digital Hellfire; & Ken Bruzenak
Cover Art by Barry Kitson
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Demon Time: Part 1: Returned,” DC Comics published this issue for February 1996. At Dr. Sandra Kinsolving’s secluded home, Lilhy and a middle-aged psychiatrist observe Jean Paul Valley’s workout with Nightwing. Confronting his fellow St. Dumas disciple, an evidently jealous Jean Paul flees an awkward exchange re: Nightwing & Lilhy’s unexpected kiss.
Meanwhile, partial amnesiac Carleton LeHah (or Simon LeHah) returns home from hospital to recover from brain surgery. Now re-possessed by the Lord Demon Biis, LeHah schemes deadly vengeance upon Jean Paul/Azrael re: their prior confrontation. It’s made evident that LeHah slayed Jean Paul’s father – the first Azrael. Setting up Demon Time’s continuation, Jean Paul/Azrael and his psychiatrist are ambushed.
REVIEW:
For Jean Paul Valley’s fanbase, it’s a fairly good plot, courtesy of writer Dennis O’Neil. While Nightwing’s guest presence doesn’t add much, the LeHah sub-plot (and its link to Jean Paul’s shadowy past) seems promising. More so, unlike some of the cartoony sludge DC Comics passed off as artwork in the mid-90’s, this issue’s art squad does a commendable job (including the cover image)– they’re not taking the lazy way out. Still, this Batman spin-off series exhibits limited appeal, as far as pushing the uncharismatic Jean Paul as a viable solo star.
Now resembling a scrawny hippie/college kid/graduate student (seemingly shorter, too) with a blond shag hairstyle, he hardly presents the formidable ex-Batman one might expect and would like to see more of. That’s why, despite its above-average production quality, Azrael # 13 is likely to be a forgettable one-and-done with most readers.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a single-page letters-and-column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
