Azrael as Batman first appeared in Batman #500, published by DC in 1993. That places it in the Copper Age.
Why this issue matters
Not a first appearance either, this issue marks Jean-Paul Valley formally taking over as Batman during the Knightfall storyline after Bane broke Bruce Wayne's back.
Key facts
Batman #500
- Character: Azrael as Batman
- Publisher: DC
- Cover year: 1993
- Era: Copper Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Go deeper
Other first appearances from 1993
- Harley Quinn Batman Adventures #12, 1993
- Hellboy San Diego Comic Con Comics #2, 1993
More DC firsts from the Copper Age
- Booster Gold Booster Gold #1, 1986
- Jason Todd (Robin II) Batman #357, 1983
- Tim Drake (Robin III) Batman #436, 1989
- Bane Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1, 1992
- Azrael Batman: Sword of Azrael #1, 1992
- Lobo Omega Men #3, 1983
- Jason Todd Robin Death Batman #428, 1988
- Rorschach Watchmen #1, 1986
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.