Batman Incorporated: Azrael Returns…But Why?

In a twist more surprising than the one used on the gatefold cover this month, a character not seen since the launch of the New 52 appears in preview pages just released for Batman Incorporated #10 (and embedded below).Michael Lane, the most recent character to use the name Azrael in Batman comics and the second long-term candidate (Mark Shaw, a former Manhunter, was briefly hinted to have been recruited by the Order of St. Dumas) will make his first appearance of the New 52 this week, as he’s recruited by Batman to go to war with Talia al Ghul, who is responsible for the death of their mutual test tube baby, Damian Wayne (the most recent Robin).The trio share a history in the form of the Suit of Sorrows, armor designed for the pure of heart which can drive its wearer mad. Having once belonged to Talia, the armor was given to Batman as a gift. It made him stronger and faster–but also less stable and more violent, leading him to stop wearing it. After his apparent death in Batman R.I.P., the armor was stolen from the Batcave and later reappeared in Lane’s possession.