Azrael (DC)

A test-tube baby, from his conception Jean-Paul's genetic structure was altered by scientists with animal DNA, engineering him to be capable of feats beyond those of a normal human. He grew up oblivious to his intended larger purpose, and became a graduate student of computer science at Gotham University. He learned of his family's legacy when his father, the previous Azrael, crawled bleeding to his apartment one night in costume, having been mortally wounded by LeHah. Before requesting that his body be dumped somewhere where the family secrets wouldn't be uncovered, his father supplied him with money, and the means to travel to Switzerland and meet with the Order of St. Dumas who would supply him with his training. It was later revealed that his father had actually been attempting to supply Jean-Paul with the means to escape the Order's influences, but his intentions were misread. In the Swiss Alps, a man named Nomoz taught Valley of the responsibilities of Azrael, and revealed that despite believing himself to be rather mild-mannered, he was in reality already a more-than-capable fighter requiring no additional training (apart from a few months of intense exercise in order to build up his body), having been already unknowingly suitably conditioned. His conditioning is the result of a process referred to as "The System", the full implications on the human psyche of which have never been fully explained. In his first time donning his costume, Azrael meets Batman (Bruce Wayne), accompanied by his butler Alfred, who had traveled to Switzerland investigating the mystery behind Azrael's father's death, the nature of which had inadvertently instigated a riot. Although at first they were at odds with each other, Azrael was eventually forced to rescue Bruce from Biis (LeHah), and ended up rejecting the Order's violent and uncaring methods in favor of the more humanitarian efforts Batman encourages.

Already being aware of Wayne's secret identity, he traveled back to Gotham and began working with the Batman Family.

Enhanced Physiology: Having been created in a laboratory as a living weapon, Jean-Paul Valley has enhanced physiology as a result. Accelerated Healing Enhanced Senses Enhanced Durability Enhanced Speed Enhanced Reflexes Superhuman Strength: Jean-Paul's strength is enhanced to beyond normal human levels. Superhuman Stamina:Jean-Paul's stamina is enhanced to beyond normal human levels. Abilities Acrobatics Computer Operation: Jean-Paul Valley studied Computer Programming at Gotham University. Computer Hacking Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced): Mental programming from The System has led Azrael to become a vastly above-average hand-to-hand fighter. While not on the same skill-level as Batman, he has proven himself more than capable of handling most physical threats. This was mainly due to that fact that his full combat potential was limited by his easily exploited Mental Illness. Batman has asserted in the past that if not for this factor, Azrael could become a better fighter than him. Genius Level Intellect: He has often been described as an unconscious genius, although he is not as smart or resourceful as Bruce Wayne. Weaponry Intimidation Investigation Multilingualism: Thanks to the System, Jean-Paul is able to understand foreign languages. Mechanical Aptitude: Thanks to the system, Jean-Paul could design and create objects from scratch, as his batsuit. Swordsmanship Swimming: Jean-Paul proved to be an excellent swimmer, crossing a turbulent river. Artistry: Bruce Wayne noted the talent of the artist from Jean-Paul. Medicine: He learned a lot while working with Dr. Leslie Thompkins.

Kevlar Body-Armor: Azrael's suit was bullet and fire resistant. Weapons Battle Gauntlets Projectile Blades: The blades telescope to the sleeves of the gauntlets and remain attached to prevent loss. Flaming Sword: A fire module on the base of the gauntlets feed fuel for the blades to ignite. Flamethrower The Angel's Wrath.

Azrael is a 1 meter and 88 centimeters tall and muscular-builded man, wearing a gray iron mask that protects his entire head, which doesn't allow to see his face or hair, only his eyes, also wearing a white hood with a red arrow pointed forwards, a full chainmail armor underneath a white mantle with a red cross on the center of his chest, a red torned cape, metallic red shoulder plates, dark red bladed forearm guards, black gloves, black armored pants, dark red shin guards and black boots, his armor makes him look like a modernized Knight Templar.

Azrael, by definition, is a very complex character. Most of this stems from his personal feelings of hatred towards criminals and desire to make the world a better place but this is often convoluted due to his feelings of guilt and regret. The methods of training to achieve such goals, however, have left Azrael rather unstable as Cash states during his time as a police officer he went too far and often became too violent, seriously injuring or killing suspects until he became a criminal (perhaps viewing it as a more effective method of justice). When confronted by Batman, he attempts to atone for his crimes by addressing religion and is preyed on by the Order of Saint Dumas who remolded Michael Lane, shedding his former life and dedicating life, body and soul to the Order. Unbeknownst to Azrael, the Order was in actuality influencing his way of thinking with their religion and the Suit of Souls. They have manipulated him into believing that he is a "tool of God" whereas he was simply being controlled to carry out their so-called "divine justice" as a power head for the Order. He obviously cares about the well being of innocents as he rescued hostages from Bane in Arkham City but his sense of justice and right and wrong have become warped under the Order's influence as he views people who spare criminals deserve an equal level of righteous wrath. He truly believes it as his destiny to take the name of Batman and defend Gotham after his death and becomes impatient and angry if he feels this is being denied to him. Azrael presents himself as a mysterious messenger, having a strong belief in metaphysical prospects such as prophecies or the Gates of Hell and relaying such messages cryptically, earning them a chance to prove their worth to him and his cause. He does not overestimate his importance and understands that he is merely a soldier and the Order is something of greater importance.

However, he choose to break the sword and spare Batman, he would defect from the Order completely and return to his true identity before vowing to make those who controlled him pay.

Despite accepting Azrael completely and claiming that "Michael Lane is dead", he still shows traits of the man he used to be. Such as referring to Aaron Cash as "rookie" in Arkham City (due to Cash and Lane being partners beforehand and the same thing he nicknamed himself).

The Bat Family Dick Grayson (Nightwing, first Robin) Barbara Gordon (Batgirl, Oracle) Helena Wayne (second Huntress) Jason Todd (second Robin, Red Hood) Carrie Kelley (third Robin) Tim Drake (third Robin, Red Robin) Damian Wayne (fourth Robin) Selina Kyle (Catwoman) Helena Bertinelli (Huntress) Jean Paul Valley (first Azrael) Michael Lane (second Azrael, which is {{char}} himself) Katherine Rebecca Kane (Batwoman)

Michael Washington Lane