"Angel of Death" vs. "Angel of Mercy" AKA Why Jean Paul and Michael’s story aren’t interchangeable.
A very common issue within the fandom and on a larger scale the writers of Azrael after we left 2013 was the apparent indiscrimination of inclusions from their characterization. They would write Jean Paul as if he was Michael: which creates dissonance brought on by the lack of context in his character that explains Michael’s actions. It is actually important that both characters cannot be interchanged, as they both exist in contrast of the other.
I do not think Michael could be in Azrael 95, I would argue the same for JPV in Azrael 09.
This is because both stories rely on their reaction to said characters origins & assumed nature.
Jean Paul’s purpose, his reason for conception, was his Angelhood. Because of that his run is about becoming something uniquely his own. Reclaiming his identity as something that represents HIM. We do not focus on the indoctrination of The Order or its belief system because it doesn’t matter to Jean Paul.
JPV being a pacifist and becoming an "Angel of Mercy" is the result of this exploration of self. Becoming an agent of the bat in contrast to the order was the ultimate way to build off from his time in Knightfall.
But Michael isn’t JPV.
Michael wasn’t designed to be an Angel, he was actually "made" to be his antithesis. He’s introduced as The Antichrist, The Devil.
Michael story is the exact opposite, sacrificing his sense of self so that he can become The Angel that God needs of him. What the order believes is very important to him, as well his own faith, which is why the sudden focus on it. Michael believes the only way to atone for his time as Batman is to become an Angel, which is why we focus on his complete Indoctrination into The Order of Purity.
While Jean Paul’s narrative reflects the positive additions to his life (this is not to say he didn’t have negative influences) when it comes to Michael we are shown almost exclusively his relationships leading to further isolation. Dick Grayson enables him, All of his friends secretly plot his death, and most of his enemies further demonstrate what will happen to him if he fails to redeem his soul. Michael’s reason for becoming Azrael is selfish, which is showcased in his time as an angel.
I am greatly overgeneralising both runs, especially Jean Paul’s because it was a very long bugger with more than enough time to discuss subjects outside of redemption and identity. Michael hasn’t.
Azmike is what Jean Paul would be like had he not met Batman and Alfred. This is further supported by Batman’s legitimate absence in Gotham during Michael’s introduction as Azrael.
While Jean Paul is what Michael would be like had he not met Doctor Hurt.
Admittedly I think Michael has interesting parallels with Ludovic as well. Michael is a father without his son, while Jean Paul is a son without his father. They’re even opposites within a family dynamic.
We should stop acting like these two are similar at all or that inclusions of Michael’s lore within modern Azrael being given to JPV is okay.
My. Super, Duper hot take is that Michael Lane SHOULD take over the Azrael title again. Jean-Paul hasn’t even been Azrael for a bit. By getting rid of Michael it diminishes all of the progress that was set in place for his introduction.
I also just think it’s not fair that Michael had 1/5th the run time as Jean-Paul’s run yet they cut his time short just to give us mid-Catholic Azrael slop. Michael’s story is incredibly relevant we should give him a place to comment on his stories meaningfully.
Really hoping Michael helping the batfam wasn’t a one time deal with Fraction, having a character who is firmly anti-cop in this Gotham would do wonders to the current dynamic.
Corrigan being confirmed bisexual over freaky snake time with Constantine has to be one of the ways ever for a character to come out. Congrats spectre.
izzy806
gummygunk
discoholicmusic
2087
vaporwave
annaxmalina
