We only have one more issue to go because Nicieza, Bachs, and the rest of the crew leaves the title. The art team has not been nice to this series since issue one. I’m really going to be sad when Nicieza goes. While David Hine might be a good replacement, I really think Nicieza should stay with his baby. It doesn’t help that, once again, Nicieza knocks it out of the park.

Michael Lane once again has to confront a group of villains he met in the Batman/Detective Annuals from last year. We see again just how horrible they are with beginning the issue with a grisly aftermath of an attack. This keeps reminding me that nothing is sacred with this series and this is a very violent title compared to other DC titles. Nicieza is just so good at giving us a mix of religion and fate with Lane’s character. The fight in this was barely a fight at all, it basically was Lane confronting his sins and trying to reason why he is a good person. Also, the reminder that Ra’s Al Ghul is none to please about the Suit of Sorrows being stolen. There are a lot of things coming to ahead either for next month or for the series in general.

Here’s a shocker for you: Ramon Bachs and his art team did pretty good in this. Shockingly good I might add. For whatever reason, it seems like every other two issues they produce amazing work for this title. The inking was still a bit wonky, but Stanisci did much better then before. But the colors worked, especially when it comes to Azrael’s swords. Faces actually look good, the panel layouts make more sense, and in general it is a 100% improvement from the past.

If the art team can keep this pace going for their last issue, then it would be a nice surprise of a send off for them. Not too worried about Nicieza though. He proves again and again why the rebirth of Azrael mattered. By giving him a ton of complex situations, both physical and religious base, this character feels so much better then the original incarnation. Whatever Nicieza has plans for Hine once his time comes to an end, part of the charm of this series will somewhat disappear. A nice, quiet little B-title for any DC fan.