Changes: Michael Lane (Arkhamverse)

Dark days are here Batman, the prophecy has come true. From the ashes of Arkham City the fires are raging and Gotham is burning. I can see that same fire in your eyes. Before this night is through that fire will consume you. Gotham will need a new savior, a new guardian, a new Batman.

— Azrael ^src

History

Born Michael Lane, Azrael was once a police officer based in Gotham City. Lane was once part of an initiative to create "the ultimate crime fighter," however it turned him into a criminal. Once captured by Batman, Lane confessed his sins to a priest of the Order of Purity. He was then recruited to "fight evil as their crusader Azrael" while wearing the Suit of Sorrows and using the Sword of Sin. The Suit of Sorrows will defeat Lane if he does not keep his soul pure.

Arkham City

Main article: Batman: Arkham City

Batman encounters Azrael many times throughout his "incarceration" in Arkham City, where he gives cryptic statements before disappearing and leaving an ambiguous symbol. Once all the symbols are collected, they form a map leading Batman to the Gotham Cathedral. At the church, Azrael reveals that he has been sent to observe Batman, believing he is a warrior foretold by an ancient prophecy. He reveals he was sent by the Order of St. Dumas to deliver a prophecy to Batman. He tells how the city will burn, and that Batman is the "warrior" who will save Gotham, but will fall in the process. Batman remains skeptical of Azrael's prophecy claiming he does not believe in fairy tales, but Azrael holds firm in his belief, telling Batman they will meet again as he departs Arkham City.

Arkham Knight

Main article: Batman: Arkham Knight

One year after the shutdown of Arkham City, Azrael signals Batman via burning bat symbols and tells him that his prophecy had become a reality and that before the night is over, Batman will burn. Azrael then tries to convince Batman that he is his rightful successor, giving him his Sword of Sin. Batman then tests Lane's abilities, telling him that when the time is right, he'll consider letting him take his place. After several fight simulations, Batman comes to the conclusion that Azrael's fighting style is almost identical to his own.

Though Lane proves himself worthy to Batman, Batman tells Azrael that he will contact him when he has made his decision. After Michael departs, Alfred contacts Batman, saying he has identified Azrael as Michael Lane and that the Batcomputer has detected a singularity in his physiology.

At the Gotham Clock Tower, Batman finds a microprocessor surgically implanted in Azrael's brain. Batman recognizes the Order's symbols from Arkham City and suspects that his memories were tampered with, used to modify his behaviour unconsciously. Reviewing Lane's memories, Batman finds a subliminal message embedded in them, in which the Order tells Azrael to gain Batman's trust in order to kill him, as Batman "prevents the evil of Gotham from facing true, divine justice".

As Batman listens to the message, Azrael sneaks behind him and picks up the Sword of Sin. Batman gives Michael a choice: strike him down or break the sword. If he tries to kill Batman, then he will counterattack and knock Azrael unconscious, taking him to GCPD. If he chooses to spare him, he will break the sword and leave the Clock Tower, planning to exact revenge on the Order for manipulating him to their will.

Powers and Abilities

Powers

Enhanced Physical attributes granted by wearing the Suit of Sorrows:
- Enhanced Strength
- Enhanced Speed
- Enhanced Stamina

Abilities

Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced)
Swordsmanship
Military Protocol: Has has extensive training in both military and police tactics.
Acrobatics

Weaknesses

Mental Disorder: Michael Lane and Azrael exist as two seperate beings inhabiting the same body, with Michael having no memories of anything he says or does as Azrael. ^{[citation needed]}

Paraphernalia

Equipment

Suit of Sorrows

Weapons

Sword of Sin

Notes

This version of the character is exclusive to the continuity of the video game Batman: Arkham City and is an adaptation of Azrael. The original character was created by Grant Morrison and Tony S. Daniel and first appeared in Batman #665.
Azrael was voiced by Khary Payton.

@@ Line 95: / Line 95: @@
 {{Batman}}
 [[Category:2011 Character Debuts]]
+[[Category:Batman Supporting Cast]]