Description

Batman # 500 Collector’s Edition (1st app. Az-Bats)

Date: October, 1993

Creative Team: Jim Aparo (Artist), Mike Manley (Artist), Joe Quesada (Cover Artist), Doug Moench (Writer), Terry Austin (Inker), Dennis O’Neil (Editor)

Condition Notes: Mint condition.

Story Notes: This is the final part of the 19 part Knightfall storyline, which saw Batman crippled by the villain Bane and replaced by the anti-hero, Azrael. This issue features Azrael’s new Batman costume (known as Az-Bats). The Knightfall storyline saw a tired run, down Bruce Wayne crippled by Bane, and in turn the more violent Azrael defeating Bane and emerging as the new Batman. This issue saw the end of Jim Aparo’s long run as veteran Batman artist and the introduction of Mike Manley as the new regular artist. The Knightfall story was a major reference point for the third Batman film, Dark Knight Rises (2012).

This issue was released in two major variants, a Collector’s edition, which featured a metallic die-cut cover by Joe Quesada, and a Newsstand edition with an iconic cover by Kelly Jones. There also exists a bagged edition of the Newsstand version.

This comic was released as part of a major revitalization campaign by DC comics in the 90’s which saw all of their major superheroes replaced over the course of two years. Among these storylines included the Death of Superman, Emerald Twilight (Hal Jordan becomes a Parrallax), Wonder Woman replaced by Artemis, the Death of Green Arrow, and Aquaman loosing his hand.