Azrael #35 : The Angel and the Hitman Writer : Dennis O'Neil Penciller : Roger Robinson Inker : James Pascoe Colourist : Demetrius Bassoukos Seperations : Prismacolour Letter : Ken Bruzenak Assistant Editor : Chuck Kim Editor : Archie Goodwin

Tommy Monaghan AKA. Hitman accepts a contrant from one Yancy Thork to shoot the person who stole his bankroll. A problem arises when Azrael discovers that Willie Ronton is ill and needs to find Samuel Ronton, his father, coincidentally the same man Tommy Monaghan is looking for. A shoot out ensues at Chilli's Servivce Station and Motor Lodge. When Azrael and Monoghan confront Ronton and his Girlfriend, the thief is killed. Luckily the thief was Ronton's Girlfriend and he never even knew she had the money.

Review :

Another well written single issue tale. Roger Robinson makes his pencilling return this issue and makes a great improvement over his previous art, getting better with every page. He succeeds in bringing the strong shadow presence into play without sacrificing detail as he previously had. Part of the credit for bringing back the detail and quality of the art rests with Demetrious Bassoukos who brings highlights to the dark inks, following a very dark flat colouring style, succeeding his phenomenal work with Barry Kitson. Dennis O'Neil crafted a wonderful story with good action and an inspired twist that allows both characters to come out winners without being contrived, this story also makes good use of black humour and marks the third in a string of good issues.

Rant :

This has to be one of the best Azrael stories I've read. The strong art helps but my biggest reason for liking this issue is the Oracle/Azrael conversation which really warms the cockles of my heart, Oracle gives small subtle hints but Jean-Paul is oblivious to them, the strong emotion in this one scene keeps me going for the rest of the issue, not to mention Roger Robinson makes her look sexy as hell even with the harsher art style he has adopted. Of course the main reason I buy Azrael, Denny, has written a great script with good, strong dialogue as I mentioned earlier. This is one issue I can't find fault with.