Summary: As Brielle and Jean Paul escape the carnage of Vengeance they become embroiled in a conspiracy with the Knights Templar.
Plot: As much as we all love shiny new #1 issues with all the hope and optimism for what is to come that they bring I think second issues are by far the most important as it's only there that you really learn what the book aims to deliver and you discover if it really can fulfill that promise. Thankfully in Dan Waters' follow up issue of Sword of Azrael we see that he can deliver the goods as we expand on Jean Paul's world and deepen the mystery around Brielle as well as connect to what went on before. And while I'm a long time fan of Jean Paul and Azrael, and I did enjoy the mystery surrounding the new character I think the inclusion of that last element is what really won me over with this issue. In his first Azrael story that he put out during the spring in Batman: Urban Legends #8-10, Watters introduced a new character called the Poor Fellow who was another warrior with similar programing as Jean Paul from a rival group of knights, and while short it was a fun story and I was a little bumbed when not only was it not mentioned last issue but the way Jean Paul related the events of his life it made it seem like this story took place before the one in Urban Legends which seemed like a waste. However, with the Poor Fellow's appearance here in the second issue it puts that fear to rest and really gives you a sense that something important is being built here which is something the Jean Paul really needs as a character as it gives him a real niche to live in. Only time will tell if he's allowed to stick around and grow but I'm certainly hopeful.
Art: While still not my favorite I think Cizmesija's simplified, manga like style is starting to grow on me a little bit as it's cartoony violence didn't take me out of the story nearly as much as it did in the past. While the back grounds sometimes lack detail the action is easy to follow and they build a mood well with their use of shadows.
Grade:8/10

Summary: As Steve muses about just what it is he stands for an invisible assassin follows him through his day in New York City. 
Plot: While I still don't know who or what the Outer Circle is or what they want out of their machinations of the world (which limits them as a  threat) I am still enjoying this comic's take on Steve Rogers. Although there was a short fight with the liquid Terminator like assassin this issues was mostly an introspective run through of Cap's day-to-day life; we see him wake up, eat breakfast, walk a little boy the school, hang out with Bucky, go to art school and have a cold one with a friend all while he asks them what the image of the shield means to them. It's definitely a slower paced comic, but it never once feels like its treading water and even if some of the answers to his soul searching feel a little rote the journey is interesting. And Bucky and Steve hug. I'd be remiss not to mention that awesome scene, if you're someone who even cares about these characters even just a little bit I dare you read that scene and not smile. I might not know what exactly the threat is, or understand why it's really causing Steve so much existential dread but the issues themselves continue to be really fun reads.
Art: I think what I love most about Carnero's art is just how human his characters are. There's such a variety in body types and facial expressions that it makes the book feel so diverse and real which definitely draws you into the story. 
Grade: 9/10