A new era begins as a new Batman arrives in Gotham City. Bruce Wayne, battle-broken and unavailable for field duty after an epic showdown with Bane, has appointed a new Dark Knight as his temporary surrogate. Jean-Paul Valley (a.k.a. Azrael) has assumed the role of the Caped Crusader, but without his mentor's integrity and experience, he quickly spins out of control. His undisciplined behavior is especially worrisome to both Robin and Commissioner Gordon.

The fourth installment of the Batman: Knightfall saga, Batman: Knightquest: The Crusade Vol. 1 collects Detective Comics #667-670, Robin #1-2, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #19-20, Batman #501-504 and Catwoman #6-7, plus bonus material