Brian Azzarello is an American comic book writer and screenwriter known for his distinctive work in the comics industry. Azzarello first gained recognition with the hardboiled crime series 100 Bullets, published by DC Comics' mature-audience imprint Vertigo. His work is notable for its gritty realism, complex characters, and richly woven narratives.

Azzarello has forged significant collaborations with artists such as Eduardo Risso and Lee Bermejo, crafting acclaimed stories like Batman: Broken City, Spaceman, Moonshine, Batman/Deathblow, Luthor, and Joker. His contributions extend to the Watchmen prequel project Before Watchmen and the sequel for The Dark Knight Returns, titled DK III: The Master Race. Moreover, Azzarello has made his mark on iconic titles such as Hellblazer and the Wonder Woman series in The New 52 relaunch.

In 2005, Azzarello launched a new creator-owned series, the western Loveless, with artist Marcelo Frusin. His storytelling prowess and ability to craft compelling tales have earned him critical acclaim, including the 2001 Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story for 100 Bullets #15–18: "Hang Up on the Hang Low".

Azzarello's influence in the realm of comics is further exemplified by his stints on Batman and Superman, where he worked with an array of talented artists including Jim Lee. He is married to fellow comic-book writer and illustrator Jill Thompson, and they continue to be influential figures in the world of graphic novels and comic books.