Written by: Greg Rucka
Art by: Michael Lark
Published by: Image Comics
Long have I lamented the terrible loss of DC’s ‘Gotham Central’, which was one of the finest comic books to ever grace the stands. Since its demise I’ve always followed the creators to whatever they worked on, confident that I was in for a great read. Lazarus is written by one of the writers of Gotham Central and drawn by one of the artists and once again, it’s a fantastic book.
Three issues in and already writer Greg Rucka and artist Michael Lark have created a lush world rife with interesting characters. Each one is so multi-layered you can’t help but be sucked into the story, which is a sign of a great comic. Not one of these characters seems flat or like a throwaway.
The world of Lazarus is simple. In the future the world is divided, not through politics or geography, but amongst financial boundaries. Wealth is power, and that power rests with only a handful of Families and each has their own Lazarus who acts as the sword and shield. The book itself focuses on the Family Carlyle Lazarus called Forever.
In this issue, following an attack on her Family, Forever is dispensed to visit the suspected rival family. There is some great story progression this issue as we learn that some of the Family Carlyle aren’t what they seem and there is a major conflict on the horizon orchestrated by some of her siblings.
The writing and art of Lazarus is superb. Rucka and Lark are so in-sync that there are lengthy scenes where just the art is used to tell the story. Lark is one of those talented artists that can draw characters with body language worth a thousand words and Rucka really uses that in this issue. The scenes between Forever and the other Lazarus are a full testament to this and are some of the very best scenes in the entire book.
New, original comics are always great when they hit the target, as you literally never know what can happen. There is no rulebook, no status quo and that’s what makes a book like Lazarus so exciting. Coupled with one of the best creative teams in all of comics and this is a must read book.
5 out of 5 nerds
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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