The first and second issues of “Lazarus” blew us away, crafting an enthralling post-apocalyptic world and populating it with a diverse cast of characters and more than its fair share of moral and political dilemmas. Moving forward, there are a couple of bumps along the way, but the intrigue of the plot and the scale of the world-building ensures that “Lazarus” is still a fascinating read.
Written by Greg Rucka
Illustrated by Michael Lark“FAMILY,” Part Three Forever, now a “guest” of Family Morray in Mexico, shares a message and ultimatum, and gets to know her opposite number, the Morray Lazarus, Joacquim. In Los Angeles, the Twins continue their plot against their father, using Forever as their pawn.
With Forever playing postman in order to start negotiations with the Morray Family, it’s safe to say that matters of dire political importance are being settled over the course of this issue. But it’s not on these, but on Forever as a mediator and, in some ways, neutral party, that our focus rests. Now more than ever is the emphasis on Forever as an independent agent, and while she seldom has the chance to express herself, the situation that she finds herself in by the end of the issue makes it vitally clear that Forever’s wishes can – and do – stand in opposition to her family’s.
Speaking of family, the subplot is also rolling along nicely, and if it feels like the Twins are portrayed as a bit single-mindedly evil as they plot against their father and Forever, it’s probably because they are. But in a story where antagonism could conceivably come from any quarter, it’s interesting that the most serious threat is right at home, with their plotting adding an appreciable complexity to the politics of the home front.
The only serious narrative flaw involves a Romeo-and-Juliet theme that crops up over the course of Forever’s dealings with the Morrays. It comes up awfully quickly, without much context, and feels arbitrary. And while it’s not an issue-breaking problem, the cliffhanger does partly rely on it, with the momentum of the plot coming out slightly weakened. In a story where what a character really wants – as opposed to what her masters are demanding of her – is one of the strongest points of interest, showcasing any impulse that is truly hers would likely require a lot more pages and a much more gradual development that it gets here.
Meanwhile, “Lazarus” continues to be one beautiful book. Michael Lark’s art was one of the most arresting aspects about the first issue, and as the series moves on his work continues to be economical, forceful, and pitch-perfect. As usual, Forever stands – quite literally – head and shoulders above everything else as a character that immediately catches the eye. Her imposing physical presence contrasts beautifully with her expressions, which are diverse and often quite delicate.
It sounds sort of odd to say it this way, but with Lark’s art, the anatomy of the characters feels like a narrative force unto itself. Lazari, after all, are human weapons; their physical fitness is their main qualification, aside from their loyalty. In the case of Forever and the Morray’s Lazurus, Joacquim, the physicality of these characters is emphasized to such an extent that they look very much like outsiders. Lark makes it very clear that while these people do represent families, they are at heart individuals who are more than capable of feeling at odds with their circumstances.
Then there’s Lark feel for camera angle and perspective, which gives this story its unique, I would almost say cinematic, look. Lark always gets at the most potent angle on a situation, with the dynamism of the visual storytelling ensuring that every panel hits home and the tension is always running high.
Some flaws notwithstanding, “Lazarus” is a powerful and engaging story that’s continuing to build on a solid thematic foundation. It’s not often you come across a post-apocalyptic story with this much depth and weight to it, or which centers on quite so compelling a protagonist, and with every new development the narrative force only seems to build. With a gigantic, complex world to explore, and a fascinating character to lead us through it, by all counts we’ve got nothing but great things to look forward to.
Final Verdict: 8.5 – Buy
