Lazarus #5
Story By: Greg Rucka
Art By: Michael Lark
Cover By: Michael Lark
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: SEP130515
Published: December 11, 2013
NEW STORY ARC!
“LIFT,” Part One
Following Jonah’s betrayal, Forever is beginning to question the nature of family, in particular her own. Waste from all over the Carlyle domain travel to Denver in hopes of improving their lives.
Lazarus #4
Story By: Greg Rucka
Art By: Michael Lark
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: JUL130528
Published: October 2, 2013
“FAMILY,” Part Four
The conclusion of the first arc. Forever moves to defend her Family with blood and steel as the Twins’ plot against their father is revealed.
Lazarus #3
Story By: Greg Rucka
Art By: Michael Lark
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: JUN130548
Published: August 28, 2013
“FAMILY,” Part ThreeForever, 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.
The second issue of the Image Comics series Lazarus, Greg Rucka and Michael Lark’s dystopian vision of a feudal future, has sold out the same week as its release, prompting a second printing that will be in stores on August 28.
Lazarus follows Forever Carlyle, the powerful Carlyle Family’s “ Lazarus,” a genetically-enhanced young woman who cannot be killed and protects the Family’s interests and resources. Raised to believe she is a loved member of the Family, Forever’s world begins to fall apart as she questions the brutal acts she has been raised to believe are normal.
A striking depiction of a society where the wealthy 0.0001% hold power and the lives of the poor are expendable, Lazarus has received extraordinary critical acclaim and you can read our review.
The second printing of Lazarus #2 can be pre-ordered now (Diamond code: JUN138142) and will be in stores on August 28, the same day as LAZARUS #3.
This is what I’m talking about. This right here. Lazarus #1 was a great debut, but it felt a little rushed, like Greg Rucka was trying to cram as much as possible into a tiny space. Thankfully, this issue breathes a little easier.
(SPOILERS) Actually, this issue breathes a lot. In fact, there’s not much action at all. Most of this issue is talking and scheming and learning about the Family Carlyle. If anyone other than Rucka was writing this issue, I would call it boring. Fortunately, that’s not the case. Issue #2 is a master class in how to pace and plot a comic book. I was so struck by how every scene had a purpose; nothing went on too long, nothing was unnecessary. I learned the pertinent information and then the comic moved me right along into the following scene, which is another fantastic aspect of this book. Every scene leads to the next, with information from one scene having an impact on the next. It lent the book an incredible flow that made it so easy to read that I hardly noticed that there was little to no action. (Of course, part of this is the art, which I’ll get to.)
Not only was the book great scene to scene, but the dialogue was pitch perfect. Nothing felt hacky or rushed. For the most part, the characterization and voices were consistent. I never took issue with how the characters said anything, but I did have a bit of a problem with what they were saying.
For instance, Jonah Carlyle (Forever’s brother) seems like a bit of a dick, which is hard characterization to come back from. He seems pretty one note to me, which is worrisome: I really don’t want one of the primary antagonists to have his only characterization be, “I’m a bit of a dick.” Secondly, there was a moment in which Beth Carlyle (sister to Jonah) just kind of went off on Jonah, beat the crap out of him, and then threatened to kill him with a knife. All of that is great, and I have no doubt that there is a crazy amount of blackmail, stress, and hatred within the Carlyle family, but we don’t really know any of it yet. To have Beth just straight up attack her brother seemed a little premature.
However, all of that being said, I still believe in the characters. Nothing about the characters of Beth and Jonah make them particularly bad characters right now (it’s only issue #2, after all), and I have no doubt that Rucka will soon expand on them. And although this issue is a bit of an information dump, the main plot did move forward, and a new subplot comes to light: Jonah and his (twin?) sister Johanna are plotting to make moves against Forever. Also, they’re incestuous, which is gross, but kind of fun in a weird way.
A big part of what I mentioned above had to do with the easy readability of this comic. I can talk all I want about how good the writing is and how the dialogue is very convincing, and all of that adds to the book’s great sense of pace and momentum, but none of that could be accomplished without Michael Lark’s stellar art. The page design is simple and easy to read, which makes it easy for a reader’s eye to travel from one panel to the next; I was never, ever, confused about what I was supposed to read and when, which is a complaint I frequently have. This, in turn, allows this comic to get away with using less dialogue and caption boxes than the average comic. There are almost entire pages that are wordless, which is always a plus in my mind: any time the art can tell the story, it should.
Of course, it wouldn’t be able to tell the story so fluidly and clearly if the character models weren’t clear and consistent, and thankfully they are. Movement seems entirely natural, as do facial expressions. Lark can show disgust, anger, happiness, and lust so clearly it’s almost uncanny. The character movements are also drawn in a way that seems natural. The moment during which Beth attacks Jonah is presented in such a understandable way that I never had any doubt where I was, or how things had happened. The action was always fluid and it always looked perfect.
(Actually, on kind of a lame side note, on page 15 the middle panel shows Jonah knocking a tray out of a housekeeper’s hands. It’s not a huge moment, it doesn’t have lasting consequences, but I just stared at it for a good minute. The movement was so real I just couldn’t believe it. So anyway . . .)
Lazarus #2 simultaneously expanded the world and also focused on character. It’s a great issue that will without a doubt lay the foundation for the rest of the arc. I fully expect issue #3 to be explosive, and I, personally, can’t wait.
Story: Greg Rucka Art: Michael Lark
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.
The first issue of Lazarus, the new dystopian Image Comics series by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark, has sold out the day of its release. Lazarus #1 is immediately going back to press. The second printing will be in stores on July 24, the same day as Lazarus #2.
The story of Forever, an apparently-immortal young woman, who was created as a lethal bodyguard and enforcer for the powerful Carlyle family, Lazarus is set in a society that is at once highly futuristic and regressively feudal. Concentrated wealth and technological knowledge has put a few families in control of the lives who those who work for them, and Forever’s job is to maintain her family’s hold on power.
Forever’s story and society was influenced by the Occupy Movement’s concern about economic inequality. While gratified at the new series’ success, Rucka is hesitant to ascribe political motivations behind the success of Lazarus, though he does feel the comic speaks to people’s present experiences.
“I’m not sure I’d claim that we’ve hit a particular chord or social note, but I do think Michael and I are talking about — at least as backdrop — a scenario driven by some very real-world concerns,” said Rucka. “Not that we’re all headed to a genetically engineered future, or that the economic situation will become as dire and dark as we’ve painted it; but the fact is, we’re living in a very unstable world, and economic instability is part of that, despite recent gains. I have friends who are worried about where their next meal is coming from, whether or not they’ll be able to fill their gas tank, never mind their concerns for their future and the future of their children. That’s our reality right now, and it doesn’t take much imagination to extrapolate that to its worst.”
The second printing of Lazarus #1 is available for pre-order now.
Jupiter’s Legacy #2
The comic book event of 2013 continues as the schism between the superheroes widens and a plot to unseat the greatest hero of them all emerges. I dove into the first issue of the new Mark Millar series expecting his more recent brand of storytelling, over the top violence and moments that make you wince. Instead I found a mature title that’s understated and muted compared to his other recent work. The first issue was really solid, though not great. The second issue though, is getting more towards that “great” territory.
Following up on the various characters we met in the first issue we get a better look at the heroes and their kids and what ails them. Millar drives further into the twisted psyche and lives these “heroes” live and it’s definitely not rosy. The next generation of heroes are pretty broken and definitely not living up to the standard set forth by their parents. And as we learn more about their powers and personalities, how they lash out should get pretty interesting.
But, things aren’t great with the first generation of heroes either. Dissension exists and animosity that’s been brewing over the years looks like it’ll finally spill over. And if those final pages are what’s to come, that meltdown will be epic and entertaining to follow.
Of course, it’s not just Millar’s writing, Frank Quitely provides the art, which is as solid as you’d expect. It’s great stuff to look at, with characters looking different and each having their own style.
The second issue improves on the first, setting up a superhero story that seems like it’ll be pretty epic.
Story: Mark Millar Art: Frank Quitely
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
Lazarus #1
In a dystopian near-future, government is a quaint concept, resources are coveted, and possession is 100% of the law. A handful of Families rule, jealously guarding what they have and exploiting the Waste who struggle to survive in their domains. Forever Carlyle defends her family’s holdings through deception and force as their protector, their Lazarus. Shot dead defending the family home, Forever’s day goes downhill from there….
I love Greg Rucka’s writing, I usually gush over it. While Lazarus‘ writing is solid in the first issue, the plot and pacing is the problem. A lot is set up in this first issue. We’re introduced to this strange world, sort of explained the rules of the world and given a bit of the long term plot. There’s a lot to pack in there with sequences that are fantastic. But, there’s so much crammed in, I felt like I didn’t get enough of each bit. It was too much, too quick, with not enough explanation.
That’s the thing that I go back and forth about this first issue. Each part is very cool separately, but together it feels like too much with too little detail and the issue would have benefited from decompressing it a bit and explaining more. Never thought I’d say that. There’s some pages in the back that talks about Rucka and Lark’s collaboration, those would have been better used as an over-sized issue with more comic.
The art by Michael Lark is pretty solid. There’s something familiar about the world, but still it’s a futuristic world where you can’t quite tell how messed up it is. The mystery is continued through the art, which is cool.
Overall, the first issue is good, but not great. This might be a first arc that’s better to read as a trade than individual issues.
Story: Greg Rucka Art: Michael Lark
Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Satellite Sam #1
SEX – DEATH – LIVE TV!
NEW YORK CITY, 1951: The star of beloved daily television serial “Satellite Sam” turns up dead in a flophouse filled with dirty secrets. The police think it was death by natural causes but his son knows there was something more? if only he could sober up long enough to do something about it. This noir mystery shot through with sex and violence exposes the seedy underbelly of the golden age of television.
I’ve said it numerous times, but I love a good crime/noir mystery. There’s some attraction to me about the idea of dames, detectives and investigators and throw it during a time period that can be a character itself and you’ve got a great combination and fun entertaining story.
Here writer Matt Fraction goes the crime story route, something I don’t think I’ve seen him do. And, not knowing what to expect this totally caught me off guard. The first issue is all set-up and you leave the end wanting to go back and see who the suspects are and try to figure out the motivation. This is a hard-boiled detective/whodunnit that exudes fun.
That’s helped in part by the art of Howard Chaykin who brings his unique art style which seems well suited for a story of this type. He draws the “dames” exactly as you’d expect with a hint of danger and sexiness.
Then there’s the backdrop of the fledgling television industry, which brings a political aspect that makes the set up even more intriguing.
The comic comes out July 3rd and it’s easily one of my top picks for the week.
Story: Matt Fraction Art: Howard Chaykin
Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review
Lazarus #1
Story by: Greg Rucka
Art By: Michael Lark
Price: $2.99
“FAMILY,” Part One
In a dystopian near-future, government is a quaint concept, resources are coveted, and possession is 100% of the law. A handful of Families rule, jealously guarding what they have and exploiting the Waste who struggle to survive in their domains. Forever Carlyle defends her family’s holdings through deception and force as their protector, their Lazarus. Shot dead defending the family home, Forever’s day goes downhill from there….
Lazarus, the upcoming Image Comics series by the Eisner Award-winning creative team of Greg Rucka and Michael Lark is set in a dystopia where society has reverted to a feudal state — the elite Families who control the wealth control every aspect of the world, and those without are their vassals and serfs. Serving these powerful Families are individuals called their “Lazarus” — lethal protectors of their families’ interests. The Lazarus of the Carlyle Family, which controls the world’s genetic research and development, is a young woman called Forever. Her story starts the day she is killed.
To writer Rucka, the dystopia he created for Lazarus isn’t a far-fetched science fiction world; it’s a logical extrapolation of where our society is heading. After talking to a friend who works in finance and considering the Occupy Movement, Rucka asked himself, “What would the world look like if 99% became 99.99999%? What if the 1% became the .00001%? What happens when that much wealth and power becomes that concentrated?”
He continued, “That’s how the world was born, this idea that wealth equals power, until such a point that the wealth becomes almost irrelevant to that power because everything is now owned, and power settles amongst a very select few, and everyone else is on the outside.”
Concentration of power leads to the powerful using all means to protect what they have — and that is where Forever comes in. Manipulated by her Family patriarch to believe she is his beloved daughter, Forever is willing to kill and die for him. But even though she lives in the elite world, she will never be part of it. Regarded variably as a tool, pet, and science project, Forever must break through her lifelong conditioning to find out what and who she really is in a world that sees her as something less — and more — than human.
“If you ask me what the series is about, yes, it’s about this dark vision of the future, certainly,” said Rucka. “But it’s about Forever, her journey, the questions of nature versus nurture, and of power, and of corruption.”
Lark’s art, on gorgeous display in the four-page “prelude” released after its unveiling at Emerald City Comicon in March, renders Forever’s world in deep shadow and is heightened with moody colors by Santi Arcas, perfectly capturing the fractured, violent world of Lazarus as well as Forever’s vulnerability and naïveté, which her deadly exterior belies.
“I’m trying to demonstrate the contrast between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots,’” said artist Lark. “Because one side has, literally, EVERYTHING, and the other has NOTHING, the contrast is strong. In issue two we are really going to see that, with scenes in the homes of the Carlyles juxtaposed with scenes of the extreme poverty facing the rest of society. I realize that while we in the United States haven’t seen this come to pass — yet — there are other parts of the world where it is already a stark reality.”
Lark agrees that his and Rucka’s main character is the key to Lazarus‘s story. “We are seeing this world through Forever’s eyes, and her journey in this story is not going to be an easy one. The readers need to be able to feel her confusion and pain, as well as her toughness and strength.”
“Lazarus is a book I’ve been looking forward to from the moment Greg shared the rough idea with me,” said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “Every step of the process leading up to this series’ debut has just further fueled my anticipation: learning that Greg would be collaborating with the amazing Michael Lark, reading the first script, seeing Michael’s initial pages, see the first colored work… This is truly inspired work by a pair of comics’ absolute best, and I can’t wait for everyone else to be able to love this book as much as I do.”
Lazarus #1 will be in stores on June 26 and is available for pre-order now (Diamond Comics code APR130420) from the April issue of Previews.
Transformers fans hungering for more thrilling adventures with Grimlock and his fierce Dinobots cohorts are in luck this May, when IDW Publishing presents Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters! In this tie-in series to the upcoming season of “Transformers Prime” television show featuring the new Beast Hunters saga, fans will get to experience a brand-new set of cyberfang-gnashing adventures based on the iconic brand from Hasbro!
For the thousands of years since the fall of Cybertron, the Dinobots haven’t been twiddling their claws! Grimlock, Slug. Sludge, Snarl and Swoop have been martialing their forces and fighting the good fight against a slew of mysterious new villains.
The lauded creative team from Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots returns as writers Mairghread Scott and Mike Johnson team up with artist Agustin Padilla to chronicle the fierce Autobot warriors’ resistance efforts.
That story picks up miles beneath the charred remains of the Transformers race’s smoldering home, Cybertron. As the survivors of Cybertron’s fall cling to the last bit of Energon left in its core, the Dinobots begin forging an unlikely network of hope underground, standing as beacons of resistance under constant attack, while they wait for the Autobots’ leader, Optimus Prime, to save them. While their efforts are nothing short of Herculean, can they hold off their shadowy assailants long enough for Cybertron to be saved? There’s only one way to find out!
Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters is a veritable feast for Transformers fans of all stripes. Touting covers by Ken Christiansen and Michael Lark, this unique, action-packed adventure is one fans won’t want to miss!
Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters #1 (FC, 32 pages, $3.99) in stores 5/22/13
