Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Lazarus #1
Image Comics
Rucka, Lark & Arcas
Sometimes a comic just clicks immediately. Sure, you look at the cover credits and you might think, "well this is going to be great" simply because of the names on the cover. Then often times the comic doesn't live up to the expectations or the comic seems like it is better because going in you have the idea that the creators are providing hidden greatness. However, reading this book I found an intriguing high concept, a strong lead character, a good set up and a powerful ending. You add in some great visuals and it is difficult to find this anything but a strong first issue. I encourage people to give this a try.
The concept here is a world where the very few have all the money and power in the world. I know, we see this a lot in the world of comics, especially in light of the global awareness of today's social and economic imbalance. Plus, comics simply have a lot of liberal creators so you get a lot of books like this. However, this book is different because the element of government is gone. The people now rule and those with the power rule isolated rather than collectively. It's a great twist.
The families in power give over special privileges and abilities to one individual that can look out for the family. The "Lazarus" that this book follows is a woman named Forever. She is the protector and enforcer for her "family".
The opening issue gives us the immediate establishment of what Forever is capable of when the worst scenarios occur. We learn about her conscience and her limits, which in the process provides us her personality traits. Finally, at the end we see where she is in the pecking order and the duties she is expected to do, whether they are of her own free will or not. The ending is emotionally brutal after we get to know this character throughout the first half of the book.
Lark's art is standard noir for these days in the vain of books like Daredevil, Criminal, Fatale and Marvel's MAX titles. It's dark, it's dreary, and it makes use of shadows and page specific background coloring to make the read an experience that sets tone, mood as well as telling a visual story. The artwork is fantastic and is obviously a perfect match for Rucka's story.
Lazarus is the kind of book that mixes political issues, social issues, science fiction and criminal intrigue into one pot. It's a great start to the series and Rucka's letter at the end helps to provide the background behind the book, which only enhances the whole experience. This is worth checking out.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
