Review - Lazarus #1

"Bullet one: ventral-dorsal traverse, entering eighth interspace on rising trajectory..."

Things aren't going well for you if that's the description of an assault you're suffering. In fact, there's a very strong likelihood you won't survive. Unless, of course, you happen to be super wealthy and have the means to revive over and over again. That's the premise behind Lazarus #1 from Image Comics.

The issue is written by Greg Rucka, illustrated by Michael Lark and colored by Santi Arcas.

Forever is a special woman, in that she's pretty much immortal. She exists in a future where the wealthy live in very comfortable surroundings, with the rest of humanity forced to contend with food allowances. Dying is nothing new for her, as evidenced by her latest encounter with a group of individuals seeking more than their share of rations. She seeks to go up against just about every facet of establishment presented to her; going along with it but not necessarily agreeing with it.

Rucka's world isn't too far off honestly, judging by today's economic climate. He keeps it interesting by instilling doubt in Eve for her abilities and responsibilities. She's capable of holding her own against anyone and is tasked with defending the family compound, but doubts are creeping in. Questioning both her station in life and her "job" is offering to take the comic in a rather heady direction. There's also the topics of immortality and whether or not living forever in such a world is really living, which will prove quite intriguing down the road.

Lark's art is stark and well done. It effectively depicts a shattered world, devoid of past moral codes and focused instead on the desperate mentality pervasive throughout. Forever is illustrated with ability and skill and Lark doesn't rely on making her overtly sexual. There's a heavy military focus on display and Lark ensures the reader knows that despite the new rules of the future, the military machine is still well-oiled and efficient.

Reviving repeatedly is something that always seems to play a part in dystopian future settings, but Lazarus #1 does so in a slightly different light. Forever exhibits a creeping doubt about the societal dichotomy and desperately wants to do something. The thing is, she doesn't know exactly what she wants to do, which is what will make watching her tale unfold fascinating.

Lazarus #1 is in stores now with interiors below.






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