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Lazarus #10-21
Lazarus: The Second Collection
Sixteen Families have gathered together in the exclusive luxury confines of Triton One to resolve the emerging conflict between Carlyle and Hock, and they've brought their Lazari with them. Deception and war go hand in hand, culminating in a final revelation that will truly change everything for Forever Carlyle. Collects LAZARUS #10-21
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2016
18 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Michael Lark
374 books37 followersMichael Lark is an American comics artist and colorist.
Lark has provided pencils for DC Comics' Batman, Terminal City, Gotham Central and Legend of the Hawkman. His work for Marvel Comics includes The Pulse and Captain America. He created Lazarus with Greg Rucka, contributing to every issue.
Lark has provided pencils for DC Comics' Batman, Terminal City, Gotham Central and Legend of the Hawkman. His work for Marvel Comics includes The Pulse and Captain America. He created Lazarus with Greg Rucka, contributing to every issue.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 30, 2018
4.5 stars
The 2nd collection was so much better than the 1st! For me anyway, this had better pacing and a more understandable, meaty kind of story. Maybe the rest of you saw it more quickly than I did, but I really wasn't expecting to have this kind of reaction to it.
And even though Ever's hairline didn't improve much, I honestly wasn't distracted by it this go 'round. In fact, I was so into everything by the end, that I found myself doing 'voices' in my head with those little stats on the side of the panels.
Puget Sound
Family: Carlyle
Population Family: 2 (1 permanent)
Population Serf: 45
{insert other stuff I can't remember here}
Last time around, I was kinda skimming all that. Not so this time! I was imagining that I had some sort of military announcer in my head reading all that shit out before I got to the rest of the panel.
My announcer did a fabulous job, by the way...
The first collection left me with a lot of unanswered questions about the world, but this one did a good job of filling in quite a few of the blanks. Enough to make me think that continuing with this title isn't an act of futility.
*eyeballs Morning Glories*
There were also plenty of new things happening to keep the feeling of mystery alive and make me wonder when/if this series will wrap up. Or not?
That ending though! That's a pretty big secret they're keeping from Ever, and I can't wait to see how she deals with it when she finds out.
Good Stuff. Highly recommended!
The 2nd collection was so much better than the 1st! For me anyway, this had better pacing and a more understandable, meaty kind of story. Maybe the rest of you saw it more quickly than I did, but I really wasn't expecting to have this kind of reaction to it.
And even though Ever's hairline didn't improve much, I honestly wasn't distracted by it this go 'round. In fact, I was so into everything by the end, that I found myself doing 'voices' in my head with those little stats on the side of the panels.
Puget Sound
Family: Carlyle
Population Family: 2 (1 permanent)
Population Serf: 45
{insert other stuff I can't remember here}
Last time around, I was kinda skimming all that. Not so this time! I was imagining that I had some sort of military announcer in my head reading all that shit out before I got to the rest of the panel.
My announcer did a fabulous job, by the way...
The first collection left me with a lot of unanswered questions about the world, but this one did a good job of filling in quite a few of the blanks. Enough to make me think that continuing with this title isn't an act of futility.
*eyeballs Morning Glories*
There were also plenty of new things happening to keep the feeling of mystery alive and make me wonder when/if this series will wrap up. Or not?
That ending though! That's a pretty big secret they're keeping from Ever, and I can't wait to see how she deals with it when she finds out.
Good Stuff. Highly recommended!
June 24, 2019
Collects books 3 and 4 plus about 40 pages of behind the scene stuff that's more than just penciled art and scripts from the books.
If you aren't hooked on this series by now, why are you reading this? Another home run by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark.
Went back and read this again as part of Lazarus, the Second Collection. Basically Game of Thrones in the future, it is absolutely fantastic. We get to see a lot of the other families who rule the world in this volume. I love the relationships between the Lazuri of the families.
The war with Hock is not going well so forever heads to the front lines in Duluth on a special mission with a small team. Rucka handles the battle scenes really well. This is the best story in the book.
Meanwhile, the other Carlyle children struggle to keep their holdings afloat while searching for a cure for their father. And that ending! Wow!
If you aren't hooked on this series by now, why are you reading this? Another home run by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark.
Went back and read this again as part of Lazarus, the Second Collection. Basically Game of Thrones in the future, it is absolutely fantastic. We get to see a lot of the other families who rule the world in this volume. I love the relationships between the Lazuri of the families.
The war with Hock is not going well so forever heads to the front lines in Duluth on a special mission with a small team. Rucka handles the battle scenes really well. This is the best story in the book.
Meanwhile, the other Carlyle children struggle to keep their holdings afloat while searching for a cure for their father. And that ending! Wow!
June 24, 2019
Yep, my re-read of the series is still going strong and I still enjoy Lazarus a hell of a lot more than I did four years ago for some reason. Rucka is absolutely killing it with tension-building, storytelling and character development, reading Lazarus feels like watching an excellent HBO TV show. And the art team working in tandem with Rucka does some absolutely incredible things, it's really admirable how much love and care goes into creating this book. Extras included in the deluxe collection are once again very worth studying and create a more complex picture of the Lazarus universe. Great stuff.
May 25, 2024
Things really picked up here! The series continues to build this interesting world and we got to see a lot of new and interesting parts of it here. The plot line through this was more exciting than the last book and still has a few mysteries left unsolved. Really enjoying this, looking forward to the next one.
January 6, 2021
The intrigue in this series goes to a new level in this second installment, which opens up with a conclave of the 16 families that introduces the family leaders and Lazari that we haven't seen yet. This arc is the best so far, filled with tense scheming and wonderful character moments as we not only get wonderful interaction between the Lazari but also the introduction of the creepy head of the Hock family. The second arc in the book is an insanely intense actioner once the families go to war, while also giving us a peek at the life of waste citizens that have climbed the ladder to serf status and begins to bump elbows with our lead characters! I love how the world continues to expand.
This series continues to rock with its amazing characters and great action scenes. The central sword fight is masterfully choreographed and it was cool to see the breakdown of how they did it in this edition's back matter special features. This back matter section also takes a look at all the amazing work done to build the dense world and mythology in the art direction, with examinations of the signage, advertisements, and computer screens seen throughout the story, showing wonderful attention to detail.
February 2, 2018
I have a book friend who makes me laugh with her assessment of the main character's hair. Lego hair. Snort. Ha, ha, ha!
Yes, okay, in some panels the female Lazarus, aka. Eve, Forever, Commander Carlyle, Lazarus does look rather like her hair is well coiffed with a lego style.
However, do not let that fool or detract from the intelligence of its artistry.
The storyline is based on science. It's set in the future. I suppose it could be considered science fiction, but when I was reading it, that genre didn't feel applicable.
It is a tremendous book. The same can be said of the first collection.
I always believed the adage of "being on the edge of your seat " was a metaphor, but this story actually had me sitting upright, on the edge of my chair, eagerly reading, just to turn each page so I could get one step closer to figuring out each piece of the puzzle.
... and there are so many little puzzles making up one large puzzle!
The collaborative work between the artists and author in these comics is something rare and exciting. It's detailed but not overwhelming.
The plot is simple but extensive in its reach.
I refuse to rehash everything that happens or give a synopsis of the book. After all, the plot is shared in Goodreads automatically.
I'm writing simply to say that this is one of the best books I've ever had the privilege of reading.
I'm hoping that there will be a lot more forthcoming, as the groundwork has already been laid and the character identification and empathetic feelings I have for the characters are already well established.
It's one of those rare books that cover so many subject matters, from science to politics, that it will be hard pressed to find a reader that won't be able to connect with the book in some way.
There's even great love stories!!
It's simply a rare book with a lot of effort, time and talent put into its creation.
... and the rewards are amazing!
Yes, okay, in some panels the female Lazarus, aka. Eve, Forever, Commander Carlyle, Lazarus does look rather like her hair is well coiffed with a lego style.
However, do not let that fool or detract from the intelligence of its artistry.
The storyline is based on science. It's set in the future. I suppose it could be considered science fiction, but when I was reading it, that genre didn't feel applicable.
It is a tremendous book. The same can be said of the first collection.
I always believed the adage of "being on the edge of your seat " was a metaphor, but this story actually had me sitting upright, on the edge of my chair, eagerly reading, just to turn each page so I could get one step closer to figuring out each piece of the puzzle.
... and there are so many little puzzles making up one large puzzle!
The collaborative work between the artists and author in these comics is something rare and exciting. It's detailed but not overwhelming.
The plot is simple but extensive in its reach.
I refuse to rehash everything that happens or give a synopsis of the book. After all, the plot is shared in Goodreads automatically.
I'm writing simply to say that this is one of the best books I've ever had the privilege of reading.
I'm hoping that there will be a lot more forthcoming, as the groundwork has already been laid and the character identification and empathetic feelings I have for the characters are already well established.
It's one of those rare books that cover so many subject matters, from science to politics, that it will be hard pressed to find a reader that won't be able to connect with the book in some way.
There's even great love stories!!
It's simply a rare book with a lot of effort, time and talent put into its creation.
... and the rewards are amazing!
April 17, 2020
Still loving the heck out of this series. SO happy Michael Lark is continuing with the art all the way through. Keeping the same artist throughout a series (especially one as talented as Lark) gives the story a consistency and drive that is lost when you switch artists around.
The first half is devoted to the families getting together to see if they can broker a truce - or start a war. The Carlyle family has our key protagonist Forever - who is a Lazarus - a skilled warrior/bodyguard who has insane healing abilities (cannot die) but now we meet a lot of the other family's Lazari. It is a nice glimpse into the other families and how these killing machines are relatively innocent when it comes to anything beyond fighting. The Hock family are the main villain family and of course treachery is in the air.
The second half is devoted to the machinations of Joanna trying to wrest control of the Carlyle family from her brother and Forever's mission to turn the tide of the war on the front against the Hock forces.
Overall the world building is slowed down a little in this volume but the character development picks up. And the stories are tightly written and action packed. This is a treat from beginning to end.
The first half is devoted to the families getting together to see if they can broker a truce - or start a war. The Carlyle family has our key protagonist Forever - who is a Lazarus - a skilled warrior/bodyguard who has insane healing abilities (cannot die) but now we meet a lot of the other family's Lazari. It is a nice glimpse into the other families and how these killing machines are relatively innocent when it comes to anything beyond fighting. The Hock family are the main villain family and of course treachery is in the air.
The second half is devoted to the machinations of Joanna trying to wrest control of the Carlyle family from her brother and Forever's mission to turn the tide of the war on the front against the Hock forces.
Overall the world building is slowed down a little in this volume but the character development picks up. And the stories are tightly written and action packed. This is a treat from beginning to end.
August 9, 2025
This was my comic for the month – the second of three hardcovers collecting the series so far. Like the first, this is very much part of a continuing narrative and not really aa story that stands on its own with any satisfying ending. Also like the first (even moreso, really), I found it a thoroughly enjoyable and compulsively readable bunch of stylish cyberpunk popcorn. And one with a letters column that’s just a fascinating cultural and political time capsule from the last decade (remember when everyone was freaking out about Ebola? Remember when everyone was confidently saying that freaking out diseases was axiomatically a conservative trait?).
Set in a mildly post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk dystopia where what remains of the globe is divided between sixteen oligarchal famiies who rule over their serfs and chattels like absolute monarchs, the series (mostly) follows Commander Forever Carlyle – the transhuman ‘lazarus’, engineered to be the perfect champion and agent (and loyal youngest daughter) of the family which now dominates most of western North America. After the family fuckup Jonah first attempts to launch a coup and then flees into the territory of family nemesis Dr. Hock – pharmaceutical god emperor of the Eastern Seaboard – international politics rapidly heat up, and Forever finds herself in the midst of it. First attending the grand diplomatic conclave to try and arrange for her brother’s ransom, then spearheading the flailing war effort that follows as conflict breaks out across the world.
All the intricate worldbuilding details aside, this is fundamentally just the sort of story where an impossibly badass attractive woman with a sword kills many, many people in various elaborate action sequences. So in general it’s hardly breaking new ground (and, oddly enough, I find extended action sequences a bit tedious in most comics, this included). Forever is, thankfully, far more interesting and better executed as a character than most examples of her archetype (and, given the standards of the medium, basically not even slightly sexualized. Which is admittedly setting the bar pretty low, but). The whole collection turns on her fascinatingly incredibly fucked up relationships with ‘siblings’ that only sometimes remembers to pretend to care about her instead of relying on all the chemical conditioning to keep her devoted, a ‘father’ that views her as an expensive, precise and valuable tool and also (relatedly) very possibly his favourite child, and (just as importantly) the drill sergeant and geneticist who actually raised her (and raised all the previous versions of her as well) and the other families transhuman champions who are the closest thing to peers she has. It all adds up to a legitimately compelling protagonist even (especially!) when she’s not swording things.
And in between all that, there is also a lot of politics and action. I much prefer the former, but the war story that consumes a decent chunk of the collection’s later issues is (if hardly blowing any minds for originality) well-executed – very ‘first person shooter missions in graphic novel form’, but in a fun way. The constant reiteration on every angle that Hock is The Bad Guy even compared to the Carlyles and that – despite fighting for a horrifying neo-feudal, casually murderous autocracy – the war is entirely righteous and morally uncomplicated did admittedly get a little bit old, though (related to, politics aside, the creative team clearly finding a great deal of aesthetic appeal in the whole mythology and iconography of the modern american marine corps and similar).
To come back to all the little setting details – this is a series that suffers intensely from RPG Setting Wordbuilding Disease. In this case I actually mostly mean it as a compliment – the little in-universe ads at the end of each issue and the sheer care taken on the aesthetics and iconography of each family and their technology are all really well-done. But like, there’s a whole series of worldbuilding supplements giving 40 pages of information about the lands of different families available. Forever shares main billing with the world as a whole, and there are several issues edicated entirely to exploring what it looks like on the ground in various locales. And what it looks like is – certainly exaggerated and stylized, but plausible-seeming enough to be compelling and hold together. Which is a lot more than a lot of similar works can say.
As I read more relatively (like, a decade or two) old comics I’m finding reading the letters columns more and more of a draw in its own right. Both because the snapshot of how the previous issue was received is always interesting to see and (more importantly) because they provide such fascinating cultural snapshots of what was, historically, barely five minutes ago. Lazarus’ is no exception (and ‘Forever Yours’ is a very cute name for it, honestly). Unlike most I’ve read, Lazarus’ also includes something of an actual author’s note – not to say outright one or two page essay – at the end of each one. Besides getting a very vivid sense of the author’s politics (the last issue of this collection released in early 2015 but if there isn’t a de facto endorsement of Bernie somewhere in the next volume I’ll eat a hat), this is just a fun little snapshot of topical events of the day that make me feel the vast expanse of time with great force. And to loop back to the worldbuilding, it also often includes a bit of commentary on some bit of experimental technology or newly developed medicine or something and some musing on how it (or a much more advanced version thereof) might get incorporated into the setting and story. Which is probably of niche appeal, but I really do enjoy it.
Anyway – truthfully I started this right as a combination of bad news and spending a bunch of time with family left me in need of a distraction, so I may be grading it more generously than it strictly deserves. Still, I found reading issues of this like eating potato chips, and finished the entire 12-issue collection in two sittings (and it could easily have been one). Do recommend, if you enjoy the medium and genre.
Set in a mildly post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk dystopia where what remains of the globe is divided between sixteen oligarchal famiies who rule over their serfs and chattels like absolute monarchs, the series (mostly) follows Commander Forever Carlyle – the transhuman ‘lazarus’, engineered to be the perfect champion and agent (and loyal youngest daughter) of the family which now dominates most of western North America. After the family fuckup Jonah first attempts to launch a coup and then flees into the territory of family nemesis Dr. Hock – pharmaceutical god emperor of the Eastern Seaboard – international politics rapidly heat up, and Forever finds herself in the midst of it. First attending the grand diplomatic conclave to try and arrange for her brother’s ransom, then spearheading the flailing war effort that follows as conflict breaks out across the world.
All the intricate worldbuilding details aside, this is fundamentally just the sort of story where an impossibly badass attractive woman with a sword kills many, many people in various elaborate action sequences. So in general it’s hardly breaking new ground (and, oddly enough, I find extended action sequences a bit tedious in most comics, this included). Forever is, thankfully, far more interesting and better executed as a character than most examples of her archetype (and, given the standards of the medium, basically not even slightly sexualized. Which is admittedly setting the bar pretty low, but). The whole collection turns on her fascinatingly incredibly fucked up relationships with ‘siblings’ that only sometimes remembers to pretend to care about her instead of relying on all the chemical conditioning to keep her devoted, a ‘father’ that views her as an expensive, precise and valuable tool and also (relatedly) very possibly his favourite child, and (just as importantly) the drill sergeant and geneticist who actually raised her (and raised all the previous versions of her as well) and the other families transhuman champions who are the closest thing to peers she has. It all adds up to a legitimately compelling protagonist even (especially!) when she’s not swording things.
And in between all that, there is also a lot of politics and action. I much prefer the former, but the war story that consumes a decent chunk of the collection’s later issues is (if hardly blowing any minds for originality) well-executed – very ‘first person shooter missions in graphic novel form’, but in a fun way. The constant reiteration on every angle that Hock is The Bad Guy even compared to the Carlyles and that – despite fighting for a horrifying neo-feudal, casually murderous autocracy – the war is entirely righteous and morally uncomplicated did admittedly get a little bit old, though (related to, politics aside, the creative team clearly finding a great deal of aesthetic appeal in the whole mythology and iconography of the modern american marine corps and similar).
To come back to all the little setting details – this is a series that suffers intensely from RPG Setting Wordbuilding Disease. In this case I actually mostly mean it as a compliment – the little in-universe ads at the end of each issue and the sheer care taken on the aesthetics and iconography of each family and their technology are all really well-done. But like, there’s a whole series of worldbuilding supplements giving 40 pages of information about the lands of different families available. Forever shares main billing with the world as a whole, and there are several issues edicated entirely to exploring what it looks like on the ground in various locales. And what it looks like is – certainly exaggerated and stylized, but plausible-seeming enough to be compelling and hold together. Which is a lot more than a lot of similar works can say.
As I read more relatively (like, a decade or two) old comics I’m finding reading the letters columns more and more of a draw in its own right. Both because the snapshot of how the previous issue was received is always interesting to see and (more importantly) because they provide such fascinating cultural snapshots of what was, historically, barely five minutes ago. Lazarus’ is no exception (and ‘Forever Yours’ is a very cute name for it, honestly). Unlike most I’ve read, Lazarus’ also includes something of an actual author’s note – not to say outright one or two page essay – at the end of each one. Besides getting a very vivid sense of the author’s politics (the last issue of this collection released in early 2015 but if there isn’t a de facto endorsement of Bernie somewhere in the next volume I’ll eat a hat), this is just a fun little snapshot of topical events of the day that make me feel the vast expanse of time with great force. And to loop back to the worldbuilding, it also often includes a bit of commentary on some bit of experimental technology or newly developed medicine or something and some musing on how it (or a much more advanced version thereof) might get incorporated into the setting and story. Which is probably of niche appeal, but I really do enjoy it.
Anyway – truthfully I started this right as a combination of bad news and spending a bunch of time with family left me in need of a distraction, so I may be grading it more generously than it strictly deserves. Still, I found reading issues of this like eating potato chips, and finished the entire 12-issue collection in two sittings (and it could easily have been one). Do recommend, if you enjoy the medium and genre.
December 19, 2016
This omnibus edition collects Volumes 3 (Conclave) and 4 (Poison), so issues #10-21.
I continue to love the backstory of Eve, the Carlyle Lazarus, and getting to understand her childhood makes one appreciate even more the internal conflict she is struggling with. What do you do when you are not who you think you are? Tough questions for most of us, but when you are a Lazarus, the stakes are that much bigger.
I enjoyed meeting the the members of the other families, especially the Lazarii (is that the right word?). The diversity is appreciated, and watching the power struggles both inside the family, and the world at large is a fun read. My complaint with this collection is the same one I've had all along, namely, there is nothing really new explored here, and there is so much potential material! While I'm a fan of strong kick-ass women, and there are loads in this series, that's just not enough to warrant a higher rating. A fun, fast read, and I thought I was done with the series, and then was hit with that ending. What?! When does Volume 5 come out again?
I continue to love the backstory of Eve, the Carlyle Lazarus, and getting to understand her childhood makes one appreciate even more the internal conflict she is struggling with. What do you do when you are not who you think you are? Tough questions for most of us, but when you are a Lazarus, the stakes are that much bigger.
I enjoyed meeting the the members of the other families, especially the Lazarii (is that the right word?). The diversity is appreciated, and watching the power struggles both inside the family, and the world at large is a fun read. My complaint with this collection is the same one I've had all along, namely, there is nothing really new explored here, and there is so much potential material! While I'm a fan of strong kick-ass women, and there are loads in this series, that's just not enough to warrant a higher rating. A fun, fast read, and I thought I was done with the series, and then was hit with that ending. What?! When does Volume 5 come out again?
April 11, 2018
This was even better than the first collection, with a much deeper look into both the world and the characters. Intrigue! Family squabbles! Internecine duplicity! Sword fights! Superhuman abilities! Futuristic combat! Doublecrosses! All in a futuristic world run by oligarchs who have strangleholds on various industries and technologies. Good stuff.
One of the things I enjoyed most was that a lot of the worldbuilding was implicit rather than stated outright. All of the background stuff like news broadcasts, propaganda posters and designs lends to that, and there’s a comprehensive collection of those things at the end of the book.
But there are similar things which go unremarked on either within the story or in the supplemental material, such as the fact that the Japanese Lazarus of the Inumara Family has a computer-like font for his square speech bubbles which have a lightning bolt-style arrow to them, strongly implying that either he’s an android or a telepresence robot being manipulated from afar. He also lays out an analysis of another Lazarus’ poker playing that sounds rather computerish. No explanation is given at all, so perhaps that will be a revelation for later.
Things like that hint at a larger and more complex world than even what we’re shown. And the story is really propulsive.
The art is continually terrific, and the cover art by Owen Freeman is consistently remarkable. So much so that I sought out his work online, and he’s done a lot of amazing stuff.
One of the things I enjoyed most was that a lot of the worldbuilding was implicit rather than stated outright. All of the background stuff like news broadcasts, propaganda posters and designs lends to that, and there’s a comprehensive collection of those things at the end of the book.
But there are similar things which go unremarked on either within the story or in the supplemental material, such as the fact that the Japanese Lazarus of the Inumara Family has a computer-like font for his square speech bubbles which have a lightning bolt-style arrow to them, strongly implying that either he’s an android or a telepresence robot being manipulated from afar. He also lays out an analysis of another Lazarus’ poker playing that sounds rather computerish. No explanation is given at all, so perhaps that will be a revelation for later.
Things like that hint at a larger and more complex world than even what we’re shown. And the story is really propulsive.
The art is continually terrific, and the cover art by Owen Freeman is consistently remarkable. So much so that I sought out his work online, and he’s done a lot of amazing stuff.
June 2, 2016
If you liked collection one I'm pretty sure you will like collection two.
The story continues and Forever continues to be the main character and main focus. She is still looking to find answers as to who she really is and why she is the way she is. Conflict between several of the families continues to expand and we see at least one serious duel and some combat. This portion of the book is pretty well done and we have cut backs to the political fighting and that back to the combat that ties these two types of conflict together very well.
It was interesting in the extra features to see how the artist actually went out and had a sword fight with a friend and then used pictures from the fight to illustrate how the body is supposed to appear during the fight scene in the book. You can tell the team here is taking the little details and getting them right seriously.
The story continues and Forever continues to be the main character and main focus. She is still looking to find answers as to who she really is and why she is the way she is. Conflict between several of the families continues to expand and we see at least one serious duel and some combat. This portion of the book is pretty well done and we have cut backs to the political fighting and that back to the combat that ties these two types of conflict together very well.
It was interesting in the extra features to see how the artist actually went out and had a sword fight with a friend and then used pictures from the fight to illustrate how the body is supposed to appear during the fight scene in the book. You can tell the team here is taking the little details and getting them right seriously.
April 7, 2024
We continue with the progression of the Carlyle’s and Freedom. The plotting and strategic moves so far have been great. Rucka and Lark have developed this series fantastic so far.
This volume had a but more action, which was welcome. We’re starting to really get invested in Freedom as a character.
That last page though…
This volume had a but more action, which was welcome. We’re starting to really get invested in Freedom as a character.
That last page though…
January 19, 2017
Delicate balance between world-building and storytelling.
June 30, 2019
LAZARUS Volume 3 – CONCLAVE
Intriguing and unparalleled story-telling. This series has exceeded expectations and continues to get better.
Lazarus#10 – Interlude - Extraction
“What you ARE is USEFUL, however. Now take your medicine.” – Jakob Hock
..
Lazarus#11 – Conclave, chapter 1
“No, she was evasive. Said she’d been thinking about the GENETICS, the work done to her.” – Beth
“I see. SOMEONE put that question in her HEAD, Beth. Someone is making TROUBLE …” – Malcolm
..
Lazarus#12 – Conclave chapter 2
“Shall we DANCE, Miss Carlyle?” - Jakob
..
Lazarus#13 – Conclave chapter 3
“… I’m SORRY, I’m sorry for EVERYTING.. I’m SO sorry …” – Jonah
“So am I, Jonah. So am I.” – Forever
..
Lazarus#14 – Conclave, chapter 4
“YOUR champion against my own.” – Jakob Hock
“You have NO Lazarus.” – Malcolm
“True. But I have ALLIES.” - Jakob
..
Lazarus#15 – Conclave, chapter 5
“I REFUSE the results of this trial. I DEFY this conclave, this CHARADE.
If this is grounds for WAR, so be it.” - Jakob
…
…
LAZARUS Volume 4 - POISON
The sociological interplay and personal developmental transformation of the characters have made this epic saga one of the best graphic novel / comic series of all time.
Bringing Michael into the story as a Serf for Family Carlyle has added further dynamic interplay. Fantastic!
Lazarus#16 – Interlude: Mercy
“We shall EACH be judged when the time comes. Not only for what we have done .. but what we FAILED to do.” – Sister Mercy
“I see the results of violence in every Domain, under every Family.
I will not perpetuate it. I will not be the cause of these wounds I seek to mend with my own hands.” – Diary
Another intriguing edition to the series, although I found it difficult trying to figure out how this interlude fit within the ‘Lazarus’ story.
..
Lazarus#17 – Poison, chapter 1
“Together, we are going to SECURE Duluth … and kill every last Hock son of a bitch we find.” – Forever.
..
Lazarus#18 – Poison, chapter 2
“Of COURSE I remember you, Corporal Solomon. We BOTH know what it means to fight despite the PAIN.” – Forever.
..
Lazarus#19 – Poison, chapter 3
“That’s it. she STOPPED taking her regimen. She stopped taking her pills, Michael!” – James
..
Lazarus#20 – Poison, chapter 4
“.. May I have my sword back, please?” – Forever, returned!
..
Lazarus#21 – Poison, chapter 5
“She’s NOT dead. She’s NOT. She’s not .. she’s not .. she’ll come back ..” – Solomon regarding Forever.
Freaky ending … mini-Forever!!
..
Intriguing and unparalleled story-telling. This series has exceeded expectations and continues to get better.
Lazarus#10 – Interlude - Extraction
“What you ARE is USEFUL, however. Now take your medicine.” – Jakob Hock
..
Lazarus#11 – Conclave, chapter 1
“No, she was evasive. Said she’d been thinking about the GENETICS, the work done to her.” – Beth
“I see. SOMEONE put that question in her HEAD, Beth. Someone is making TROUBLE …” – Malcolm
..
Lazarus#12 – Conclave chapter 2
“Shall we DANCE, Miss Carlyle?” - Jakob
..
Lazarus#13 – Conclave chapter 3
“… I’m SORRY, I’m sorry for EVERYTING.. I’m SO sorry …” – Jonah
“So am I, Jonah. So am I.” – Forever
..
Lazarus#14 – Conclave, chapter 4
“YOUR champion against my own.” – Jakob Hock
“You have NO Lazarus.” – Malcolm
“True. But I have ALLIES.” - Jakob
..
Lazarus#15 – Conclave, chapter 5
“I REFUSE the results of this trial. I DEFY this conclave, this CHARADE.
If this is grounds for WAR, so be it.” - Jakob
…
…
LAZARUS Volume 4 - POISON
The sociological interplay and personal developmental transformation of the characters have made this epic saga one of the best graphic novel / comic series of all time.
Bringing Michael into the story as a Serf for Family Carlyle has added further dynamic interplay. Fantastic!
Lazarus#16 – Interlude: Mercy
“We shall EACH be judged when the time comes. Not only for what we have done .. but what we FAILED to do.” – Sister Mercy
“I see the results of violence in every Domain, under every Family.
I will not perpetuate it. I will not be the cause of these wounds I seek to mend with my own hands.” – Diary
Another intriguing edition to the series, although I found it difficult trying to figure out how this interlude fit within the ‘Lazarus’ story.
..
Lazarus#17 – Poison, chapter 1
“Together, we are going to SECURE Duluth … and kill every last Hock son of a bitch we find.” – Forever.
..
Lazarus#18 – Poison, chapter 2
“Of COURSE I remember you, Corporal Solomon. We BOTH know what it means to fight despite the PAIN.” – Forever.
..
Lazarus#19 – Poison, chapter 3
“That’s it. she STOPPED taking her regimen. She stopped taking her pills, Michael!” – James
..
Lazarus#20 – Poison, chapter 4
“.. May I have my sword back, please?” – Forever, returned!
..
Lazarus#21 – Poison, chapter 5
“She’s NOT dead. She’s NOT. She’s not .. she’s not .. she’ll come back ..” – Solomon regarding Forever.
Freaky ending … mini-Forever!!
..
November 4, 2023
Includes the storyline Conclave, where the world's powerful families meet in an attempt to resolve a conflict. If I tell you the next storyline is Poison will that spoil what happens next?
Lots of conflict drives the narrative, conflict between families, and also conflict between family members. The conflict of open war is also detailed.
There is a chapter in Conclave that is a highly detailed sword fight. Only a little dialogue. Excellent choreography considering we're seeing stills of the action in a comic book. I'm impressed.
The characters are great. The art is great. This continues to be a favorite title of mine.
Lots of conflict drives the narrative, conflict between families, and also conflict between family members. The conflict of open war is also detailed.
There is a chapter in Conclave that is a highly detailed sword fight. Only a little dialogue. Excellent choreography considering we're seeing stills of the action in a comic book. I'm impressed.
The characters are great. The art is great. This continues to be a favorite title of mine.
May 12, 2025
Lazarus: The Second Collection ramps up the stakes in Greg Rucka and Michael Lark’s brutal dystopia, pulling together the “Conclave” and “Poison” arcs in one gripping volume. The Families are on the brink of all-out war, and Forever Carlyle is stuck right in the middle—torn between duty, family betrayal, and questions about who she really is. There’s political backstabbing, personal drama, and some seriously intense action, all set against a world that’s as rich as it is ruthless. If Volume 1 hooked you, this one tightens the grip and doesn’t let go.
May 6, 2018
Part of catching up.
April 22, 2025
Conclave was gangbusters!!
4.5/5
4.5/5
May 23, 2025
Fun dystopian action with another immortal super hero.
September 10, 2018
Needed a refresher before reading the latest volume. Rather than the world being divided into countries, several families have control of huge swaths of the globe. If you don't work for one of the families, you are considered 'waste.' Each family has developed a specialized human, enhanced through drugs, DNA manipulation, and cyborg upgrades. The story follows Forever, the Lazarus of the Carlyle family as she does her duty as their elite soldier, and she slowly discovers just who she is.
July 7, 2025
I'd been waiting a long time for Lazarus: The Second Collection, and it was worth the wait. Greg Rucka's script is smart and Michael Lark's art is realistic and gritty. On the first read-through, I was really drawn into the story and, without knowing what was going to happen next, I really enjoyed the suspense. On further read-throughs I'll be able to 'take in the scenery' a bit more.
This series just keeps getting better with each subsequent volume. It doesn't get reflected in my rating because volume 1 got 5 stars, and that's the top rating one can give any book on Goodreads. But you know what I mean. Each volume builds on the one(s) preceding it, and it only makes waiting for the next volume(s) harder, because the series is so good. For people like me, who wait for the stylish deluxe hardcover edition(s) - which include cool bonus features - the waiting period is even longer. But as I've mentioned in reviews of earlier volumes of Lazarus, the wait-for-deluxe-hardcover is more than worth it.
One thing I noticed with the 'Poison' story arc was the apparent 'emancipation' of profanity. Indeed, this volume strikes me as the one with the most coarse language (not to mention F-bombs) since the series' beginning. Not complaining: just noticing. Lazarus is a 'Mature' series, after all.
What I liked as well about this arc was the 'return' of Casey and Michael, arguably two of the main protagonists of Lazarus, Vol. 2: Lift. Some time has passed between the two arcs, and it is nice to see how these two characters' situations have progressed. And what can I say about that manipulative b*tch Johanna? Intrigue after intrigue, with this vixen. You can tell Rucka is doing a great job of writing this character when the readers despise her so much. And when it appears that- spoiler alert - she's taking over control of the family, I realise I'm conflicted about how I feel about it. Am I worried/disappointed because I don't like her, her constant intriguing, and her backstabbing? Or am I relieved, because with her in charge, at least the Carlyle family has a chance of winning the war? See what I mean? Great job, Mr. Rucka.
As for Michael Lark's art, all I can say is that the quality is constant, and still a very good fit with the mood of the series.
As for the last page of this book? I was not expecting that. I really can't wait for the next hardcover - and since its expected publication is in all likelihood at least a year away, this gives me time to re-read the series from the start, and savour every moment.
Since the first issue, this series has really captivated me and I hope it continues to in future volumes. This is science fiction well done. More, please.
This series just keeps getting better with each subsequent volume. It doesn't get reflected in my rating because volume 1 got 5 stars, and that's the top rating one can give any book on Goodreads. But you know what I mean. Each volume builds on the one(s) preceding it, and it only makes waiting for the next volume(s) harder, because the series is so good. For people like me, who wait for the stylish deluxe hardcover edition(s) - which include cool bonus features - the waiting period is even longer. But as I've mentioned in reviews of earlier volumes of Lazarus, the wait-for-deluxe-hardcover is more than worth it.
One thing I noticed with the 'Poison' story arc was the apparent 'emancipation' of profanity. Indeed, this volume strikes me as the one with the most coarse language (not to mention F-bombs) since the series' beginning. Not complaining: just noticing. Lazarus is a 'Mature' series, after all.
What I liked as well about this arc was the 'return' of Casey and Michael, arguably two of the main protagonists of Lazarus, Vol. 2: Lift. Some time has passed between the two arcs, and it is nice to see how these two characters' situations have progressed. And what can I say about that manipulative b*tch Johanna? Intrigue after intrigue, with this vixen. You can tell Rucka is doing a great job of writing this character when the readers despise her so much. And when it appears that- spoiler alert - she's taking over control of the family, I realise I'm conflicted about how I feel about it. Am I worried/disappointed because I don't like her, her constant intriguing, and her backstabbing? Or am I relieved, because with her in charge, at least the Carlyle family has a chance of winning the war? See what I mean? Great job, Mr. Rucka.
As for Michael Lark's art, all I can say is that the quality is constant, and still a very good fit with the mood of the series.
As for the last page of this book? I was not expecting that. I really can't wait for the next hardcover - and since its expected publication is in all likelihood at least a year away, this gives me time to re-read the series from the start, and savour every moment.
Since the first issue, this series has really captivated me and I hope it continues to in future volumes. This is science fiction well done. More, please.
January 2, 2021
(Zero spoiler review for the deluxe hardcovers - not including X+66 from the Third Collection)
I loved Lazarus. Make sure you read it, no matter how you do it. There, job done. Shortest review ever. But for those that would like a little more detail with their dissections... This is not the first Rucka story I've read. That particular honour went to Black Magick. I'm yet to review that book because a re read would be in order to faithfully reinterpret my opinion. Although despite the notable buzz about him, I came away from Black Magick content, although not quite sure what the buzz was about. Now few would consider that his greatest run, although it left me just a little bit in doubt about Lazarus. I knew it gets rave reviews, and features in many peoples favourite lists, I just wasn't quite sure what I would get, though now that I've got it, I can absolutely see what all the fuss was about, and maybe a little bit more on top for good measure.
In Lazarus, Rucka has created a world and a collection of characters as some of the greatest sci/fi & fantasy novels. If it wasn't for the somewhat more adult content, this should easily be up there with The Hunger Games in terms of popularity and appeal. It would only take a series of well made movies for that to happen, and frankly, I don't know why it hasn't happened yet. The rights have been optioned, and with all the usual garbage Hollywood churns out, they would have to try really hard to turn this into a turd. Though if anyone can do it, its modern Hollywood.
I have never felt such anticipation in a comic than what I did at points in this story. I was almost unwilling to turn the page, torn between desperately wanting to know what happened next, and yet whole heartedly fearing the very same thing. Lazarus gets another big tick from me for being one continuing narrative. Too often longer running comics tell their initial story, leaving the author scrambling to come up with content to fill out issues due to strong sales. Every twist and turn of this book seems planned out from the start. And with the story, according to Rucka, not even being halfway told yet, I can only imagine the tales yet to be told.
Lark, whose artwork features throughout the entire run thus far (except X+66, which as mentioned, will be reviewed separately) is incredibly strong, and yet another reason why this series is a cut above almost everything else on the market. The colouring, whilst nothing revolutionary, is exactly what is needed and serves the story and artwork well.
In closing, if you're still reading (or have come back after a quick detour to purchase the book online) Lazarus is at the pinnacle of what a comic book story is, and can be. No comic book has invested me so much in its world and its characters, and made me fear, mourn and stop and pause, almost in awe of such excellence. Go and get it! 5/5
OmniBen.
I loved Lazarus. Make sure you read it, no matter how you do it. There, job done. Shortest review ever. But for those that would like a little more detail with their dissections... This is not the first Rucka story I've read. That particular honour went to Black Magick. I'm yet to review that book because a re read would be in order to faithfully reinterpret my opinion. Although despite the notable buzz about him, I came away from Black Magick content, although not quite sure what the buzz was about. Now few would consider that his greatest run, although it left me just a little bit in doubt about Lazarus. I knew it gets rave reviews, and features in many peoples favourite lists, I just wasn't quite sure what I would get, though now that I've got it, I can absolutely see what all the fuss was about, and maybe a little bit more on top for good measure.
In Lazarus, Rucka has created a world and a collection of characters as some of the greatest sci/fi & fantasy novels. If it wasn't for the somewhat more adult content, this should easily be up there with The Hunger Games in terms of popularity and appeal. It would only take a series of well made movies for that to happen, and frankly, I don't know why it hasn't happened yet. The rights have been optioned, and with all the usual garbage Hollywood churns out, they would have to try really hard to turn this into a turd. Though if anyone can do it, its modern Hollywood.
I have never felt such anticipation in a comic than what I did at points in this story. I was almost unwilling to turn the page, torn between desperately wanting to know what happened next, and yet whole heartedly fearing the very same thing. Lazarus gets another big tick from me for being one continuing narrative. Too often longer running comics tell their initial story, leaving the author scrambling to come up with content to fill out issues due to strong sales. Every twist and turn of this book seems planned out from the start. And with the story, according to Rucka, not even being halfway told yet, I can only imagine the tales yet to be told.
Lark, whose artwork features throughout the entire run thus far (except X+66, which as mentioned, will be reviewed separately) is incredibly strong, and yet another reason why this series is a cut above almost everything else on the market. The colouring, whilst nothing revolutionary, is exactly what is needed and serves the story and artwork well.
In closing, if you're still reading (or have come back after a quick detour to purchase the book online) Lazarus is at the pinnacle of what a comic book story is, and can be. No comic book has invested me so much in its world and its characters, and made me fear, mourn and stop and pause, almost in awe of such excellence. Go and get it! 5/5
OmniBen.
June 6, 2017
Conclave (10-15). This story is a clear continuation of Lazarus, Vol. 1: Family, picking up several notable plotlines from there. But it's also the story that really increases the scope of the Lazarus comic, both in its worldview and in its characters. That continuing arc is intriguing, and it's interesting seeing the Lazari and their families interact. However, the story is a little too decompressed in time and little too plentiful in characters, causing it to drag. Much of that is in service to the shock ending; I enjoyed getting there, but the looser pace of this comic made it not quite as great as its predecessors. [7/10]
Poison (16-21). This volume is especially interesting because it so neatly dovetails the stories from all the previous volumes. We get two strong threads of story: politics at Carlyle home base and Forever's latest mission, each of which involves one of the great characters from Lazarus, Vol. 2: Lift. The number of great characters moving through these two stories is absolutely phenomenal. And has for the ending: what the heck happened!? what happened!? I must have the next volume!
The only weak story in this hardcover is the one-off Mercy (15), which uses way too much text, much of it small and hard-to-read. Always a terrific way to ruin a story.
Poison (16-21). This volume is especially interesting because it so neatly dovetails the stories from all the previous volumes. We get two strong threads of story: politics at Carlyle home base and Forever's latest mission, each of which involves one of the great characters from Lazarus, Vol. 2: Lift. The number of great characters moving through these two stories is absolutely phenomenal. And has for the ending: what the heck happened!? what happened!? I must have the next volume!
The only weak story in this hardcover is the one-off Mercy (15), which uses way too much text, much of it small and hard-to-read. Always a terrific way to ruin a story.
January 15, 2017
5 stars
Buy it
Intense and dramatic. This is definitely not meant for kids. I love The main character Forever. The plot line is extremely good. The violence isn't overly done. The art is good but could be a little better. I find it to be a little too inky. But despite the minor complaint I really love this series. All the military business gets a bit old but it's worth putting up with. I love the soap opera type drama and most of the characters are decent. One of the characters is gay and I always like to see that represented in comics. Definitely worth reading this series if you like dystopia type family drama.
Buy it
Intense and dramatic. This is definitely not meant for kids. I love The main character Forever. The plot line is extremely good. The violence isn't overly done. The art is good but could be a little better. I find it to be a little too inky. But despite the minor complaint I really love this series. All the military business gets a bit old but it's worth putting up with. I love the soap opera type drama and most of the characters are decent. One of the characters is gay and I always like to see that represented in comics. Definitely worth reading this series if you like dystopia type family drama.
January 1, 2018
*loud yelling*
Trying to talk about what happens in this comic is like trying to talk about Game of Thrones. It's hard not to say stuff without giving any spoilers away. There's a lot of drama and manipulation, but there are also moments of sincerity and understanding that balance it out. Forever is starting to ask more questions that are getting her in trouble, and she's starting to make choices that aren't exactly straight up obedience to her family's commands. I'm concerned and tense because they've got me hooked and emotionally attached. I can't wait to read the next book.
Trying to talk about what happens in this comic is like trying to talk about Game of Thrones. It's hard not to say stuff without giving any spoilers away. There's a lot of drama and manipulation, but there are also moments of sincerity and understanding that balance it out. Forever is starting to ask more questions that are getting her in trouble, and she's starting to make choices that aren't exactly straight up obedience to her family's commands. I'm concerned and tense because they've got me hooked and emotionally attached. I can't wait to read the next book.
April 27, 2017
Rucka and artist Michael Lark succeed in taking their readers into a dystopian world, and making you care what happens.
These oversized hardback collections of more than one trade paperback collection from Image Comics also succeed in kinder, larger printing of art and color art - which really helps in comics storytelling.
Highly recommended.
These oversized hardback collections of more than one trade paperback collection from Image Comics also succeed in kinder, larger printing of art and color art - which really helps in comics storytelling.
Highly recommended.
June 22, 2016
Strong 3.5
October 27, 2019
Wow. This is my second time reading the Second Collection--I recently got the Third Collection and wanted to refresh my memory by rereading the first two collections. When I reread the first one, I was blown away (again) and vaguely recalled that I must have liked the first one more than the second. I wonder if it's because I didn't pick up as many details having read the second one only once, and the first one (recently) three times at this point. Well, as usual, I picked up many more details my second round with the Second Collection. Lazarus is just one of those rare series that seems to consistently be amazing with each issue. I can't really say anymore that I like the First Collection more; I think I love both. Perhaps, though, the Second Collection seems to be just a little more depressing than the First---a lot to say given both books have fully earned the word "dystopian" in describing their stories and their world.
What a shock at the end. How can the Third Collection top or equal the first two? Well, it *is* Rucka and co., so...
What a shock at the end. How can the Third Collection top or equal the first two? Well, it *is* Rucka and co., so...
December 12, 2023
Now there is the type of story telling that measures up to the hype everyone built up for this series.
Two very gripping arcs back to back, as pageantry and politics leads to conflict and war, with even more political moves. The Conclave arc is more world building but done right, captivating. With elements of espionage and a brilliantly storyboarded duel between two Lazarui, it's a real treat, as well as the inciting incident for full scale war.
Poison is tense arc, as the war on the front for returning B characters from the Lift arc must work with Forever for military progress. Joanna clearly keeps scheming for control in her family, and dashes of medical conflict also add some zest. Idk if anything in this volume totally blew me away, but it certainly was a big improvement over the first vol, dare I say the best the series gets? Time will tell when I read HC 3
Two very gripping arcs back to back, as pageantry and politics leads to conflict and war, with even more political moves. The Conclave arc is more world building but done right, captivating. With elements of espionage and a brilliantly storyboarded duel between two Lazarui, it's a real treat, as well as the inciting incident for full scale war.
Poison is tense arc, as the war on the front for returning B characters from the Lift arc must work with Forever for military progress. Joanna clearly keeps scheming for control in her family, and dashes of medical conflict also add some zest. Idk if anything in this volume totally blew me away, but it certainly was a big improvement over the first vol, dare I say the best the series gets? Time will tell when I read HC 3
August 26, 2019
The Battle is real.
This one faced the Lazarus' against each other to prove one's innocence and when the tables didn't land in his favor to prove his innocence, he still didn't want to comply to the rules of the game. He even poisoned the one in position and left with warriors ready to kill the Caralye clan. Battle at its best.
There was definitely action and some inflection, sadness, or at least some type of emotion sprung forth while reading this copy.
Disclaimer: I borrowed an ebook copy on Hoopla (library) and giving my honest review of the read.
This one faced the Lazarus' against each other to prove one's innocence and when the tables didn't land in his favor to prove his innocence, he still didn't want to comply to the rules of the game. He even poisoned the one in position and left with warriors ready to kill the Caralye clan. Battle at its best.
There was definitely action and some inflection, sadness, or at least some type of emotion sprung forth while reading this copy.
Disclaimer: I borrowed an ebook copy on Hoopla (library) and giving my honest review of the read.
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