LAZARUS 06 FRACTURA I

Lazarus: Risen #1-3

by Greg Rucka (Guíon), Michael Lark, Santiago Arcas

Two years have passed since Forever Carlyle was betrayed on the battlefield, and now the Carlyle Family finds itself surrounded on all sides, running out of both time and options, as the Conclave War claims friends and allies alike in an ongoing war of attrition. With time running out for her Family, Johanna goes on the attack with a strategy that relies on the Carlyle Lazarus--Forever--standing fast at her side.

And while the war takes its toll as Lazarus fights Lazarus, the next Forever Carlyle--the 14-year-old known as "Eight" who is being groomed for service--finds herself in a life-or-death struggle of a different kind. The secrets are taking their toll, and when they come out, the results will be shattering.

Collects LAZARUS: RISEN #1-3

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Fiction, Dystopia, Graphic Novels Comics, Adventure

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2020

About the author

Greg Rucka, is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I just didn't fall in love with this volume.
Probably because it's been quite some time since the last volume came out, and on top of that, this one is only 3 issues long. It just wasn't enough for me.
I mean, I'd pretty much forgotten about Forever and the rest of this cast of characters, and Fracture just didn't feel like a complete story arc.



The gist is that Forever is working for her sister (who I'm sure is shady and playing her) and these two are just BFFs now. The other sister is definitely shady and cruel, and apparently treating the younger Forever clone like shit because she's a sadist? <-- no idea what her motives are.
All the families are at war, blah, blah, blah.
Forever has a showdown with her ex, blah, blah, blah. Death, death, death.
It was 3 issues of vague shit.



I'm still interested, but I think I'll wait till more volumes come out before trying this one out again.

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.5 stars.

What the fish, Greg Rucka?! How did you manage to go from the scrumpalicious awesomess that is Cull to this?! Not sure if it’s the new format (only 3 issues), or just that nothing bloody shrimping happens in this volume. Well nothing but endless blah blah blah, anyway. “How about the series arc,” you kindly ask? “Any progression on that front,” you politely enquire?



All we get in this volume is:

1) The usual Traitorous Family Shenanigans (TFS™). (Getting a little old, that.)

2) My girlfriend Forever being her deliciously slaughterous—and springy—self. (Which I obviously 💕lurves💕, but glorious bloodshed—albeit aplenty—does not a plot make and stuff).





3) My girlfriend Forever being uncharacteristically and most exasperatingly mopy as fish.



🙄 Eyerolls her little self to death 🙄

Oh, and did you notice the new horrible haircut? To think that Forever used to look hot as fish. Well, some might argue that Forever’s haircuts have always been a little problematic, what with her mutant Lego-click on hair tendencies and all that, but I’ve always thought she looked well, um, you know, hot as fish and stuff.



See what I mean?

The problem with the new hairdo isn’t only the ugly thing itself, it’s that it makes her look exactly like another character in the series, Marisol. They look like twins, for shrimp’s sake! So much so that you end up not knowing who the bloody shrimping hell is who!

That’s Forever (or is it Marisol?):



And this is Marisol (or is it Forever?):



My ever-decaying little grey cells being ever-decaying and thus easily confused (also, I’ve only got two of them, which probably doesn’t help), I’d appreciate it if you’d let my girlfriend’s hair grow again, Mr. Lark. It would help quite a lot and stuff. And if you don’t want to let it grow, you could just, I don’t know, have her dye it pink or something. Okay, so it might possibly ruin her lethally ruthless and ruthlessly lethal Lazarus rep, but at least I’d be able to recognize her and stuff. Which is well-worth thoroughly destroying her badass notoriety, if you ask me.

➽ Nefarious Last Words (NLW™): All in all, you could maybe perhaps say that this isn’t my favorite volume in this series so far. Mayhap. But hey, at least it offers recently extracted eyeballs as door openers, so I guess I can’t complain and stuff.



Ooooh, yummy!

👋 To be continued and stuff.

Chronological Reading Order:
· Volume 1: Family ★★★★
· Volume 2: Lift ★★★
· Volume 3: Conclave ★★★★
· Volume 4: Poison ★★★★
· Volume 5: Cull ★★★★★
· Lazarus X+66 (side stories about supporting characters) ★★★★
· Fracture: Prelude 1 (issue #27, previously published in digital format only and now included in vol. 7) ★★★★
· Fracture: Prelude 2 (issue #28, previously published in digital format only and now included in vol. 7) ★★★★
· Volume 6: Fracture I ★★
· Volume 7: Fracture II ★★★

· Sourcebook Collection Vol One ★★★★



[Pre-review nonsense]

What the bloody shrimping hell of the stinking fish is this?!



Full We Are Not Nefariously Amused Review (WANNAR™) to come and stuff.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I have been reading this forever, begun in May 2016, though the last volume was May of 2017, so I had given up on it. Still, the last volume was the most action-packed and revealing so far, and left us waiting for even more drama. So when I saw Greg Rucka and Michael Lark had produced another volume, well, it couldn’t hurt to check it out. . . and I remain modestly interested in reading more.

This is a dystopian series about a time in the future when the world is ruled not by governments or even multinational corporations but by rich families--think Renaissance Medici and Borgia families--who are murderous, incestuous, betraying, back-stabbing, all that. There are a few serfs that serve the families and the rest of (us) are known as Waste. This feels like a relevant set of ideas for the future that would seem to point to an anti-capitalist uprising, but the series keeps focusing on these Family Wars. I will be disappointed if the future is only a fight between rich people clans, but this could well be the case. There are signs that point to the consolidation of wealth in the hands of a very few, leaning to oligarchy, so Rucka may be on to something here.

What's new here in this world that we didn’t see in the Renaissance? Well, each family has a Lazarus, who can't (easily? ever?) be killed, obviously, a cyber-creature who protects that family. The Carlyle family has Forever Carlyle (bad name, ugh) [so one of the complaints most normal readers have with superhero comics is that they can never die, but in this sci-fi series we make this same mistake], yet I’ll admit we do get to care about her, actually.

Well, it’s only three issues, after all this time, and it’s a pretty good story, with great artwork from Lark, but there doesn't seem to be much advanced after all this time.

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the setbacks of previous volumes, Forever Carlyle helps her family begin to push back against their enemies -- and allies -- in the years long war between the ruling cabals. Rucka holds his cards a little too close to his chest during the final chapter, leaving things vague and a little frustrating, but I'm certainly eager for more.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some time ago, the Lazarus series switched to a quarterly release strategy and its a bit of a bummer. While each issue is oversized and now contains more material, it feels like we’re waiting eons between each installment. I had to do an internet refresher before jumping into this book because of how rich the world is, it’s hard to get lost.

This volume is probably the weakest, with not much happening past general set-up, as Forever is fully-allied with Johanna and Johanna is proving to do a great job running the family. Also, with Forever’s hair now cut short, it’s really hard to tell her and Marisol apart in the art. Is this a mistake or does it mean something deeper??

Still, as one of the best comic book series in a very long time, a weak Lazarus book is still better than most of the stuff out there. There’s still amazingly detailed action and a shit-ton of intrigue.

[Artemy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lazarus has been on fire with its last few volumes, and this one's no exception. Can't say much without spoilers, but A LOT happens in this one — loss, triumph, more mysteries and, of course, tons of political intrigue, back-stabbing and switching allegiances.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next phase of the Lazarus story hits you like a brick here with these three extra-sized issues. Thank god there was a previously page, because it's been so long since I read Lazarus that the intricacies would have been lost on me otherwise.

The story doesn't move along massively despite the page count, but there are a lot of smaller maneuvers that I expect will cause an avalanche of problems in later stories. The fight scenes are brutal as always though, and there are some genuinely shocking moments for both plot reveals and emotional beats, especially the last few pages of the final issue.

And of course, Michael Lark's art is wonderful. It's probably one of the most realistic styles you'll see in comics, and Santi Arcas' colours really bring it all to life.

Hopefully it won't be quite so long before the next volume comes out.

[Lukasz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Not as good as previous volumes, but still great.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very good volume from a great series. The change in singles format is good because you get more story with each issue, but the wait between them is longer. The quality hasn't dropped at all though.

[Romulus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dobija mnie czytanie tej serii. Dokładnie tak jak się tego spodziewałem. Ale mimo to i tak sobie to zrobiłem: zacząłem serię, która się jeszcze nie skończyła. I teraz nie mogę jej odłożyć i czekać w nieskończoność aż nadejdzie finał a potem pojawią się omnibusy.

Ten tom zabrał trzydzieści pięć minut mojego czasu. Zostawił - jak zwykle - z pytaniami oraz z bezsilnością spowodowaną tym, że na niektóre (bo nie wszystkie) odpowiedzi będę musiał czekać rok albo dwa. Choć kto wie, może Greg Rucka da radę skończyć tę historię w dwóch podobnych częściach? Ech, słodkie złudzenia.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continues to be one of the best comics currently being published, though the long wait between collections doesn't do it any favors. It's so good to be back in this world again, though. The war between families is still ongoing and Carlyle is really struggling, although Joanna and Forever apparently have a secret plan to bring them through and maybe even come out on top. Forever just wants to meet Eight, her eventual successor, now a 14-year-old girl, struggling to come to terms with her nature. Michael Lark's artwork continues to be one of the highlights, and it perfectly fits with the rather cold nature of the story, both literally (much of it set in the Arctic) and figuratively (no one is particularly happy). Not a whole lot happens in this oversized collection, but that's all right. What does happen brings us right back into this fascinating story and back up to speed with things. Very much looking forward to the next volume.

[Trike · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is less content here than usual, and it feels a bit derivative of Mad Max: Fury Road (including Forever’s new buzz cut) and Barry Windsor-Smith’s classic Wolverine: Weapon X, but it’s still Lazarus, so I’ll take it. Here’s hoping the next installment comes out sooner and has more heft to it. It certainly feels like Rucka is setting up pieces to be played later.

The art is terrific, really leaning into the dystopia noir feel of this world.

[Jamie Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how much I enjoy these books. Rucka has been nailing this since day one. The art is on point too and the colors set a perfect tone. I keep picturing this as an awesome tv show. I hope they keep pumping these out. I hate the waiting, but in this case it was worth it. 5 stars.

If you like Jason Bourne or metal gear then this book is for you.

[Sam (Hissing Potatoes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was definitely the same great action and spot-on art panels I've come to love from the series. The emotional intensity seemed lower, possibly because we're starting several years after the last volume and it needs to build up again.

But Lazarus certainly knows how to keep me wanting more. That ending, UGH WHERE'S THE NEXT VOLUME.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume was a bit more stilted than previous. It also felt like lower stakes. I don't think the story is losing the thread, but it definitely has less momentum.

[Nate]

Excellent. My favorite volume so far. There’s a humanity and depth of emotion here that the other books didn’t quite have. Bethany, Malcolm, Forever (Seven and Eight), and Joanna all deal with real, tangible human problems that Rucka communicates beautifully. And of course, the action is awesome. That battle between Forever, Joaquim, and D’Souza explodes on the page.

This book’s pacing is also stronger than before. By now, characters and situations are established and there’s no need for lengthy exposition. Everything just flows. I read it in one sitting barely noticing the minutes ticking by.

[kaitlphere · Rating 4 out of 5]

The personal relationships between the lady characters in this volume is what I've been hoping for the entire series. I appreciate revisiting with some of the other Lazarus. The political situation is really in upheaval.

[Valéria. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Less politics, more fighting. Love that.

[Andrew Sorrentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cinematic storytelling, arising both from wide panels and also from greater pagecounts in each chapter. Exciting developments, brutal action, and tense cliffhangers!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good combat. The world is in a sorry state and only a few seem to be benefiting from the good that is left. Very intimidating competition.

[Benji · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one came in as a 3.5 star rating for me.

The three Risen issues' purpose seems to be one of setting up and of teasing. First, we meet Forever with a new haircut that makes her look so much like Marisol, I had trouble differentiating them by looks (aka I had to wait and see who it was in more than one scene). This was one of the main things that tipped my brain and whispered a little thing into my ear that didn't sit so right with me: All the female characters look super alike. Body proportions, face shape, nose and lips... Only their hair and clothes (incl. color) seem to differentiate them from one another. I have trouble with that since noticing.

But; to the real issue with the installment! The art is as always wonderful, detailed and breathing. It is pure... well... art. The comic touches some of the most vital moments that were set up for the readers to look forward to. Some examples: Rematch with the Zmey, Forever and Joaquim meeting again, Mrs Carlyle gets "introduced", Eve and Eight meet.

I gotta say... all of this fell entirely flat. In all those scenes, things were hinted at or they ended on cliffhangers or it felt like too little. (Except for maybe one scene, but I won't spoil which one.)

Overall, it was a lot of teasing at and swiping by moments that should have gone deeper or longer or revealed more. It felt a lot like someone was trying to tell me the story without the crucial context. Vague is the word that could be applied here.

However, these issues do not outshine the fun I had reading this. Yes, it fell a bit short. Yes, it could have been more precise. But I greatly enjoyed returning to these characters and this twisted world. And a lot of scenes - especially the ones including Eight, for example - hit me nicely. I jut have a soft spot for her, you know.

I would still highly recommend the Lazarus series.


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[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg Rucka's dystopian-future series "Lazarus" explores a world ruled by a handful of powerful families, each with its own representative super soldier and all embroiled in back-stabbing, sabotage and open warfare. It's a great premise, strengthened by Rucka's excellent writing and Michael Lark's evocative art.

In recent volumes, though, the series has seemed to struggle with a big plot twist introduced in the fourth volume. Instead of moving forward in a new direction, it has largely spun its wheels from a plot standpoint.

"Fracture" seems to return to the status quo offered before the big break, making it unclear why the creative team moved in that direction in the first place. The story is still enjoyable to read. The characterization and dialogue are strong, and the militaristic future feels plausible, filled with the little details of grunt life and hard politicking.

In the big picture, though, the story seems to have lost its way a bit in all of the double-crosses and gritty betrayals. Moving forward, I hope it picks a direction and commits to it to take full advantage of the great cast and setting.

[Cale · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I last read a volume of this (and I think it was a prequel volume at that), so I appreciated the Dramatis Personae and 'The Story So Far' recaps. The story leans on a lot of that information, so having it included was very helpful.
And the plot bursts out of the current situation with a couple of brutal action sequences that change the playing field of the world; Forever gets a couple chances to shine, and Johanna's approach to leadership marks a new era for the Carlyle family. Much of this is shown rather than told. The story does get a little bogged down when it comes to Eve and her storyline, but seeing how this collection ends, I think that's more a matter of timing than anything else. All told, this was an impactful volume that has a lot to like - I still have some issues with the artwork, especially when it comes to discerning the geography of the intense battle scenes, but that's a minor complaint. Overall this series continues to run strong and keep me invested in its world.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been some time since my last Lazarus read, so I was pretty lost at the outset in Fracture I, even with the helpful introductory materials. I guess the Carlyles are still at war and I guess the rest of the houses controlling Earth are against them. Several fights occur, Forever's clone has some growing pains, we meet a few new faces. After the long wait, Fracture I doesn't feel particularly special, like it was worth waiting for.

It's not bad, just focused on wheel-spinning and vagueness. Michael Lark's art continues to be Netflix-adaptation-ready. Which I'm realizing is both good and bad - the action scenes, backgrounds, and character expressions are rich in detail, to the point that it looks a bit rotoscoped and comes off as very static. Maybe if I'd started at the beginning again and read through to this sixth volume, I'd have had a better time. But a good series shouldn't require that.

[Frédéric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rereading this volume, I am revising its rating upwards.

Now "freed" from the direct influence of the Carlyle family, Forever is no less ruthless and confronts her past, painful as it may be.

We are heading in a direction that seems to be leading the series towards its conclusion. A plan is clearly being set in motion; we will see its outcome – its repercussions? – in the next volume, I suppose.

The art is as good as ever.

[Dan DalMonte · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Carlyle family is involved in a nasty war as the global order breaks down. Eve is constantly getting battered, but she always recovers. Eve has stopped taking her medication as she realizes that the family is making facsimiles of her and their is a younger version of her waiting in the wings. Johanna is plotting and confidently conducting the war.

[Chad Jordahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the world, love the art (except did the first half of the third chapter seem less polished, more rushed, than the rest of the book?)
It has a couple of good battle sequences. But not much story in this book right? Mostly moving the chess pieces around, preparing for big maneuvers to come. Intreaguing hints in the final few pages.

[Borja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuatro añazos desde el tomo 5 y ha sido como si hubiera sido ayer. Qué pena que no haya historias más frecuentes en este mundo.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally addicted to Lazarus, but found it hard to turn the page this time round. You don’t have any idea who’s going to be caught, killed or what!

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's terrific to have Lazarus back after a three-year or so hiatus (longer for me as I've finally collected back my volumes to reread the story to date and then move forward).

Unfortunately, this volume is definitely lesser than its predecessors. The main problem is that the pacing has just been destroyed. Major characters like Sonja and Eight go missing for issues at a time. The story feels like it's being told in occasional freeze frames before jumping ahead long minutes in the film. I can almost make sense of everything that's going on here, but it'll probably take a reread or two to be sure. (Other reviewers says nothing happens, and I say way too much happens, often with no build-up and no denouement, just moving on to the next plotted event.)

There's still plenty to love, primarily the characters, their growth, and the interrelations. But I'm so sorry that the plotting has become such a mess as the creators try to figure out their new quarterly format and (apparently) how to push the story quickly to completion.

Is it another case where interest in mediashifting has damaged the original story? Certainly feels like it.