Lazarus Vol. 7: Fracture II
Greg Rucka, writer; Michael Lark, art; Santi Arcas, colors; Simon Bowland, letters
Image Comics, 2022
The previous volume was published in 2020, so apparently, fans will have to be prepared for long gaps between installments. But the good news is that it is easy to reconnect with the story: there is a reasonably detailed "Previously" summary at the beginning of the collection as a reminder, and the main characters are memorable. The first arc here eases the reader in with a group of new characters, Danish fishers who pull an unconscious, nearly frozen Jonah Carlyle out of the water. He becomes part of the family, and is left with a mission of vengeance. It's all because Lazarus Forever Carlyle disobeyed the order to kill him, which figures into the main arc as well. Forever does follow orders later, and decimates some powerful Families. It is unclear whether the point is to change the balance of power or to promote peace in the world. A Hock/Carlyle meeting reveals deep history about their family relationships. Malcolm Carlyle commands Forever to kill Jacob Hock, but in the end, she is more concerned with keeping her independence (and insuring the same for her young sibling) than her family duties. So, there are major changes in the status quo: in this series that guarantees shifts in the narrative. Lots to look forward to, regardless of how long we have to wait.
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