COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Lazarus #15 – We are (no) friends

Less is more. That’s the beauty of the well-oiled creative collaboration in delivering a good story and killer visuals. That’s the case of Greg Rucka and Michael Lark’s latest issue Lazarus #15, the conclusion of chapter 3.

After the pulsating train of events from the beginning of the CONCLAVE chapter, things go to the wire that readers are totally salivating—the TRIAL BY COMBAT. Yes, you read me right. This is Game of Thrones all over again. This time around, however, two fast friends are forced to do something so unpleasant that only their sense of loyalty and family almost push them to their limits. This issue reminds me of the epic confrontation of the Viper and the Mountain, and anything I read about Medieval Europe. But unlike the influential fantasy show, readers couldn’t help but root for both of the combatants for they are definitely caught in the middle and being subjected against their wills. Again, duty and family motivate them.

We must also be aware of the dialogues Rucka presented—so obvious yet subtle if going to read back. A true lyrical wordsmith, the writer knows how to project the situation that is both brutal but eloquent at the same time. And to think he almost sounded like two different women wishing things would turn out otherwise. Such a great feminine writer Greg truly is.

Lark should be commended for almost perfectly translating Rucka’s thoughts to actualization. Look at the combat sequences the artist drew for more than ten pages! We are really treated to a visual masterpiece that we are almost awed how he executed those difficult angular perspectives. And significantly, the artist portrayed the duelists so femininely, and so natural that they really fight for their dear lives and honor.

Colorist Santi Arcas should also be saluted here for without his colors, the actual mood of the story would be anything but bland. The blood he perfectly put in on the fighters while exchanging blows and counters, and the overall mood of the hall that one could feel that everyone is part of the bloody gladiatorial combat. A blood feast we’re truly being served well indeed!

To conclude, readers would be pleased on this another twisting turn of event moment. They must pace themselves on this one to see the full benefits of enjoying this fine piece of visual literature the creative team could offer. Though the lettering is a bit confusing at first due to the almost exact size of the actual conversations to the mere whispers, but the overall plot and visualization of this concluding chapter would surely leave readers demanding for more LAZARUS to come.