April's Pull list - Lazarus #27

April is a big month for me, comic wise, this year. Not only has is it big because it's the month with the most comics I've picked up so far in 2018, but also because of what those comics are. This month sees Lazarus return from (what feels like) a long break, the Terrifics reach its D-Day with me as their first arc concludes and, of course, Action Comics reaches its landmark milestone with a massive 80 page issue 1000. Those are pretty big in my book.

There's also Marvel Rising issue 0, but I'm not sure it compares in scope to the others.

So, let's get started.

Lazarus #27. Photo from
Comixology.

First up was Lazarus #27, which returned from its hiatus with the first installment of a two part story which focusing on Jonah Carlyle and what happened to him after having escaped Hock imprisonment and faking his death in the Conclave arc. This issue picks almost immediately after, as Jonah, found adrift and near death off of the coast of Bittner Territory is taken in by a family running a fishing boat. It is with them than Jonah, going by a fake name, attempts to build himself a new life, far removed from the one he once had.

Now, I've tried a couple of times to try and write my thoughts on this issue in some clever way. However, when all is said and done, the simple truth is that I really enjoyed this issue and thought that it was one of the strongest of the entire series (and there's been a good number of strong ones). The thing is that, while there are a good number of reasons why it's so great, it's not because of the title's consistent action or political aspects.

In regards to the story, for me this issue succeeds because of its simplicity. Rucka has completely about turned from how the books usually written and, instead of being dark and cynical, has written an issue wish shows us some more positive views of humanity; acts of kindness, compassionate and love. What made this better for me was that the central character was Jonah as, not only have I been intrigued about where he ended up (I did almost expect him to just 'reappear' in Forever's door at some point), but he comes off as so humble, caring and likeable compared to his initial appearance that I feel badly for thinking badly for him at that time.

And then, of course, there is Michael Lark. From reading this series along with the X-66 mini, as well as from Twitter, it is pretty common knowledge that Lark has struggled with injury and maintaining his work schedule. However, this issue is further proof that I'm glad they opted against acquiring a fill in and waiting on his return. Every single panel in this issue, from the trawler working out at sea, through to the tear in Jonah's eye is absolutely gorgeous. I can do nothing but look at it in awe it's so beautiful. I wish I was smart enough to have more to say but that no other words are necessary. The art is flawless as always and even if the story completely crumbled I think the art might still be worth the price of this book.

I really do love Lazarus, it's a testament to its quality that it is still on my pull list when so many other titles have gone (what can I say, I'm a fussy guy), but this issue is something really special. I am now afraid for the future of this title because It is going to be a quarterly title meaning waiting three months between installment (and they'll be bigger and so, presumably more expensive). However, what concerns me more is that the world of Lazarus is not a happy place and, given this is a two part story, I fear that Jonah's new found contentment may be incredibly short-lived.

Either way, I'm looking forward to next month to find out.

Anyway, onto the next comic.