Lazarus: Risen #4

So, after the heaviness of X-Men #9 and what I hoped to say using it (although I suspect if I re-read up to this point, it's all just waffle), I thought I'd talk about something a little simpler.

If by simpler I mean a complex socio-political action thriller set in a dystopian future.

I finally made time and read Lazarus Risen #4 (which, given their now digest format, is no easy feat), which saw the focus of the series move away from Forever's journey and refocus on two of the supporting cast. A year ago (prior to the events of Lazarus Risen #1), Casey Solomon is newly promoted to the 'Daggers', Carlyle's top special Forces unit, and the Lazarus' right hand. This promotion (as well as being shared with her family) not only sees new responsibilities but also new privileges as she is offered a one-time 'favour' from the Lazarus herself, one which Casey cashes in to dispense justice for a long ago tragedy during the time of her lift.

 

Meanwhile, Casey's boyfriend, gifted scientist Michael Barrett, continues his own entry into the Lazarus inner circle as he continues to seek a cure for the control her family has over her. However, Michael find just how dangerous his new position is when his lab assistant, who has her own connection to the Lazarus, puts him in an impossible situation.

So, as always, I really enjoyed this issue, although I can't help but feel that this was more of a fill-in entry. Of course it doesn't reduce this issue in anyway regarding its quality, especially in regards to the artwork as Michael Lark once again knocks it out of the park. I have absolutely loved Lark's style and this installment is no exception as he once again does all the story telling through his art with such tremendous panels which lack dialogue. I don't think anyone has done this sort of thing as often and as skillfully and that's all I think I need to say to justify his work.

As for the story, I've really believed since the beginning of the Risen series that Greg Rucka has change the format from a story focusing mainly on one character to a story focusing on an ensemble and this issue further confirms it. This is because, while the issue feels like filler, it does actually pick up on so many threads from the entire run that you could almost say were left dangling. These include;

-The return of Cady Rosales, whose father was murdered by Forever in the first arc.

-The Barrett's uncomfortableness with serfs life and their desire to leave (as per the X+66 mini series).

-Leigh Barrett's death from the Lift arc 

-The ongoing relationship of Mike and Casey and their respective 'secret' responsibilities to the 'family'.

Of these plot points, while most involve Forever in some way, none are actually a part of her story. In fact, she I thought she is little more than a master of ceremonies, almost being flitting in and being a part of the ride.

Of course, this is no bad thing as it A. Gives what is already an expansive world even greater depth while B. giving more focus to the non-family/serf characters, something that is brought up in the letters amongst the backmatter.

And then there is the prose story, in the Blood, by Rucka and Lark (illustrations) which follows wayward brother Jonah after the events of his two part story which capped off the original series. Once again, this was a plot thread left open from previously but, unlike the others (which isnt to say any others are bad), I'm really invested in this tale as I'm really intrigued to see Jonah's reintroduction to the series proper. With this tale, it's not officially happened, but seeing further upheaval for the Carlyle black sheep just makes me more intrigued about when he finally returns to the fold.

I had originally planned to fold this into the bottom of the X-Men post as a sort of 'in other news' item. However, so much appears to have come to mind about it that it has gotten a post of it's own and that isnt exactly undeserved. This issue may have felt like a disconnect to the main story and possibly the narratively weaker issue thus far but, like movies in the MCU, it seems even the weakest Lazarus issue is still a strong competitor to other comics.

I still have two questions which need answering; why did Forever cut her hair and is anything ever going to happen about that email from the first issue? Howe er, I get the feeling that we are into the home stretch and, while it'll be sad to see Lazarus end, this issue (like all others) has me pumped about what happens next.

Its just a shame about the wait for this almost quarterly title.