Lazarus #11 Review


What is Conclave, and how will this affect the series? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

“CONCLAVE,” PART ONE. For the first time in the 65 years since they divided the world, the 16 Families are gathering again. For Malcolm Carlyle, it is an opportunity to identify and eliminate his enemies. For Jakob Hock, it is an opportunity to exact for revenge. And for Forever Carlyle, it’s the first step in discovering the truth about who she is, and what she is destined to become.

Lazarus #11 previewLazarus took some time out from it’s main story during last issue, showing us what Jonah has been getting up to. This ultimately was teasing the next big story, Conclave, and how Jakob Hock can get revenge on Malcolm Carlyle this way. Overall the premise of the Conclave is really interesting, with the gathering of the Families feeling almost Godfatheresque.

Greg Rucka does a wonderful job of introducing this arc, as putting the events of last issue aside, the sheer presence of a rival Lazarus at Carlyle borders certainly kicks things into a higher gear. On top of this Rucka also teases at Forever’s legitimacy within the Carlyle Family, with the message from way back in issue four still eating away at her. Despite all that, I still feel the series is lacking the intensity the opening arc had, with this issue feeling very much like the calm before the storm.

One thing that I can never get enough of from this series is the art, with Michael Lark‘s highly detailed illustrations being amazing to say the leased. Joined by Tyler Boss on ink assist, Lark continues to flesh out a gritty, and now winter world for the Carlyle’s, with the appearance of another Lazarus bringing wonderful, gory violence. As ever Lark’s art is given them special finishing touches from colourist Santi Arcas, with his sleek palette working perfectly alongside Lark and Boss’ bold inks.

Lazarus continues to entice me, with the Conclave being the perfect turning point for the series. Highly recommended.

OUR RATING
8.5
  • + Another Lazarus bringing bloody violence.
  • + Greg Rucka's Conclave concept is very intriguing.
  • + Michael Lark never fails on the artwork.
  • - Still lacks the intensity the opening arc had.

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