Lazarus #16 Review

writer: Greg Rucka / artist: Michael Lark and Tyler Boss w/ Owen Freeman & Eric Trautmann / Image Comics One of the reasons that Lazarus is my favorite comic book out (yes, I say that without flinching) is because in addition to the the incredible marriage of ideas, writing and art, it also is one of the most unique books out. Even when the book moves slower through heavier dialogue and text driven issues, the storytelling is amazingly efficient. This issue however, is probably their most experimental to date. Following the amazing issue #15, that saw Forever and Sonja Bittner square off in accordance with the Hock / Carlyle conflict, things are in complete disarray now. Hock lost the trial, but played sore loser and poisoned Poppa Carlyle on his way out the door and insured a war was being declared. Now, we jump to a character we spent time with during the “Lift” storyline, Sister Bernard. The Nun and Physician has had her duties amended from typical travel between territories administering care. She actually has a mission from the Carlyle family that includes espionage and smuggling while deep inside Hock territory. There are some great twist and turns in the story, so I don’t want to spoil them, but by issue’s end, Sister Bernard has become the most important person in the Lazarus universe, something that was truly unexpected.

What is different about this issue is that the storytelling is done through a variety of mediums, mostly text driven. Where, I’ve praised this book…