Comics Corner: Lazarus

Lazarus (2013-ongoing)
Written by: Greg Rucka
Art by: Michael Lark
Publisher: Image Comics

Description: In a dystopian near-future government is a quaint concept, resources are coveted, and possession is 100% of the law. A handful of Families rule, jealously guarding what they have and exploiting the Waste who struggle to survive in their domains. Forever Carlyle defends her family's holdings through deception and force as their protector, their Lazarus. Shot dead defending the family home, Forever's day goes downhill from there. (from comixology.com)



Why you should check it out:

• Forever Carlyle breaks the mold of the “strong female character” and her growth and progress through the series is really interesting as you learn her backstory. 
• Awesome action! Something exciting is always happening and each issues keeps you wanting more.
• Dystopians are still a big thing, right? Even if you’re tired by all dystopian works in the last 5 years, this one is unique and stands out. The world-building is really fascinating and you get a chance too look into both the privileged lives of the Families and those that try and get under their protection and what it means to have to fend for yourself.
• Crazy family dynamic and hidden secrets. There is an underlying mystery of who Forever really is that ties in with secrets her family have kept from her. 
• Greg Rucka. Yeah, I know that’s just me repeating the author, but there are some comic writers that have really problematic views and it often comes out in their writing eventually and Rucka is one that has not failed me yet (I’m almost done with my mission to read all his stuff).

Books that are similar:

Legend by Marie Lu

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Saba lives in Silverlake, a wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms where her family scavenge from landfills left by the long-gone Wrecker civilization. After four cloaked horsemen kidnap her beloved twin brother Lugh, she teams up with daredevil Jack and the Free Hawks, a girl gang of Revolutionaries. 

Saba learns that she is a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Saba and her new friends stage a showdown that change the course of her civilization.





Who I’d cast in a live-action version:

I’m only going to do Forever, because she’s the main character. I narrowed it down to two great options.

1) Michelle Rodriguez. The actress is a huge fan of the comics and Greg Rucka and has stated that she would be on board being in Lazarus if the opportunity ever came up. She also has the action chops to pull off the fight scenes and attitude to match Forever. Also she plays characters that die a lot and sometimes come back.

2) Sarah Shahi. From all the stuff she does on Person of Interest, she has the skills to be Forever and looks great in black. No sword images though :(

And this concludes my first Comics Corner here. Have you any of Lazarus? What things would you say are it's strong and weak points?