Lazarus, Book 1

Imagine that the world has been divided into 16 territories, each ruled by a family that must constantly enforce its will and prepare for invasion if it is to maintain its power. This is the backdrop of the new book from the veteran team of Rucka (Gotham Central, Queen & Country) and Lark (Batman, Terminal City). Lazarus tells the story of Forever Carlyle, the genetically enhanced and virtually unkillable youngest daughter of the Carlyle family, who is not exactly who she thinks she is. Forever must deal with internal and external threats to her family, in a world that has suffered economic collapse and now faces extreme wealth disparity. What makes this graphic novel stand out is the fascinating complexity of the protagonist, complete with a backstory that details how she has been carefully honed into a Lazarus—a weapon the family can use to protect its interests. Lark’s artwork is fabulous, capturing both the scenes of violence and those of introspection, in which Forever tries to accept who she is and how she feels about it. It’s top-notch SF worldbuilding. With an introduction by Warren Ellis. (Nov.)