LAZARUS: FALLEN #1 – THE HIGH COST OF FREEDOM

“I had strings, But now I’m free, There are no strings on me” – Leigh Harline.

In a neo-feudalist world, one family wields tremendous power. The Carlyle Family has staked a claim in a hostile landscape. There are one of a few families who control everything. They don’t see people for who they are. You are either a Serf or Waste. To ensure their rule, families have a Lazarus in their ranks. Having a living weapon has won them many things. None have been more legendary than Forever Carlyle.

In 2013, Greg Rucka and Michael Lark started Forever Carlyle started a violent and complex journey. During the saga, she has made some discoveries. Infinity, her younger sister and heir apparent, has given a huge assist. Twelve years later, the path has now opened a new direction for her to walk. It also has given readers a very heavy question: What happens when an unkillable warrior is truly free of control?

The Final Order Cut-Off for issue #1 is Monday, June 2nd, 2025. Nerd Initiative got an advance look at LAZARUS: FALLEN #1 by Greg Rucka, Michael Lark, Santiago Arcas and Ariana Maher.

Here is my *SPOILER FREE* review of the first chapter of the final saga.

LET’S TALK STORY!

Right from the jump, Rucka establishes the tense covert feel fans expect. A raid on a Hock preservation center gets more intense as each panel hits. The dialogue reflects the sinking feeling the squad is developing on their mission. Knowing who they are in pursuit of feels like a losing cause. The mission presses forward. It can’t be stressed enough the dire and intense aura Rucka has crafted here. It is the embodiment of espionage. The result sets a strong pace as the chapter moves forward. With this world, there is no gray area. It is survive or fall at all costs.

This sense carries forth when the spotlight is cast on a familiar face. Rucka holds nothing back in showing the depths this figure is willing to go for what they want. Readers can easily pick up on the deceit pouring out of every word said. There is no shortage of drama on these panels. Where it leads is sure to shake things up. Longtime fans of the series will have much to rave about. This is especially true in the closing pages. If there wasn’t enough drama thrown into this explosive issue, the last panel stops the show on a dime.

HOW ABOUT ART AND LETTERING!

Lark and Arcas build up the suspense slowly with the raid. Each raid member is walking very tensely. It conveys the dangerous mission they’re on. Using wider panels captures a more clearer picture of the trek through the building. The center has its fair share of surprises. Readers watch as the unit’s path puts them in line with some surprise guests. It gives the moment some calm before the air gets thick with a deep stand-off. There’s no shortage of win with this sequence. It caps off with a loud statement as the story takes another turn.

Once the devious figure appears, the art reflects the change in mood. The pages relay a more firm and direct sense. There is no sugarcoating the reactions on display. Readers can’t help but being ensnared in these panels. It results in a few more twists before a final changed gear. Lark and company give the final location a more calming sense. If ever slightly, readers get a steady walk into the close. The closing panel will have readers buzzing as parts are in motion for a combustible last ride.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.7/10

The final story of Forever Carlyle begins with an unswerving shot of drama and intensity. Rucka crafts the ever-changing landscape with superb writing. Lark, Arcas and Maher delve into the lengths all parties will go to win with their art. “Fallen” is poised to fire on all cylinders and this final run is one fans simply won’t want to miss.

Let me know your thoughts on the Lazarus series in the comments below. Thanks to Image Comics for the advance look & thank YOU for reading! CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN