So I was excited about Lazarus when I picked up the first issue (cover to the left here).

It was even easier to get into knowing it was a limited series. I can’t complain about adding a book to my pull when I know its only going to last three issues.

That said, now that its over, Lazarus was kind of disappointing. It wraps up the story, and I still have no idea exactly what was going on behind everything.

Dude can’t die, and every time someone thinks he’s dead, he comes back. And something to do with genetic engineering? And maybe they’re racist too? And his (now-dead) girlfriend was in on it as well? And somehow he was too before they erased his memory? Maybe they did that more than once?

All of those details aren’t set very well in stone, so its hard to tell exactly what happened before the book started. And even if all those things are true, there’s still this barely-formed idea of a conspiracy theory that doesn’t succeed in being menacing in any way, since it doesn’t make any sense, and you can’t figure out anyone’s motivation.

The art is pretty good, and the idea could have been good. Maybe it would be a lot better if they let it run for a longer story.

3/10

Mouse Guard Winter 1152 #3. Its finally out! It was originally supposed to be out
in December, but David Petersen got caught up in other things, I suppose. Speaking of, I have an interview I did with Petersen to post soon.

Marvel Zombies 2 #5. Final issue. I’m kind of glad its over, since it was getting a bit drawn out. But hey, Zombie Thor v. Zombie Silver Surfer on the cover? Yes please. Hopefully its a suitable ending.

Daredevil #105. I’m still saying Daredevil is Marvel’s Batman. This arch has him up against his own Scarecrow: Mr Fear. I think its coming to an end soon? Yup, this issue.

X-Men Legacy #208. I’m giving this one a read, since Messiah Complex was pretty good, and the end has me interested. I can’t really see myself sticking with it for very long, but what the hey. Also: how do you change the name of a book, but keep the numbering? Seriously Marvel, wtf?

Lazarus #3. Okay, I’m not sure how I feel about this miniseries yet, but with this, the final issue, I should probably have a good idea soon. I should do a whole write-up on it once I’m done.

Okay, for the ones I’ve already read this week, continue reading.

Gravel #1. After issue #0, I knew I wanted to read this book. Its Warren Ellis, so I guess that’s no surprise. Its his take on the occult detective, I guess. Violent (no surprise), and one scene reminded me of something out of Hellboy. Imagine if Hellboy was a British occult detective/wizard/badass, and was hunting down a bunch of dudes who fucked him over, and fighting monsters and magic on the way, but written by Ellis. That should give you a pretty good idea. Super awesome.

Batman #674. Grant Morrison, after my skepticism, I would like to apologize. You wrapped this story arch up pretty neatly, oh, and you left it open for some more AWESOME.

Seriously, he explained and dealt with the three Batmen pretty well, but I still think he’s working toward something even bigger. I wasn’t too thrilled with his run on this book, but I think (now that some of the pieces are falling into place) I’m coming around.

All-Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder #9. Longest name for a comic ever. But hey, its Frank Miller and Jim Lee, so they could call it Crapfest Shitstorm and I’d buy it.

So this story is getting better with each issue. The newly-formed Justice League (always one of my least favorites) is pissed about Batman beating the crap out of people, and how it makes them look, so they send the Green Lantern to talk to him.

(SPOILER ALERT)

So what does Batman do? He tells Hal Jordan to meet him at one of his safehouses, and he and Robin proceed to paint the whole place (and themselves) yellow. Drinking lemonade and the whole nine. Its so fucking awesome. And then Robin beats the hell out of the Green Lantern. Its great.