Image Comics Previews The End in Lazarus: Fallen
The wait is nearly over. The Eisner Award-winning creative team of writer Greg Rucka and artist Michael Lark are reuniting for the epic conclusion to their long-running saga. We now have an early preview of Lazarus: Fallen, the final, explosive chapter in the New York Times bestselling dystopian series. This upcoming series promises a reckoning, with protagonist Forever Carlyle prepared to dismantle the oppressive regime her family built, no matter the cost.
For years, Lazarus has delivered a chillingly plausible vision of a future ruled by a handful of wealthy families. It has captivated readers with its intricate world-building and morally complex characters. As seasoned storytellers, Rucka and Lark have consistently demonstrated their expertise in crafting gripping narratives. This final installment is poised to be the most intense yet, throwing readers directly into the heart of a rebellion. Fans of dark, futuristic stories like Andor and Blade Runner will find themselves right at home in this brutal world.
Forever’s Final Mission in Lazarus: Fallen
The new series picks up almost immediately after the events of Lazarus: Risen. Forever Carlyle, the genetically engineered protector of her family, has shattered her conditioning. The time for loyalty is over. Now, Forever intends to destroy the very foundation of the neo-feudalist world her father, Malcolm Carlyle, created. She is not just a soldier anymore; she is a revolutionary. However, this path is fraught with peril. These kinds of dystopian stories always show that freedom comes at a high price.
In this new world order, society is brutally divided. You are either a Serf, a person of value to the ruling Families, or you are considered disposable Waste. The Families maintain their power through their Lazari—unkillable super-soldiers. Forever was the Carlyle Family’s ultimate weapon, but her betrayal changes everything. She now fights alongside her sister, Infinity, the next-generation Lazarus. Together, they must forge new alliances to survive. They are hunted from the very beginning by other Families and their loyal Lazari, most notably the formidable Sonja Bittner. The action is relentless, a deliberate choice by the creators. Rucka notes, “It’s been less than two days in the story since the end of Lazarus: Risen, and Lazarus: Fallen is throwing the reader right back into the action and the story.” He trusts that even new readers can grasp the context, though the journey is far more rewarding for those who have followed from the start.
The Minds Behind the Apocalypse
The acclaimed creative team is firing on all cylinders. Greg Rucka (The Old Guard, Gotham Central) provides the sharp, intelligent writing that has defined the series. Michael Lark’s (Daredevil, Gotham Central) gritty, realistic art grounds the science-fiction concepts perfectly, making the world feel tangible and lived-in. Colorist Santi Arcas brings a moody, atmospheric palette that enhances Lark’s visuals. The team is completed by letterer Ariana Maher, editor Alejandro Arbona, and graphic designers Eric Trautmann and Richard Howe. Their collective effort promises a stunning and coherent final act. The fantastic cover artwork we’ve seen so far teases a story that will go out “in a blaze of glory,” as ComicBook.com puts it in their 5-star review.
For those eager to dive in, Lazarus: Fallen #1 arrives in comic shops on Wednesday, June 25. Issue #2 follows on July 30, with issue #3 scheduled for August 27. Dedicated comic book fans know how important it is to get caught up. To that end, new readers can start by reading the first issue for free on the Image Comics website. Furthermore, Lazarus: The Fourth Collection, a hardcover volume collecting Lazarus #27-28 and the complete Lazarus: Risen miniseries, is now available, joining the first three collections to provide the complete story so far.
Forever Carlyle’s journey from a loyal soldier to a revolutionary leader is the heart of Lazarus. She has committed the ultimate sin in her world: she betrayed her Family. Now, she fights to create a new world from the ashes of the old one. With her sister at her side and powerful enemies on their heels, Forever and Infinity’s war against the established order is a desperate gamble. As Rucka explains, “Our first issues are about framing this new world that Forever’s actions have created, about her and her sister finding allies, and about her father, Malcolm’s, own machinations.” The endgame is here, and every player knows the stakes are absolute.
The final chapter of this incredible saga is upon us. Lazarus: Fallen represents the culmination of years of storytelling, world-building, and character development. It is a must-read for fans of intelligent, character-driven science fiction.What are your predictions for the final arc? Head over to our Twitter page and let us know your thoughts!
