Maybe all Lazarus needed was some context. Rucka finally shows life for regular people–presumably these new cast members will be returning after their little adventure this issue. He doesn’t spend so much time on exposition for them either. He just shows their lives in this future. For Forever and her story, there’s always a lot of explaining.

But the issue also shows Forever in charge (though Rucka’s flashing back to her upbringing when she wasn’t) and these are good scenes. There’s a great standoff with a rival gang, there’s a great standoff with the daughter of a subject Forever had executed. Rucka’s definitely using Lark to his fullest this issue, those pensive Lark expressions.

It might also help the series is past the “pilot” stage. Even with all the exposition, Rucka’s a lot more comfortable and confident in the future details. Or maybe there are just less of them.

I’m going to have to talk a lot about the Lark art because there’s not much story to discuss. Except maybe how the scientist sister has the hots for the poor boy scientist she works with. Or maybe not. But it did give me another sentence and another sentence is a lot for a discussion of this issue.

It’s an all action issue. As much as I love Lark–and he’s back on the ball this issue, no slacking here–seeing him do prolonged action is boring. It’s amazing if concise, boring if too long. It’s way too long this issue.

There’s some intrigue with the rest of the family, most of it entirely predictable. There’s a tiny character moment for Forever with the other Lazarus, but it’s slight.

The soft cliffhanger’s inane. It’s far from Rucka’s worst script on the series, but it’s a tepid outing to be sure.