A review by harlando
Lazarus, Vol. 5: Cull by Michael Lark, Greg Rucka

3.0

This was better than volume 4 and the story is moving along nicely. I did think the art fell down in a few places, mostly facial details, but still though this was a good book.

Rucka has yet to explain why all of the families only have one Lazarus. Carlyle has one and a spare in training, plus one mostly co-opted from a down on their luck ally. Is there a reason why the families don't produce more? Clearly they can. If it was some sort of treaty they would all be breaking it.

Also, what is the rationale for conquest? It seems like the families fight just because that's what they do. I could buy a 'earth is dying so everyone needs more resources,' plot. That seems like it might be the case but is never explicitly stated. Population figures show up all the time to beat in the idea that the earth is significantly depopulated and ruled by a handful of families and a tiny minority of retainers (serfs).