For many, the Judas Contract signifies everything right with Classic DC Comics. The Lazarus Contract shares a similar title, but is it living up to its predecessors legacy?
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Spoilers inbound for Teen Titans #8, so if you haven’t read the issue yet you’ve been warned.
Part 1 of The Lazarus Contract felt like mostly setup for issues to come, and while issue #2 does retread some of that ground, it manages to plant two big hooks for the series going forward. You might assume the biggest hook is the final page, but in fact, the revelation midway through is the most interesting subplot of all.
While he’s divisive in the comics community, this series is aided substantially with the involvement of Damian Wayne’s Robin. His arrogance allows everyone to have a comedic foil at all times, including his own team, but it’s hard to argue with his results. The fact that he is the one to call out Nightwing is priceless. He goes overboard of course, but that’s what makes him such an interesting if petulant character. Seeing Deathstroke play off of him in future issues should be a treat.
While Deathstroke‘s mission is the clear focus, this issue also allows the creative team some time to flesh out the New 52 Wally West. With the pre-New 52 Wally back in the picture, this Wally has struggled to retain an identity, unbeknownst to him. Hearing where he stands on Barry Allen was refreshing (there’s a lot of that feeling going around these days), and it’s easy to understand his trust issues. It plays into the story without denigrating him and should provide some additional avenues for character development throughout the series.
Lazarus Contract also benefits from some high-octane pencils from Wade Von Grawbadger and Khoi Pham, especially when both Titan groups are on the same page. Flash fans will also be happy to see both Wally Wests’ being treated so well visually, and their Damian Wayne is as humorously stout and curmudgeonly as you’d hope.
The storyline moves forward much more here than last issue, but it’s still unclear why Grant’s death is hitting Deathstroke so hard now. That should come more to light next issue, as the extent of the newly revealed agreement between Deathstroke and a Titan comes to light. It hasn’t yet delivered on the homage of its title, but it seems to be moving in the right direction.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Teen Titans #8 is written by Christopher Priest, Benjamin Percy, and Dan Abnett, with art by Wade Von Grawbadger and Khoi Pham. The covers were provided by Mike McKone and Phil Jimenez. You can view the official description below.
“THE LAZARUS CONTRACT” part two! The Teen Titans collide with the Titans after both groups are targeted by the World’s Deadliest Assassin—Deathstroke! But when Robin interrogates Nightwing about his history with Deathstroke, dark secrets are revealed and alliances are broken!
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