LAZARUS

Murderer...Assassin...Hero...

Lazarus has lived many lives. Some good, some not so good. But all, seemingly, end in very unfortunate ways.

Our story begins with the most recent rebirth of Lazarus at the hands of a fanatic cult of zealots who believe him to be the savior that their ancient Book of Twilight prophesizes will return to save the world from Death. Having unearthed his silver skull during an expedition into the Deadlands, buried in the depths of Mestipen's Crater, where he had died most recently, the Child named Phaerik Skullfinder (see Mestipen; Children of the Risen and Rerisen; Phaerik Skullfinder) made haste back to the Eastern Watchtower, and into history.

Gormus the High, leader of the Children of the Risen and Rerisen, organized the Ritual of the Phoenix, which was (at least in theory) designed to bring Lazarus back from beyond the veil of Death (see Gormus the High). Standing before 101 of the highest ranked Children, High Priestess Sophania carried the silver skull of Lazarus to what would be his new body, and the observers gave of their own blood, to provide the essence necessary to enact the ritual (see Sophania).

Before the bewildered eyes of the Children, the silver skeleton and skull began glowing. From the very air about the skeleton, muscle, skin, and organs materialized, wrapping about the body in an insane and macabre dance. Within moments, a fully fleshed Lazarus lay before them, amidst arcane smoke and mist.

This was not the first time that Lazarus found himself unwillingly brought back to life. In fact, it was becoming increasingly irksome with each new reincarnation. The fanatic worshipers, submerged in fanatic zeal, seemed unaware of his discomfort with being the centerpiece of their ogling and attention. With great cheer, they paraded him about their monstrous hidden mountain citadel, showing him the ancient statues and artwork that held an admittedly uncanny resemblance to him.

But the party was soon to end, and his reason for being brought back was revealed. The Lords of the Dead were again enslaving the land, and the Children believed that it was Lazarus that was destined to again face the Lords, (and this time, hopefully, to win). (see Lords of the Dead)

For the rest of this story, however, you need to buy the comic LAZARUS: The Many Reincarnations, published by LODESTONE PUBLISHING, LLC. Ask your local comic store to order your copy today. Back Issues are available through Amazon.com.