Publisher: Dark Horse Comics | Writer: Gail Simone | Artist: Nicolas Daniel Selma | Release Date: 2014
Lara Croft grapples with the emotional aftermath of Yamatai, haunted by loss and survivor’s guilt, while uncovering a new deadly mystery that reignites her journey.
Writing
Gail Simone kicks off Tomb Raider #1 – Survivor’s Guilt with a character-driven and emotionally potent opening that bridges the gap between Tomb Raider (2013) and this post-Yamatai continuation. The writing blends action, supernatural mystery, and introspection, starting with a surreal, visceral dream sequence featuring the ghosts of fallen allies. Roth, Grimaldi, and Weiss aren’t just figments of Lara’s trauma—they’re drawn hauntingly accurate to their deaths, anchoring the emotional weight of the comic’s title.
Lara’s inner monologue, riddled with survivor’s guilt and growing paranoia, is deeply effective. You feel her fragility and strength simultaneously. The tension with Sam adds further emotional complexity—especially with the strange mark on her arm and her cryptic behavior. Simone crafts a mystery that poses the right questions: Who’s hunting the survivors? What’s the supernatural element behind these assaults? The intrigue hooks well.
The dialogue flows naturally, especially between Jonah and Lara, though Jonah’s mental breakdown feels a bit rushed. While there's solid pacing, the transitions between intense moments (like the tidal wave) and calmer ones can feel slightly abrupt, making some scenes feel more like cinematic cuts than narrative progressions. That said, the build-up promises more than just another action-filled tomb raid—it’s a psychological and mystical thriller with real stakes.
Review: 3 out of 5
Art Style
Dan Dos Santos’ cover alone is worth pausing on. It’s moody, atmospheric, and symbolic—Lara’s pose with her axe and bow framed by crumbling ruins and ghostly fire speaks volumes. It screams vulnerability and resilience, which perfectly reflects her mental state.
Inside the comic, Nicolás Daniel Selma’s art balances gritty realism with stylized emotional expression. Lara’s design is consistent with her reboot appearance: scrappy, battle-scarred, and capable. The dream sequence with her fallen friends is a highlight, with each character’s death visually echoed in haunting detail. Weiss wreathed in fire, Grimaldi mid-fall—it’s a beautiful horror.
The backgrounds, however, don’t always match the quality of the characters. Environments like Devil’s Rest feel underdeveloped at times, which weakens the setting’s presence. The tsunami sequence is dynamically paneled, with action-heavy layouts that keep things fast-paced and cinematic, though it could’ve used more visual build-up for tension.
The panel work overall is clean and easy to follow. There's a fluid sense of motion, especially during Lara’s signature death-defying leap. Facial expressions carry much of the emotional storytelling, and Selma does well showing Lara’s trauma through silent, powerful visuals.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Tomb Raider #1 – Survivor’s Guilt is a solid first issue that explores Lara Croft’s post-trauma psyche through a gripping mystery laced with supernatural tension. Gail Simone’s writing makes a strong impression with layered characterization, while Nicolás Daniel Selma’s art captures both emotional depth and thrilling action. Though some background details and narrative transitions could be stronger, the issue successfully launches an intriguing arc that respects Lara’s journey and sets up plenty of questions. A worthy read for fans of the reboot era. Tomb Raider #1 – Survivor’s Guilt earns 3 out of 5.
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