We have a review streak to keep going, and our latest review takes us from Science Fiction to a specific era in history, where we’re entering an era of Bootlegging alcohol and the roaring twenties! Strap yourselves in, we’re reviewing Tracy J. Butler’s Lackadaisy First Volume! Be sure to read my review of their smash-hit pilot for their upcoming animated series!
Based on the Eisner Award Winning Webcomic Series, we find ourselves in St. Louis, in 1927 amid the Roaring Twenties. We witnessed the rise of Flappers, Charles Lindbergh venturing across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis, and Prohibition. Prohibition is in full effect as Organized Crime has risen to meet the demands of illicit alcohol. The City’s underworld is dominated by Bootleggers, Rumrunners, Gangsters, and might-makes-right rule dominates, being fueled by the patrons of Speakeasies, speakeasies like Lackadaisy. Hidden away under the Little Daisy Cafe, which is run by the widowed and strong-willed Mitzi May, Lackadaisy holds its own in a rough-and-ready world, where you’re either holding the gun or taking the bullet. But will tenacity, class, and a little bit of crazy be enough to ensure the survival of Mitzi and her gang?
While the story is Historical Fiction, America was stuck in the era of Prohibition, thanks to the Eighteenth Amendment which was ratified on January 16, 1919, and prohibited the sale of, making, and transportation of alcohol. Lackadaisy roughly takes place eight years into prohibition, this comic series does a great job of portraying what life was like during this moment in history, even if it was from a fictional viewpoint. Living life on the edge, facing whatever gets thrown at you, or possibly being raided by the Police or another Bootlegging Organization. It was my first time reading her work and I fell in love with it, a well-paced story filled with fascinating characters that are mixed with a dash of action with a sense of comedy and drama.
Speaking of the characters, they were designed wonderfully. Butler designed each character with great detail of twenties fashion that showed it was well-researched. I enjoyed how the comic artwork was drawn with a sepia-toned aspect, giving it a silent film tone that fits perfectly for this story. There was violence and bloodshed, but it was during a time of Might-Makes-Right rules and Gangsters.
Lackadaisy Volume One is available now in bookstores and e-retailers, for more about this series, be sure to visit their official website and support their work!
Final Grade:
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