Lackadaisy (Tracy Butler, 2008) comic review
by Rafael Takara
This review will focus on volume 1 of Lackadaisy. The
lackadaisy webcomic is set in the beginning of the 20th century
America specifically in 1920 at St. Louis. The history is told with anthropomorphic
cats though they still retain many feline characteristics so they still feel cartoony. At this period of the
American history, the alcohol prohibition law was under effect so the tale
revolves around illegal underground alcohol operation by gangs. The themes
presented in the comic are darker like alcohol smuggling, urban violence, and
gang’s conflicts but there are moments of comedy throughout the comic to
alleviate the tension as well executed action sequences.
There are many characters in Lackadaisy world and all are
well constructed with interesting personalities. Mitzi is the widow of Atlas, the
former owner of Lackadaisy speakeasy (the illegal alcohol joint). She is the
heir to Lackadaisy and the joint owner. She has a charming mysterious personality. Rocky is the main employer of the
speakeasy. He is a lively and reckless but entertaining character. He has a
good heart despite working in an illegal activity. His good-humour is what makes him so
entertaining. His cousin Calvin has the opposite personality. He is timid, has
good manners, diligent and also is extremely skilled using guns. He is almost
unintentionally taken to the crime world by Rocky.
The plot revolves mostly around Lackadaisy and its workers
struggling to survive the prohibition law and trying to make a living while
fighting with rival gang Marigold. Rocky is the highlighted in this first part
as he is the alcohol obtainer for the firm and is shown in many opportunities
trying to escape risky situations and to protect his friends.
The artwork is well done and very detailed. It is possible
to see the effort put by the author in the comic by noting the attention to detail and historical research that she put into this work. The detailed backgrounds stand out like the buildings or the old bedroom (see image below). Objects from the period of time like old
car models are drawn in great detail. The cats are all dressed in clothing
style according to the 1920’s, like tuxedos, top hats, canes, dresses, ornaments (see
image below). The vocabulary is also peculiar to the gangster slang of that
period of history. In fact, a glossary is included in the site to clear some
specific terms used.
There is a good panel variety of size and shape that helps keep the narrative
interesting. (see example below). Also, it can be seen many times the use of artwork
extrapolating the panels. These effects help highlight a character’s action and
make the comic feel more vibrant and fresh.
All in all, Lackadaisy is a worthwhile webcomic. The artwork
is exceptional; the characters well thought out and full of appeal. The plot
develops slowly but it also means the characters are well developed. The dialogue is
intelligent and humorous though sometimes a bit excessive in length.
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