Things Get Messy with Lady Killer

While the story rather familiar and really does not break any new ground, Lady Killer is executed well enough and combined with the striking artwork, makes for a solid read that has some really good moments.

Written by Joelle Jones and Jamie S. Rich, the story revolves around a suburban housewife who is much more than she seems. Indeed, with a title like Lady Killer, it is no big secret that she is killer in some respect, whether a hired gun or simply a psychopath. Posing as an Avon lady to gain entrance to a house at the very beginning of the comic are the first steps to showing us what she is really all about.

The setting of the story in the 1950’s/60’s era is also a good and interesting choice. It gives some tangible background to a character like our housewife here, who could have turned out to be very one dimensional. This also helps to create a nice vibe around the story, which really helps offset the somewhat familiar story line.

This is the case once again however, of a comic being saved by the artwork. Jones is also in charge of the artwork
and her work in this comic is outstanding. Sharply drawn characters with rich colors and the wonderful retro feel make this comic a real page turner. Even though the setting is from an older time period, the attention to detail makes you forget that and focus on the strong art work and colors.

The combination of writing and artwork accomplish the most important thing; making you interested in the characters. They seemed alive with their facial expression and smartly drawn backgrounds bringing the characters to the forefront even more. The familiar setting for the most part becomes forgotten and pages can go by while you get involved with what’s happening in the panels before your eyes.

Speaking of paneling, I also enjoyed the way Jones made them flow easily into one another without needing any gimmicks or tricks. Sometimes artists try too hard and make the visuals so busy that all the painstaking detail that was put into the comic gets lost in the shuffle. This is not the case here and thankfully, it is an easy read and appealing to the eyes.

It is hard sometimes to escape the familiarity of the storyline and it tends to drag down the momentum of the story. However, the good thing is Jones and Rich seem to understand this and don’t try to hide this fact throughout the storyline. Embracing what the story is all about helps to give it a sense of realism.

Even when blood is shed in this comic, it is drawn in a way that looks pleasing to the eye regardless of the fact that it is brutal acts of violence. The blood spray is almost a work of art in itself, capturing both the violent act and the result in very nice way.

Lady Killer tends to tread water a few times but with the great artwork I’m looking forward to the next issues. If the story picks up this could be a hidden gem of a series that needs some more attention. Lady Killer #1 goes on sale January 7, 2015.