I love Lackadaisy and have since I discovered the webcomic back in college. I’m thrilled to see it back in print, and in the capable hands of Iron Circus this time. Looking forward to future volumes!

I might be biased because I read this back in the day when it was just a fledgling webcomic, but I love this series so much and I'm honoured to have been asked to review the print edition. This is a great piece, and Lackadaisy was always up there for being one of my favourite comics on the planet. This is such a hit, and I'm ecstatic to see it take its place among the greats getting print editions.

**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

Lackadaisy: Volume #1 by Tracy J. Butler is an adult graphic novel that takes place in St. Louis in the 1920s Prohibition era following a unique cast of cat characters who run a down-on-its-luck speakeasy. There's drama, comedy, and action. The art in this was fantastic (so many different types of beautiful cats), but the story didn't quite end up being for me. Recommend for fans of that historical period.

A Special Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title.

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.

“When you get a little older, you'll discover that the only difference between tragedy and comedy is whether it happens to you or someone else.”

I have a slight obsession with Lackadaisy since my friend introduced me to the anime’s pilot last fall. That book doesn’t make an exception. It establishes a baseline to the story and introduces the places and characters. I loved the choice of sepia here. It anchors the historical side, even if the story and clothings already make no doubt that we are during the prohibition era. I loved the dialogues and the humour that filter, with a wording that seems accurate to the timeline. Even if we are more in an introduction/exposition book, the story is fast paced, dynamics, and the characters fun and lovable. I adore their expressions and the relationships we can begin to discover here.
The last part of the book is a miscellaneous compilation of early concept arts, promo arts, short comics and even art tutorial. I loved the background it offered on the characters, but also how it opens the universe. I just want –need– to learn more and to know where the story will go now.

Thank you NetGalley, Tracy Butler and Iron Circus Comics for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.


Rate 4.5/5

This graphic novel follows a few cats that work at a dying speakeasy called Lackadaisy. I really, really enjoyed the artwork in this and I liked the plot of the story as well. However, it was a little bit hard to read. There was so much dialog shoved into the speech bubble that I struggled to read some of them. It honestly made reading this a little bit annoying. I powered through though because I really liked the stories and characters.

In St. Louis, Missouri, prohibition has started, which has made many businesses suffer great financial loss, until an underground market for alcohol opens in the form of speakeasies. When the Little Daisy Cafe's proprietor, who also runs the Lackadaisy speakeasy is killed, it's up to his wife to run the show. Will she be able to survive running an illegal operation? Will they be raided? Will her alcohol runner meet an unfortunate end?

Lackadaisy is, simply put, a feast for the eyes. The artwork is absolutely stunning, with amazing attention to detail and emotion. I liked the uniqueness of seeing cats used in place of the human characters. The story starts out a little slow, but then it gets better as it finds its footing. Even if you're not a fan of this medium, this book is definitely worth picking up for the artwork alone. I also loved the additional artwork and comics included at the end. This is one intended for older teens and adults. I'm looking forward to Volume 2 to see where the story goes.

My thanks to Letter Better Publishing, Iron Circus Comics, author/illustrator Tracy Butler, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

The artwork is so gorgeous and I love the sepia tones. The story hooked me in right away. I do not read a lot of historical things, I am mainly a fantasy, romance gal. This story had me all in, though. The characters were awesome and quirky. The time period seemed pretty spot on accurate, as far as I know. I love the sass and jokes. I am going to keep up with this comic, because I am so invested now. I am not sure if the sidenotes on why stuff was done or historical notes are going to be in the finished product, but I loved it. I loved the ending sketches and how the characters first looked and the side comics, too. I hope they stay for the final cut, because I love hearing from the author//artist and seeing lil sketches and first draws and stuff.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Letter Better Publishing Services, and Iron Circus Comics for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I've been following the Lackadaisy comic for a few years now, so you can imagine my excitement that within a year we not only get a fabulous pilot for an animated adaptation, but a reprint of the first volume with more on the way.

Whether you're a long time fan or just happening to discover the series for the first time, it doesn't take long for you to get sucked into this alternate Earth of bootlegging cats. Butler's style is immaculate, there's really no other way of defining it. There is such an attention to detail that brings so much energy and life to the characters and setting. The art deco influence is especially apparent, giving the Prohibition backdrop a touch more authenticity.

With many of these webcomics turned print graphic novels, there are usually issues when it comes to plotting, pacing, and layout that can make the physical version seem aimless or less accessible. I thought that this volume did its job in laying the foundations of the world and its story, as well as introducing us to the key players. It's difficult to make a completely coherent jump from an online comic to a physical one, considering the differing conditions in which each are created. I'm willing to be forgiving on that front, though I will say that layout wise there were some pages that were difficult to read. Each pages consists of three strips which sometimes can get very text heavy and have smaller illustrations. I'm curious as to how it will look in the physical book, but as far as the e-book goes, some pages felt very cluttered.

Following the comic, there's a good amount of back matter, like smaller comics, a look into how these characters developed over the years and some phenomenal additional illustrations. There isn't really anything new included in this edition to draw in older fans already familiar with it but I'm sure there is a lot of appeal in finally being able to own a physical copy.

So happy that this story is getting a wider release!

I've been fascinated with Lackadaisy since seeing the crowdfunded animation pilot in 2023. You have a very fun story about Prohibition, underdogs (or rather, undercats in this case) trying to survive during an economic depression, and friendship in the most unlikely places.

St. Louis, Missouri declares their city bone-dry. With Prohibition, no legal breweries are allowed to operate. The Lackadaisy Speakeasy needs regular booze, and patrons. Problem is that the rivals are murderous and willing to cut out competition by any means necessary. But the Lackadaisy employees are loyal and determined to keep their establishment alive.

Really fun, and with many high stakes, Lackadaisy releasing this graphic novel is amazing as the pilot may expand into a series.

This graphic novel is a visual and narrative feast that sets the stage for what promises to be a roaring good time. The standout feature of "Lackadaisy" lies in Butler's exceptional character art and illustrations. Each character is brought to life with meticulous detail, showcasing the author's talent in capturing expressions, personalities, and the essence of the roaring twenties. The visual richness adds layers to the storytelling, making the world of Lackadaisy immersive and utterly captivating.

Set against the backdrop of a speakeasy, the story unfolds with a troublesome cast of characters who remain fiercely loyal to the establishment, even as its heyday fades into memory. The dynamics and relationships between the characters are expertly portrayed, infusing the story with both humor and heart.

Volume #1 serves as a compelling introduction to the series, laying the foundation for a story that promises intrigue, mischief, and a touch of nostalgia.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I absolutely loved it. I am 100% a cat lady, so throw some cats in the Prohibition era and you have my attention. Not only did I love the story line but the art work is beautiful and definitely gave me "Cats don't Dance" vibes which is a fantastic movie. I also read that they based a short film on Lackadaisy. I will now be watching while I try to patiently wait for Vol 2.

St. Louis 0 1927.

Times change. Laws change. People still want booze.

For the better part of a decade, hidden beneath the inconspicuous Little Daisy Cafe, the city's best-kept secret has slaked the thirst of a prohibition-wearied populace.

Lackadaisy.

Unfortunately, the once raucous and roaring speakeasy now rests at a crossroads, its golden age seemingly at an end. Lackadaisy's remaining loyalists are left with few options.

But with all the cunning, tenacity, and sly ingenuity they can muster, they might just have a chance.

And if that doesn't work, fire does.

I absolutely fell in love the feline characters of Lackadaisy. Butler’s sepia-tone artwork is gorgeous. I love the detailed Prohibition-era costumes and sets almost as much as the hilarious facial expressions. The story is fast-paced and exciting, and while Volume 1 ends in a good place, I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

This book collects the first half of the Eisner Award-nominated webcomic, along with early character sketches, mini-comics, color artwork, and notes.

I highly recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys independent comics, anthropomorphic animals, or simply an interesting historical crime story told via exquisite artwork. Note that it contains violence and is intended for a mature audience.

Thank you to Iron Circus Comics for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.

**Disclaimer: I recieved a free eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this opportunity.  I really liked the art in this story.  The characters being cats was really unique and fun.  However, I found it a little hard to read in places, and the storyline wasn't always clear.  It was decently paced, but I wish it had a different layout.

I had first learned of Lackadaisy through the animated pilot from Youtube. I have been interested in the series ever since. Getting to see where the series came from in one package was great. The series is very charming and easy to get into.

Lackadaisy is a historical fiction graphic novel set during the U.S.'s Prohibition era. Bootleggers, and speakeasies and budding romances. And the story is told with anthropomorphic cats. Yeah, you read that right. Walking, talking, shooting, loving, dressed to the nines ... cats.

In an introduction to the ARC reader, author/artist Tracy Butler notes that "grown-up stories told with 'funny animal' characters are popular but rarely produced on a professional and commercial level" and that this book "scratches are rarely-scratched itch." As a very long-time reader of just about every genre I can say that I've never been afflicted with this itch. In fact, I found this book a bit difficult to read because the characters didn't really mean anything to me. They were cats. Was this some strange alternate reality? This made it more fantasy than historical fiction. I just ... I just didn't understand why.

The artwork IS gorgeous. Every panel, every page. Magnificently drawn human-like cats. It was definitely pretty to look at. Butler uses a sepia-tone color scheme to help remind us of the era we're in. You really couldn't ask for a better looking graphic novel.

But this story ... it just is not engaging. Who is this for? Butler says adults in the notes. And there's plenty of violence and bloodshed to suggest that might be true. But the romance is a bit on the light side (yeah ... I don't need to see cats in heat). I'm thinking middle schoolers might enjoy this the most and maybe even learn a thing or two about the Prohibition era. But the story drags and I'm not sure this will hold a young (or even an old) reader's attention for long.

Looking for a good book? Lackadaisy by Tracy Butler is a graphic novel that is pretty to look at but dull to read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not the typical audience for this. However, I really like the detailed artwork and period specific cars, settings…who can resist Prohibition era fashion. I liked the art better than the story, but the action scenes are handled incredibly well. Mild swearing. Well, and of course, all the bootleg. And the weirdness of two animals kissing, but hey, if it floats your boat…

The art is really cute, but the story is very wordy. I feel like it would be easier to follow if it was a longer book with less panels per page. I love the idea of the Speak Easy and Prohibition but I had a hard time following.

3 stars

I love that this is such an interesting take on the prohibition and there definitely seems to be a lot of story in there that I can't wait to read about in the next volume!

I'm a long time fan of Tracy Butler, and to see this book published in this gorgeous format is delightful! I'm especially thrilled that all the little extras made it in at the end - those flashback stories are some of my favourites, and the full colour art is simply gorgeous. Can't wait for the second volume - even though I'd read the story before as a webcomic, it was just as good this time around! Highly recommended.