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Lackadaisy #2

Lackadaisy: Volume 2

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Having narrowly avoided a death-dealing blow to the speakeasy and everyone inside of it and still reeling from betrayal, the Lackadaisy crew is in dire straits.

Mitzi makes a risky business decision that may buy her time while costing her the last of her allies.

Rocky seeks to recruit his cousin for his newfound job skills and ventures into dangerous territory with Ivy in a bid to reclaim a former whiskey supply.

Mordecai's secretive plans are interrupted by the calculations and conjurations of his Marigold colleagues.

Meanwhile, struggling to make a getaway, Zib stumbles on an enigmatic outsider whose presence threatens to upend the entirety of the St. Louis underworld.

178 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2023

14 people are currently reading
219 people want to read

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Tracy J. Butler

3 books89 followers

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5 stars
269 (72%)
4 stars
87 (23%)
3 stars
14 (3%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Cassie.
226 reviews65 followers
September 6, 2023
Wow, I finished that real fast.

I had no idea that there was so little of this comic considering how popular it is! I am also spoiled by Unsounded , which has an obscene amount of pages and updates much more regularly apparently.

The art also remains breathtaking, and has only gotten better since the comic's first inception! My favorite thing about webcomics is seeing how the creator/author/artist evolves over time and develops their craft. It's both fascinating and heartening to witness.

Anyway, Rocky broke my heart in this Volume. I get the feeling my boy feels entirely alone and unloveable and unworthy, based on the small glimpse into his past we got. I won't stand for this. I will love him forever. Tuck him into bed with a goodnight forehead kiss. My special, goodest boy.
Profile Image for Amanda.
6 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2017
As always, the drawing and dialogue are fantastic. But I thought this second volume stepped up where the first was lacking. The storyline was much more complex and there was great character development and backstory. I loved it!
Profile Image for Valerie L.
1 review11 followers
August 14, 2022
I seldom write reviews, since I tend to read classical books from which I cannot fit a review into anything but a disquisition, if not I’d feel mildly unsettled.

I first came across Lackadaisy from animation roughs regarding the production of its short film, and my unbridled fancy for the concept only furthered with the knowledge of an existing comic(and still updating, hence a reader may become enveloped by an atmosphere of whim for the next). I give this a higher rating given my respect for the level of craftsmanship put into each illustration. They are wonderful indeed, although it may have outshone the storytelling by a bit. Nonetheless, Lackadaisy is an indie comic which, given its rather peculiar premise about bootlegging cats in the prohibition era, is a nice perusal with its notably whimsical writing, witty dialogue, a researched historical setting, and rich illustrations where one could dwell upon its details.
Profile Image for Megan.
346 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2025
It’s so rewarding to read something that was created with such intentionality. Lackadaisy balances indulgence with restraint in a way that’s incredibly compelling to me. It leans into the cliches we’ve all come to expect from 1920s gangster stories, but the day-in-the-life structure means there’s fairly little exposition. Character backstories and life-altering past events are only described with as much detail as would come up in an everyday conversation. The historical detail is rich and thoroughly researched, and the art is breathtaking. I cannot recommend this series highly enough.
Profile Image for Redsteve.
1,368 reviews21 followers
July 31, 2023
Heard about this series yesterday and banged through (at least) the first two books online. Great art and dialogue. Good mix of humor and adventure. Surprisingly good history (1927 St, Louis) considering that all of the characters are anthropomorphic cats. If you're interested in the period, be sure to read the author's notes. I feel like the story improved from the first book. 4 stars.
Profile Image for The Batman (Reagan).
59 reviews71 followers
August 6, 2024
(See Volume 1)
Oh, I forgot to gush about Tracy J. Butler's writing and art. Absolutely beautiful. Get your hands on these books.
Profile Image for Danielhaycox.
44 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2023
I keep coming back to Lackadaisy over and over again, this time spurred by the recent animated pilot. Tracy's characters are so strong and clear and interesting, that like 90% of these comics are just characters talking to each other and that's literally all you need. Whenever the scene shifts I always get giddy - "oh here's where zib gets thrown in jail and spars with drago!" "oh here's where elsa arrives!" The characters all talk in a way that's so distinct and unique to them and it's just lovely. You don't even need voice actors to feel their character - it's so deeply baked into the script.
Profile Image for Ostrava.
909 reviews22 followers
April 22, 2023
Butler does some cool stuff with her characters. For the most part it keeps the quality of the first arch, which is quite alright.

Still don't see how this could possibly end in our lifetimes because this comic has been running for a decade and it shows (you can see the art evolving as you read).But hey, who cares about conclusions when you've got charm to spare! I'm totally hooked.
Profile Image for 寿理 宮本.
2,389 reviews16 followers
October 11, 2025
I coincidentally read this today when I realised my currently-earliest library books are due sooner than expected.*

The most obvious draw of the series is the STUNNING amount of detail, even in a "throwaway" non-sequitur to show off that a rooster fancies himself the king of the hotel. Despite this, I somehow don't like this volume quite as much as the rougher book 1; the story veers off a ways into a lot of talking and flashbacks, and also Mitzi is practically waving a huge "villainess" flag throughout the whole book vs. being a little more subtle about it before.

I don't know.

I still love the series, of course. It's just natural that I'll hit low points in any story that aren't as good as others. Probably should have expected this, though (and not just because I read it before). I mean, Prohibition era! Not exactly a time when alcohol was easy to get and everyone got along peacefully or anything!

Also, this is cemented in my head as the (current) end of the series, given the hiatus due to work on the animated series, since irregular updates meant I haven't read anything past that, and I haven't started on "book 3" yet. And sometimes I just get annoyed when one specific part sticks out in my head, and it's a cliffhanger. Contrast, the part of Starter Villain that stays with me is the bonus chapter about Hera, just because it's a fun little epilogue that, to me, seems like the perfect life with cats.

Hey, I have opinions about endings, especially bad ones. If I can't stop thinking about a particularly good ending, that's the best possible outcome! If I can't stop thinking about a particularly BAD ending, well... I've dropped entire series over that.

...anyway, SUPER HIGH-QUALITY art, decent but annoyingly unfinished story.

*despite having a three-week borrowing period, I do check out an entire bagful at a time for circulation optics even if I don't end up reading them, though I try to return them all well before the due date
Profile Image for Christopher Campbell.
89 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2024
It’s time once again to take a step back in time with the latest volume of Tracy J. Butler’s Lackadaisy! If you recall in the previous volume, a violent raid involving a rival operation has left our favorite Lackadaisy palace with Bullet Holes! Mitzi and the Lackadaisy crew have their backs against the wall as the gang struggles to secure more booze, secure new connections, but unbeknownst to them are new external forces beginning to press in even closer than before! Mitzi’s charms are failing to secure new business partners.

The status quo certainly changed rather quickly for our favorite feline bootleggers, but it was during the late 20s, things were always changing at a moment’s notice. Things are looking grim for our favorite Lackadaisy crew, especially for Rocky, who suffered a horrible head wound and looked to be at death’s door at one point in the story. It was one of the most tragic parts of this volume, but it set a realistic tone to what kind of story Butler is trying to tell. The pacing has improved since the last volume, the world is starting to get bigger and we’re getting familiar characters that fans know and love, including Mordecai, Serafine Savoy, and her older brother Nicodeme.

As I have mentioned before, the story was enticing and it kept me wanting to learn more and wondering what would happen next, not to mention blending in more drama, suspense, and comedy into what looked to be a great script. One other thing I enjoyed most was how Viktor and Ivy’s relationship is, similar to a father and daughter in some ways, especially being protective of Pepper when it comes to boys. As a person who enjoys reading about history and historical events, it is refreshing to read a webcomic/graphic novel that portrays what life was like during this moment in history, even if it was from a fictional viewpoint (forgive me for repeating that from the last volume review but damn it, it’s a great read!)

It went without saying, but the artwork has stepped up its game from the past volume, Butler captures not only the dramatic tone of how times have gotten rough, the mysticism of Voodo, and those uniquely designed characters that are mixed with a dash of action with a sense of comedy and drama.
Profile Image for Kenzie.
43 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2025
I’m going to combine my review for Vol. 1 and 2 into just one because they were both super short, quick reads.

SOOO When were you guys gonna tell me that Lackadaisy had a Graphic Novel?? A GRAPHIC NOVEL THAT LOOKS THIS STINKING GOOD LIKE OH MY GOSHHHH!!!

When the pilot episode came out on YouTube I was so freaking excited, but now I’m finding out that there is more to the story?? It’s an online comic that is STILL being released. 🤦🏾🤦🏾🤦🏾 Somebody come get me for real

ANYWAYSSS,,

We follow a ragtag group of cats in the 1920’s during the Prohibition Era. Under the disguise of an innocent little cafe, called the ‘Little Daisy’, a secluded group resides. ‘Lackadaisy’ used to be all the glam and more where all the top cats hung out, until the head of their entourage was brutally murdered under unclear motives. His widow steps up to the plate to try and get things running again, only to struggle to the point of barely making it by. They steal, cheat, seduce, and do whatever it takes to keep everything staying afloat, but for how long can they keep this sinking boat going? I cannot say it enough; this art style was so GORGEOUS. Like, drooling over here 🤤. The panel format tripped me up a little at first, but once I hopped on the bandwagon there was no getting off. I gave the 1st Volume 3/5 stars and the 2nd Volume 4/5 stars because the plot can be a little jumbled at times? By the time I got the 2nd book I was able to understand things a little better, but not because the story told me. Rather, I had to put some things together myself and take lucky guesses. Intentional? Maybe, but a little difficult when everything is a mystery. I feel like lots of things weren’t explained and the things that were didn’t really matter at the time. It just felt a little TOO mysterious here and there. If that’s possible? You catch my rift?

My thanks to Jesse Post, Letter Better Publishing Services, Iron Circus Comics, and NetGalley for the Digital ARC. This book is ALREADY OUT!!! Go check it out for yourself and see what you think!
Profile Image for Eduardo.
548 reviews17 followers
December 8, 2025
Why yes, I am rather surprised by how much I like this story about bootleggers where they’re all cats! So I actually had to look up the characters, because while I remembered the looks and general roles, I didn’t remember anyone’s NAMES, so I needed a refresher.

This one is mostly cleaning up from the ending of the previous one. The Lackadaisy speakeasy was on hard times before, but things are a bit harder after a shootout, especially because they still need to find a steady source of booze. Y’know, that thing that they’re selling to attract customers?

There are a few references here to what happened to Mitzi’s husband, Atlas, and how different people have different ideas of precisely how he died. Are we ever going to get a solid answer on that? Because I would like to know the answers to that, because clearly there’s SOMETHING that went wrong, with Atlas’s death, and with Malachi leaving for the rival gang.

Anyhow, considering the subject matter (bootleggers), we have a surprisingly lovable cast? I suppose that’s what you get when you make the entire cast a bunch of cats. They’re likable fellows, though, even Rocky, who is endearing despite being a little off of his rocker, and quite obviously crushing on his boss.

It’s fun, though I do wonder if there’s a Plot? Like, yes, it’s about what happens to the Lackadaisy speakeasy and the people involved with it, but is this going somewhere in particular? Are the characters going to do something in particular of note? I don’t know. It’s a good comic, though I think I’d be more invested if I knew this was all leading up to something. If it’s not, at least it’s an entertaining story.
2 reviews
April 27, 2023
Once again a 5/5! This review might have volume 3 in it without me noticing, so I apologize if so!

This is by far my favorite volume, and its gonna be hard to top this! Seeing the characters just doing their own thing or something stupid always brings a smile to my face.

Pacing is a overall improvement, and i'm sensing the art getting better! And even color unless im also counting volume 3. . Although it had a very unique art style before, I much prefer this realistic tone that sells the mood much better. The characters all are improved from the first volume. Victors scene where he drops a photo of his daughter was sad. . Now I get why him and Ivy have a father/daughter relationship. Its very emotional throughout the story, Freckle is just as I loved him in volume 1. And Rocky. . was perfected. The entire head wound scene was so heartbreaking and lore piled! Seeing how Victor and Mordecai worked together was pretty sweet, honestly it was pretty sick! And having Rocky be out for a long time made me worry that he was dead! And all the buildup the scene had, paid off with one of the saddest scenes in the entire comic. .

Rocky said some sad things, and its like all he wanted was to be loved. . He lives in his car and he took the blame for Freckle to just study. . I'm sad hes done a lot to be loved, and have almost no payoff. Rocky is def my favorite throughout this, and I can't wait for more!

Overall this volume can be counted into one word: Tragic
If your reading this Tracy, thanks for writing this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Noi LeggiAMO Barbara.
306 reviews13 followers
September 26, 2021
Questo fumetto mi ha attirata subito per i disegni, che sono di una bellezza unica secondo me. I soggetti sono tutti gatti, i miei animali preferiti, ma i disegni e i colori sono le cose di cui mi sono innamorata subito e leggendo il tutto è cresciuto a dismisura. Questi primi due volumi raccontano una storia intrigante ed interessante, tra povertà, contrabbando, sparatorie e tutto ciò che è stato il 1920 negli Stati Uniti. Un racconto con delle immagini che fanno vivere tutto più intensamente. I personaggi hanno una caratterizzazione speciale, ognuno di loro ha una determinata particolarità, descritta anche nei profili dei personaggi ed analizzate nei dettagli. C'è anche una pagina dedicata alle sopracciglia, perchè hanno un significato preciso in alcuni di loro. Non perdetevi quest'avventura magnifica e aspettiamo con gioia il seguito della storia, una storia che assolutamente merita di essere conosciuta.
Recensione completa sul blog noi_leggiamo, anche su instagram e facebook.
Ari
Profile Image for Lorena.
852 reviews23 followers
September 9, 2024
This is the second in what should be three volumes collecting the Eisner Award-nominated Lackadaisy webcomic, and the volumes should be read in order. I absolutely fell in love with the anthropomorphic feline characters of Lackadaisy. Butler’s (mostly 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 suspenseful and humorous, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

This volume also includes Lackadaisy mini-comics, color artwork, and notes.

I highly recommend this series 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.
Profile Image for Crimson Books.
574 reviews14 followers
July 30, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced ARC of this graphic novel

I was a huge fan of the pilot episode they put up on YouTube a while back and have been following them waiting for more with excitement, and when they released the graphic novels I was on it faster than ever.

The characters in this show/graphic novel are great and also the artwork is stunning 😍, each character I have been drawn into by the little quark each possesses, I was engrossed from beginning to end and cannot wait till more is done by them... as someone who wants to open their own voice acting business one day, they have inspired me with all they have done with this.
Profile Image for Rain.
94 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2025
I still think it was pretty good and I’ll be following the comics when they release other editions. However I think the first book was stronger in the fact that it had more of a plot line weaving the story together. This one, to me doesn’t really have a main plot line at all and just has three-four subplots combined into one book. As of now they don’t really connect, instead showcasing the day to day life of the Lackadaisy characters without it really leading up to anything. I do appreciate that I got to learn more of the backstory of the characters though. I feel like these characters are very well developed and I’m excited to see where they’ll go.
Profile Image for Cornerofmadness.
1,956 reviews17 followers
November 27, 2025
This picks up where volume one left off but now we're getting more of all the characters and the dire straits the speakeasy is in. Mitzi makes a dangerous choice trying to keep the club afloat that is likely to have dire consequences. Rocky and Freckle do their best, along with Ivy, to secure a new source of liquor for Mitzi. Viktor is nursing injuries, Mordecai is scheming. Even Zib gets a lot more screen time so to speak.

It's even a bit more violent than last time. You still want to slap Rocky into next week. Ivy and Freckle are adorable and you're left wanting more backstory for Viktor and Mordecai. There is a good amount of tension in the story and the art is phenomenal.
Profile Image for David Miller.
371 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2025
There are so many gorgeous pages in this volume, you have to admire the way they expand the scope of the story. The illusion of motion is more compelling and complete than in the vast majority of comics you'll find, on the web or otherwise. The story thus far is beautifully developed, deepening its exploration of the many varieties of social violence and illustrating them with uses of color that are effective and haunting. It's also frequently hilarious, grounded in realistic history, and everybody is a talking cat. I cannot say enough about how excellent or enjoyable Lackadaisy is.
Profile Image for Chad.
10.3k reviews1,061 followers
October 30, 2025
Another terrific installment of anthropomorphic cats bootlegging in St. Louis in the Roaring 20s. I grew up in St. Louis and appreciate the attention to detail. The sepia-toned art is just gorgeous. I wish these would come out more regularly as we've seen 2 volumes in 10 years. But I'll certainly be here for the next installment whenever that comes about.
Profile Image for Chloe.
12 reviews9 followers
January 31, 2018
I still can't believe how undiscovered and underappreciated these books are. Everything from the concept, the plot, the characters, the attention to detail and the stunning artwork is worth appreciating.
Profile Image for Chani.
1 review
May 14, 2020
Incredibly creative and captivating. I can look at the artwork and pages over and over again, I am so impressed. I hope Tracy never stops creating, whatever it may be. The story is fantastic and intricately thought out for every character.
Profile Image for Quinn.
Author 1 book8 followers
April 15, 2024
Love seeing how the art improves across the volumes. People have criticized this story, but if you're into gangster crime and prohibition shenanigans then I don't think there's anything worth complaining about. It's a great series and I need more of it.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
338 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2017
The story keeps getting better, with depth being added to the characters. And the art......... stunning.
Profile Image for Brandon.
423 reviews
June 11, 2019
Brilliant stuff! Clever and witty - made me laugh out loud several times. I look forward to getting a lot more of this comic in the years to come.
Profile Image for Eleri E.
8 reviews
April 7, 2023
I rated the previous book four stars and I’d rate this one four and a half. Really fascinating and exciting character developments.
72 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2023
Love it, love it, love it. I've read up through volume 3 and am very anxious for Mordecai right now (iykyk). Also, Zib and Mitzi's fight just broke my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Grace.
185 reviews
August 16, 2024
Stunning visuals! It's really nice seeing the comics laid out on actual paper. The section at the end that breaks down rocky's insane smiles is also super cool!
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