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Good As Dead
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26- GenresComicsGraphic Novels
248 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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May 8, 2026I'm in the bag for just about any David Lapham project at this point, and Stray Bullets is my favorite comic book series. Good as Dead sees David and Maria Lapham deliver their usual offbeat crime comics sensibility through a Twin Peaks lens with a small town setting, a large eccentric cast, and bizarre twists.
The series opens strong with the hook that Sheriff David Calhoun has been poisoned and needs to find the culprit behind the destruction of a bridge (and murder of many on that bridge) before he dies. The opening act deftly introduces the major suspects and effectively lays out the stakes. The Laphams’ humor is on full display in depicting these characters, and Calhoun’s sister in particular is entertaining on the page. The cartooning and lettering are top-notch as usual, and David Lapham seems to really get a kick out of depicting the mountain town.
With that said, it feels like the Laphams got lost in the plot of this story. Character usually drives their comics, but given this is a mystery with many moving parts, the plot dictates events more than (and often at the expense of) character. I occasionally lost track of who among the large cast was where. Even after rereading the story, I’m confused by the conspiracy underpinning the destruction of that bridge and frustrated by the many loose plot threads. The Laphams ultimately land their thematic points about the damage wrought by a small-town rivalry and the potential for healing, but any emotional weight is undercut by the convoluted plot.
I enjoyed reading Good as Dead despite the issues that derail the narrative as it progresses. I can recommend this series to any existing Lapham fans but might direct new readers to another of their projects first.
The series opens strong with the hook that Sheriff David Calhoun has been poisoned and needs to find the culprit behind the destruction of a bridge (and murder of many on that bridge) before he dies. The opening act deftly introduces the major suspects and effectively lays out the stakes. The Laphams’ humor is on full display in depicting these characters, and Calhoun’s sister in particular is entertaining on the page. The cartooning and lettering are top-notch as usual, and David Lapham seems to really get a kick out of depicting the mountain town.
With that said, it feels like the Laphams got lost in the plot of this story. Character usually drives their comics, but given this is a mystery with many moving parts, the plot dictates events more than (and often at the expense of) character. I occasionally lost track of who among the large cast was where. Even after rereading the story, I’m confused by the conspiracy underpinning the destruction of that bridge and frustrated by the many loose plot threads. The Laphams ultimately land their thematic points about the damage wrought by a small-town rivalry and the potential for healing, but any emotional weight is undercut by the convoluted plot.
I enjoyed reading Good as Dead despite the issues that derail the narrative as it progresses. I can recommend this series to any existing Lapham fans but might direct new readers to another of their projects first.
Review of advance copy
I greatly admire Laphams work, both as an artist and a storyteller, but there is almost always an undeniable amount of confusing plot structure that keeps me from appreciating his stories to the fullest extent.
Review of advance copy
ive read all issues that have been released si far.
it is really interesting but confusing at times. im hoping the last issue or two tie it altogether.
art is fine.
it is really interesting but confusing at times. im hoping the last issue or two tie it altogether.
art is fine.
Review of advance copy
Read as single issues.
Review of advance copy
Read as single issues.
Review of advance copy
Read as single issues
Review of advance copy received from Otros
visceral que encanta
Review of advance copy
A highly entertaining small town crime mystery and police procedural. It has some pacing issues and can seem overstuffed at times, but ultimately one of the better newer books I've read from Lapham.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews