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Lady Killer #1 (of 5)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer(s): Joëlle Jones & Jamie S. Rich
Artist: Joëlle Jones & Laura Allred
Cover: Joëlle Jones & Laura Allred

Lady Killer wastes no time getting you into the action by catching up with housewife/assassin, Josie, in the middle of a hit. She gains access as an Avon saleswoman, but she soon reveals to her target why she’s really there before doing what she does best. That is, after the first part of her plan doesn’t go the way it was intended.

Now, if you’re looking for a first issue that explains everything and provides some deep back story on the main character, then this isn’t it. However, what is here is a fast paced story where Jones and Rich lay out exactly what you’ll need to enjoy this issue. There’s a great mix of intrigue and even some humor thrown into this period story about this homicidal homemaker. The glimpse into her home life is another very good sequence, and it even illustrates that an afternoon of killing is less hectic than raising the twins, cooking dinner, and being with the angry mother-in-law. The creative team does introduce Josie’s handler, who seems to make things more difficult for her by showing up at the house with the next hit. This interaction seems slightly askew, but it introduces another problem involving the distrusting mother-in-law.

To go along with a very good story is page after page of some really great artwork from Joëlle Jones. Those familiar with her work already know the level of quality you’ll get here. Those that are new will be very pleased to see what awaits them in this issue. From the character designs to the decor and locations, you will be fully immersed in the time period. The action has a nice visceral flow to it that is more brawler than stylized martial arts scenes. All of it is made complete with the colors of Laura Allred, making the entire visual experience one that is quite enjoyable and worth several looks after you read it the first time.

Lady Killer is absolutely fun, especially if you like assassins and espionage in your stories. This first issue is definitely worth several looks if you’re making space on your pull list for something new to add to your reading pile!

Infinite Speech
infinitespeech@comicattack.net