Lady Killer #1

Writer: Jamie S. Rich, Joelle Jones Artist: Joelle Jones Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Release Date: January 7, 2015 Cover Price: $3.5 Critic Reviews: 32 User Reviews: 13
8.6Critic Rating
8.5User Rating

Betty Draper meets Hannibal!

Josie Schuller is a picture-perfect homemaker, wife, and mother—but she’s also a ruthless, efficient killer for hire! A brand-new original comedy series that combines the wholesome imagery of early 1960s domestic bliss with a tightening web of murder, paranoia, and cold-blooded survival.

  • 10
    Pop Culture Uncovered - Ray W Jan 8, 2015

    This was a good first issue of this five part mini series from Dark Horse. The writing is really good and the art is well, I have no complaints about the art or the colors at all. This title is really well put together. I definitely will be picking this title up when it drops next month. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Kabooooom - Marcus Hammond Jan 8, 2015

    Lady Killer #1 is both thought provoking and visually stunning. Josie's dual life presents a stark contrast between the submissiveness established by social norms and the animalistic enjoyment she shows for her work. This juxtaposition illuminates a repressed American culture in the 1960's on the verge of a slow and hard fought change. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Horror DNA - James Ferguson Jan 9, 2015

    Lady Killer takes the idea of a woman leading a double life and adds a lot of heart to it. It's an ideal mix of comedy, horror, and silly family drama with some damn near perfect artwork. Seriously, after reading this, I want to see Jolle Jones draw everything. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - Jason DiGioia Nov 21, 2014

    Lady Killer #1 is an obvious buy for all the reasons I discussed and so many more. This is a dark comedy that has plenty of dark and plenty of comedy to keep you happy. I have a feeling that Josie is headed for a real challenge, and I can't wait to see how she handles it. I also I can't wait to see more of Jones' art. Jump on the Lady Killer ride and don't let go. Read Full Review

  • 10
    The Fandom Post - Lauren Gallo Jan 7, 2015

    I really like that Josie isn't just “girly” as an act, she's tough and a killer but she does care if she gets blood on her clothes, and she probably really does love that coral blush she was pretending to sell, and that she can be both things- girly/feminine and ruthless. There have been other characters like that, but still not enough. That's part of what I think makes the decade this is all set it so great; she's not simply a Bond girl, she's Bond in a dress with eyeliner that is on point. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Jan 7, 2015

    There are times you need to simply try a brand new comic. LADY KILLER needs to be that comic. With a strange mix of a 1960s wholesome vibe and a some serious violence, this is a refreshing book that gives you something delightfully different. Things do get messy but because of the art and colors, it doesn't really feel gratuitous. Okay, maybe just a tiny bit. This book might not be for everyone but there is something pretty spectacular about it all. This may be just be a five-issue miniseries but I truly hope we can get more. I am so incredibly curious to see everything we can about the world of LADY KILLER. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Word Of The Nerd - Travis Anderson Feb 11, 2015

    Lady Killer is a comic for every comic book fan out there that also happens to love Mad Men and pin-up photography. I just happen to encompassthat demographic, but if you just want a kick-ass book filled with assassinations, sexy ladies, and art to drool over than this is a series you should be picking up right now. Dark Horse never ceases to impress me and I will eagerly await issue three with a Manhatten in one hand and a Newport in the other. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Coming Up Comics - Timothy Merritt Jan 6, 2015

    Lady Killer is a massively strong first issue from a creative team that is simply at the top of their game. It's a book that, right from the get go, we're demanding run longer than it's five-issue mini. Pick up your copy immediately, and if you're local to Portland, make sure to join the creators at the Portland Things From Another World at 7PM for a 60's-themed cocktail signing party. Also, don't miss our in-depth interview with Jolle and Jamie about the book. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Crusaders - Adam Cadmon Jan 7, 2015

    The indications of a complex association between Josie and her "handler", the debonair and confident Peck, point toward some interesting conflicts in later issues. On the whole, this was a great first issue and Dark Horse probably couldn't have picked a better series to open the New Year with. Pick it up and if it's sold out, tell your comic shop to put in an order. You'll be glad that you did. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    GWW - Enrique Rea Jan 6, 2015

    Lady Killer doesn't rewrite the genre of undercover assassins but does exemplify how good it can look. This first of five issues is a winner and shows a ton of potential for the rest of the run. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Needless Essentials Online - Stan Ford Jan 5, 2015

    If you like good comics, especially crime-related, then definitely pick this book up this week. There is obviously some violence, and a little language that makes it not appropriate for younger readers, but it's definitely worth the cover price, and I'd recommend asking your local comic shop to add the next four issues to your subscription folder. If you want to see more, check out the Preview we got from Dark Horse a month ago. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    ComicWow!TV - Bhavna Bakshi Aug 4, 2016

    For any crime buffs, fans of gore, or slasher lovers, this series was made for you. Right now I’m at the edge of my seat waiting to see what will happen next issue. Will the stranger turn Josie in? Will he run scared? Will he join her? Who knows?! All I know after reading this issue is that I want more! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Multiversity Comics - Michelle White Jan 9, 2015

    With its deftly laid out action sequence and pitch-perfect handling of Josie's home life, "Lady Killer" comes up a surprisingly quick read. And between its choice of era and tendency toward ultraviolence, there's a hint of the wish-fulfillment fantasy. This guilty-pleasure angle makes it hard to ignore, and in the end, the greatest strength of "Lady Killer" is that it never pretends to be anything other than it is: a big, campy, and darkly comedic bit of fun. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - John F. Trent Jan 6, 2015

    Jolle Jones and Jamie S. Rich have created a fresh take on the killer for hire, combining black comedy, violent action sequences, and plenty of dramatic tension all in an idyllic backdrop. Josie Schuller is a unique character who must balance home life with her more exotic occupation and the book touches on the emotional toll that balancing act takes. Lady Killer is a series to keep your eye on in this New Year! Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Major Spoilers - Ashley Victoria Robinson Jan 7, 2015

    Lady Killer #1 is fun, fast and a very engaging first issue. The creative team makes smart choices and executes them with aplomb. It would behoove you to give this new series a look. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Geeked Out Nation - Jess Camacho Jan 7, 2015

    “Lady Killer” is off to a strong start. Dark Horse may just have the first big comic book hit of the year here. This is not one to be missed. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    The Latest Pull - Marcus Orchard Jan 9, 2015

    As a whole, this is a strong debut in what should be a fun series. There is plenty of dark humor throughout, and some violence to satisfy those who crave it. Seeing Josie work through the various parts of her life is fascinating, and hopefully we will get to know the character much more as the story progresses. Overall, "Lady Killer #1" is a great issue that should not be overlooked by anyone and deserves to be read. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicosity - Alison Berry Jan 7, 2015

    Sort of like how Mad Men took the rich visual glamour of the early 60s and drenched it in alcoholism, failed relationships, and child neglect, Lady Killer upends the story of the Cleavers with a literal cleaver. Its always fun to take a lighter look at the darker side, and this book does it with both style and substance. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Graphic Policy - Edward Wendt Jan 4, 2015

    It is sometimes the case when artists bridge the gap to writing that there is a bit of a disconnect, but it is not the case here as Jolle Jones makes her first major entry into writing and hits the ground running with an interesting premise and a script that doesnt let go from start to finish. While there is a bit more gore than might be necessary for such a story, this is really the only complaint that one could have for this issue. It is not a great comic, as its premise is not that groundbreaking to give it consideration in such a way, but it is still a fun attempt at a new story, and one worth checking out. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Doom Rocket - Jan 12, 2015

    Jones and Rich craft a tightly-knit melodrama rife with the blackest of humor, sharply tuned dialogue, and a appropriately gripping cliffhanger. (And it certainly doesn't shy away from its sudden and ferocious bouts of mayhem: a kitchen whack strongly rings bells of Kill Bill, in all the right ways.) Jones' artwork is slick and gorgeous, a harmonious blend of Paul Pope and Peter Chung. (The manner in which she stages that opening kill is as suspenseful as it is shocking.) As far as opening salvos go, I'm in for the next issue of Lady Killer. And I can still enjoy John Waters as a separate entity. For that, I'm truly grateful. And relieved. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    IGN - Mike Logsdon Jan 8, 2015

    Lady Killer #1 somehow manages to perfectly incorporate the quaint concept of the 1950's TV housewife with blood-fueled antics of vicious killer for hire. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    All-Comic - Ian Stephen Jan 6, 2015

    This was a good start for Lady Killer. This first issue felt simple and that made it read smoothly. The dark comedy tone was slightly muddled this first issue, but after another issue things will start take shape. Being only a five issue mini-series, Lady Killer is worth grabbing if only just for the amazing art. Lady Killer‘s debut felt like just a playful taste of what has yet to unfold that's certainly bringing me back for more. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Vanessa Gabriel Jan 12, 2015

    Lady Killer #1 is worth its weight in gold for the art alone, but the enigmatic Josie Schuller is the real appeal. We've been properly set up with what she does and how she does it, now we need to know why. I'm thinking we should tune in for the next episode to find out. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Greg McElhatton Jan 7, 2015

    "Lady Killer" #1 is a strong debut for this miniseries, and it makes me want to see much more from Jones and Rich. With a darkly comic tone and a huge amount of potential on where it could go into the future, I'm ready to sit back, put on my slippers and enjoy. I bet you will, too. Definitely check this book out. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Rhymes With Geek - Nikki Sherman Jan 6, 2015

    With a limited series, it's hard not to worry about the pacing of the rest of the issues. Though the first issue adequately sets the story up, it's hard to say how deep this series will dig in terms of character development and plot. At the very least, I think this will be an entertaining ride with an awesome lead character and some amazing art that hits as hard, if not harder than some of my favorite things to date. Check this book out " you most likely won't regret what you get. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Big Comic Page - Craig Neilson Jan 6, 2015

    Overall, while it isnt clear yet exactly where the rest of this five-part story is heading, this is still an impressively strong opening chapter. A brilliantly unique idea executed with a delicious visual flair, Lady Killer is a series you owe it to yourself to pick up. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Fangoria - Svetlana Fedotov Jan 2, 2015

    The art by the co-writer Jones is definitely the stand out of the entire work. Sharp, precise work and smooth angles make LADY KILLER easily one of the more well-drawn works in the current comic market. While it may sound like an exaggeration, one quick look reveals an art style that not only doesn't slack on the details, but in fact, adds hidden Easter eggs though out the work, such as the SHINING-inspired wallpaper in Romanov's house. There are no smudged over facial expressions or unsightly, spotty inking, but well-developed comic art that combines that 50's charm with the high powered action of modern works. Jones also plays well with unique viewpoints, creating a comic that moves like a TV show. And though there's not much to go on with the first issue, LADY KILLERdoes the best with what it's got, and for this writer, its best is looking pretty good. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Capeless Crusader - Jesse Quick-Rincon Sep 13, 2015

    It's a violent comic but it's not ultra-violent. It's a funny comic but it's not hilarious. It's got character moments but none of the characters are that deep. I'm still not really sure what the comic is trying to do. Lady Killer gets a recommendation for strong art and a fun premise but ultimately it's a bit of a reminder that comics really need to focus on getting a single story out. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comics Bulletin - type alpha woman. Jan 12, 2015

    Above all else, this comic surprised me! It was interesting, fun, and, above all, left me interested as to where it could all go. Dark Horse, in my comic book, always knows how to put forth great new original titles. And I think, Lady Killer, is a fresh take on feminism. She might be a homemaker, but its just a cover, for a real job, no man can handle himselfwell you knowwithout brains and estrogen. Wink, wink! Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    We The Nerdy - Kierra Prince Jan 7, 2015

    My only complaint is that there's a ton of information missing that really prevents it from taking off, and I sincerely hope that Jones and Jamie S. Rich tackle some of these things in later issues. For example, while it's a fun idea to take a housewife and make her this killer for hire, I couldn't help but wonderwhy. Josie's husband doesn't know about her hits so she can't necessarily spend the money, and he presumably is making enough to take care of the whole family. Which made me wonder why in the world Josie was doing these things when it was seemingly leading to more problems that it seemed worth. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    TheCultDen - The perfect housewife... Jan 14, 2015

    The humour is a bit more hit and miss, relying more people lapping up territory explored far better by film makers like Tim Burton or David Lynch, but its still irreverent enough to keep the simple enough story pottering along. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - David Pepose Jan 6, 2015

    Judging by the over-the-top final page, however, I'm hoping that the second issue of Lady Killer will have a little bit more insane spectacle to go along with all that traditional exposition. The visuals are there for this book, no question - but you have to point these visual big guns in the right direction to get the most impact. Still, on a conceptual and visual basis, Lady Killer is a strong debut from Dark Horse, one that can only get better from here. Read Full Review

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