Lackadaisy Cats review by Jack Carter
Once again I trouble your eyes with my opinion. But hey, at least I don’t use a KEWL nickname to win you over! Okay, enough chit chat. There’s a review.around here somewhere….
Set in 1920’s St. Louis, at the onset of prohibition, Lackadaisy Cats is the story of a group of felines(no humans here) and their hidden underground pub, The Lackadaisy Speakeasy, of which the comic is named. Things aren’t looking so good for the bar, as all sorts of nasty elements are out to get the spirits and put the Lackadaisy out of business. LC is the creation of one Tracy J. Butler.
If you like eye candy, then this comic will give you some major eye cavities. That is to say, it’s got some sweet art. The attention to detail is stunning. I certainly don’t have the patience to draw accurate representations of old timey cars, buildings, and even zoot suits for readers to gawk at, but Tracy certainly must. The sepia tone that the comic is colored in also helps to lend it that classy feel of the roaring twenties, only…with cats. Anyway, love the art.
Okay, so the artwork is fantastic. Worth five stars by itself. But everyone knows that just artwork does not a webcomic make. It needs a well written story to give it balance, and of course to carry half the weight. So is there balance? Hmm…why not. The characters all have rich personalities, and while I did find my mind straying a couple of times due to a lack of momentum, the story picked up where it needed to and eventually became pretty interesting. My only real gripe is the fact that it’s about cats. In the 1920’s. Why not people? I don’t think I’ll ever understand a webcomic creators need to use anthropomorphic cats and dogs, unless they just can’t draw humans. Ah well.
Lackadaisy Cats is pretty darn good webcomic. The artwork is amazing, and the story, while a bit boring(I guess I’m used to wacky humor and superheroes)picks up steam if you read far enough. Also, major points for originality with this one, as I’ve NEVER seen a webcomic set during Prohibition, involving cats. Check it out for something different from what you’re used to. Rating: 
Lackadaisy
by Tracy J Butler
http://www.lackadaisycats.com/
review by Jack Carter
(10 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)
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Moderator’s note: Don’t blame Jack for the posting of the late review. Jack submitted this review in plenty of time but due to Moderator error it wasn’t posted along with the rest. Sorry, Jack.
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May 31st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
A quick note: Tracy CAN draw humans. Okay, note over.
June 4th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Well no one really uses the term now, but how we would use ‘guys’ today might be used as ‘cats’ during that era. Makes perfect sense to me. I see humans every day, so I enjoy a little novelty. Plus, animals, especially cats, can use their ears for expression. It adds all the more to a character. Take that hooman.
June 20th, 2008 at 5:48 am
The creator explained on her own website that the reason for her making the characters all cats was a matter of expression. In her own words, “When dealing in sociopathic criminalism and gratuitous violence, how could it not be cats? Don’t take it too literally, though. It’s mostly just a device I like to use for characterization. The mobile ears, tails, and big eyes help me emphasize gesture and expression more than I could with human characters, they allow me to be as ridiculous as I like, and, well, they’re just plain fun to draw.”
Answers to more questions can be found in the FAQ on the Lackadaisy website.
Agreeing with Jonathan, I get tired of seeing humans. Tracy has the talent to make her characters cats, while still very pleasing and recognizable.
June 20th, 2008 at 6:48 am
dude, do you not know the greatness of anthropomorphic creatures? if the Lackadaisy cast were humans, it would not be half as amazing as it is now. i mean, who could resist Freckle’s adorable eyes? seriously. and the cute little paws? really, there’s nothing that grasps the attention of a reader like adorable cats dressed in spats and flapper dresses and pinstripes. especially when they are also stocked with machine guns and booze. Lackadaisy is absolutely the BEST webcomic in a long time, if you ask me.
June 21st, 2008 at 4:09 am
I totally agree with what Sadie said. This comic would not be nearly as awesome with humans. The cats Tracy draws look so amazing with incredible expression. I don’t even understand why the reviewer would even wonder why humans weren’t used. If it had humans instead of these totally cool cats, then it would be “boring.” That’s like looking at the Mona Lisa and saying, “why not give her a full smile?”
June 21st, 2008 at 9:59 am
I like it. Good Job!
June 21st, 2008 at 10:00 am
I like it. Good Job!
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Cats in spats, how could it not be pure genius at work? Their teeny little paws are hilariously adorable, and Rocky’s manic grin would not be the same without his crazed devil ears and sharp little teeth. :3
(Though if you want to see some of the cast as humans, check the gallery - some of the preview arts have humanized versions and I personally don’t think they’re as adorable.)
Lackadaisy is an incredible comic, and ALL OF YOU SHOULD GO READ IT! Shoo, shoo, go! XD
June 24th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
‘Ello, everyone! Just wanted to drop in and say how much I enjoy Lackadaisy. I love Tracy’s work, and I absolutely flip out every time there is and update. (Yes, I have become that…er…obsessed…=) ) I do have good reason for loving it so much, too. One of my best friends is so much like Freckle. He practically IS Freckle. Deranged, becoming even MORE deranged, and has ONE freckle right on his (left?) cheek bone. Just one. So much, in fact, that his nickname IS “Freckle”. Heh. Anyways, what would Rocky be without his maniac grin (that Kata was completely aware of , “Brava!”) and his gigantic eyebrows? And VIKTOR! What is he without his bad knees and soft spot for Ivy or eye patch or awesome accent? Or MORDECAI?! (I could go on FOREVER…)
July 8th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Butler has even drawn human versions OF the cat characters. It’s very clear she can do it, and well. Her other art websites also clarify this well.
July 20th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Lackadaisy Cats ROCK! And “why cats”? Why NOT cats? Have you noticed how darn funny they look? How cute little feet they have? In comic world everything is possible so why couldn’t it be cats delivering rum and chasing bad guys for a change. I like cats. I like Lackadaisycats.