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haseki_sultana's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
kevinowenkelly's review against another edition
4.0
Light, breezy, fun, and above all, gorgeous.
I know Joëlle Jones mostly for her art, and it's the art that is the star of the show here, bringing everything to life with flair and style that seems so perfect to the 50's setting. Every panel is a joy to pour over, filled with slick period fashion or items or fun spaces. The facial work and expressions are particularly well done, giving personality and nuance to everything in a way that the story itself doesn't quite manage.
Not that the story is bad, it's just a bit thin. And that's not a bad thing at all. At least as far as these first five issues go, the setup is probably what you guess it is: an assassin is caught between their personal and professional life, and when they want out (or someone wants them out), the two collide. Tension! Drama! Humor! Violence! Well, not much tension, slightly more drama, a good bit of humor, and a nice chunk of stylized violence. We learn little to nothing about Josie herself outside of her current situation.
But as I said, there's nothing wrong with that, if for no other reason than it works. It's fun, it flows well, and it kept me reading. Plus, there are some nuggets suggesting some possibly interesting character developments for some members of the cast, so I'm excited to pick up the next book.
The book also has some great extras, with an array of period-style ad artwork in the back of products aimed at housewives, but with a killer twist in each (like a new deep freezer, with plenty of room... for a body!)
I know Joëlle Jones mostly for her art, and it's the art that is the star of the show here, bringing everything to life with flair and style that seems so perfect to the 50's setting. Every panel is a joy to pour over, filled with slick period fashion or items or fun spaces. The facial work and expressions are particularly well done, giving personality and nuance to everything in a way that the story itself doesn't quite manage.
Not that the story is bad, it's just a bit thin. And that's not a bad thing at all. At least as far as these first five issues go, the setup is probably what you guess it is: an assassin is caught between their personal and professional life, and when they want out (or someone wants them out), the two collide. Tension! Drama! Humor! Violence! Well, not much tension, slightly more drama, a good bit of humor, and a nice chunk of stylized violence. We learn little to nothing about Josie herself outside of her current situation.
But as I said, there's nothing wrong with that, if for no other reason than it works. It's fun, it flows well, and it kept me reading. Plus, there are some nuggets suggesting some possibly interesting character developments for some members of the cast, so I'm excited to pick up the next book.
The book also has some great extras, with an array of period-style ad artwork in the back of products aimed at housewives, but with a killer twist in each (like a new deep freezer, with plenty of room... for a body!)
guylou's review against another edition
5.0
Holy Moly!! This graphic novel was soooooo good. I love the extraordinary illustrations and the story is just perfect. I do not agree with the statement in the introduction that “at some point your mother thought about killing you.” I am a mother, and I can confidently say that I never thought about hurting or killing my children even when they were difficult. I am sad that this author thinks that way and I just want to reassure her that not all mothers are the same. Nevertheless, this novel is about a housewife who happens to be a hired killer. She loves her family, and they are safe with her. She even showed compassion towards one of her victims. Deep down, she is not a bad person, but she definitely has mad killer skills. Get a copy of this one, you won’t regret reading it.
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moomoo13's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
4.5
themoonkestrel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
droar's review against another edition
3.0
Prefect 50's housewife and an assassin as well. Lovely art style with lots of fun dresses and such. The plot has plenty of promise, but this trade is mostly extended murder-y fight scenes & job/mom juggling. I'll certainly be watching for the next trade though.
universalbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
"I'll leave you with this thought. Maybe the reason we all picture serial killers as schlubby, middle-aged white guys is because they are the ones that get caught."
moonbites's review against another edition
5.0
Encore, Encore, Encore!
I really want more of this book in my life. I don't read a lot of Dark Horse comics, but this one caught my eye. Just look at that beautiful cover, who could I not be transfixed? When I started to read it, I could not put it down and I read the whole thing straight through.
As the summary tells us, this story revolves around Josie, a seemingly normal housewife from the 60's. Yet, there is more to Josie then just a knack for cooking a cleaning, she brutally and efficiently kills people for a living. I loved the foreword that Jones adds, about why she chose a female character who not only kills people for a living, but does so with her strengths. Beauty and brawn that is our lead character in this book.
I love the main character because she has a personality that makes her mysterious and alluring. It is true there was not too much depth of character development. There is not backstory, so much of what Josie does seems cold. Likewise, not much time was spent on her interactions with her family. But that just adds to Josie's mystery, and frankly leaves me wanting more.
As a whole, I felt this was a great first volume. Meaning, I want more and I want that depth in later volumes. To expect all of that in one volume is a little unfair. This volume did great a building a character you want to know more about and showcasing the 60's unique appeals. Awesome book, I highly recommend, for those who love mild gore and a sexy protagonist.
I really want more of this book in my life. I don't read a lot of Dark Horse comics, but this one caught my eye. Just look at that beautiful cover, who could I not be transfixed? When I started to read it, I could not put it down and I read the whole thing straight through.
As the summary tells us, this story revolves around Josie, a seemingly normal housewife from the 60's. Yet, there is more to Josie then just a knack for cooking a cleaning, she brutally and efficiently kills people for a living. I loved the foreword that Jones adds, about why she chose a female character who not only kills people for a living, but does so with her strengths. Beauty and brawn that is our lead character in this book.
I love the main character because she has a personality that makes her mysterious and alluring. It is true there was not too much depth of character development. There is not backstory, so much of what Josie does seems cold. Likewise, not much time was spent on her interactions with her family. But that just adds to Josie's mystery, and frankly leaves me wanting more.
As a whole, I felt this was a great first volume. Meaning, I want more and I want that depth in later volumes. To expect all of that in one volume is a little unfair. This volume did great a building a character you want to know more about and showcasing the 60's unique appeals. Awesome book, I highly recommend, for those who love mild gore and a sexy protagonist.