What do you think?
Rate this book
Lady Killer #1-2
Lady Killer: Volume 1
Josie Schuller is a picture-perfect homemaker, wife, and mother--but she's also a ruthless killer!
She balances cheerful domestic bliss with coldly efficient assassinations. From the World's Fair in Seattle to the beaches of Florida, Josie tries to keep her perfect family alive in a bloodstained new vision of the American Dream.
Joelle Jones became an overnight sensation with this gory midcentury series, leading to successful runs on DC's Catwoman and Batman titles. Now Lady Killer's complete story (so far) is together in one oversized hardcover, the perfect showcase for Jones's phenomenal artwork.
This oversized hardcover collects the original series cowritten by Jones's longtime collaborator Jamie S. Rich, as well as the followup, which she both wrote and drew solo. Also included are the sketchbooks from both series and previously unpublished art.
Collects Lady Killer TPB volumes 1 & 2.
She balances cheerful domestic bliss with coldly efficient assassinations. From the World's Fair in Seattle to the beaches of Florida, Josie tries to keep her perfect family alive in a bloodstained new vision of the American Dream.
Joelle Jones became an overnight sensation with this gory midcentury series, leading to successful runs on DC's Catwoman and Batman titles. Now Lady Killer's complete story (so far) is together in one oversized hardcover, the perfect showcase for Jones's phenomenal artwork.
This oversized hardcover collects the original series cowritten by Jones's longtime collaborator Jamie S. Rich, as well as the followup, which she both wrote and drew solo. Also included are the sketchbooks from both series and previously unpublished art.
Collects Lady Killer TPB volumes 1 & 2.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2020
About the author
Joëlle Jones
271 books386 followersJoëlle Jones is an Eisner nominated artist currently living and working in Los Angeles, CA.
Since attending PNCA in Portland, OR, she has contributed to a wide range of projects and has most recently has worked on Batman for DC comics. She also wrote and drew the series, Lady Killer, published by Dark Horse comics.
Jones has also provided the art for fashion designer Prada, and various projects for Marvel, Boom, Vertigo, Oni Press and The New York Times. Joëlle currently has projects with DC comics as well as continuing her Series Lady Killer.
Since attending PNCA in Portland, OR, she has contributed to a wide range of projects and has most recently has worked on Batman for DC comics. She also wrote and drew the series, Lady Killer, published by Dark Horse comics.
Jones has also provided the art for fashion designer Prada, and various projects for Marvel, Boom, Vertigo, Oni Press and The New York Times. Joëlle currently has projects with DC comics as well as continuing her Series Lady Killer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 23, 2022
(B+) 79% | Good
Notes: Review pending re-read. Individual reviews for included volumes can be found here:
- Lady Killer, Volume 1
- Lady Killer, Volume 2
Notes: Review pending re-read. Individual reviews for included volumes can be found here:
- Lady Killer, Volume 1
- Lady Killer, Volume 2
February 29, 2024
I mean, I couldn't stop reading it today. The artwork is stunning and I loved the setting, the story, the characters, and especially Josie! She's a deranged assassin who enjoys her job a little too much but that's why I love her. I think there is more so I might need all of them. This book combines two volumes.
January 21, 2022
"Had enough, you old b**h?"
Dexter meets a sixties housewife who gets paid to kill and will stop at nothing to finish the job.
Josie changes her appearance and her job to complete the task at hand. Then she goes home, cooks dinner, kisses her husband, and puts her kids to bed. Her life seems pretty normal until it's not and then the blades come out.
This book was interesting from the start. The way the main character can flip a switch, kill who she needs to, and then go home to her family without an ounce of guilt was so thrilling. Usually, they make women who kill out to be silly little women with little ideas but this one is not the case. She can keep up with the best of them and that makes this more brilliant.
Lady Killer was a good graphic novel. After a while, the story got repetitive and the same things kept happening. Same stuff, different day. It was worth the read though but not worth buying.
Dexter meets a sixties housewife who gets paid to kill and will stop at nothing to finish the job.
Josie changes her appearance and her job to complete the task at hand. Then she goes home, cooks dinner, kisses her husband, and puts her kids to bed. Her life seems pretty normal until it's not and then the blades come out.
This book was interesting from the start. The way the main character can flip a switch, kill who she needs to, and then go home to her family without an ounce of guilt was so thrilling. Usually, they make women who kill out to be silly little women with little ideas but this one is not the case. She can keep up with the best of them and that makes this more brilliant.
Lady Killer was a good graphic novel. After a while, the story got repetitive and the same things kept happening. Same stuff, different day. It was worth the read though but not worth buying.
November 30, 2020
At first I had some trouble getting into it but the more issues I read in this collection the more I loved this book, every page was a looker! That artstyle paired with this 50s setting is just a pure joy to read. The story might be a bit cliche ridden and obvious at points but I oddly enough didn’t care, it's just so well done.
I would read it again, and I hope there is more coming. 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
I would read it again, and I hope there is more coming. 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
March 16, 2022
One of the most beautiful and downright fucked up looking books.
I really love Jones style in art. Brutal as hell with knifes through every part of the body, hammers to your jaw, eyes ripped out. Some great stuff. And Jones writes a hell of a main character who will fuck you up. Think James Bond, but way sexier, and more brutal than he could ever be. And you have our story of a hired killer.
But really, the story feels a bit over the top too much. The first half which I read years ago still holds up as a fun bloody romp. The second story feels like it'll never fully be completed with a big cliffhanging moment and a brutal murder of a main character that went sour way to quick.
But overall, this huge collection worth viewing for the art alone, 5 out of 5. The story, a 3 out of 5. So 4 out of 5 it gets.
I really love Jones style in art. Brutal as hell with knifes through every part of the body, hammers to your jaw, eyes ripped out. Some great stuff. And Jones writes a hell of a main character who will fuck you up. Think James Bond, but way sexier, and more brutal than he could ever be. And you have our story of a hired killer.
But really, the story feels a bit over the top too much. The first half which I read years ago still holds up as a fun bloody romp. The second story feels like it'll never fully be completed with a big cliffhanging moment and a brutal murder of a main character that went sour way to quick.
But overall, this huge collection worth viewing for the art alone, 5 out of 5. The story, a 3 out of 5. So 4 out of 5 it gets.
August 8, 2020
Beautiful, satirical, and just very enjoyable.
July 8, 2023
I devoured it in one sitting.
It's pulpy, gory, and over-the-top. Happily, it has just the right amount of dark humor and cool twists to keep me fully immersed and entertained.
Josie Schuller skillfully balances her cheerful domestic bliss with her coldly efficient assassinations. She's skilled at killing people and finds genuine enjoyment in her job. However, being both a good housewife and an efficient killer can be quite tricky. This delicate balance is put to the test when her employer begins to doubt her abilities and makes a decision that sets off a chain of events that makes her go freelance :)
Mayhem and bloodshed ensue.
It's pulpy, gory, and over-the-top. Happily, it has just the right amount of dark humor and cool twists to keep me fully immersed and entertained.
Josie Schuller skillfully balances her cheerful domestic bliss with her coldly efficient assassinations. She's skilled at killing people and finds genuine enjoyment in her job. However, being both a good housewife and an efficient killer can be quite tricky. This delicate balance is put to the test when her employer begins to doubt her abilities and makes a decision that sets off a chain of events that makes her go freelance :)
Mayhem and bloodshed ensue.
November 6, 2022
A great edition for a great series.
Trying to balance life between family and work is hard. Even harder when your boss puts a hit out on you. This house wife does more than just cook and clean, she can kill...
I haven't read this series in such a long time, I forgot how well written it was. The oversized hardcover makes it even better. Joelle jones art is incredible and way more detailed then her Catwoman series. Also just the little details they added for this edition are cool, like splashes of blood or all the behind the scenes stuff. Very glad I bought this for my collection.
Trying to balance life between family and work is hard. Even harder when your boss puts a hit out on you. This house wife does more than just cook and clean, she can kill...
I haven't read this series in such a long time, I forgot how well written it was. The oversized hardcover makes it even better. Joelle jones art is incredible and way more detailed then her Catwoman series. Also just the little details they added for this edition are cool, like splashes of blood or all the behind the scenes stuff. Very glad I bought this for my collection.
February 13, 2022
UGH! Two volumes were not enough! I NEED MORE!
June 30, 2020
Lady Killer Library Edition by Joëlle Jones (with Jamie S. Rich, Laura Allred, Michelle Madsen, and Crank).
I couldn’t put this book down. In Lady Killer, Joëlle Jones tells the story of Josie Schuller, a 1950s housewife who has a deep secret - she’s also a killer for hire in her spare time.
In the first half of the book, Jones introduces us to Josie’s world and explores her daily life - both as a devoted wife and mother and as a ruthless and skilled killer. The second half is all about making adjustments and we learn more about some of the characters’ back stories.
Now, if that’s not enough to get someone’s attention, the art does the rest of the talking. The look and feel of this book is stellar. The art is so rich and vibrant. It’s violent and oh so gory, but somehow, it’s done in a, let’s call it, tasteful way. It’s just lovely all together. Jones and her team did an amazing job with the character designs, settings, and overall tone of the book. Heck, even the lettering is super smooth and on point. It really does feel like you’re experiencing a tale from the 1950s.
I know Laura Allred (the colorist) left after the first half, but Michelle Madsen doesn’t miss a beat in the second half. It’s a smooth transition done by a talented bunch.
The book has been discussed recently in channels like Near Mint Condition and The Omnidog, and I have to agree with their assessment. From my end, this book is highly recommended.
9/10 for the story and 10/10 for the art. And I also have to praise the quality of Dark Horse’s Library Editions every time I can. Other publishers could learn a few things about presentation and build.
This book has made me super interested in seeing what Jones has in store for Catwoman and super eager to see what she does next with this series.
I couldn’t put this book down. In Lady Killer, Joëlle Jones tells the story of Josie Schuller, a 1950s housewife who has a deep secret - she’s also a killer for hire in her spare time.
In the first half of the book, Jones introduces us to Josie’s world and explores her daily life - both as a devoted wife and mother and as a ruthless and skilled killer. The second half is all about making adjustments and we learn more about some of the characters’ back stories.
Now, if that’s not enough to get someone’s attention, the art does the rest of the talking. The look and feel of this book is stellar. The art is so rich and vibrant. It’s violent and oh so gory, but somehow, it’s done in a, let’s call it, tasteful way. It’s just lovely all together. Jones and her team did an amazing job with the character designs, settings, and overall tone of the book. Heck, even the lettering is super smooth and on point. It really does feel like you’re experiencing a tale from the 1950s.
I know Laura Allred (the colorist) left after the first half, but Michelle Madsen doesn’t miss a beat in the second half. It’s a smooth transition done by a talented bunch.
The book has been discussed recently in channels like Near Mint Condition and The Omnidog, and I have to agree with their assessment. From my end, this book is highly recommended.
9/10 for the story and 10/10 for the art. And I also have to praise the quality of Dark Horse’s Library Editions every time I can. Other publishers could learn a few things about presentation and build.
This book has made me super interested in seeing what Jones has in store for Catwoman and super eager to see what she does next with this series.
May 5, 2021
Joelle Jones’s graphic novel series “Lady Killer” is, much like the kitschy 1960s Doris Day era it is trying to emulate, colorful and fun but also vapid and problematic. This is not to say I didn’t like it. It’s actually hard not to like, and, as soulless as the series’ anti-hero Josephine is, it’s hard not to root for her.
Visually, the series is stunning. With artwork by Jones (she also co-wrote the series with Jamie S. Rich), “Lady Killer” definitely tries to capture, in comic book format, what “Mad Men” tried to do on television. It succeeds.
The story is basically “Alias” set in the 1960s, only Josephine’s employers have absolutely no scruples with regards to who they have targeted for assassination. Unfortunately (for her), Josie begins to feel the pangs of a conscience when she is assigned to kill a nine-year-old boy who is the only witness to the assassination of both his parents.
She soon finds herself in serious trouble with her boss and her flirtatious co-worker. Of course, this could all work out well in the end anyway, as she has been considering becoming a free agent anyway.
I like the double-life aspect of Josephine: cold-blooded vicious assassin while also being a loving housewife and mother. Yet her domestic world never quite becomes as fleshed-out as her killer world, which gets front and center, for obvious reasons. And take heed: this series is graphic in every way. Not for the squeamish, the blood-and-guts is off the charts here. (Josephine has a preference for knives rather than guns.)
Things start to get a little more “real” when her mother-in-law recognizes one of Josie’s co-workers, a man she knew as a barbaric Nazi psychopath. Soon, Josie’s “safe” harbor of domestic bliss is about to be overturned.
Books One and Two (the first ten issues) are compiled in a gorgeous hardcover edition. Not ironically, it would make a wonderful coffee table addition.
Visually, the series is stunning. With artwork by Jones (she also co-wrote the series with Jamie S. Rich), “Lady Killer” definitely tries to capture, in comic book format, what “Mad Men” tried to do on television. It succeeds.
The story is basically “Alias” set in the 1960s, only Josephine’s employers have absolutely no scruples with regards to who they have targeted for assassination. Unfortunately (for her), Josie begins to feel the pangs of a conscience when she is assigned to kill a nine-year-old boy who is the only witness to the assassination of both his parents.
She soon finds herself in serious trouble with her boss and her flirtatious co-worker. Of course, this could all work out well in the end anyway, as she has been considering becoming a free agent anyway.
I like the double-life aspect of Josephine: cold-blooded vicious assassin while also being a loving housewife and mother. Yet her domestic world never quite becomes as fleshed-out as her killer world, which gets front and center, for obvious reasons. And take heed: this series is graphic in every way. Not for the squeamish, the blood-and-guts is off the charts here. (Josephine has a preference for knives rather than guns.)
Things start to get a little more “real” when her mother-in-law recognizes one of Josie’s co-workers, a man she knew as a barbaric Nazi psychopath. Soon, Josie’s “safe” harbor of domestic bliss is about to be overturned.
Books One and Two (the first ten issues) are compiled in a gorgeous hardcover edition. Not ironically, it would make a wonderful coffee table addition.
September 7, 2020
Brilliant. I don't often pick up graphic novels from Dark Horse because the style doesn't agree with me. *Very Glad* that I picked this up though because it is a *joy*. From the glorious artwork to the sassy one-liners I really enjoyed the story of a 60s housewife circa Kennedy-era America living a double life as an assassin but also raising children and keeping her husband in the dark. She deals with misogyny, sexism and the general societal expectations placed on women while also using them to achieve her own ends.
I hope that there'll be more, I want to see more of Josie in action!
I hope that there'll be more, I want to see more of Josie in action!
January 1, 2023
Fresco, leggero e divinamente anni '60, Lady Killer ha tutti gli ingredienti per essere un fumetto che si fa leggere di gusto!
Sarà che amo l'atmosfera di quegli anni o il fatto che ci sia una protagonista donna, ma ho davvero apprezzato questa miniserie, tanto che comprerei anche il seguito se ci fosse.
Josie Schuller, protagonista del fumetto, è una casalinga, moglie e madre impeccabile... nonché un'assassina coi fiocchi. Si destreggia tra cene di famiglia e omicidi ben pagati, ma riuscirà a mantenere questa sua doppia vita?
Sarà che amo l'atmosfera di quegli anni o il fatto che ci sia una protagonista donna, ma ho davvero apprezzato questa miniserie, tanto che comprerei anche il seguito se ci fosse.
Josie Schuller, protagonista del fumetto, è una casalinga, moglie e madre impeccabile... nonché un'assassina coi fiocchi. Si destreggia tra cene di famiglia e omicidi ben pagati, ma riuscirà a mantenere questa sua doppia vita?
January 3, 2021
Má to poměrně jednoduchý příběh, ale je to zábavné a je to brutální. Není to nechutně brutální, ale dětem bych to číst nedával. Při čtení se musíte srovnat s tím, že fandíte vražedkyni, která se vraždami živí. Zabíjí lidi, o kterých nic nevíte a dost možná jsou i nevinní. Není v tom žádná msta ani morálka, jenom kšeft. Hlavní devizou Lady Killer je skvělá kresba, kterou si v tomto velkém formátu (library edice) budete prostě užívat. Jo a taky to má parádní předmluvu. Více myslím vědět nepotřebujete.
January 7, 2022
Jimmy B likes hot babes with knives.
October 18, 2021
4.5 stars
Very entertaining read with some really gorgeous art.
Very entertaining read with some really gorgeous art.
October 29, 2020
This books gets credit for being so beautifully drawn and designed. But really loses in the writing. None of the characters have any real depth or dimension. And the story is very shallow. Now, to it's credit, near the end of the second story we get a little more back story on two characters, which makes it more interesting. But it's a long time coming and would have served the story better had it been introduced earlier.
But I guess you can ignore the story's shortcomings by focusing more on the nice art. Jones adds some very detailed backgrounds and gives a lot of attention to the mid-century details. And those details are what really make this collection shine. Without giving away too much, I would like to point out that this has a very open-ended conclusion that really sets it up for a sequel. Hopefully the next volume will see the same level of detail and art with some stronger depth and story elements.
But I guess you can ignore the story's shortcomings by focusing more on the nice art. Jones adds some very detailed backgrounds and gives a lot of attention to the mid-century details. And those details are what really make this collection shine. Without giving away too much, I would like to point out that this has a very open-ended conclusion that really sets it up for a sequel. Hopefully the next volume will see the same level of detail and art with some stronger depth and story elements.
August 25, 2022
50s female serial killer with lots of gore. It’s a great idea but unfortunately, stunning art can’t save everything.
The characters fell flat, no clear motives, no clear personality. The plot pacing felt weird, especially towards the end. It lacks the feminist punch it claims to have. And yes, I know it’s set in the 50s but is the low key racism really necessary?
My favorite part was the exclusive art pieces included after the end. It’s disappointing that the writing didn’t get as excellent of an execution as the art.
The characters fell flat, no clear motives, no clear personality. The plot pacing felt weird, especially towards the end. It lacks the feminist punch it claims to have. And yes, I know it’s set in the 50s but is the low key racism really necessary?
My favorite part was the exclusive art pieces included after the end. It’s disappointing that the writing didn’t get as excellent of an execution as the art.
January 13, 2022
Art is tremendous. Story kinda lame. Yes, it's an easy read. Read the entire thing in 1 seating, but not because it's awesome. It's just easy. I had to suspend my disbelief a number of times just to get through it. And, lastly, the thing ended in a cliffhanger, with no indication that the story will continue.
August 27, 2023
Lady Killer
By Joélee Jones
This is one of the best visually stunning graphic novels I have read in recent years. While the story may lack in terms of value in literary aspects (character building, plots premises and conclusions etc.) but stands out in it's artistic value. The art is simply incredible and richly detailed with vibrant colors which sets the right tone for the narrative. The story is about the juxtaposition of a housewife with a secret identity of a hired assassin in background of 1960s America. While it's a straight forward story but it's so well-done. It was so much fun to read and I have a very satisfied reading experience. This Oversized hardcover library edition by Dark Horse also stands out in it's quality (the pages are so thick and big - not only the art just pops out, also despite being less than 300 pages it feels as heavy as a big marvel or DC omnibus). The only flaw in the story, I would say, that the story lacks little bit of character building and premises for the main plot and doesn't say anything about the whys and whens in some part and at end left me wanting for more than it offered. Still I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
By Joélee Jones
This is one of the best visually stunning graphic novels I have read in recent years. While the story may lack in terms of value in literary aspects (character building, plots premises and conclusions etc.) but stands out in it's artistic value. The art is simply incredible and richly detailed with vibrant colors which sets the right tone for the narrative. The story is about the juxtaposition of a housewife with a secret identity of a hired assassin in background of 1960s America. While it's a straight forward story but it's so well-done. It was so much fun to read and I have a very satisfied reading experience. This Oversized hardcover library edition by Dark Horse also stands out in it's quality (the pages are so thick and big - not only the art just pops out, also despite being less than 300 pages it feels as heavy as a big marvel or DC omnibus). The only flaw in the story, I would say, that the story lacks little bit of character building and premises for the main plot and doesn't say anything about the whys and whens in some part and at end left me wanting for more than it offered. Still I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
September 21, 2023
I love the take on the perfect housewife except she's an assassin. The art was also fantastic! This is a Graphic comic so warning for that, but I wasn't as disturbed by it because they made the blood black and that made it easier for me I guess.
Trigger warning for kinda favorable view of nazis? There is a former nazi in the book and they're never like, disparaged for the fact that they were a nazi.... but I'm not Jewish so I can't speak to whether the content was problematic or not.
Trigger warning for kinda favorable view of nazis? There is a former nazi in the book and they're never like, disparaged for the fact that they were a nazi.... but I'm not Jewish so I can't speak to whether the content was problematic or not.
January 28, 2021
Read this in a day, it was so good. Art and coloring was just beautiful and nicely contrasted the incredibly violent nature of the material. Top-notch writing and story with a major cliffhanger at the end of volume 2. Really hope this series continues as it takes a very male-dominated niche and turns it on its head. Highly recommended.
April 15, 2024
pretty art, lots of murder and gore, easy read, but nothing special and ya lost me with a sympathetic character being a nazi
content/trigger warnings; murder, physical violence, gun violence, knife violence, blood/gore, dismemberment, racism, misogyny, gendered slurs, sexual harassment, nazis, antisemitism,
content/trigger warnings; murder, physical violence, gun violence, knife violence, blood/gore, dismemberment, racism, misogyny, gendered slurs, sexual harassment, nazis, antisemitism,
July 22, 2024
Un savant mélange entre Kill bill et Why women Kill.
L'univers de ce comics est ultra coloré, avec des dessins parfaits, totalement dans le style des années 50's.
Josie représente la parfaite mère de famille chic et de la parfaite tueuse professionnelle. Les morts sont violentes, sales, sans empathie, et cela fait du bien de voir ce genre de rôle pour une héroïne (enfin!).
On admire autant sa garde robe que son sang froid, il y a des personnages variés et on est triste de refermé le livre.
L'univers de ce comics est ultra coloré, avec des dessins parfaits, totalement dans le style des années 50's.
Josie représente la parfaite mère de famille chic et de la parfaite tueuse professionnelle. Les morts sont violentes, sales, sans empathie, et cela fait du bien de voir ce genre de rôle pour une héroïne (enfin!).
On admire autant sa garde robe que son sang froid, il y a des personnages variés et on est triste de refermé le livre.
September 12, 2022
Lady Killer is a absolute blast, Joëlle Jones knocks it out of the park story and artwise, with incredible use of panels and a flowing script. A mix of Dexter and Mad Men, whats not to love? And in beautifull oversized artwork, this book reads fast, and really is a joy. really need to look up more of her work.
November 14, 2022
Beautiful artwork a bit reminiscent of Disney for me. Fun and interesting story. Wish there were more.
July 20, 2024
The art and idea behind this was so cool! The story plays with the traditional view of women as homemaker's and creates a space where they can be anything - even contract killers. I loved this about both volumes. Otherwise, I wouldn't say this was revolutionary or anything.
August 12, 2021
Artwork is on point. Storyline is gruesome, but fascinating. It taps into all the stereotypes, even origin stories. Worth the time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews