This summer I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time refreshing my feed for any update on Lackadaisy: my favorite animated series. As I attempt to prepare for the parade of passionate art that we will see with the release of the official series, I have found great pleasure in reflecting on Lackadaisy’s animated pilot. The pilot was released in spring of 2023 and was beyond stunning; it truly stands as a triumph for independent animation and a revitalization of the medium.

The adaptation of the Eisner Award-nominated comic, Lackadaisy, is a standalone story set in prohibition-era St. Louis, and introduces the comic’s fantastic and fanatic world of crime and booze. Surprisingly or fittingly, the cast of odd gangsters, frazzled jazz musicians, and awkward bookkeepers who compete for alcohol on behalf of their respective speakeasies are portrayed as cats. This choice in anthropomorphic designs does not undermine the tone of the film but rather elevates it with expressive character design and movement. 

The animation of this pilot is exceptional and screams to the stars “see what you can do when you care!” Through the inclusion of construction lines in their final cuts, the animation feels authentic; it’s as if you have a seat at the table and can watch the paramount effort put into this art. The movement of the characters feel genuine, as the animation team used subtle gestures for emphasis rather than exaggeration. Tracy Butler, the creator, even crafted the pen used for lineart, so the animation would embody the aesthetic of the early ages of animation. The compositing further illustrates both the beauty and danger in this setting of St. Louis with dramatic lighting and crucial details such as specks of dust. The effort that was put into every facet of this film ensures that it never gets old, even if you watch it hundreds of times. Which I have!

Of course, the story to accompany such high quality animation must also be of great quality itself. Within the 27-minute pilot, Lackadaisy does an incredible job of presenting intriguing characters and 1920’s St. Louis with its breathtaking atmosphere, phenomenal scenes, intense dialogue, captivating soundtrack, and engaging motifs. Each character is distinct in their mannerisms, design, and speaking, allowing for a captivating depiction that leaves the viewer desperate for more. The setting is used effectively to create a convincing narrative of competing speakeasies as the viewer witnesses an escapade that takes you from melodic railroads, to exploding mines, and eventually to an underground speakeasy. Decorated with poetry, layered dialogue, subtle gestures, and beautiful music, Lackadaisy leaves little to want for in its outstanding story.

While these incredible features instill an urge to speak in prohibition-era prose and take up 1920’s fashion, there are references to the original comic that occasionally leave the viewer behind. But as a love letter to the community that spurred this film into existence, the momentary confusion can be forgiven. 

Without the backing of an animation studio, Lackadaisy's creator Tracy Butler had to turn to the comic’s fanbase for support. Receiving incredible amounts of enthusiasm from its fanbase, Lackadaisy raised enough money to support the production of this pilot through crowdfunding alone. Since its release, the pilot has gained over fourteen million views and raised over two million dollars for the production of a full first season and mini episodes. I contributed to the fundraising myself; despite my parents’ reasoned objections, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited about the release of a series. Compared to the lack of originality, or any care for the principles of animation, from contemporary animation giants, this film is crystalline water in a desert of deficiency. Viewers know this too, as seen by the massive support this series has received. Lackadaisy’s passion for the process is intoxicating like a glass of bathtub gin (or so I’ve been told); and its success reveals that audiences are hungry for high quality animation.