Off the misty coast of Maine lies the island of Muderburg, infamously nicknamed Murderburg. Behind its idyllic facade lurks a sinister allure. This secluded enclave becomes the stage for mobster Leo Scazzo and his family as they attempt to escape their violent past. But even in paradise, old habits die hard.
Leo Scazzo, the island’s self-styled mayor, reigns alongside his glamorous wife, Antonia, the ever-enviable first lady of Muderburg. Their eldest daughter, Isabell, keeps the island informed—and intrigued—as the fearless publisher of The Murderburg Beacon. Together, they rule a community as quirky as it is lawless, with a blend of villainy and loyalty that only the Scazzos could pull off.
A Portrait of Crime and Devotion
Carol Lay’s six-story collection paints a vivid picture of the Scazzo family’s devilish escapades. These tales reveal a family whose nefarious tendencies barely outweigh their unshakable bond. Even in the bucolic landscape of Muderburg, the Scazzos manage to scandalize with their antics. Vandalism and scandal become routine, but their charm keeps the island’s inhabitants oddly loyal.
From trash-talking Snobunquit neighbors to dangerously alluring arms dealers, the Scazzos face challenges that test their wit and grit. Yet, nothing threatens their reign over this peculiar crime haven. Murderburg may be the crime den of their dreams, but it’s also a haven where family values take center stage—albeit with a dark, twisted flair.
Carol Lay: Master of Alternative Comix
Behind this macabre masterpiece is the legendary Carol Lay, a trailblazer in alternative comics. A UCLA Fine Arts graduate, Lay found her calling in comics after a friend’s crash course in the medium. Her critically acclaimed series Good Girls debuted in 1987 under Fantagraphics, launching her into the spotlight.
Lay’s portfolio spans far and wide. She has worked on everything from storyboards for music videos and commercials to weekly strips like Story Minute in L.A. Weekly. Her contributions to anthologies such as Wimmen’s Comix and Simpsons Comics cemented her reputation as a versatile storyteller. Lay’s work has graced the pages of The New Yorker, Mad Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, among others.
Murderburg: A Hellish Paradise
Murderburg offers more than tales of crime and chaos—it delivers a narrative rich in humor, heart, and dark allure. Through Lay’s masterful storytelling and distinct illustrations, this collection is a testament to her ability to weave mischief and mayhem into unforgettable characters.
For those drawn to tales of dark comedy and family drama, Murderburg promises an experience as unique as the Scazzo family itself. Dive into their twisted world and discover how a family of villains thrives in their own little corner of hell.
Read this article and more at August Tales Comics. Your go-to site for trade paperback exchanges and comic book news! Trade. Read. Repeat.
#comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel #graphicnovels #augusttales
Image credit: solrad.co
