American Caper, written by Dan Houser and illustrated by David Lapham, is exactly the kind of wild, over-the-top take on modern America I never knew I needed. The bold premiere issue pulls no punches and lays a great foundation for what is going to be an exciting, unpredictable ride.
A tale of two totally normal, completely damaged families in a world of corrupt businesses, inept local politicians, bungling criminals, and unfortunate leisurewear. We follow the fortunes of two neighbors on the point of collapse: a Mormon hit man and a gambling-addict lawyer, both intertwined in a real-estate deal gone wrong. Mix in a Mexican beauty queen on the run from her past, two escaped convicts in love, a Wall Street billionaire who has become a cowboy, and a maniac hell-bent on revenge. American culture has become a war about real estate, violence, and snake oil.
From the tax avoiders in the manicured wilderness of Wyoming to the thought police of liberal Brooklyn to the confused political and environmental battlegrounds of Florida, one thing is certain: This tragedy is someone else’s fault.
American Caper presents an outrageous, no-holds-barred take on today’s America, where nothing is sacred and everything is fair game for satire. It’s one of those stories where you’re never quite sure what, or who, it’s really mocking in the end, as it pushes every side of the argument to the extreme and sometimes even beyond. Reading this debut issue had me reflecting on my own up upbringing and my differing options and views than my parents, only if our family debates were dialed up to eleven.
None of the characters are particularly likable, which makes it all the more easier as they inevitably get what’s coming to them. The story focuses on the worst representatives of every side, political or otherwise, some that you hate to root for and others you just hate. It’s nice to read a story where you are almost cheering for everyone to not make it.
David Lapham’s artwork balances grit and style to really complement the story. It’s boldly graphic when needed and more restrained when called for. By the end of the premiere issue, I couldn’t see another artist tackling this story in the perfect way Lapham has.
A lot is going on in this first issue, but mostly introduced us to the characters and laid the foundation for what we can expect in future issues. The exception is a perfectly placed closing scene that left me eager for the next issue.
American Caper #1 is an exaggerated, funny, and at times unsettling premiere issue. Dan Houser crafts a satire that pokes fun at all sides of the conversation without holding back, while David Lapham’s gritty artwork perfectly matches the tone and energy of the story. It’ll be interesting to see where this creative team goes after this first issue.
American Caper #1 hits local comic shops on November 12, 2025 from Dark Horse.
American Caper #1 Preview
