Rat Queens has received a GLAAD Award for its representations of the LGBT community, so readers are invited to form their own opinions. As the title suggests, Braga was recognised as a prince but it’s not crystal as to whether she was (a) a princess, but Orc culture is such that only male attributes are celebrated, or (b) a princess in a prince’s body. Originally printed in-between Upchurch’s and Sejic’s respective tenures, it’s now placed to avoid a style clash, but fits less well chronologically. Fowler adds some feminine nuances to Braga, but while similarly character focused, her art is a great contrast to Upchurch and Sejic.
This has a grimier tone, Braga relating here progression from future chief to a social outcast. ‘Once Prince, Now Bastard’ is written by Wiebe, pencilled by Tess Fowler, and coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick. Orc maiden Braga’s origin is explored in a chapter not included in the paperback collections. There are no ‘enhancements’ to the female body so common in comics, arguably a big part of its appeal to an ever-growing number of female fans. Violet has a warrior’s physique, while Betty is petite and agile. All the ladies here, from the Queens to the delightful supporting cast, look and feel like real women. The hilarious dialogue and riotous adventure is brought to life with sterling artwork by Roc Upchurch and Stjepan Sejic, simply presented and wonderfully coloured to keep it character driven. Not to mention disrupting valuable party time. This makes dealing with estranged relationships and navigating the tumultuous waters of love all that more difficult. The pleasantly continuous narrative sees the Queens trying to solve the mystery of who wants them dead enough to hire the deadliest assassins around, then release a horde of reality-altering monsters on their adopted town of Palisade.
Such is the popularity of the series that, since its inception in 2013, there is enough material to collect in this oversized hardcover Deluxe Edition. With the expected fantasy elements of magic, monsters, and mayhem comes a razor-sharp wit and beautifully stylized art that keeps the focus on magic user Hannah, warrior Violet, thief Betty, and healer Dee, whose wonderfully relatable personalities reflect the life experiences of twenty-something women. Wiebe, Rat Queens is kick-ass swords and sorcery mixed with HBO series Girls, a modern twist on the adventures of all-female mercenary band, the Rat Queens, who love to fight, party and earn gold as much as they love each other.
Those who have not read Sass and Sorcery or The Far Reaching Tentacles of N’Rygoth have the pleasure of meeting Hannah, Betty, Violet, and Dee in one sitting. Rat Queens fans rejoice! The Bad-Ass Mamas of Mayhem are collected in one volume for your uninterrupted reading pleasure. Review by Jamie McNeil Spoilers in review
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