Written by: Kurtis J Wiebe
Art by: Owen Gieni
Pubisher: Image Comics
This is a book that I struggled deciding if I wanted to give a second chance. I raved all about Rat Queens when it first started, recommending it to everyone I could. But one thing after another this started to lose me. Problems with the original artist which became like two more artist changes after that. Not to mention the delays this caused in-between. Was just a whole mess that would ruin the experience for any reader who has enough books on their plate to handle the inconsistency. So when I gave Rat Queens a second shot my expectations weren’t very high this time and that might have been for the best.
After everything that has already gone on in the world of Rat Queens, a soft reboot was just what they needed. Not a full reboot so that we were reading a rehashing of their story, but soft enough that we could take a step back to get back to basics. Not only does that ease readers back into their story, but makes this book welcoming to new readers who want to see what all that buzz was about before. From the first page I liked that it didn’t feel as though I needed to have read the last story arc, because truthfully I couldn’t make it that far. It took us right back to Palisade and all the funny business that comes with them doing basically whatever they want. I laughed and that was what I hoped for most.
Like that first volume what I always enjoyed about Rat Queens was how they incorporated a lot of RPG fantasy elements into the story. Making it feel like a what if when dealing with raiding parties. Most of this was seen through Dee humorously throughout, though it was also a plus the way they addressed the shenanigans that can also go on that isn’t fully professional of them. Not that there really is in general. Dealing with more than just trolls was a plus. Always best to think outside of the box when the things they encounter should be more than hack/slash go home and get paid. When I picture a quest, adventure or raid I certainly picture what they get themselves into by the end of this first issue. So they are definitely on the right track so far.
Now when we are going back to basics, I guess that also means finding an alternative rivalry since what was between them and the Peaches is ancient history. Who they decide to bring into the story was smart. It again creates a rivalry that can get personal, not to mention motivate the Rat Queens to try a lot harder than they normally do.
Owen Gieni feels looks like the perfect fit as artist for Rat Queens. The detail she gets into between characters and environment is standout on every page. Hannah off the bat I loved for the choice of making her horns seen protruding from her hair. I noticed these details with characters like Dee and Braga in particular. You could see how she tried to go for a look that had flavor to it, yet at the same time practical for what they do. As someone who LARPs(Live Action Role Play), you always want to strike a good balance there when you know you’re going to be thrown into action. As for the environments, it definitely seemed like Gieni did his research on what these places look like in period time. Didn’t skip a beat, blade of grass or slab of concrete that made up some of these unique locations. The strong facial features and expressions were hard to overlook as well. There were some instances when the faces did look off, though for the most part their was a strong rendering for their races. I think the stronger emphasis works compared to how they were drawn before. The goal should always be what best engages us in this world they are trying to pull us into.
