Written by: Kurtis J. Wiebe
Art by: Roc Upchurch
Publisher: Image Comics
If you haven’t started reading Rat Queens yet, I’d suggest you start now. The seventh issue of the Eisner nominated series is just as strong as the first six, and things are starting to get real in Palisade. Kurtis J. Wiebe’s storytelling is phenomenal. He is able to pack a ton of character development, humor, and action into each and every issue, and the Rat Queens world and history continue to grow.
In this issue, we see more of the Hannah vs. Tizzie rivalry and we learn it has at least something to do with the gods or powers that each mage is channeling: Tizzie channels light, Hannah’s got roots in necromancy. Meanwhile, Dee and the other ladies are dealing with the arrival of Kiah, Dee’s husband from back home. Kiah is also a cleric and has come to warn Dee that the Haruspex Requiem, a death mask belonging to their high priest, has been stolen by Gerrig Lake, who is currently revenge torturing Sterling and trying to destroy Palisade.
Wiebe does a fantastic job balancing and connecting plot points. Dee’s religious doubt and feelings for her home and family become more than just personal obstacles she needs to overcome. Her and her husband’s knowledge of the artifacts and glyphs that Gerrig has stolen will be pivotal to saving Palisade in the coming issues. From the brief inclusions of Violet’s brother and Hannah and Tizzie’s constant bickering, I think it’s pretty obvious that Wiebe has plans involving each girls’ history and relating their personal struggles to real, monstrous threats in the future. This is definitely a well-thought out story.
Rat Queens is taking big leaps, as Gerrig is the first real villain that the girls are going to have to deal with, and the cliffhanger at the end is perfect. Roc Upchurch continually produces amazing art, using some really unique palettes. The humor in this issue is great, but it doesn’t diminish the creepiness of other moments, like Bernadette’s super gross eye curse, or Sawyer hanging naked and chained with Gerrig. Once again, the creative minds behind Rat Queens have nailed it. This is definitely a must buy.
You must be logged in to post a comment.