By Robin Jones
Written by Kurtis J Wiebe
Art by Roc Upchurch
Swords? [✓]
Witchcraft? [✓]
Orcs [✓]
Pixies [✓]
Dwarven Ale [✓]
Getting called a cunt by a Troll [✓]
Rat Queens. Initially when I heard about this book, I thought it was something like Maus. I was wrong. So wrong. Little did I know that it would be about four badass adventurers, loaded to the gills with armour, spells, swords, recovering occult members, magic mushrooms and the best use of the word “dickcheese” I have seen/heard in a while! This book is fast becoming one of the best books out there for your money. In fact, why do you still have your money? Give it to Image and inject your brain with a healthy dose of fantasy, drug fueled, sweary girl ass kicking action. I suggest booking a week off work before hand…
I lapped up issue 1, 2 & 3 but I doubt much could have prepared me for issue 4! It’s like Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch (possibly the two coolest named creators to work on a single book I have seen) have taken the ante, upped it, and upped it some more! This issue is pure action. Roc Upchurch’s art is big and ballsy, with big pointy weapons, big pointy breat plates, angry orcs, vengeful troll girlfriends and a town that hates its would be protectors. The subtle nuances within Upchurch’s art are also a major selling factor, each character has a life of their own, a personality that Upchurch’s art lifts off the page, into your eyes and it sticks in your brain, possibly with the help of Betty’s twin knives. (Her shout of “Lets. Get. Stabby” is brilliant!)
Wiebe’s writing is brilliant, sharply funny with his tongue firmly planted within his cheek, yet the girls situations and their motives are genuine enough to keep the story and their characters firmly planted on the ground. There’s depth, a lot of unexplained stories which have been subtley hinted at throughout and a wealth of characterization. In short, it’s fucking brilliant. But Gary though, well that guy can fuck off…
I give this book 10 out of 10
Click HERE to view the Rat Queens series!
For more comic views and reviews follow Robin on Twitter at @Hulksmash1985
Posted on January 22nd, 2014
Category: PULP FRICTION, REVIEWS
Tags: Comic Blog, Comic Reviews, Image Comics, Kurtis J Wiebe, Rat Queens #4 Review, Roc Upchurch