Rat Queens v. 1 Sass and Sorcery
Confession time- I hate “Game of Thrones.” I can’t stand “Lord of the Rings” and I don’t play “World of Warcraft.” When it comes to swords and sorcery/fantasy it takes a lot for me to get into a story. None of those options have that special something. That’s why I was hesitant when it came to the hit new series, “Rat Queens.” But after hearing everyone talk about it, I gave in. Thank the many-tentacled deity the characters worship because it has given new breath to the fantasy genre.
The Rat Queens. A group of adventurers out to make some gold, get drunk, raise some hell and kill some evil. Of course, when you’re the rowdiest group in town, and continuously destroy the town, it’s bound to piss some people off. So, to make amends, the Queens, as well as other adventure groups, are sent on quests. Naturally, they find more people that are trying to kill them than are supposed to. Someone in the kingdom is out to get the Queens, well, most everyone is, but someone actually did something about it. Lots of punching, stabbing, magic zapping, and drinking explode off the page as the Queens get to the bottom of this assassination attempt.
“Rat Queens” is the book that saves Fantasy. It’s exactly what the genre needed. Kurtis J. Wiebe has written four perfect characters. You instantly feel who they are. They are a sisterhood of some kick-ass women, none a stereotype or cliché. Each has their “role” but where else will you find Lovecraftian cultist that has lost her faith? Or a dwarf warrior who’s disavowed her family and shaved her beard before everyone thought shaving beards was cool? These characters are everything good and fun made flesh. They are the friends you wish you had. Wiebe’s world for these characters is all that’s right in fantasy. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, it knows the events that happens are crazy and when it can be that aware then the real plot growth can come.
There is a very long game with “Rat Queens.” It’s fantastical, and thanks to Wiebe’s words, will be totally believable. He, with artist Roc Upchurch, created this perfect, beautiful fantasy book. Upchurch’s work is bright and exciting; a wonderful match for the Queens. Not just a match, there is no one else who could have created the look and feel so dead on for the Queens. Wiebe and Upchurch’s collaboration has given way to the newest, most exciting series in years.
Jo Schmidt
