Comics

Published on July 7th, 2017 | by Dana Folkard

RAT QUEENS VOL.2 #4 REVIEW

After embarking on a quest for magical ingredients, the Rat Queens quickly discover that it was all an elaborate hoax to lure them away. Determined to make the most out of a bad situation, the Queens decide to check out an ancient temple, as they refuse to walk away from this quest empty-handed. Not is all as it seems, as dungeon delving just took on a whole new meaning!

This issue begins with the Rat Queens face-to-face with their rival gang, the Cat Kings. After establishing that Barrie actually lured the Queens on this elaborate quest, changing the details of a notice to get their attention, and also establishing that Barrie is real cock, Violet decides to step aside with her brother and discuss some personal matters. We see a brief moment where both siblings connect and understand one another, putting aside petty rivalries and quarreling, to share a deep and meaningful moment together. Back at the main camp, both groups decide to make the most of this situation, and explore the local area, hoping to find a dungeon and some loot to take back with them. Thanks to Betty’s photographic memory, this ragtag group of questers come across a strange looking temple. The Cat Kings soon decide to head back to Palisade, leaving the Queens to explore this mysterious dungeon on their own. Unfortunately for the Queens, this complex dungeon holds some dark mysteries, and finding their way out of this bizarre puzzle, filled with sentient relics and illusions may prove to be harder than the Queens anticipated. At the end of this issue we have a short side-story, written by Kurtis Wiebe, with art by Kyle Charles and colour by Sweeney Boo, about the annoying paperwork that comes when you have a company, and how there is never a good time to fill in a pesky incident reports, especially when in the midst of battle.

This are getting weird for the Queens as their dungeon delving reaches a whole new level of strange experiences. I rather enjoy the sense of mystery that Kurtis J. Wiebe has created around this temple, and unease Dee has about a similar temple she stumbled across as a young girl, heightens the overall ominous tone. Couple that with entertaining puzzles that the Queens need to solve, to obtain the relics that will get them out of this dungeon, and you have the beginnings of an enjoyable, albeit puzzling quest. It wouldn’t be a Queens adventure unless there was some kind of hilarious antics or witty banter involved. Once again, this issue is filled with many laugh-out-loud moments, as they get up to all sorts of shenanigans and whacky escapades. Hannah, like always, has me in stitches with her dry, sarcastic remarks and her pig-headed attitude. She is an absolute hoot, and delivers a heavy dose of sassy, loathsome attitude that actually makes her really endearing. I love her!

Owen Gieni’s art is filled with a vibrant and fun sense of energy. He really captures the whimsical and playful nature of the Queens and the world they live in perfectly. I also enjoy seeing the contrast of this, in the dark and mysterious dungeons and monsters that they often encounter. There is also a part in this issue where the art style dramatically changes to a lovely painted quality. It is quite a obvious change in the overall aesthetic, and establishes the sudden and unexpected shift in the development of the story effectively. Not only is it successful in achieving this, but it is also beautiful, as we see what looks like a series of detailed paintings revealed to us. The colouring helps to bring this world to life, framing everything in a cool and icy light, reflecting the high altitude that the Queens are in. I also enjoy the moments when the colours appear magical, creating a warm and somewhat luminescent glow that makes everything have a faerie tale quality to it.

Rat Queens #4 takes us on an exciting and mysterious ride, filled with hilarious quips, unusual encounters and unexpected plot developments. Things are getting mighty strange for the Queens, and this is one adventure I’m looking forward to embarking on again. Do yourself a favour and grab a copy ASAP, as this is high-fantasy dungeon delving at its best!

I’m giving this issue 4.5 out of 5 stars!

COMIC DETAILS
CREATIVE TEAM: Kurtis J. Wiebe, Owen Gieni, Ryan Ferrier, Kyle Charles and Sweeney Boo
PUBLISHER: Image Comics/Shadowline Comics
PUBLICATION DATE: July 05, 2017
REVIEWER: Dana Folkard

About the Author

Dana Folkard An absolute nerd with a passion for all things sci-fi! Lover of comics, coffee and Geralt of Rivia. Mother of Dragons!

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