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Rat Queens

Rat Queens is an American fantasy comic book series created by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch, published by Image Comics. The series was written by Wiebe until Ryan Ferrier took over in mid 2019. The original 2013–2016 run was drawn by Roc Upchurch, Stjepan Šejić, and Tess Fowler. The series was put on hiatus in April 2016 and returned in March 2017 with the new artist Owen Gieni.[1] Currently, Moritat & Casey Silver are the ongoing artists. [needs update]

Rat Queens
Cover of Rat Queens #1, featuring, clockwise from the top: Dee, Betty, Hannah, and Violet.
Publication information
PublisherImage Comics
ScheduleMonthly, with breaks
Genre
Publication dateSeptember 2013
Creative team
Created byKurtis J. Wiebe
Roc Upchurch
Written byKurtis J. Wiebe (#1–16, Vo. 2 #1–15)
Ryan Ferrier (Vol. 2 #16–present)
Artist(s)Roc Upchurch (#1–8)
Stjepan Šejić (#9–10)
Tess Fowler (#11–16)
Owen Gieni (Vol. 2 #1–15)
Priscilla Petraites (Vol. 2 #16–present)
Letterer(s)Ryan Ferrier
Colorist(s)Tamra Bonvillain (#11–16)
Marco Lesko (Vol. 2 #16–present)
Collected editions
1. Sass and SorceryISBN 9781607069454
2. The Far Reaching Tentacles of N’RygothISBN 9781632150400
3. DemonsISBN 9781632157355
4. High FantasiesISBN 9781632158994
5. The Colossal Magic NothingISBN 9781534306776
6. The Infernal PathISBN 9781534310698
7. The Once and Future KingISBN 9781534314665
8. The God DilemmaISBN 9781534316720

Recounting the exploits of a party of four rowdy, foul-mouthed adventurers, the series has received critical praise, was nominated for the 2014 Eisner Award for Best New Series[2] and won the 2015 GLAAD Media Award.[3]

Publication history edit

Writer Kurtis Wiebe described the series as a "love letter to my years of D&D (...) and fantasy" with a modern twist, and the concept as "Lord of the Rings meets Bridesmaids". Originally intended to be funded through Kickstarter, it was picked up by Jim Valentino at Image Comics a week before the funding campaign was to start. Rat Queens was intended to be published at a pace of ten issues per year, with two-month breaks between collections.[4]

Artist Roc Upchurch left the book after issue #8 and Image Comics announced that Stjepan Šejić would continue the series as artist beginning with issue #9 in February 2015, preceded by a special issue about the orc warrior Braga by guest artist Tess Fowler in January 2015.[5] After Šejić left the series in July 2015 for health reasons, Fowler continued the series as main artist, joined by colorist Tamra Bonvillain.[6]

In April 2016, Fowler left the title, and Wiebe paused work on it. In May 2016, Fowler wrote that Wiebe pushed her out to make room for Upchurch's return after the fourth arc. Wiebe denied this and said that the collaboration not working out creatively was the reason for Fowler's departure and the comic's hiatus.[7]

In July 2016, Wiebe announced that Rat Queens would continue as a webcomic. Early strips in this format would be drawn by Battlepug creators Mike Norton and Cecilia Dupuy.[8]

In November 2016, Wiebe announced that Rat Queens would return to print with a new series artist, Owen Gieni.[9]

On Reddit, Wiebe clarified that issue #16 (When Beards Collide, Part 1) would not be considered canon following the reboot. Apparently he found it too difficult to wrap that arc up and put the series back on track.[10] He later found a way to reference #16 while writing #9 of the reboot series, but reiterated that #16 will not be collected. The reference is an Easter egg for those that read #16.[11]

Wiebe and Gieni ended their work as the series' writer and artist in March 2019, with issue #15.[12] A new creative team of Ryan Ferrier (writer), Priscilla Petraites (artist), and Marco Lesko (colorist) resumed work on the series in June 2019.[13]

The storyline The God Dilemma ended the regular serialization of the series, but original creators Wiebe and Upchurch have announced they will be producing a graphic novel finale for the series tying up all remaining loose ends, giving the characters a true final send-off. This finale, titled Rat Queens: Sisters, Warriors, Queens was published in late September 2023, with Upchurch returning as its artist.[14]

Plot edit

The eponymous "Rat Queens" are a rambunctious party of adventurers in a medieval fantasy setting. They comprise the rockabilly elven mage Hannah, the hipster dwarven warrior Violet who shaved her beard before it became cool, the atheist human cleric Dee, who hails from a family of Lovecraftian monster cultists, and the hippie halfling (here called "smidgen") thief Betty, whose idea of a hearty meal is a bag of drugs and candy.[4] They were later joined by Braga, a transgender Orc warrior.

The first five issues follow the group's exploits as they try to defend themselves against assassins intent on killing them and other adventuring groups that have been roughing up their home town of Palisade. The second story arc sees the Rat Queens trying to prevent a vengeful businessman from summoning Dee's people's many-tentacled gods to lay waste to Palisade. The third arc has Hannah return to her sinister alma mater after her father is arrested for attempting a coup.

Characters edit

Hannah Vizari
A black-haired Elven necromancer who made a pact with a demon named Hazirel[15] and was cursed by the demonic Necrius magic[16] he bestowed upon her, which among other things made her grow horns, which she tries to hide under her haircurls.[17] Later, the corruption causes her to be split into a good and evil half.[18]
Violet ("Vi") Blackforge
A redhaired Dwarven fighter of the Blackforge Clan who became tired of her father's adherence to old-fashioned traditions, which disallowed Dwarven females from becoming warriors even though Violet had the talent. After beating up a guest of her father's who made a slur at her, she banished herself from the clan, cutting off her beard as a sign of rebellion against tradition,[19] although she would let it grow back later. She has a relationship with Dave, an Orc healer,[20] whom she later marries.[21] Her twin brother Barrie, her rival for her father's approval even though he dearly loves his sister, later becomes the leader of a copycat imitation of Violet's team called "Cat Kings".[22]
Dee (Delilah)
A human ex-high priestess of a monster cult who left her faith and her family after she became disillusioned with the horrors they worshipped.[20] She still continues to use her powers, especially for healing, despite her falling-out with her dark deity.[16] She was once married with Mezikiah, another cult member.[16][23] At one point she is called into the realm of the gods and granted the powers of a dwindling deity.[24] Although shy in social situations and gloomy about her choices in life, she loves the company of her fellow Rat Queens and will do anything to keep them safe.
Betty
A fun-loving Smidgen thief whose major vices in life are candy, hallucinogens, and large servings of alcoholic drinks. She is also a lesbian, with a long-lasting relationship with a human woman named Faeyri.[25] Formerly called Petunia Harvestchild, she was the leader of a Robin Hood-type group called The Five Monkeys, who were framed for robbery and all - except Betty - thrown into prison; as a result, the other members of the Five Monkeys, unaware that Betty has been scapegoated, are out for revenge on her.[15][26] In combat she is a vicious fighter, using her small size and agility to fullest advantage.
Braga
A huge, one-eyed transgender Orc and former member of the Peaches, another adventuring team which was wiped out during the first Rat Queens story arc.[27] Born male and originally named Broog, Braga was the oldest child and heir to of her tribe's chieftain, but she didn't believe in her people's constant warring. Her ambitious younger brother Voon attempted a coup to eliminate her and take up the chieftainship; after her best friend and lover Kiruk was slain by Voon's minions, Braga crippled Voon in revenge and left her tribe,[28] although Voon would later return, imbued with demonic powers, to plague Braga anew.[24] Her transition is not shown in the books but appears to have happened in between when she left her family and when she arrived in Palisades as a mercenary. Already a good friend of the Rat Queens, she later joins them full-time in their exploits.[22]
Madeline
The teenage daughter of a retired bard who works as a barmaid in her father's tavern. She has long admired the Rat Queens and wants to be a fighter.[29] After Violet's marriage and subsequent retirement, she takes over as the group's apprentice fighter.[30]

Reception edit

Rat Queens received critical praise. It was nominated for the 2014 Eisner Award for best new series,[31] and won the 2015 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book for its portrayals of LGBT characters.[32] The first compiled volume, Rat Queens: Sass and Sorcery, was nominated for the 2015 Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story.[33]

In Paste, Robert Tutton noted that the "rowdy, sarcastic and intensely loyal" personalities of the main characters drive the series, and praised its seamless transitions from "gore to humor, sprawling action to small personal moments", as well as artist Roc Upchurch's skill at portraying facial expressions.[34] Augie De Blieck from Comic Book Resources appreciated the "dark, twisted, and hilarious" series for its fast pacing, Wiebe's witty (and foul-mouthed) writing, and the humanity and personality with which Upchurch infused his drawings.[35] Writing for IGN, Benjamin Bailey described the "mix of D20 adventures and modern angst" as perfecting the formula of injecting humor and wit into sword and sorcery tropes,[36] and praised Upchurch's "expressive and unique" character designs.[37]

Issues edit

Issue Title Release date Story Art Colors Cover
Special Rat Queens Free Preview Sep. 9, 2013 Kurtis J. Wiebe
Meg Dejmal
Roc Upchurch
#1 Sass and Sorcery Sep. 25, 2013 Kurtis J. Wiebe Roc Upchurch Roc Upchurch
Fiona Staples (variant)
#2 Oct. 23, 2013 Roc Upchurch
#3 Nov. 27, 2013
#4 Jan. 15, 2014
#5 Feb. 26, 2014
#6 The Far Reaching
Tentacles of N’Rygoth
May 7, 2014 Roc Upchurch
#7 Jul. 16, 2014
#8 Oct. 1, 2014 Roc Upchurch Tyler Jenkins
Michael Avon Oeming (v.)
Special Braga: The Once Prince, Now Bastard Jan. 14, 2015 Tess Fowler Kelly Fitzpatrick Tess Fowler
Roc Upchurch (v.)
#9 The Far Reaching
Tentacles of N’Rygoth
Mar. 4, 2015 Stjepan Šejić Jenny Frison
#10 Apr. 8, 2015 Stjepan Šejić
#11 Demons Aug. 19, 2015 Tess Fowler[38] Tamra Bonvillain Stjepan Šejić
#12 Sep. 16, 2015
#13 Nov. 18, 2015[39]
#14 Dec. 30, 2015[40]
#15 Mar. 16, 2016[41]
#16 When Beards Collide May 4, 2016[42] Tess Fowler
and Tamra Bonvillain
“SOFT REBOOT”
#1 Cat Kings and Other Garys Mar. 1, 2017[43] Kurtis J. Wiebe Owen Gieni
#2 Apr. 12, 2017[44]
#3 May 24, 2017[45]
#4 Jul. 5, 2017[46]
#5 Aug. 16, 2017[47]
Special Orc Dave Sept. 27, 2017[48] Max Dunbar Tamra Bonvillain Fiona Staples
#6 The Colossal Magic Nothing Nov. 22, 2017[49] Owen Gieni Owen Gieni
Sweeney Boo (v.)
#7 Jan. 3, 2018[50] Owen Gieni
Jim Valentino (v.)
#8 Feb. 28, 2018[51] Owen Gieni
Mindy Lee (v.)
#9 May 16, 2018[52] Owen Gieni
Leila Del Duca (v.)
#10 Jul. 11, 2018[53] Owen Gieni
Joseph Michael Linsner (v.)
Special Neon Static Jul. 18, 2018 Will Kirkby
#11 The Infernal Path Sep. 12, 2018[54] Owen Gieni
#12 Oct. 24, 2018[55]
#13 Dec. 19, 2018[56]
#14 Feb. 13, 2019[57]
#15 Mar. 13, 2019[58]
Special Swamp Romp Apr. 10, 2019[59] Ryan Ferrier Priscilla Petraites Marco Lesko Priscilla Petraites
#16 The Once and Future King Jun. 19, 2019[60]
#17 Jul. 31, 2019[61]
#18 Sep. 11, 2019[62]
#19 Oct. 23, 2019[63]
#20 Dec. 11, 2019[64]
#21 The God Dilemma Mar. 25, 2020[65]
#22 Oct. 21, 2020[66] Moritat & Casey Silver Priscilla Petraites & Marco Lesko
#23 Nov. 25, 2020[67]
#24 Jan. 6, 2021[68]
#25 Feb. 3, 2021[69] Roc Upchurch
Special Sisters, Warriors, Queens Sep. 27, 2023 Kurtis J. Wiebe Roc Upchurch

Webcomics edit

To promote the return of Rat Queens, Kurtis Wiebe ran a series of webcomics on his blog.[70] The first 10 comics were later released as a digital comic issue.[71]

# Title Release date Story Art Colors
#1 "Magesitting" Nov. 23, 2016 Kurtis Wiebe Mike Norton Sweeney Boo
#2 "Goodbye" Nov. 30, 2016 Isaac Goodhart
#3 "Trippin’" Dec. 7, 2016 Sweeney Boo
#4 "Social Warrior" Dec. 14, 2016 Justin Osterling
#5 "Whackball" Dec. 21, 2016 Max Dunbar Sweeney Boo
#6 "The Absent King" Jan. 11, 2017 Ben Rankel
#7 "Rat Queens Inc." Jan. 18, 2017 Kyle Charles Sweeney Boo
#8 "Bedtime Stories with Braga" Jan. 25, 2017 Will Kirkby
#9 "Girls’ Night Out" Feb. 1, 2017 Stjepan Šejić
#10 "Bad Omen" Feb. 10, 2017 Sedona Parnham
#11 "Identity" Mar. 22, 2017 Linda Šejić

Collected editions edit

The series is collected into trade paperbacks and deluxe hardcovers. Wiebe originally stated that Rat Queens #16 would never be collected. Weibe commented on Reddit: "I hated that issue. It was a reminder of how bad things had gotten creatively."[72] However in 2023 Wiebe announced on Facebook that it would finally be collected in the Rat Queens Omnibus, to be published later in 2023.[73]

Trade paperbacks edit

Trade paperbacks
Title Release Date Collects Cover ISBN
Rat Queens, Volume 1
Sass and Sorcery
March 26, 2014
  • Rat Queens #1–5
Fiona Staples 9781607069454
Rat Queens, Volume 2
The Far Reaching Tentacles of N’Rygoth
May 6, 2015
  • Rat Queens #6–10
Stjepan Sejic 9781632150400
Rat Queens, Volume 3
Demons
April 13, 2016
  • Rat Queens #11–15
  • Braga #1
Tess Fowler
and Tamra Bonvillain
9781632157355
Rat Queens, Volume 4
High Fantasies
October 11, 2017
  • Rat Queens Vol. 2 #1–5
Owen Gieni 9781632158994
Rat Queens, Volume 5
The Colossal Magic Nothing
July 25, 2018
  • Rat Queens Vol. 2 #6–10
  • Orc Dave
Owen Gieni 9781534306776
Rat Queens, Volume 6
The Infernal Path
May 15, 2019
  • Rat Queens Vol. 2 #11–15
  • Neon Static
Owen Gieni 9781534310698
Rat Queens, Volume 7
The Once and Future King
February 12, 2020
  • Rat Queens Vol. 2 #16–20
  • Swamp Romp
Marco Lesko
and Priscilla Petraites
9781534314665
Rat Queens, Volume 8
The God Dilemma
April, 2021
  • Rat Queens Vol. 2 #21-25
Marco Lesko
and Priscilla Petraites
9781534316720

Deluxe hardcover edition edit

While Wiebe considers Rat Queens, Volume 3: Demons canon, he said he would not collect the arc in the deluxe hardcovers because of his falling out with the artist, Tess Fowler.[72] However this decision has been reversed and the arc will be included in the Rat Queens Omnibus.[73]

Deluxe hardcovers
Title Release Date Collects ISBN
Rat Queens Deluxe Edition, Volume 1 December 2, 2015
  • Rat Queens #1–10
  • Braga #1
9781632154927
Rat Queens Deluxe Edition, Volume 2 November 20, 2018
  • Rat Queens Vol. 2 #1–10
  • Orc Dave #1
9781534310254
Rat Queens Deluxe Edition, Volume 3 November 17, 2021
  • Rat Queens Vol. 2 #11–20
  • Neon Static
9781534320451

Other media edit

TV adaptation edit

In 2014, Pūkeko Pictures and Heavy Metal magazine announced their intent to adapt Rat Queens as a 30-minute animated television series.[74] There has been no news since then.

Dungeons & Dragons edit

Issue #14 of the digital Dungeons & Dragons' magazine Dragon+ features The Hangover, a role-playing adventure written by Kurtis Wiebe.[75]

Roleplaying stream edit

Since 2019, the Twitch channel "Hyper Rabbit Power Go" (Hyper RPG) is streaming a tabletop RPG series based on Rat Queens. Participants include Emily Jacobson as the game master, Jessica Lynn Verdi as Hannah, Laurie Jones as Violet, Aliza Pearl as Dee, Michelle Nguyen Bradley as Betty, and Riley Silverman as Braga.[76]

References edit

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  2. ^ "2014 Eisner Award Nominees Announced". Comic Book Resources. 15 April 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  3. ^ Washington, Arlene (21 January 2015). "26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Nominees Announced". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
  4. ^ a b Esposito, Joey (2 May 2013). "Rat Queens Pays Homage to D&D". IGN. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  5. ^ "Image Comics/Shadowline welcomes new artist on RAT QUEENS". Image Comics. 11 December 2014. Retrieved 11 December 2014.
  6. ^ Johnston, Rich (1 July 2015). "Tess Fowler, The New Ongoing Rat Queens Artist, With Tamra Bonvillain". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  7. ^ Jude Terror. "Fowler Speaks on Rat Queens Departure, Upchurch's Return; Wiebe Denies [Updated]". The Outhouse.
  8. ^ Johnston, Rich (2016-07-13). "Kurtis Wiebe Continues Rat Queens As A Webcomic For Now, With Mike Norton, Cecilia Dupuy And More". Bleeding Cool.
  9. ^ Skinner, Kevin (17 November 2016). "Rat Queens to Return from Hiatus in March, 2017 with new Artist Owen Gieni". Fox Force Five. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  10. ^ Wiebe, Kurtis (17 November 2016). "Reddit post: "RAT QUEENS Returns With New Artist & New #1"". Reddit. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  11. ^ Wiebe, Kurtis (19 January 2018). "[Spoilers] What happen with Rat Queens? A.K.A. What the hell did I miss between vols 3 and 4??". Reddit. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  12. ^ Rat Queens #15 Brings an End to an Era of Fantasy Comics
  13. ^ Chiu-Tabet, Christopher (January 26, 2019). "Ferrier, Petraites and Lesko Taking Over "Rat Queens"". Multiversity. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
  14. ^ Johnston, Rich (21 June 2023). "Roc Upchurch Returns To Rat Queen's Finale From Image Comics". Reddit. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  15. ^ a b Rat Queens Vol.1 #12
  16. ^ a b c Rat Queens Vol.1 #7
  17. ^ Rat Queens Vol.1 #10
  18. ^ Rat Queens Vol.2 #8-10
  19. ^ Rat Queens Vol.1 #8
  20. ^ a b Rat Queens Vol.1 #5
  21. ^ Rat Queens Vol.2 #15
  22. ^ a b Rat Queens Vol.2 #1
  23. ^ Rat Queens Vol.1 #6
  24. ^ a b Rat Queens Vol.2 #12-15
  25. ^ Rat Queens Vol.1 #3
  26. ^ Rat Queens Vol.2 #10
  27. ^ Rat Queens Vol.1 #1-2
  28. ^ Rat Queens Special #1: Braga
  29. ^ Rat Queens Vol.2 #6
  30. ^ Rat Queens Vol.2 #16
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  32. ^ Melrose, Kevin (23 March 2015). . Robot 6. Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on 7 April 2015. Retrieved 5 April 2015.
  33. ^ Walter, Damien (April 6, 2015). "Are the Hugo nominees really the best sci-fi books of the year?". The Guardian. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  34. ^ Tutton, Robert (28 March 2014). "Rat Queens, Vol. 1: Sass and Sorcery Review". Paste. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  35. ^ De Blieck Jr., Augie (1 April 2014). "Rat Queens". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  36. ^ Bailey, Benjamin (25 September 2013). "Rat Queens #1 Review". IGN. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  37. ^ Bailey, Benjamin (27 November 2013). "Rat Queens #3 Review". IGN. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  38. ^ Salazar, Kat. "Fowler and Bonvillain join the Rat Queens". Image Comics. Retrieved 28 October 2015.
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  40. ^ . Image Comics. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2015. The Image Comics web pages for Rat Queens are frequently out of date and incorrect before release (Stjepan Šejić was listed as sole artist for this issue until early December), but in this case the claimed release date is reasonable.
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  48. ^ "Rat Queens Special: Orc Dave #1 | Releases | Image Comics". imagecomics.com. Retrieved 2018-02-17.
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  63. ^ "Rat Queens #19". Image Comics.
  64. ^ "Rat Queens #20". Image Comics.
  65. ^ "Rat Queens #21". Image Comics.
  66. ^ "Rat Queens #22". Image Comics.
  67. ^ "Rat Queens #23". Image Comics.
  68. ^ "Rat Queens #24". Image Comics.
  69. ^ "Rat Queens #25". Image Comics.
  70. ^ Wiebe, Kurtis. "Inside the Mind of Kurtis Wiebe". Inside the Mind of Kurtis Wiebe. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  71. ^ . Comixology. Archived from the original on February 25, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  72. ^ a b Johnston, Rich (2018-09-04). "Rat Queens #16 Will Never Be Reprinted". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  73. ^ a b Wiebe, Kurtis J. (2023-08-31). "Collects Rat Queens, Vol. I #1-15, the never-before reprinted VOL. I #16, Vol. II #1-25, Rat Queens: Sister, Warriors, Queens, all four one-shots, never-reprinted short stories, all covers, and sketchbooks from all of the major artists!". Facebook.
  74. ^ Graser, Marc (13 June 2014). "Heavy Metal, Weta Workshop's Pūkeko Pictures to Adapt 'Rat Queens'". Variety. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
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  76. ^ "'Rat Queens' Live Play RPG Coming From Hyper RPG". Comics.

External links edit

  • Rat Queens at Image Comics

queens, american, fantasy, comic, book, series, created, kurtis, wiebe, upchurch, published, image, comics, series, written, wiebe, until, ryan, ferrier, took, over, 2019, original, 2013, 2016, drawn, upchurch, stjepan, Šejić, tess, fowler, series, hiatus, apr. Rat Queens is an American fantasy comic book series created by Kurtis J Wiebe and Roc Upchurch published by Image Comics The series was written by Wiebe until Ryan Ferrier took over in mid 2019 The original 2013 2016 run was drawn by Roc Upchurch Stjepan Sejic and Tess Fowler The series was put on hiatus in April 2016 and returned in March 2017 with the new artist Owen Gieni 1 Currently Moritat amp Casey Silver are the ongoing artists needs update Rat QueensCover of Rat Queens 1 featuring clockwise from the top Dee Betty Hannah and Violet Publication informationPublisherImage ComicsScheduleMonthly with breaksGenreComic fantasyPublication dateSeptember 2013Creative teamCreated byKurtis J WiebeRoc UpchurchWritten byKurtis J Wiebe 1 16 Vo 2 1 15 Ryan Ferrier Vol 2 16 present Artist s Roc Upchurch 1 8 Stjepan Sejic 9 10 Tess Fowler 11 16 Owen Gieni Vol 2 1 15 Priscilla Petraites Vol 2 16 present Letterer s Ryan FerrierColorist s Tamra Bonvillain 11 16 Marco Lesko Vol 2 16 present Collected editions1 Sass and SorceryISBN 97816070694542 The Far Reaching Tentacles of N RygothISBN 97816321504003 DemonsISBN 97816321573554 High FantasiesISBN 97816321589945 The Colossal Magic NothingISBN 97815343067766 The Infernal PathISBN 97815343106987 The Once and Future KingISBN 97815343146658 The God DilemmaISBN 9781534316720 Recounting the exploits of a party of four rowdy foul mouthed adventurers the series has received critical praise was nominated for the 2014 Eisner Award for Best New Series 2 and won the 2015 GLAAD Media Award 3 Contents 1 Publication history 2 Plot 3 Characters 4 Reception 5 Issues 5 1 Webcomics 6 Collected editions 6 1 Trade paperbacks 6 2 Deluxe hardcover edition 7 Other media 7 1 TV adaptation 7 2 Dungeons amp Dragons 7 3 Roleplaying stream 8 References 9 External linksPublication history editWriter Kurtis Wiebe described the series as a love letter to my years of D amp D and fantasy with a modern twist and the concept as Lord of the Rings meets Bridesmaids Originally intended to be funded through Kickstarter it was picked up by Jim Valentino at Image Comics a week before the funding campaign was to start Rat Queens was intended to be published at a pace of ten issues per year with two month breaks between collections 4 Artist Roc Upchurch left the book after issue 8 and Image Comics announced that Stjepan Sejic would continue the series as artist beginning with issue 9 in February 2015 preceded by a special issue about the orc warrior Braga by guest artist Tess Fowler in January 2015 5 After Sejic left the series in July 2015 for health reasons Fowler continued the series as main artist joined by colorist Tamra Bonvillain 6 In April 2016 Fowler left the title and Wiebe paused work on it In May 2016 Fowler wrote that Wiebe pushed her out to make room for Upchurch s return after the fourth arc Wiebe denied this and said that the collaboration not working out creatively was the reason for Fowler s departure and the comic s hiatus 7 In July 2016 Wiebe announced that Rat Queens would continue as a webcomic Early strips in this format would be drawn by Battlepug creators Mike Norton and Cecilia Dupuy 8 In November 2016 Wiebe announced that Rat Queens would return to print with a new series artist Owen Gieni 9 On Reddit Wiebe clarified that issue 16 When Beards Collide Part 1 would not be considered canon following the reboot Apparently he found it too difficult to wrap that arc up and put the series back on track 10 He later found a way to reference 16 while writing 9 of the reboot series but reiterated that 16 will not be collected The reference is an Easter egg for those that read 16 11 Wiebe and Gieni ended their work as the series writer and artist in March 2019 with issue 15 12 A new creative team of Ryan Ferrier writer Priscilla Petraites artist and Marco Lesko colorist resumed work on the series in June 2019 13 The storyline The God Dilemma ended the regular serialization of the series but original creators Wiebe and Upchurch have announced they will be producing a graphic novel finale for the series tying up all remaining loose ends giving the characters a true final send off This finale titled Rat Queens Sisters Warriors Queens was published in late September 2023 with Upchurch returning as its artist 14 Plot editThe eponymous Rat Queens are a rambunctious party of adventurers in a medieval fantasy setting They comprise the rockabilly elven mage Hannah the hipster dwarven warrior Violet who shaved her beard before it became cool the atheist human cleric Dee who hails from a family of Lovecraftian monster cultists and the hippie halfling here called smidgen thief Betty whose idea of a hearty meal is a bag of drugs and candy 4 They were later joined by Braga a transgender Orc warrior The first five issues follow the group s exploits as they try to defend themselves against assassins intent on killing them and other adventuring groups that have been roughing up their home town of Palisade The second story arc sees the Rat Queens trying to prevent a vengeful businessman from summoning Dee s people s many tentacled gods to lay waste to Palisade The third arc has Hannah return to her sinister alma mater after her father is arrested for attempting a coup Characters editHannah Vizari A black haired Elven necromancer who made a pact with a demon named Hazirel 15 and was cursed by the demonic Necrius magic 16 he bestowed upon her which among other things made her grow horns which she tries to hide under her haircurls 17 Later the corruption causes her to be split into a good and evil half 18 Violet Vi Blackforge A redhaired Dwarven fighter of the Blackforge Clan who became tired of her father s adherence to old fashioned traditions which disallowed Dwarven females from becoming warriors even though Violet had the talent After beating up a guest of her father s who made a slur at her she banished herself from the clan cutting off her beard as a sign of rebellion against tradition 19 although she would let it grow back later She has a relationship with Dave an Orc healer 20 whom she later marries 21 Her twin brother Barrie her rival for her father s approval even though he dearly loves his sister later becomes the leader of a copycat imitation of Violet s team called Cat Kings 22 Dee Delilah A human ex high priestess of a monster cult who left her faith and her family after she became disillusioned with the horrors they worshipped 20 She still continues to use her powers especially for healing despite her falling out with her dark deity 16 She was once married with Mezikiah another cult member 16 23 At one point she is called into the realm of the gods and granted the powers of a dwindling deity 24 Although shy in social situations and gloomy about her choices in life she loves the company of her fellow Rat Queens and will do anything to keep them safe Betty A fun loving Smidgen thief whose major vices in life are candy hallucinogens and large servings of alcoholic drinks She is also a lesbian with a long lasting relationship with a human woman named Faeyri 25 Formerly called Petunia Harvestchild she was the leader of a Robin Hood type group called The Five Monkeys who were framed for robbery and all except Betty thrown into prison as a result the other members of the Five Monkeys unaware that Betty has been scapegoated are out for revenge on her 15 26 In combat she is a vicious fighter using her small size and agility to fullest advantage Braga A huge one eyed transgender Orc and former member of the Peaches another adventuring team which was wiped out during the first Rat Queens story arc 27 Born male and originally namedBroog Braga was the oldest child and heir to of her tribe s chieftain but she didn t believe in her people s constant warring Her ambitious younger brother Voon attempted a coup to eliminate her and take up the chieftainship after her best friend and lover Kiruk was slain by Voon s minions Braga crippled Voon in revenge and left her tribe 28 although Voon would later return imbued with demonic powers to plague Braga anew 24 Her transition is not shown in the books but appears to have happened in between when she left her family and when she arrived in Palisades as a mercenary Already a good friend of the Rat Queens she later joins them full time in their exploits 22 Madeline The teenage daughter of a retired bard who works as a barmaid in her father s tavern She has long admired the Rat Queens and wants to be a fighter 29 After Violet s marriage and subsequent retirement she takes over as the group s apprentice fighter 30 Reception editRat Queens received critical praise It was nominated for the 2014 Eisner Award for best new series 31 and won the 2015 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book for its portrayals of LGBT characters 32 The first compiled volume Rat Queens Sass and Sorcery was nominated for the 2015 Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story 33 In Paste Robert Tutton noted that the rowdy sarcastic and intensely loyal personalities of the main characters drive the series and praised its seamless transitions from gore to humor sprawling action to small personal moments as well as artist Roc Upchurch s skill at portraying facial expressions 34 Augie De Blieck from Comic Book Resources appreciated the dark twisted and hilarious series for its fast pacing Wiebe s witty and foul mouthed writing and the humanity and personality with which Upchurch infused his drawings 35 Writing for IGN Benjamin Bailey described the mix of D20 adventures and modern angst as perfecting the formula of injecting humor and wit into sword and sorcery tropes 36 and praised Upchurch s expressive and unique character designs 37 Issues editIssue Title Release date Story Art Colors Cover Special Rat Queens Free Preview Sep 9 2013 Kurtis J WiebeMeg Dejmal Roc Upchurch 1 Sass and Sorcery Sep 25 2013 Kurtis J Wiebe Roc Upchurch Roc UpchurchFiona Staples variant 2 Oct 23 2013 Roc Upchurch 3 Nov 27 2013 4 Jan 15 2014 5 Feb 26 2014 6 The Far ReachingTentacles of N Rygoth May 7 2014 Roc Upchurch 7 Jul 16 2014 8 Oct 1 2014 Roc Upchurch Tyler JenkinsMichael Avon Oeming v Special Braga The Once Prince Now Bastard Jan 14 2015 Tess Fowler Kelly Fitzpatrick Tess FowlerRoc Upchurch v 9 The Far ReachingTentacles of N Rygoth Mar 4 2015 Stjepan Sejic Jenny Frison 10 Apr 8 2015 Stjepan Sejic 11 Demons Aug 19 2015 Tess Fowler 38 Tamra Bonvillain Stjepan Sejic 12 Sep 16 2015 13 Nov 18 2015 39 14 Dec 30 2015 40 15 Mar 16 2016 41 16 When Beards Collide May 4 2016 42 Tess Fowlerand Tamra Bonvillain SOFT REBOOT 1 Cat Kings and Other Garys Mar 1 2017 43 Kurtis J Wiebe Owen Gieni 2 Apr 12 2017 44 3 May 24 2017 45 4 Jul 5 2017 46 5 Aug 16 2017 47 Special Orc Dave Sept 27 2017 48 Max Dunbar Tamra Bonvillain Fiona Staples 6 The Colossal Magic Nothing Nov 22 2017 49 Owen Gieni Owen GieniSweeney Boo v 7 Jan 3 2018 50 Owen GieniJim Valentino v 8 Feb 28 2018 51 Owen GieniMindy Lee v 9 May 16 2018 52 Owen GieniLeila Del Duca v 10 Jul 11 2018 53 Owen GieniJoseph Michael Linsner v Special Neon Static Jul 18 2018 Will Kirkby 11 The Infernal Path Sep 12 2018 54 Owen Gieni 12 Oct 24 2018 55 13 Dec 19 2018 56 14 Feb 13 2019 57 15 Mar 13 2019 58 Special Swamp Romp Apr 10 2019 59 Ryan Ferrier Priscilla Petraites Marco Lesko Priscilla Petraites 16 The Once and Future King Jun 19 2019 60 17 Jul 31 2019 61 18 Sep 11 2019 62 19 Oct 23 2019 63 20 Dec 11 2019 64 21 The God Dilemma Mar 25 2020 65 22 Oct 21 2020 66 Moritat amp Casey Silver Priscilla Petraites amp Marco Lesko 23 Nov 25 2020 67 24 Jan 6 2021 68 25 Feb 3 2021 69 Roc Upchurch Special Sisters Warriors Queens Sep 27 2023 Kurtis J Wiebe Roc Upchurch Webcomics edit To promote the return of Rat Queens Kurtis Wiebe ran a series of webcomics on his blog 70 The first 10 comics were later released as a digital comic issue 71 Title Release date Story Art Colors 1 Magesitting Nov 23 2016 Kurtis Wiebe Mike Norton Sweeney Boo 2 Goodbye Nov 30 2016 Isaac Goodhart 3 Trippin Dec 7 2016 Sweeney Boo 4 Social Warrior Dec 14 2016 Justin Osterling 5 Whackball Dec 21 2016 Max Dunbar Sweeney Boo 6 The Absent King Jan 11 2017 Ben Rankel 7 Rat Queens Inc Jan 18 2017 Kyle Charles Sweeney Boo 8 Bedtime Stories with Braga Jan 25 2017 Will Kirkby 9 Girls Night Out Feb 1 2017 Stjepan Sejic 10 Bad Omen Feb 10 2017 Sedona Parnham 11 Identity Mar 22 2017 Linda SejicCollected editions editThe series is collected into trade paperbacks and deluxe hardcovers Wiebe originally stated that Rat Queens 16 would never be collected Weibe commented on Reddit I hated that issue It was a reminder of how bad things had gotten creatively 72 However in 2023 Wiebe announced on Facebook that it would finally be collected in the Rat Queens Omnibus to be published later in 2023 73 Trade paperbacks edit Trade paperbacks Title Release Date Collects Cover ISBN Rat Queens Volume 1Sass and Sorcery March 26 2014 Rat Queens 1 5 Fiona Staples 9781607069454 Rat Queens Volume 2The Far Reaching Tentacles of N Rygoth May 6 2015 Rat Queens 6 10 Stjepan Sejic 9781632150400 Rat Queens Volume 3Demons April 13 2016 Rat Queens 11 15 Braga 1 Tess Fowlerand Tamra Bonvillain 9781632157355 Rat Queens Volume 4High Fantasies October 11 2017 Rat Queens Vol 2 1 5 Owen Gieni 9781632158994 Rat Queens Volume 5The Colossal Magic Nothing July 25 2018 Rat Queens Vol 2 6 10 Orc Dave Owen Gieni 9781534306776 Rat Queens Volume 6The Infernal Path May 15 2019 Rat Queens Vol 2 11 15 Neon Static Owen Gieni 9781534310698 Rat Queens Volume 7The Once and Future King February 12 2020 Rat Queens Vol 2 16 20 Swamp Romp Marco Leskoand Priscilla Petraites 9781534314665 Rat Queens Volume 8The God Dilemma April 2021 Rat Queens Vol 2 21 25 Marco Leskoand Priscilla Petraites 9781534316720 Deluxe hardcover edition edit While Wiebe considers Rat Queens Volume 3 Demons canon he said he would not collect the arc in the deluxe hardcovers because of his falling out with the artist Tess Fowler 72 However this decision has been reversed and the arc will be included in the Rat Queens Omnibus 73 Deluxe hardcovers Title Release Date Collects ISBN Rat Queens Deluxe Edition Volume 1 December 2 2015 Rat Queens 1 10 Braga 1 9781632154927 Rat Queens Deluxe Edition Volume 2 November 20 2018 Rat Queens Vol 2 1 10 Orc Dave 1 9781534310254 Rat Queens Deluxe Edition Volume 3 November 17 2021 Rat Queens Vol 2 11 20 Neon Static 9781534320451Other media editTV adaptation edit In 2014 Pukeko Pictures and Heavy Metal magazine announced their intent to adapt Rat Queens as a 30 minute animated television series 74 There has been no news since then Dungeons amp Dragons edit Issue 14 of the digital Dungeons amp Dragons magazine Dragon features The Hangover a role playing adventure written by Kurtis Wiebe 75 Roleplaying stream edit Since 2019 the Twitch channel Hyper Rabbit Power Go Hyper RPG is streaming a tabletop RPG series based on Rat Queens Participants include Emily Jacobson as the game master Jessica Lynn Verdi as Hannah Laurie Jones as Violet Aliza Pearl as Dee Michelle Nguyen Bradley as Betty and Riley Silverman as Braga 76 References edit Ching Albert 22 November 2016 INTERVIEW Rat Queens Starts Fresh with a New 1 New Artist Comic Book Resources Retrieved 22 November 2016 2014 Eisner Award Nominees Announced Comic Book Resources 15 April 2014 Retrieved 21 July 2014 Washington Arlene 21 January 2015 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Nominees Announced The Hollywood Reporter Retrieved 5 February 2015 a b Esposito Joey 2 May 2013 Rat Queens Pays Homage to D amp D IGN Retrieved 20 April 2014 Image Comics Shadowline welcomes new artist on RAT QUEENS Image Comics 11 December 2014 Retrieved 11 December 2014 Johnston Rich 1 July 2015 Tess Fowler The New Ongoing Rat Queens Artist With Tamra Bonvillain Bleeding Cool Retrieved 1 July 2015 Jude Terror Fowler Speaks on Rat Queens Departure Upchurch s Return Wiebe Denies Updated The Outhouse Johnston Rich 2016 07 13 Kurtis Wiebe Continues Rat Queens As A Webcomic For Now With Mike Norton Cecilia Dupuy And More Bleeding Cool Skinner Kevin 17 November 2016 Rat Queens to Return from Hiatus in March 2017 with new Artist Owen Gieni Fox Force Five Retrieved 17 November 2016 Wiebe Kurtis 17 November 2016 Reddit post RAT QUEENS Returns With New Artist amp New 1 Reddit Retrieved February 25 2018 Wiebe Kurtis 19 January 2018 Spoilers What happen with Rat Queens A K A What the hell did I miss between vols 3 and 4 Reddit Retrieved February 25 2018 Rat Queens 15 Brings an End to an Era of Fantasy Comics Chiu Tabet Christopher January 26 2019 Ferrier Petraites and Lesko Taking Over Rat Queens Multiversity Retrieved June 20 2019 Johnston Rich 21 June 2023 Roc Upchurch Returns To Rat Queen s Finale From Image Comics Reddit Retrieved September 29 2023 a b Rat Queens Vol 1 12 a b c Rat Queens Vol 1 7 Rat Queens Vol 1 10 Rat Queens Vol 2 8 10 Rat Queens Vol 1 8 a b Rat Queens Vol 1 5 Rat Queens Vol 2 15 a b Rat Queens Vol 2 1 Rat Queens Vol 1 6 a b Rat Queens Vol 2 12 15 Rat Queens Vol 1 3 Rat Queens Vol 2 10 Rat Queens Vol 1 1 2 Rat Queens Special 1 Braga Rat Queens Vol 2 6 Rat Queens Vol 2 16 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Nominees 2014 San Diego Comic Con Archived from the original on 1 October 2014 Retrieved 20 April 2014 Melrose Kevin 23 March 2015 Rat Queens wins GLAAD Media Award Robot 6 Comic Book Resources Archived from the original on 7 April 2015 Retrieved 5 April 2015 Walter Damien April 6 2015 Are the Hugo nominees really the best sci fi books of the year The Guardian Retrieved July 10 2015 Tutton Robert 28 March 2014 Rat Queens Vol 1 Sass and Sorcery Review Paste Retrieved 20 April 2014 De Blieck Jr Augie 1 April 2014 Rat Queens Comic Book Resources Retrieved 20 April 2014 Bailey Benjamin 25 September 2013 Rat Queens 1 Review IGN Retrieved 20 April 2014 Bailey Benjamin 27 November 2013 Rat Queens 3 Review IGN Retrieved 20 April 2014 Salazar Kat Fowler and Bonvillain join the Rat Queens Image Comics Retrieved 28 October 2015 Kurtis Wiebe kurtisjwiebe October 26 2015 Rat Queens 13 Four Page preview Out November 18th Tweet Retrieved 28 October 2015 via Twitter Rat Queens 14 Image Comics Archived from the original on 22 December 2015 Retrieved 15 December 2015 The Image Comics web pages for Rat Queens are frequently out of date and incorrect before release Stjepan Sejic was listed as sole artist for this issue until early December but in this case the claimed release date is reasonable Rat Queens 15 Image Comics Archived from the original on 21 September 2015 Retrieved 17 March 2015 Rat Queens 16 Image Comics Archived from the original on 27 November 2018 Retrieved 26 November 2018 Rat Queens 1 Image Comics Archived from the original on 23 February 2017 Retrieved 22 February 2017 Rat Queens 2 Image Comics Archived from the original on 23 February 2017 Retrieved 22 February 2017 Rat Queens Vol 2 3 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Archived from the original on 2017 06 03 Retrieved 2017 08 08 RAT QUEENS VOL 2 4 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Retrieved 2017 08 08 permanent dead link Rat Queens Vol 2 5 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Retrieved 2017 08 08 permanent dead link Rat Queens Special Orc Dave 1 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Retrieved 2018 02 17 Rat Queens Vol 2 6 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Retrieved 2018 02 17 Rat Queens Vol 2 7 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Archived from the original on 2018 02 18 Retrieved 2018 02 17 Rat Queens Vol 2 8 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Archived from the original on 2018 02 18 Retrieved 2018 02 17 Rat Queens Vol 2 9 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Archived from the original on 2018 02 18 Retrieved 2018 02 17 Rat Queens Vol 2 10 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Archived from the original on 2018 02 25 Retrieved 2018 02 25 Rat Queens Vol 2 11 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Retrieved 2018 06 23 Rat Queens Vol 2 12 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Rat Queens Vol 2 13 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Rat Queens Vol 2 14 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Rat Queens Vol 2 15 Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Rat Queens Special Swamp Romp Releases Image Comics imagecomics com Rat Queens 16 Image Comics Rat Queens 17 Image Comics Rat Queens 18 Image Comics Rat Queens 19 Image Comics Rat Queens 20 Image Comics Rat Queens 21 Image Comics Rat Queens 22 Image Comics Rat Queens 23 Image Comics Rat Queens 24 Image Comics Rat Queens 25 Image Comics Wiebe Kurtis Inside the Mind of Kurtis Wiebe Inside the Mind of Kurtis Wiebe Retrieved February 25 2018 Rat Queens Webcomics Comixology Archived from the original on February 25 2018 Retrieved February 25 2018 a b Johnston Rich 2018 09 04 Rat Queens 16 Will Never Be Reprinted Bleeding Cool Retrieved July 25 2019 a b Wiebe Kurtis J 2023 08 31 Collects Rat Queens Vol I 1 15 the never before reprinted VOL I 16 Vol II 1 25 Rat Queens Sister Warriors Queens all four one shots never reprinted short stories all covers and sketchbooks from all of the major artists Facebook Graser Marc 13 June 2014 Heavy Metal Weta Workshop s Pukeko Pictures to Adapt Rat Queens Variety Retrieved 14 June 2014 Dragon Issue 14 Dungeons amp Dragons dnd wizards com Archived from the original on 2017 07 08 Rat Queens Live Play RPG Coming From Hyper RPG Comics External links editRat Queens at Image Comics Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Rat Queens amp oldid 1218300646, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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