Comic book reviews for Rat Queens #12, Rat Queens #13, and Rat Queens #14 by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Tess Fowler
Average rating: 4.6/5 stars
Rat Queens #12 by Kurtis J. Wiebe
Art: Tess Fowler
I’m guessing that Hannah’s horns actually have to do with her bargain with Hazirel. I’m very much interested in learning more about this. Clearly, at one point, she somewhat got out of it. However, she wanted to save her friends. Hannah’s obviously going to have to come clean with them.
So after we’re done taking care of Hannah’s secrets, the next step is Betty’s. Violet and her together were pretty cute and total friendship to the max. And super cheeky of Wiebe to make vomit gas, which coincidentally sobered them up quickly.
Touching to see Dee visiting her family without them knowing and missing them.
Of course, if the snow doesn’t get to them first.
Rat Queens #13 by Kurtis J. Wiebe
Art: Tess Fowler
I want so much more of this. I can’t quite put my finger on what about this book I want so much more about. Maybe it’s how much more Wiebe fleshes out the characters, and how they constantly don’t need to go into battle. (Not that the Rat Queens would ever miss the opportunity to punch someone in the face.) I also adore how comfortable Fowler’s gotten with her art and giving them different outfits to wear. So much new cosplay potential!
Gerard seems like an okay guy and like he actually loves both Hannah and her mother. I hope his characterization stays that way. It adds more layers to Hannah that she has two parents who care deeply about her, and one being a stepparent, which you don’t see often, especially in fantasy-based stories.
Hannah’s prank on Violet was pretty cheeky. I appreciated that both Violet and Betty got side fun. Of course, Betty spent her money buying a tricked out sled. And of course, their sled ride ends with them stumbling across a cranky snow dragon.
Dee geeking out over the library of books was glorious. I feel you, Dee! I feel you. I adored the librarian talking about how they burned the evil book instead of just burying it in the dark halls and hidden library corners. So sensible! And something I wonder why more characters in tales with malevolent magical books don’t do more of.
Curious to learn more about Dee’s relationship with her brother, Senoa. They seem to have a lighter relationship than Dee’s with her husband or with her parents.
Rat Queens #14 by Kurtis J. Wiebe
Art: Tess Fowler
I continue to really love Fowler’s art in this book. She has a keen sense of what fashion best fits the personalities of each character. I love how much she’s expanded who they are. Especially as the story explores Hannah’s youth and her family.
As someone who has a good stepfather, it’s nice to see a story where the stepparent is a good person, which is still an uncommon fantasy narrative. Extremely great to see the vulnerable side of Hannah in her talk with her ghostly mother about what really happened when she died and what Gerard did for Hannah. I also appreciated Hannah’s relationship and affection for her parents given that they were the direct reason for her childhood badness. Usually, stories like to show damaged women — which Hannah would be — as justified in their damage by shitty childhoods and terrible parents who don’t love them.
The scenes with Hannah and Tizzie were a nice comedic relief.
Loved seeing Dee with Senoa. They have such an easy relationship, especially compared to every other family relationship we’ve seen so far in this book. Also nice to see their connection in their life journeys. The reveal that Dee and others’ powers secretly drain the N’ryoth was brilliant. Fowler’s art here is also excellent and just lovely. She’s great at showing how families are connected through their facial features and expressions. They look related.
Adored Betty making friends with the dragon and getting the full tour. Also the dragon willingly letting them have some of its treasure. Though Violet’s getting more than she bargained with that sword.
Every time someone says that Hannah doesn’t have any friends, I get really sad. Even more so about whatever Senoa said to Dee that’s making her so pissed. (But part of me realizes this book is about female friendship, and I assume they’ll be playing nice again soon.)
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