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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)
LettererRyan 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

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]

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]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rat Queens

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
is an American fantasy series written by Kurtis J. Wiebe and originally illustrated by Roc Upchurch, first published by in October 2013. The narrative follows the exploits of four profane and battle-hardened female adventurers— mage Hannah, dwarf fighter Violet, human cleric Dee, and thief Betty—who operate as mercenaries in the seedy fantasy city of , engaging in quests rife with violence, debauchery, and dark humor. The series debuted to acclaim for its irreverent tone and portrayal of flawed, agency-driven female protagonists in a genre often dominated by male-led tales, blending elements of games with raucous comedy. It garnered the 2015 for Outstanding Comic Book, recognizing its inclusion of LGBT characters amid broader critical praise for character depth and artwork. However, production faced disruptions following Upchurch's 2014 arrest on domestic battery charges, leading to his departure and subsequent artist rotations including , which prompted hiatuses and fan debates over creative continuity. Despite these challenges, Rat Queens sustained a through multiple volumes and collected editions, culminating in Upchurch's return for the 2023 finale issue that reunited the core cast decades into their future. Wiebe has described the project's evolution as a testament to resilience amid personal and professional trials, with the series emphasizing unapologetic camaraderie and survival in a perilous world.

Publication History

Initial Creation and Launch (2013–2014)

The Rat Queens comic series was conceived by writer Kurtis J. Wiebe in early 2012, following a that led him to contact artist Roc Upchurch for collaboration. Initially planned as a Kickstarter-funded project, the series was instead acquired by , enabling a traditional launch. Wiebe formally announced the project on April 30, 2013, teasing the first five pages and confirming a September release for issue #1, which introduced the titular group of fantasy adventurers—a mix of a , a , a mage, and a thief—navigating quests in a gritty medieval world infused with irreverent humor. Issue #1, titled "Sass and Sorcery," went on sale September 25, 2013, after a free preview edition released on September 9. Retailer orders for the debut issue reached approximately 21,745 copies, marking a strong launch for an independent fantasy title at . The story followed the Rat Queens returning from a troll-slaying mission to face local authorities' ire over their disruptive antics, blending tropes with profane banter and explosive action sequences illustrated by Upchurch's dynamic, detailed artwork. Initial critical reception was positive, with reviewers praising the series' witty dialogue, character-driven comedy, and subversion of adventure genre conventions, often likening it to " meets ." Aggregated scores averaged 8.7 out of 10 across multiple outlets, highlighting its appeal as a fresh, irreverent take on sword-and-sorcery tales featuring flawed, unapologetic female protagonists. In April 2014, Image Comics released the collected edition Volume 1: Sass and Sorcery, compiling issues #1–5 and further solidifying the series' early momentum.

Artist Transitions and Early Controversies (2014–2015)

In October 2014, Rat Queens co-creator and artist Roc Upchurch (real name John Upchurch) was arrested in Georgia on a misdemeanor charge of battery-family violence. Upchurch, who had illustrated the series' first eight issues since its 2013 launch, confirmed the arrest details, which involved an incident with his wife reported to local authorities. On November 21, 2014, writer Kurtis J. Wiebe announced via his official blog that Upchurch would no longer illustrate Rat Queens, citing the charges as incompatible with the series' themes of female empowerment, friendship, and diversity. Wiebe described the decision as difficult but necessary, expressing hope for healing in Upchurch's family while reaffirming his commitment to continuing the book without him, and noting a forthcoming transitionary period to rebuild the creative team. Image Comics supported the change, with the series entering a brief hiatus after issue #8 to facilitate the artist shift, resulting in delayed releases that impacted fan reception and sales momentum. Stjepan Šejić was announced as the interim artist on December 11, 2014, beginning with issue #9, which shipped in February 2015; he completed issues #9 and #10, providing a stylistic bridge with his detailed, dynamic linework while maintaining the series' irreverent fantasy aesthetic. By mid-2015, Tess Fowler assumed primary art duties starting with issue #11 (August 2015), paired with colorist Tamra Bonvillain, marking a further evolution in visual style toward more fluid, expressive character designs amid ongoing efforts to stabilize production. Šejić continued contributing covers during this phase. These transitions, prompted by the Upchurch controversy, highlighted internal challenges in retaining artistic consistency for the independent title, though Wiebe emphasized editorial focus on narrative continuity over stylistic uniformity.

Hiatuses and Reboots (2016–2021)

Following the release of Rat Queens #16 on May 4, 2016, which featured art by Tess Fowler, writer Kurtis J. Wiebe placed the series on an indefinite hiatus. This pause came amid ongoing challenges from prior artist transitions, including the 2015 exit of co-creator Roc Upchurch after his arrest on domestic violence charges, which involved assaulting a woman connected to the comics industry and strained collaborations with other creators. In November 2016, Wiebe announced the series' return as a soft reboot under , with Owen Gieni as the new primary artist, restarting the numbering at #1 to refresh the narrative while retaining core characters and continuity. The rebooted Rat Queens #1 debuted on March 1, 2017, introducing "Cat Kings and Other Gary's: Part One," an arc emphasizing the group's adventures in the fantasy world of . The stabilized publication, with issues releasing roughly monthly through 2021, culminating in #25 on March 10, 2021. Gieni's artwork, characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic action sequences, supported expanded storylines involving new threats and character developments, such as Braga's integration into the team. Despite occasional scheduling slips common in creator-owned , no extended hiatuses interrupted the run during this period, allowing the series to rebuild momentum post-2016 disruptions.

Completion and Collected Releases (2022–Present)

Following the conclusion of the rebooted series' 25th issue on March 10, 2021, Rat Queens entered a phase focused on final storytelling and archival collections. In September 2023, Image Comics released the 80-page one-shot Rat Queens: Sisters, Warriors, Queens on September 27, marking the definitive endpoint of the decade-spanning narrative. Written by Kurtis J. Wiebe with art by Roc Upchurch—reuniting the original creative team after years of artist changes—the issue advanced the timeline by decades, depicting the aging protagonists , Dee, Violet, and Hannah confronting unresolved threats in a reflective capstone. This standalone finale emphasized themes of and closure, diverging from the ongoing mercenary adventures to provide narrative resolution without launching new serialized content. Collected editions in this period consolidated the full run for accessibility. The Rat Queens Omnibus Hardcover, encompassing Volume 1 issues #1–15, the standalone #16, and Volume 2 issues #1–25, was published by on February 7, 2024, offering a single-volume archive of the series' complete adventures from its 2013 debut through the 2021 finale. This edition highlighted the progression from raucous fantasy exploits to begrudging heroism, excluding only the 2023 one-shot, which remained available separately. No additional ongoing issues or arcs have been released since the one-shot, with Wiebe shifting focus to new projects like the announced 2025 series Bronze Heart. These releases underscore the series' archival emphasis post-completion, prioritizing comprehensive access over expansion.

Premise and Setting

Core Concept and World-Building

The Rat Queens series centers on a adventuring party of four women operating in a , undertaking quests for profit by combating monsters, bandits, and other threats. The group, known for their irreverent attitudes, heavy drinking, and profane banter, exemplifies a satirical take on traditional fantasy tropes, blending high-stakes action with crude humor. Creator Kurtis J. Wiebe conceived the core idea in early , inspiration from role-playing games like to portray adventurers as flawed, self-interested individuals rather than heroic ideals. The primary setting is , a fortified city in a gritty fantasy realm plagued by external dangers such as hordes and incursions, as well as internal rivalries among adventuring parties. Palisade functions as a hub for mercenaries, with the Rat Queens registered as one of several guilds—including the all-male Peaches and the uniform-clad Four Daves—that compete for lucrative contracts issued by city authorities. The world incorporates standard fantasy elements like elves, dwarves, magic spells, and divine clerics, but emphasizes a realistic underbelly of violence, corruption, and interpersonal conflicts among its inhabitants. Magic and combat systems operate on familiar tropes, with characters wielding arcane spells, weapons, and clerical powers derived from eldritch pacts or deities, often resulting in chaotic, high-mortality engagements. The narrative world-building highlights the precarious economics of adventuring, where parties like the Rat Queens balance fame, injury risks, and tavern brawls against monetary rewards from quests. This framework supports ongoing story arcs involving city-wide threats and personal backstories, without adhering to a single overarching mythology beyond immediate survival and enrichment.

Tone and Genre Influences

The Rat Queens series features an irreverent and playful tone characterized by crude humor, , brutal , and fast-paced action, often subverting conventions through the lens of flawed, self-indulgent protagonists who embody the chaotic essence of adventurers as "the worst people in the world." This approach balances comedic antics with underlying dramatic tension, allowing for darker narrative turns that resolve back into levity, as creator Kurtis J. Wiebe has emphasized the importance of emotional stakes to make humor effective. Primarily an action-comedy within the fantasy genre, the comic draws core influences from tabletop role-playing games like , structuring its ensemble around archetypal classes—a human wizard (Hannah), elven cleric (Dee), dwarven fighter (Violet), and halfling rogue/thief (Betty)—while depicting their exploits as spontaneous, gold-driven quests reminiscent of gamemaster-led sessions. Wiebe, who began gaming at age 12, infuses the story with deconstructive of fantasy tropes, portraying capable roles without reliance on gender-specific stereotypes and critiquing heroic ideals by highlighting the party's destructive tendencies. Additional tonal and generic elements stem from blending epic fantasy worlds with modern pop culture, including fashion references and interpersonal dynamics pitched by Wiebe as " meets Lord of the Rings," or originally conceived as "Goblinettes," an all-female goblin punk band concept. The series also incorporates influences from Joss Whedon's Firefly for its interplay of comedy and character-driven drama, ensuring satirical jabs at genre expectations—such as atheist clerics or non-traditional dwarf portrayals—grounded in relatable personal flaws rather than idealized heroism.

Plot Overview

Volume 1: Sass and Sorcery (Issues 1–5)

Volume 1 introduces the Rat Queens—Hannah, an elven mage specializing in fire magic; Violet, a battle axe-wielding dwarven fighter; Dee, a human cleric disillusioned with her faith; and Betty, a halfling thief with a penchant for sweets and promiscuity—as a mercenary adventuring party based in the frontier city of Palisade. The story opens with the group engaged in a chaotic tavern brawl alongside rival parties, resulting in their arrest by the city guard for public disturbance and property damage. Mayor Keylock, exasperated by the adventurers' disruptive antics, imposes a punitive quest on all guilds: clear a nearby goblin-infested stronghold to mitigate threats to trade routes and farmlands. The Rat Queens set out on the mission, navigating treacherous terrain and clashing with hordes, reinforcements, and monstrous creatures in visceral combat sequences that emphasize their teamwork, individual skills, and profane banter. Throughout the journey, flashbacks reveal personal backstories: Hannah's rebellious youth and affinity for ; Violet's rejection of dwarven traditions for surface life; Dee's traumatic upbringing leading to her ; and Betty's carefree, hedonistic lifestyle. The group overcomes ambushes and internal tensions, emerging victorious with loot and minimal casualties among the dispatched guilds. Returning to as celebrated heroes on October 10 in the comic's calendar, the Queens' revelry halts upon discovering their families—Hannah's mother, Violet's father, Dee's parents, and Betty's extended kin—have been kidnapped by masked cultists invoking eldritch forces. Clues left behind hint at a larger conspiracy targeting the adventurers personally, forcing the group to confront vulnerabilities beneath their bravado and propelling the narrative toward rescue efforts. This arc establishes the series' blend of action, crude humor, and character-driven drama.

Key Arcs in Early Volumes (Issues 6–15)

Issues 6–10, collected as Volume 2: The Far Reaching Tentacles of N'rygoth, center on a cult-led incursion into orchestrated by Gerrig Lake, who uses a ceremonial to summon sky-squid manifestations of the eldritch entity N'rygoth, causing widespread chaos and memory lapses among residents. The Rat Queens, recovering from a post-quest celebration, navigate budding relationships—Betty with Faeyri, Violet with Orc Dave, and Hannah with city watch leader Sawyer—while uncovering the threat tied to Dee's repressive dwarven heritage and her cult's of N'rygoth. Dee seizes control of the mask to avert catastrophe, confronting personal traumas alongside the group in battles against fungal myconids and chthonic horrors infiltrating the city. Backstories deepen character motivations: Violet's flashbacks depict her elven upbringing and rebellion against rigid traditions, inspiring the group's name; Hannah's reveal her early hardships and bond with familiar Tizzie; Dee grapples with doctrinal indoctrination from her homeland. The arc culminates in the Queens repelling the invasion, solidifying their unity amid Palisade's underbelly of corruption, with artist Stjepan Šejić assuming duties from issue 9 onward. Issues 11–15, collected as Volume 3: Demons, shift to a quest originating at Mage University, where Hannah investigates her missing father, a rebel wizard, prompting a treacherous overland journey fraught with external perils and internal reckonings. The group encounters stepfather and navigates university intrigues, demonic summonings, and betrayals, while each Queen battles psychological "demons"—Hannah's paternal abandonment issues, Violet's faith crises, Dee's cultural alienation, and Betty's escapist tendencies. Key confrontations include assaults by hellish entities and factional conflicts at the academy, exposing Hannah's family secrets and straining group dynamics. Illustrated by Tess Fowler with colors by Tamra Bonvillain, the arc resolves with revelations about Hannah's lineage but sows seeds of discord, as personal vulnerabilities test loyalties amid a backdrop of arcane warfare and moral ambiguity. This volume emphasizes character-driven horror over ensemble antics, marking a tonal evolution toward deeper emotional stakes.

Reboot and Later Storylines (Issues 1–25 of Reboot)

The Rat Queens reboot commenced with issue #1, published on March 1, 2017, by , written by Kurtis J. Wiebe and illustrated by Owen Gieni, marking a soft relaunch after a production hiatus stemming from prior artist controversies. This new numbering reset the series while continuing the core narrative of the eponymous adventuring party—Hannah (elf mage), Violet (dwarf fighter), Dee (human cleric), (smidgen thief), and (orc barbarian)—resuming operations in the gritty city of amid ongoing local disdain, particularly toward the inept Mayor Gary. The initial arc, "Cat Kings and Other Garys" (issues #1–5), reunites the group following personal separations, thrusting them into quests assigned by Hannah's father, including investigations of missing caravans and procurement of magical ingredients, which escalate into crawls and confrontations with feline-themed threats and monstrous creatures like giant goose dragons. These escapades blend raucous humor, interpersonal banter, and combat, while reintroducing as a full party member and highlighting Violet's past connections. Subsequent arcs (issues #6–15) deepen character arcs and expand world threats, shifting from episodic jobs to entangled personal histories and incursions. The Queens navigate Palisade's underbelly, confronting cultists, demonic influences, and internal fractures—such as Dee's religious doubts and Hannah's magical —while allying against larger foes like eldritch entities and rival adventurers. Braga's integration brings brute-force dynamics, often clashing with the group's , as they tackle quests involving errands turned perilous and broader conspiracies tied to the city's power structures. Publication delays occurred due to creative team transitions, but the storyline maintained its irreverent tone, emphasizing the party's resilience amid betrayals and escalating violence. Issues #16–25 culminate in the "The God Dilemma" arc, where the narrative pivots to cosmic stakes, trapping the Queens in a timeless dimension to confront a reality-warping force responsible for multiversal disruptions, including an "evil" alternate Hannah whose schemes threaten existence. Real Hannah leads the countereffort, leveraging party bonds to unravel the antagonist's havoc, blending high-fantasy action with themes of identity and consequence. Issue #25, released March 10, 2021, resolves this saga, powering down the Queens to face directly, concluding the reboot run on a note of hard-won equilibrium before another hiatus. Throughout the 25 issues, Wiebe's writing prioritizes flawed camaraderie and anti-heroic exploits, supported by Gieni's vibrant, detailed depicting visceral fights and fantastical locales.

Characters

Hannah

Hannah Vizari serves as the primary spellcaster and informal leader of the Rat Queens, an all-female adventuring group operating as mercenaries in the fantasy city of Palisade. Depicted with a rockabilly aesthetic including tattoos and a rebellious demeanor, she embodies the group's aggressive, irreverent ethos. Her heritage combines elven traits with tiefling blood, manifesting as concealed horns due to associated prejudices against demonic lineage in the series' world. This mixed ancestry ties into her affinity for dark magic, inherited from her necromancer parents, whom she actively rejects in favor of independent adventuring. Hannah's personality is marked by profanity-laced bravado, a short temper, and a chip-on-the-shoulder attitude stemming from her familial baggage and outsider status. She frequently clashes with authorities and rivals, positioning herself as the Rat Queens' strategic voice during conflicts, though her impulsiveness often escalates situations. Her vices include habitual drug use, such as smoking concentrated magic via , which amplifies her volatility. Despite these flaws, her loyalty to the group fosters deep bonds, including casual sexual relationships that underscore the party's found-family dynamic. As a mage, Hannah wields versatile arcane powers, from offensive blasts to summoning, with her abilities peaking when tapping into an inner reservoir of forbidden dark magic during crises. This surge enables feats like overwhelming eldritch entities or manipulating necrotic energies, reflecting her suppressed potential but risking loss of control. Her reliance on intellect and spellcraft complements the Queens' melee-focused members, making her indispensable in quests against monsters, cults, and cosmic threats. Throughout the series, Hannah's arcs explore her estrangement from her parents' abyssal influences, driving confrontations with undead hordes and personal demons that test the Rat Queens' cohesion. In later volumes and the 2017 reboot, her leadership evolves amid party fractures and reunions, highlighting growth from self-destructive tendencies toward reluctant vulnerability. Creator Kurtis J. Wiebe has emphasized her as a foil to traditional fantasy tropes, portraying a flawed anti-heroine whose power stems from unresolved trauma rather than innate heroism.

Violet

Violet serves as the dwarven fighter in the Rat Queens, a adventuring party operating in the fantasy of . As the group's frontline combatant, she specializes in engagements, wielding heavy weapons such as war hammers and swords with exceptional proficiency derived from early training. Her physical prowess enables her to deliver devastating blows, often cleaving through armored foes or supernatural threats during quests. Born into a wealthy family of artificers and revolutionary inventors in dwarven society, Violet underwent rigorous instruction in armor and weaponry starting at approximately ten years equivalent in human age, once she could handle blades and plate mail. This upbringing instilled discipline and skill but clashed with her desire for autonomy, leading her to abandon familial expectations of inheriting the artificing trade in favor of mercenary life. Her rebellion against entrenched dwarven traditions—emphasizing craftsmanship over adventuring—marks a core aspect of her identity, positioning her as an outcast who prioritizes personal glory and camaraderie with the Queens over cultural norms. Violet's narrative arcs frequently delve into familial discord and external threats tied to her heritage. In early volumes, she confronts disapproval from her parents, who view her choices as wasteful of her talents. Later storylines involve incursions into her dwarven homeland, such as investigating border corruptions that implicate her kin, forcing reconciliations amid violence and intrigue. These episodes highlight her internal conflict between loyalty to origins and the freedoms of her adopted lifestyle. She has appeared in at least 40 issues across the series' runs through 2023. Interpersonally, Violet engages in an on-again, off-again romance with Sawyer Silver, captain of 's watch, complicating her transient mercenary existence with attachments to the city's stability. This dynamic underscores her evolution from impulsive warrior to one navigating emotional vulnerabilities alongside battlefield ones.

Dee

Dee serves as the necromancer and primary support caster in the Rat Queens adventuring party, specializing in clerical magic derived from her eldritch heritage despite her rejection of organized faith. As a more reserved member compared to her boisterous companions, Dee often handles summoning minions, healing, and defensive spells during the group's quests in the city of Palisade and beyond. Raised in a strict worshiping N'Rygoth, an otherworldly flying squid god, Dee experienced a profound crisis of faith that led her to abandon her family's beliefs and depart her homeland as a young adult. This disillusionment stemmed from the cult's rigid doctrines and isolation, prompting her to seek through work with the Rat Queens, where she channels residual knowledge of necromantic and clerical arts without endorsing the underlying . Her backstory mirrors elements of creator Kurtis Wiebe's personal reflections on leaving restrictive environments, as noted in discussions of her character development. In terms of personality, Dee exhibits a bookish, introspective demeanor, preferring scholarly pursuits and quiet reflection over the party's frequent indulgences in revelry and combat excess. She demonstrates social awkwardness, particularly in personal relationships, such as her strained reconnection with her husband Mezikiah during downtime in . Despite her atheistic stance post-cult, Dee remains a capable , leveraging forbidden spells to sustain the group amid violent encounters with monsters, rival adventurers, and cultist threats tied to her past. Dee's arc frequently intersects with themes of familial and ideological rupture, as seen in storylines where the Rat Queens confront entities linked to N'Rygoth's worshippers, forcing her to reconcile suppressed heritage with her chosen path of . Her abilities include raising skeletal warriors and manipulating necrotic energies, which prove essential in battles against hordes and divine incursions, underscoring her evolution from devout follower to skeptical practitioner.

Betty and Braga

Betty is a Smidgen, a diminutive humanoid race akin to , serving as the rogue and thief of the Rat Queens adventuring party. She is depicted as perpetually cheerful and hedonistic, with addictions to , psychedelic mushrooms, and other substances that fuel her erratic behavior during quests. Betty's combat style emphasizes stealth, traps, and daggers, often laced with poisons derived from her hallucinogenic indulgences, contributing to the group's reputation for unorthodox and brutal efficiency in monster-slaying contracts. Braga is an warrior, initially a member of the rival mercenary band the Peaches, who frequently clashed with the Rat Queens over jobs in the city of . After the Peaches' partial dissolution following heavy losses in early conflicts, Braga transitions to freelancing before formally joining the Rat Queens as a frontline fighter in later story arcs, around Volume 4. Her addition bolsters the team's melee capabilities with her immense strength and proficiency, marking her integration during the "High Fantasies" arc amid escalating threats to . Braga's backstory receives dedicated exploration in the one-shot Rat Queens Special: Braga #1, released on January 14, 2015, written by series creator Kurtis J. Wiebe and illustrated by guest artist Tess Fowler. The issue chronicles her origins within society, highlighting themes of identity and , including her experience as a biologically male who undergoes transition to live as female, a revelation framed as a pivotal personal rebellion against tribal norms. This narrative positions Braga as a symbol of resilience, influencing her combative loyalty to the Rat Queens post-recruitment. While and share frontline camaraderie in the reformed Rat Queens lineup—evident in joint operations against eldritch horrors and city sieges—their dynamic underscores contrasts: Betty's whimsical chaos against Braga's stoic ferocity, with Braga occasionally providing grounding mentorship amid the group's interpersonal volatility. Both characters embody the series' blend of fantasy archetypes with raw, unfiltered personalities, evolving from peripheral tensions to core team synergy by the reboot arcs starting in 2018.

Supporting Cast and Antagonists

The supporting cast in Rat Queens encompasses town officials, family members, and fellow adventurers who intersect with the protagonists' exploits in and beyond. Sheriff Sawyer Silver serves as a recurring ally-antagonist hybrid, enforcing local laws while tolerating the Rat Queens' chaotic contributions to quests and defenses. Mayor Kane, the town's administrator, maintains a strained relationship with groups like the Rat Queens due to their and rowdiness. Family ties provide emotional depth: Dee's ex-husband Mezikiah, a cleric of the eldritch deity N'rygoth, seeks reconciliation amid her insecurities; her brother Senoa appears as a potential mage; and Hannah's father, Gerard Vizari, a necromancer who abandoned her for a rebellion against the Council of Nine, evolves into an occasional supporter. Former members like Sadie, a who departed to protect wilderness areas and harbors anti-orc biases, occasionally reappear, as does Maddie, a sword-and-violin wielder who joins the group during the Infernal Path arc. Antagonists recur across arcs, often embodying institutional grudges, rivalries, or threats. Early foes include "Old Lady" Bernadette , a whose vendetta over property destruction drives the inaugural storyline, manipulated by Gerrig Lake, head of the Palisade Merchants' seeking retribution against Sawyer. Rival adventuring parties provide ongoing friction: the Four Daves, a quartet of identically named mercenaries—including Dave, a quiet with a pre-Palisade of mystical isolation—clash comically yet competitively with the Queens in tavern brawls and quests. The Peaches, led by Tizzie (a direct foil to Hannah), function as ideological and personal rivals; , prior to joining the Rat Queens, was a member before familial exile. Later threats escalate to demonic pacts, such as Hazirel bound to Hannah, and familial betrayals like Voon, 's orthodox brother who leads the Flesher Orcs in an assassination attempt. In the reboot's Volume 2, an alternate "Evil Hannah" emerges as a manipulative , orchestrating broader villainy. These figures highlight the series' blend of personal vendettas and epic fantasy conflicts, with antagonists often rooted in the Queens' disruptive lifestyles rather than monolithic evil.

Creative Team

Writers and Key Contributors

Kurtis J. Wiebe created Rat Queens and served as its primary writer from the series' debut issue on October 2, 2013, through the original run's conclusion at issue 15 in 2015, the hiatus period, and the 2017 reboot under , encompassing multiple collected volumes focused on the protagonists' adventures in . Wiebe's scripts emphasized irreverent fantasy tropes blended with character-driven humor and interpersonal conflicts among the Rat Queens, drawing from his prior works like Peter Panzerfaust. In January 2019, Wiebe stepped away from writing duties after completing arcs up to the "Far Away Things" storyline, citing a desire to pass the series to new creators while forming his own publishing company, Vault Comics. He was succeeded by Ryan Ferrier, a Canadian writer who had previously lettered several issues of the series and contributed to titles like and Fuse. Ferrier assumed writing responsibilities starting with the one-shot Rat Queens: Swamp Romp in April 2019 and the ongoing relaunch at issue 16, introducing arcs such as "" that extended the narrative into themes of legacy and external threats. Other key contributors include early letterer Ed Brisson, who handled dialogue presentation for the initial volumes, and editor Laura Tavishati, who oversaw production during Wiebe's tenure. Ferrier's era involved collaborations with colorists and additional inkers to maintain the series' visual consistency amid ongoing publication through at least issue 25 by 2021. No further writer transitions have been officially announced as of 2025, with Ferrier credited on recent collected editions like Rat Queens Omnibus.

Artists and Illustrators

The Rat Queens series debuted in 2013 with artwork by co-creator Roc Upchurch, who illustrated the initial eight issues, establishing the book's distinctive fantasy style characterized by dynamic action sequences and expressive character designs. Upchurch's contributions extended to the for early issues, including the debut cover featuring the titular in a bold, irreverent pose. Following Upchurch's departure, Stjepan Šejić assumed artistic duties for issues #9 and #10 in 2014–2015, bringing a more fluid, detailed linework influenced by his experience on titles like Aphrodite IX. Šejić's tenure maintained the series' high-energy visuals amid transitional story arcs. Tess Fowler then illustrated issues #11 through #16, introducing a vibrant, painterly approach that emphasized the ensemble's personalities and the gritty fantasy setting. After a hiatus, the 2017 reboot (Volume 2) featured Owen Gieni as the primary artist for issues #1–15, delivering consistent, colorful depictions that aligned with the refreshed narrative direction under . Priscilla Petraites took over for Volume 2 issues #16 onward, contributing intricate panel layouts and thematic depth in later arcs. In 2023, Roc Upchurch returned briefly for an 80-page finale one-shot, concluding select storylines with his original stylistic flair.
ArtistIssues CoveredKey Contributions
Roc Upchurch#1–8; 2023 finaleCo-creator; initial art and covers; dynamic fantasy action.
#9–10Transitional fluid linework.
Tess Fowler#11–16Painterly style emphasizing characters.
Owen GieniVol. 2 #1–15Reboot-era consistency and color.
Priscilla PetraitesVol. 2 #16–presentIntricate layouts for ongoing arcs.

Themes and Stylistic Elements

Feminist Undertones and Character Dynamics

The Rat Queens series centers on an all-female mercenary group consisting of Hannah, an arrogant elven wizard and leader; Violet, a human fighter formerly a cleric; Dee, a dwarven cleric devoted to an eldritch deity; and Betty, a hedonistic smidgen thief. These characters are portrayed with distinct personalities reflecting modern archetypes—such as rockabilly rebel for Hannah, hipster for Violet, and hippie for Betty—transplanted into a medieval fantasy world. Character dynamics emphasize irreverent camaraderie, profane dialogue, and mutual support during quests and personal crises, forming a bond akin to a found family. Writer Kurtis J. Wiebe drew inspiration from blending contemporary female friendships, as in Sex and the City, with epic fantasy elements from The Lord of the Rings, focusing on how young women in their twenties might behave as adventurers. This approach highlights interdependence without reliance on male figures, as the group resolves conflicts through direct action and loyalty. Feminist undertones are evident in the characters' , diverse body types and ethnic representations, and rejection of sexualized tropes in favor of practical attire and agency in violence and decision-making. Wiebe has noted the series attracts a primarily audience and counters expectations of , though he prioritizes realistic behavioral portrayals over ideological messaging. Individual arcs—Hannah's defiance of her necromantic parents, Violet's faith struggles, Dee's alienation from dwarven norms, and Betty's impulsive —interweave to underscore collective resilience amid flaws.

Humor, Violence, and Fantasy Tropes

The Rat Queens series integrates irreverent humor through the protagonists' profane dialogue, sexual , and self-destructive behaviors, contrasting sharply with conventional fantasy heroism. Writer Kurtis J. Wiebe employs crude language and scandalous scenarios to underscore the characters' flawed personalities, creating comedic tension amid their exploits. This raunchy, silly tone manifests in scenarios like excessive drinking and drug use, which amplify the group's chaotic dynamics and satirical edge. Violence in Rat Queens is rendered graphically, featuring explicit gore and brutal sequences that highlight the visceral consequences of the Queens' aggressive tactics. The protagonists frequently initiate fights with overwhelming force, reflecting their "attack first" mentality in a world of goblins, trolls, and cultists. These depictions blend hyper- with humor, as bloody battles punctuate the narrative's lighter moments, evoking the gratuitous yet entertaining style of fantasy action. Wiebe's scripting emphasizes the physical and emotional toll, distinguishing the series' intensity from sanitized genre norms. The comic subverts traditional fantasy tropes by portraying adventuring parties as hedonistic, morally ambiguous women rather than chivalric ideals, mirroring the unpredictable agency of tabletop role-playing games. Elements like mages casting flashy spells, dwarf clerics wielding maces, and thieves engaging in mischief deconstruct expectations of noble quests, instead favoring dark on power, , and personal . Characters deliver parodic "badass" declarations amid carnage, poking fun at genre clichés while grounding the story in a detailed, trope-filled world of quests and monsters. This approach yields a modern reinterpretation where fantasy conventions serve as backdrops for character-driven anarchy and .

Criticisms of Narrative Consistency

Criticisms of narrative consistency in Rat Queens primarily arose following the departure of co-creator Roc Upchurch in November 2014, after his arrest on charges, which prompted a series of fill-in artists and eventual creative overhauls. Initial arcs under writer Kurtis J. Wiebe and Upchurch were lauded for their tight integration of character-driven plots with fantasy tropes, but subsequent issues faced accusations of rushed subplots and disjointed pacing as multiple artists, including and Tess Fowler, handled interim duties amid production delays. Reviewers noted that these transitions contributed to a perceived fragmentation in , with becoming "more clunky" and multi-threaded narratives feeling underdeveloped, diverging from the series' early cohesion. The 2016 hiatus, stemming from disputes involving Fowler, led to a 2017 relaunch described as a "soft " with new artist Owen Gieni, which some critics argued undermined ongoing plot threads by resetting character dynamics and world-building elements without adequate resolution. This shift was characterized in one analysis as a " without continuity," where prior events appeared sidelined, creating gaps in character motivations and lore that required reader inference rather than explicit bridging. Later volumes under Wiebe introduced reality-warping elements, such as time shifts explored in issue #9, which reviewers found disorienting and contributory to broader continuity strains, as unresolved arcs from earlier runs clashed with new developments. By , the handover to new writer Ryan Ferrier marked a tonal pivot, with issues like #16 emphasizing fresh quests over legacy continuity, prompting fan debates about retcons that altered established backstories and relationships among the Queens. Collected editions and sporadic releases exacerbated these issues, as noted in reviews highlighting how future issues "retcon some continuity" to accommodate delays, resulting in sporadic plotting that prioritized action over logical progression. While defenders attributed inconsistencies to the genre's improvisational style akin to RPGs, detractors, including comic enthusiasts on forums, argued that the cumulative effect eroded the series' foundational narrative reliability, transforming it from a benchmark of fantasy into a patchwork of interrupted visions.

Reception

Commercial Performance and Awards

The first issue of Rat Queens, released in 2013 by , had an initial print run of 25,000 copies. Trade paperback collections performed solidly in the bookstore market, with volume 1 registering 8,671 units in BookScan-tracked sales for 2014 and climbing to approximately 12,500 units in 2015. Volume 2 appeared on Paperback Graphic Books bestseller list in May 2015. These figures reflect strong initial demand for an independent fantasy title, contributing to multiple collected editions and ongoing serialization despite production interruptions. Rat Queens received a 2014 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award nomination for Best New Series, alongside titles like Sex Criminals and Pretty Deadly. It earned a nomination for the 2015 Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story, competing with works such as Ms. Marvel Volume 1 and Saga Volume 3, though it did not win. The series won the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book in 2015, recognizing its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, beating nominees including Hawkeye and Lumberjanes.

Critical Praise

Critics have praised Rat Queens for its irreverent take on fantasy tropes, blending crude humor, , and character-driven . The series earned an average critic rating of 8.6 out of 10 across reviewed issues on ComicBookRoundUp, reflecting acclaim for its energetic pacing and subversion of genre conventions. Reviewers frequently highlighted the depth and appeal of the protagonists, noting their distinct and defiance of stereotypical portrayals. IGN's Benjamin Bailey described the Rat Queens as "crude, rough and tumble females who party, take drugs, eat ," positioning the debut issue as "an awesome fantasy fueled by , drugs, and jokes." In a review of issue #4, Bailey further commended that "each one of the Rat Queens has a personality big enough to carry her own comic, but there's something special about bringing them all together," awarding it 9.8 out of 10. Similarly, issue #5 received a 9/10 from Jesse Schedeen for offering "a winning blend of bloodshed, debauchery, and some genuinely emotional ." The artwork, particularly Roc Upchurch's contributions in the initial run, drew commendation for its dynamic style and ability to capture the series' chaotic tone. ComixTribe's review of the first issue called Rat Queens "a ," appreciating its fresh approach to fantasy adventure. Comic Book Resources noted that the series "quickly gained both critical acclaim and an ardent fan base" upon its 2013 launch. Overall, praise centered on the comic's unapologetic energy and its portrayal of flawed, empowered women in a high-fantasy setting, distinguishing it from more conventional sword-and-sorcery tales.

Criticisms and Fan Debates

Some reviewers have criticized the series for pacing inconsistencies, particularly in arcs involving ensemble backstories, where rapid shifts between action and exposition disrupt narrative flow. For instance, in issue #10, the script's odd decisions and uneven tempo were noted as undermining the arc's potential despite its conceptual appeal. Similarly, volume 2 was described as rushed in places, diminishing the humor that defined the debut. Artistic shifts following multiple creator changes drew complaints of visual inconsistency, with some panels praised for dynamism while others appeared stylized to the point of distortion, affecting overall cohesion even in early volumes. Later issues faced for diluting the protagonists' irreverence, as deeper emotional explorations replaced the initial blend of sass and , leading to perceptions of tonal dilution. Fans remain divided on the series' evolution, with debates centering on whether post-volume 1 installments sustain the original's escapist energy or devolve into formulaic fantasy tropes amid prolonged hiatuses and style rotations. Supporters argue the character growth adds depth to flawed antiheroes, while detractors contend it sacrifices the profane, trope-subverting edge for maudlin drama, prompting discussions on whether the book peaked early.

Controversies

Roc Upchurch's Departure and Allegations (2014)

On October 31, 2014, Roc Upchurch, co-creator and artist of Rat Queens, was arrested in Georgia on a charge of battery related to against his then-wife. The incident involved allegations of physical altercation, though court records from the time indicated it stemmed from a domestic dispute without further public details on the specifics beyond the . Writer Kurtis J. Wiebe addressed the matter publicly on , , via a statement on his official blog, announcing that Upchurch would no longer illustrate the series. Wiebe cited his personal familiarity with —stemming from past experiences—and emphasized that concealing such issues perpetuates harm, stating, "I'm not a stranger to . I know that keeping a secret only perpetuates the problem." He described the decision as necessary to protect the series' integrity and transition to new artists, noting it would be a "transitionary period" amid rebuilding the creative team. Upchurch did not issue a public rebuttal to the allegations or Wiebe's announcement in 2014, with the departure effectively ending his involvement in Rat Queens at that point. The series, published by , continued without him, substituting guest artists for subsequent issues while Wiebe sought a permanent replacement. This event marked the first major for the title, raising questions about in creator-owned but without immediate legal resolution publicized beyond the .

Tess Fowler Dispute and Series Hiatus (2016)

In April 2016, writer Kurtis Wiebe announced that Rat Queens would enter an indefinite hiatus following the release of issue #16, citing the need to find a suitable new artistic direction after creative challenges with the current team. The decision came amid reports of strained collaboration, with issue #16, illustrated by Tess Fowler and colored by Tamra Bonvillain, serving as the final printed installment before the pause. The hiatus quickly intertwined with public allegations from Fowler, who claimed she had been "pushed out" of the series to accommodate the potential return of original artist Roc Upchurch, despite earlier assurances from Wiebe that the book was hers "forever." Fowler expressed discomfort with continuing, noting she began selling her original Rat Queens artwork around this period and cited instances where Wiebe promoted Upchurch's unrelated work on while sidelining her contributions. She stated, "It would have been nice not to be lied to," attributing her exit to undisclosed plans for Upchurch's involvement, which contradicted Wiebe's prior separation from him in 2014 over allegations. Wiebe refuted Fowler's claims on in May 2016, asserting, "Tess Fowler was not removed from Rat Queens to make room for Roc Upchurch. We made our best efforts to find a new voice for Rat Queens together and it just wasn't working out." He emphasized creative incompatibilities rather than any intent to reinstate Upchurch, denying any such plans and framing the hiatus as an opportunity to seek a fitting artist. The conflicting narratives fueled fan speculation, particularly given Wiebe's visible support for Upchurch's independent projects during conventions like and earlier that year, though no concrete evidence emerged of Upchurch's scripted return. The dispute highlighted tensions in creator-owned , where personal collaborations can falter without formal contracts dictating transitions, leading to public airing of grievances via . Rat Queens remained on hiatus through mid-2016, with Wiebe later pivoting to a format before relaunching the print series in 2017 with artist Owen Gieni.

Broader Implications for Creator-Owned Comics

The controversies surrounding Rat Queens exemplify the operational fragility of creator-owned comics, where the absence of robust corporate oversight amplifies the impact of personal disputes on production continuity. Following Roc Upchurch's removal as artist in November 2014 after his for domestic battery—charges to which he later admitted partial responsibility—the series experienced a transitional period marked by multiple artist substitutions, including temporary work by and subsequent hires like Tess Fowler, resulting in stylistic inconsistencies and delayed releases. This vulnerability stems from the creator-owned model's emphasis on individual autonomy, as facilitated by publishers like , which grants creators full rights but minimal editorial intervention in interpersonal conflicts, unlike the replaceable workforce in work-for-hire systems at Marvel or DC. The 2016 dispute between writer Kurtis J. Wiebe and artist Tess Fowler further illustrated these risks, as conflicting accounts of Wiebe's alleged plans to reinstate Upchurch led to Fowler's abrupt departure after six issues, a production hiatus, and a series relaunch with new artist Owen Gieni under a renumbered #1. Such events can erode fan trust and sales momentum, with analysts noting potential drops between issues due to backlash against perceived ethical lapses, including attempts to balance artistic collaborations with public allegations of . In creator-owned projects, where revenue ties directly to team cohesion without contractual buffers for personal fallout, these disruptions highlight the need for proactive contingency measures, such as diversified contributor pools or clearer clauses, though Rat Queens ultimately demonstrated resilience by resuming publication and concluding with an 2023 finale featuring Upchurch's return. Broader industry discourse prompted by the series underscores tensions between creative freedom and , with some observers framing it as a cautionary example of how unaddressed personal controversies can alienate audiences ethically opposed to supporting implicated creators, potentially shortening series lifespans or necessitating selective consumer support (e.g., avoiding royalties-linked issues). Yet, the persistence of Rat Queens—spanning over a decade despite turbulence—affirms the model's advantages in fostering recovery through creator-driven adaptations, contrasting with more rigid corporate structures that might preemptively terminate under similar scrutiny, though at the cost of innovation tied to individual vision.

Adaptations and Expansions

Animated Television Series Development

In June 2014, Pūkeko Pictures, a division of Weta Workshop, partnered with Heavy Metal magazine to develop Rat Queens into a 30-minute animated television series. The project aimed to produce a pilot episode for pitching to networks, with Heavy Metal executives David Boxenbaum and Rob Prior serving as executive producers. Creator Kurtis J. Wiebe expressed enthusiasm for the adaptation, highlighting its potential to capture the comic's irreverent fantasy elements and appeal to a broad audience, including "fangirls" in a market segment underserved by similar content. As of 2016, Wiebe confirmed the project remained in active development during discussions at Comicon, noting ongoing efforts to refine the adaptation amid the comic's evolving storylines. However, no pilot has been released, and subsequent announcements or production milestones have not materialized in public records. The initiative appears stalled, consistent with challenges in adapting independent comics to television, where many pilots fail to secure greenlights despite initial partnerships.

Tabletop Role-Playing Integrations

In July 2017, Rat Queens creator Kurtis J. Wiebe authored "," an official adventure module for Fifth Edition, published in Dragon+ magazine Issue 6 by . Designed for 3rd-level characters, the module casts players in the roles of the Rat Queens—a group of young female adventurers—in an original fantasy setting mirroring the comic's tone of irreverent mercenary exploits, including a scenario involving a brawl aftermath and threats. The adventure emphasizes chaotic group dynamics and combat encounters, directly adapting the series' protagonists: the dwarven fighter Violet, human wizard Hannah, halfling thief , and tiefling cleric Dee. Since February 2019, the production company Hyper RPG has streamed a licensed (TTRPG) campaign titled Rat Queens RPG on Twitch via the "Hyper Rabbit Power Go" channel, adapting the comic's world and characters using the system, a ruleset focused on narrative-driven fantasy adventures. The series, which airs weekly episodes, features the core Rat Queens as playable protagonists navigating mercenary quests, interpersonal conflicts, and fantastical perils in a setting faithful to the comic's lore, with episodes available post-broadcast on . By 2023, the campaign had progressed through multiple chapters, including arcs like "Our Story Begins" and "Rowdiness in Raven's Hollow," highlighting the group's signature blend of violence, humor, and camaraderie. These integrations reflect the comic's roots in TTRPG-inspired tropes, such as party-based dungeon crawling and character archetypes, without spawning a standalone Rat Queens RPG rulebook; instead, they leverage existing systems like D&D 5e and for accessible fan and official play. No further official TTRPG products, such as core rulebooks or expansions, have been released as of October 2025.

Streaming and Fan Content

Fan engagement with Rat Queens has extended to streamed (RPG) sessions, often adapting the comic's characters and setting into Dungeons & Dragons-style campaigns. In January 2017, series creator Kurtis J. Wiebe participated as a guest in the Misscliks Twitch-streamed D&D campaign explicitly themed around Rat Queens, with episodes later uploaded to , featuring the group's adventures as the titular mercenaries. At Gen Con 2019, the Hyper Rabbit Power Go group performed a live Rat Queens RPG show, incorporating audience-submitted NPCs and streaming elements of the chaotic fantasy quests central to the series. Streams of the 2021 Rat Queens: To the Slaughter, officially licensed from by Deep Water Games, have appeared on , demonstrating fan playthroughs of scenarios involving the Rat Queens battling trolls and in the setting. These sessions highlight the series' appeal to RPG enthusiasts, blending humor, violence, and character-driven narratives from the source material. Cosplay inspired by Rat Queens emphasizes the characters' irreverent, battle-hardened aesthetics, with everyday adaptations gaining visibility online. In May 2015, cosplayer Nerdy Ninja Platypus showcased practical, streetwear-based outfits replicating the Queens' looks, such as Hannah's elven archer gear and Betty's style, shared via blog posts to encourage accessible fan replication. Podcasts have featured in-depth discussions of Rat Queens, serving as fan-driven content platforms. In April 2024, the Waiting on the Trade podcast (under Matt Reads Comics) analyzed Volume 1, praising its satirical take on fantasy tropes while guest host Suzanne Payne explored its RPG influences. Earlier, in September 2020, Some of My Friends Read Comics devoted an episode to the series' debut arc, focusing on its foul-mouthed protagonists and world-building. These audio formats reflect sustained fan interest in dissecting the comic's themes without official video adaptations materializing beyond developmental announcements.

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