Well the shit has definitely hit the fan with this issue. In the last issue our story went deep into the well. Wiebe gave our ladies some time to chill out, but he somehow managed to expand the current storyline. I didn’t see that coming. He’s not writing for the trade as they say and man the story is better for it. Hannah is the first to run into the cursed Bernadette and she’s shocked to see her eyes. Just as she’s trying to figure out what’s happened to her, Tizzie attacks her from behind. She thinks that Hannah has cursed Bernadette. They spare for a moment, but no real damage is done. Hannah takes Bernadette and just leaves the battle. What I found particularly interesting about this scene is that Tizzie asks why Hannah is channeling Necrius. This blew my mind because it adds this new layer to the story and only made me curious as to the meaning. It’s not explained so hopefully it will be one day, but even it if it’s now I’m sure Kurtis Wiebe has it mapped out. It’s very enjoyable to have moments like this in the story that make the world feel bigger than it is.

We check in with Sawyer’s captor and the man responsible for Dee’s husband finding her. He’s still a mystery of sorts because he don’t know all of his story. Sawyer’s second in command is surrounded by a bunch of dudes, seven to be exact. A former associate of hers is in charge of them and tells them to kill her… it doesn’t go well for one of the sides and that’s all I’m going to say. Clearly though our mystery man has put a lot of time and planning into his plan.

This issue is still funny because of the great dialogue from Wiebe. “Dicksniff” in particular made me laugh each time I read it. Hannah is the best worst character, because she acts like an ass but has such colorful language that I can’t help but love her. Beatty also remains a strong favorite though her role is limited in this issue.

Roc Upchurch deserves a lot more praise for his artistic talents than he receives. He’s fucking phenomenal. I would leave it there, but then I don’t think the sentiment would be felt. He’s getting better and better with each issue. The backgrounds are becoming fuller looking and that adds a lot of substance to the page. It makes the world feel real and not some set piece that the characters are being placed in. His character designs continue to be rich and break the traditional norms of comic books.

Rat Queens is something special and unique happening right before our eyes. There is nothing out there that can compare to this series and personally I rate it higher than other Image series. Why Saga sells more than this series is beyond me because they’re neck and neck with each other in my opinion and both have a lot of the same strengths going for them. Rat Queens should be on everyone’s reading list. It’s hands down one of the best books being published. It’s better than Saga, there is said it.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Kurtis J. Wiebe Artist: Roc Upchurch Publisher: Image/Shadowline Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 7/16/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital