| Title | : | Rat Queens, Vol. 4: High Fantasies |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 163215899X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781632158994 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 128 |
| Publication | : | First published October 17, 2017 |
Rat Queens, Vol. 4: High Fantasies Reviews
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I wasn't sure what to make of this volume at first. I've since done some research and discovered that this is a "soft reboot" of the Rat Queens storyline by Kurtis J. Wiebe and new artist Owen Gieni, after controversy with the previous artists. (Short version: Original artist Roc Upchurch was arrested for domestic violence and dropped; replacement artist Tess Fowler, brought in for Vol. 3, left acrimoniously amid accusations that Wiebe tried to bring Upchurch back.) A hiatus ensued following all this drama, but now the Queens are back with a reset and a new Queen, the transgender orc Braga.
Unfortunately, all this ignores the storyline and cliffhanger of Vol. 3, "Demons," wherein Hannah goes to Mage University, which expelled her five years earlier, to try and save her father. She's revealed to be a half-demon who staged a massacre, the Queens are broken up, and Hannah is thrown into a "void prison" from which she's rescued by the demon who is evidently her biological father, and whose power she channeled long ago. It's heavily implied that Hannah has turned completely dark.
But in this volume, the Queens are back in Palisade with their new member Braga, and going on their regular questing adventures. The story has been retconned to the point where Hannah's stepfather Gerard, who was stated to have been executed in "Demons," is hale and hearty and screwing the ghost of Hannah's mother. I've read interviews where Kurtis J. Wiebe is claiming that everything that happened in "Demons" is still canon and all will be explained. I hope so, because my patience is running pretty short.
But just taking this volume on its own, it's not up to previous standards. Owen Gieni's artwork is just...lacking, with Violet suffering in particular. (If there had to be another artist, I wish they had gone back to Stjepan Sejic, who did the best job of picking up where Roc Upchurch left off.) This storyline is weaker, with the exception of the delightful Braga, and the whole thing feels off-kilter and disjointed. I might let Wiebe and company coast for a while because I liked the earlier volumes so much, but if they don't get their act together...well, there's plenty of other stuff to read, after all. -
Sometimes you want to watch an art film that makes you think, features subtle, nuanced performances, and indelibly captures a moment in time or ruminates on a timeless ideal.
But, sometimes you want to watch John McClane kick Hans Gruber’s ass.
The most recent volume of Rat Queens is more the latter, with the Queens, after a somewhat lackluster Vol. 3, getting back to what they do best—kicking ass and having ridiculous adventures that are equal parts silly, serious, and sublime. The addition of orc lady Braga to the crew adds a new dimension of fun, though the scarring sight of orc boob is so horrifically and permanently seared into my retinas that everything I see has an overlay of green boobity badness, which makes for a strange experience walking around town (though it does make watching the news better; it’s much easier to take bad news when it looks like there’s an orc boob superimposed on the face of the scandal maker du jour).
Glad to have you back, ladies—let’s do it again soon. -
1.) Rat Queens Volume 1 ★★★★
2.) Rat Queens Volume 2 ★★★★
3.) Rat Queens Volume 3 ★★★
4.) Rat Queens Volume 4 ★★
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yeaaaahhhhh I'm done with this series. -
The Queens are back in town and Braga joins up. There's not many subplots here, just the girls questing to earn enough money for booze and candy. Violet's insufferable brother Barrie has decided to stick around to make Vi's life miserable. The book is still witty and fun and irreverent as ever with lots of laugh out loud moments like Milton the Gut Merchant.
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Bullet Review:
Okay, the question you've all been asking: Is this better or worse than Volume 3?
Well, I definitely am not a fan of this art style. It's not bad, per say, but it's totally different than what I've come to expect from Rat Queens. Pardon my descriptions, but it feels more realistic, with more lines and details than the art in previous volumes. Also, Gerard looked nothing like volume 3. So, in that case, I'd say 4 is worse.
I also didn't care that this completely avoided wrapping up the events in Volume 3. It feels like Wiebe didn't want to actually figure out how to wrap up the plot in 3 or was told that 3 was too dark and "couldn't we have something lighter". Again, 4 is worse.
BUT
And this is a GREAT BIG BUT. Volume 4 was fun. It was really nice to see these adventurers again (including new addition, Braga) doing adventurey things. There were some really good jokes that landed beautifully. And in that regard, I think 4 was better - it wasn't as dark and broody, and it kept things moving along nicely.
I just hope volume 5 explains how everyone got back together in volume 4. -
I love this series! Easily one of my favourite graphic stories of all time.
Rat Queens, Vol. 4: High Fantasies is not the strongest instalment so far, but at this point I love the characters and the dynamic between them so much that I hardly care. There is something just so delightful about this rugged band of drinking, swearing, killing women. Here they are joined by newest member - Braga - and, of course, mayhem ensues.
Both Hannah's embarrassing dad and Violet's annoying brother make appearances here, which leads to hilarity. And The Chorus arrive in town, opening up whole new issues for the Rat Queens. Though, despite all the murder and craziness, there is something very light and enjoyable about this series. It is undemanding and very easy to read. The characters are so freaking lovable, and the dialogue and small interactions/encounters shine far more than the overarching story. More, please.
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Despite the soft reboot and the lack of continuation from vol 3...I did really enjoy this volume!
The new art is really nice too, I kinda miss the old style but the new one is visually appealing so no loss there.
I'm excited to see where they take this, tbh I'm just glad it's continued. -
This was...not the best. I know there was change in artists and direction of the series here, but it felt extremely disconnected. We are thrown in and basically told that everything from the previous volume was just smoothed over and here's a new storyline! It was a little confusing.
Also, the new art style just isn't working for me. There are times when I think the art looks lazy. It's like rough draft sketches. It took something I loved away from the series. Though I understand that each artist as their own style, this was just too different from the original art for me.
I did think this was a fun journey, back to the quests like the first volume, but it didn't progress any character growth or plot. There are a bunch of new character but I could not tell you why they are there at all. -
this one is a DNF for me around 40% while writing this short review I saw here on Goodreads that a lot of people are mentioning that this was a sort of soft reboot for the series, but I would love to actually have that information like inside the story, because without it you will be confused af... I definitely was... it looks like it's totally not connected to the events from the third volume (and a lot of things happened in that one) which made me really mad... and I dont really like the explanation "oh, it will be further explained in future volumes" cause that sounds just like lazy writing for me... I still like the characters and the idea of a kick-ass group of women is a close one to my heart, but I am definitely not liking the direction this series is taking... I have the next two volumes already on my shelf and now I'm not sure what to do with them... maybe I'm gonna go back to this series at some point in the future, but for now it's an angry 2 stars from me for this installment...
XOXO
A -
I still love this series as a whole but I felt this was the weakest so far, it seems to have lost that sense of adventure and the naughtiness it had at the beginning.
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This volume doesn't quite flow as well as the first three - but I'm still in love with the Rat Queens <3
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This volume reminded me of why I liked Rat Queens so much in the beginning. I was a little disappointed with the previous volume, so I am glad that I could really enjoy this one. This volume packs that awesome sass and crudeness that I liked before. We get a little glimpse into more of the women's personal life and a very fun introduction of the Cat Kings. They are hilarious. Now I am actually excited to read the next volume!
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I'm pretty bummed because i absolutely adored this series when it first started, but it's just not working for me anymore. i'm so sad.
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There are still some flaws and bad habits that need to be overcome in the writing, but for the most part, as this went along, it started to feel like the story was getting back on track. I'm not going to get my hopes too high, because lord knows, they could build it up just to dash it all again, but so far, I'm glad to see the Queens back at it.
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hate to say it but they should have just canceled this series
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The Rat Queens get a new artist and a soft reboot of their story that sweeps previous unresolved storylines under the rug. It's rather subdued and a bit touch-feely compared to previous books. But, hey, I'm here for the characters, so I'm okay with the two nowhere adventures offered up.
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Ok I think part of why I struggled with this volume is because it retcons whatever storyline was started with the random issue 16 before and I just ...I mean I know they went on hiatus but WHY not just pick up where you left off? Anyway, besides that confusion it was an okay volume. I like that Braga joined up and Hannah's dad is an interesting addition, but I hate that Barrie is hanging around so much. Him and his knock-off team were funny enough for one issue but I don't need them to keep hanging around. Also I miss Sawyer :(
Some highlights:
Like I said, it was funny for a minute but then it got old real fast
#same
Incredible
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Not sure about the change in art but the story telling is still great fun. Definitely a bump up from Volume 3.
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Read 04/04/2020
The art has changed drastically every single volume & I can see that while Tess Fowler the original creator is still a part of the series that every single person working on the art has changed from volume to volume. The first time it changed I was disappointed simply because it wasn’t what I used to and this was the first series that I read that I fell head over heels in love with. But I very quickly adapted to the new colorful more cartoonish type of art. The colors were so beautiful and bright. But then, alas! In this volume I can see the art has changed yet again! So for the third time! But I yet again have adapted and think this art might be my most favorite of all the different art work. It’s also colorful and beautiful and bright, but much more detail oriented than the last. I’m really hoping that these artists stick around and I’m not forced to contend with new artwork and different faces for my beloved characters each time a new volume comes out. But regardless, even if I do have to, I know I’ll stick this series out till the end, it is by far my favorite series.
I love the character dynamics, not only each diverse character and their own complex backstories, but mostly the loving and comical dynamic between the queens. There is so much unconditional love and support between them all, it’s such a pleasure to read about. I’m not one of those people who specifically loves to read about friendships, mainly because I think it’s difficult to find one that’s well written & to my liking, but I do really love reading about the friendship dynamics between the Queens!! But it’s not all about the sweet mush and gush, each of these girls are badasses in their own rights, brave and strong and fierce and lovely. They swear and fuck and eat candy and drink too much, they fight as fiercely as any man, they back each other up & each have their specialties & personal features, they also each have their own demons and shames, but they love each other steadfastly and unconditionally and it’s a beautiful thing. Their friendships and badassery is the cord that ties together this series volume to volume, but the actual plots that consist of questing & confronting their personal dramas is always a fun ride consisting of endlessly hilarious side characters, plenty of sexy men (even if some of them have horns or are orcs, etc etc) and my personal favorite: masses of magical creatures & enough magic to fill anyone’s magic void. It’s just a glorious series, the humor is ALWAYS on point- which is so rare for me as I’m a tough audience when it comes to humor. But the Queen’s perfect blend of sarcasm, ditziness, heartiness and situational humor just happens to be my cup of tea.
I adore this series. My personal favorite has to be Betty, she is adorable as can be but Violet is a close second with that glorious ginger beard. I love Dee’s aesthetics and Hannah is probably my least favorite, but I can relate to her and her exterior toughness that she clearly wields as a weapon and to shield her and her heart from getting broken. That is me in a nutshell, I’ve always had trouble opening up and I’ve always donned a cant fuck with me attitude, spending all my efforts making everyone believe that I don’t care so that nobody can know just how much they can hurt me. So even tho Hannah is my least favorite, I relate to her the most and so therefor I have to say that I have no favorites, I very simply love and adore them all and they are all fabulous queens! They are wonderfully undiplomatic, amazingly quirky & sharp witted, terrifically insolent, delightfully crass & brash, marvelously cheeky, magnificently offensive & audacious and just so very absolutely positively ridiculously lovable. This series is perfection.
Oh and the art too. It strikes my fancy I have to say. It might be ever changing, but the characters and their personalities are strong and consistent enough that the change hardly matters and instead I appreciate the artwork for what it is, which is bright colorful beautiful and absolutely phenomenal. It’s a feast to my sight, a party for my eyes.
This series is everything I love, it takes the cake, wins the prize-Rat Queens is in my #1 slot & I hope it goes on forever and ever and ever and EVAAA! -
Rat Queens!
Was one of my top favourite Image series. Now it's just good and fun and all, but not that important for me to purchase every time there's a new release. Oh well...
I think it's the artwork's fault. Too sketchy... too weird for Rat Queens (and even though that would be right on point for Rat Queens.. it's not). It's just too NOT Rat Queensy.
And even though it grows on you and I like it at times... I want the old artwork back. The way we got introduced to them.. with this art, half the times Violet doesn't even look like Violet. And the other thing I hate but that's a personal complex, is that thing they're doing with changing the artwork halfway through to a fucking disney mickey mouse club fucking art, because... drugs. Like.... no. Hate that shit.
Also, dunno why the writer decided to do this, but they completely disregarded everything that happened on vol. 3 and it's like it didn't happen? O_o
With that fucking awesome cliffhanger on last issue (#16) with Orc Dave and Hannah being a demon with a makeover and all of that shit, all of a sudden we are to pretend nothing happened. Well that's a fucking bitch slap on your fans' faces. Oh well!
It's STILL Rat Queens and all. Fun and adventures and fantasy and all that. It's just... it's missing something. I'm keep reading the series of course and already waiting for Volume 5 this summer, but yeah! -
Rat Queens Series Ratings:
Rat Queens, Vol. 1: Sass & Sorcery: ★★★★★
Rat Queens, Vol. 2: The Far Reaching Tentacles of N'rygoth: ★★★★★
Rat Queens, Vol. 3: Demons: ★★★★
Rat Queens, Vol. 4: High Fantasies: ★★★★
Rat Queens Vol. 5: The Colossal Magic Nothing: TBR
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I prepared myself for a huge let down with this one because I'd heard such disappointing reviews thanks to a shift of artist and story telling but I barely noticed a change. It still felt like the normal Rat Queens to me, the plot could have done with some work though.
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I read this book as part of my 2018 Library Love binge, where I read as many library books as possible to take advantage of my great local library network before I move interstate!
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Change in art style and complete lack of connection with previous volume really threw me. Turns out this is actually a soft-reboot of the series with a new artist. As much as it was fun it was not an enjoyable experience given the complete disconnect to the last book. It felt like such a cop out.
Having said this, it is better than the alternative: no more Rat Queens. I think I might just pretend it finished after the first two volumes and leave it at that. If anyone has read this and thinks I should continue please let me know. -
Woah that was a massive step down. I heard there was a big break due to issues. A change in team and they were back but alot of time has changed. Im a little confused as to why the story wasnt just continued from issue 16. Everything just seemed a little off as compared to the previous volume. A little disaapointed here.
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Not totally sold on the new artist, but it feels like my Queens are coming back. Yay!
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Still pissed about the reboot
and waiting for a decent fucking explanation for the story gap, but good overall.
3.5* -
Story
Rat Queens are back! I really enjoyed this series, and I was really bummed when it stopped. Or became a web-comic. Or something. I don't know, I found it all very confusing.
The entry is a bit of a reboot/fresh start with a new artist on board. I think it's been dubbed "Volume 2". It takes place some time after the events of the first 15 issues, so it's not like that story was thrown away, but I felt like there was a lot more there we never got (or least not in the trades that have been put out).
The stories here mostly felt like stand alone, but it seems that he's laying the groundwork for a larger story to come. Either way much like the previous volumes, this volume was a lot of fun, just not quite as good as the previous ones.
Betty continues to be my favorite of the Queens, but they are all a lot of fun in their own ways. I think that Braga adds a nice element to the group dynamic as well.
I hope we get some larger story in the next volume, but for now it's just nice to get more Rat Queens!
Artwork
Owen Gieni does a fine job with the artwork, but I'm not blown away. The queens look like themselves, and he seemed to do a good job visualizing the story Mr. Wiebe wants to tell. I just hope the drama is over and he can be the permanent artist moving forward. -
A very silly and very entertaining read, with a few moments of real poignancy (then self-consciously undercut). Braga is now officially part of the gang, which makes me very happy! I love them all. This feels like Rat Queens back to their roots. I like the new artist but still not as much as the original one unfortunately. I liked how this felt episodic but also had a longer ongoing arc that is as yet unsolved.
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I felt like the plot was a bit of inferior quality than the other three but still loved this! I'm a sucker for these girls. kinda sad about the soft reboot but hopefully it will be clearer in the new volumes.
excited my queens are back and hopefully the backstage drama has ended.
full review soon -
3.75 stars
After the off the rails weirdness of volume 3, it was nice to return to what these rat queens do best: fuck shit up and quest. I appreciated the meta references to the last volume (and fantasy/D&D) and the permanent addition of Braga.
This volume felt a little disjointed (hence not a full 4 stars) but I’m hoping that corrects itself as we push the overall narrative further in the next volume.
And excellent artwork by the new artist! -
Still funny and nerdy questing fun but not as good as earlier volumes.
