WOTN Review: Rat Queens #21 (Image Comics)

Back In The Action in Rat Queens #21

After a short break, the Rat Queens are back and better than ever. Rat Queens #21 brings back the dynamic ladies we love. And that means they’re about to get into even more trouble, as is their way of life.

The last several issues have brought many changes and plenty of things to concern both fans and Queens alike. Some are taking that better than others, but none of that will change what is surely on the horizon.

Writing

Rat Queens #21 is a dramatic and entertaining issue, finding the perfect balance between action, tension, and humor. This is an issue full to the brim of all of those elements and a very strong dose of foreshadowing.

Ryan Ferrier put a lot of effort into planning the latest plot that much is immediately clear while reading this latest issue. That tension is ever-increasing, thanks to Hannah’s perspective on this issue.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Rat Queens seem content in being their usual selves. That is to say, they’re spending time together, having fun, and tackling monsters. It almost feels like business as usual. Almost.

Many subtle notes and references are made within these pages and several major points that can not slide under the radar or be ignored. I can tell you honestly that I don’t know where this plot will go, but I can’t wait to find out.

Art

The artwork inside Rat Queens #21 is like a breath of fresh air. It is a feast for the eyes, full of complex scenes perfectly suited to carry this concerning plot. But with it is also a sense of liberation that can only be found in the Rat Queens series.

Priscilla Petriates was the lead artist for this issue, and there is a lot to love about their work. This issue includes everything from gore to surprisingly musical and delicate scenes. You wouldn’t think those two can go hand in hand, but you’d be wrong.

The introductory scene, in particular, is well done, with Madeline shining in a different light. There’s something so sweet about this scene. A fact that wouldn’t have been possible if not for the artwork at hand.

Marco Lesko was the colorist for this issue, and their colors made the scene. The backdrops are stunning. The colors felt more important than ever in Hannah’s scenes, making certain elements all the more obvious.

Ferrier also provided the lettering and the writing, which works very well for this series. The writing and placement are vital parts of any story. But it felt so much more important here, so I’m thrilled to see it done with such precision.

Conclusion

Rat Queens #21 is moving forward with out Queens recovering from all they’ve been through. For the most part – some of our ladies are doing better than others. That alone is enough to concern us about what is to come.

This issue did a brilliant job of setting the tone, all while giving us an adventure to enjoy in the meantime. I honestly can’t wait to see where this whole plot arc leads because it feels like it will be a major one.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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