Review: Rat Queens Vol 2: The Far Reaching Tentacles of N'rygoth by Kurtis J. Weibe

Monday 6 July 2015

  
Title: Rat Queens Vol 2: The Far Reaching Tentacles of N'rygoth
Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe.
Publisher: Image Comics
Publication Date: 6th May 2015
Genre: Comics/Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★

Summary: 


This booze-soaked second volume of RAT QUEENS reveals a growing menace within the very walls of Palisade. And while Dee may have run from her past, the bloated, blood-feasting sky god N’rygoth never really lets his children stray too far.







Wow, what a follow up! Rat Queens Volume 2, collects issues 6-10 and picks up light-heartedly after the celebratory party thrown in issue 5. Following a blast from the past and the disappearance another character, the Rat Queens undertake another epic adventure full of sass, action, mushrooms, and the almost end of the world!   

So much more is revealed about the characters in this volume. The inclusion of flashbacks and back stories give us a glimpse at Hannah, Violet, and Dee’s lives before joining the Rat Queens. The characters are even more developed and distinct which makes them all the more enjoyable to read about. Despite seeming a little disjointed and confusing at first, the flashbacks are cleverly woven into the story and add more depth and intrigue to the characters. Dee however, is still shrouded with some mystery, although the exploration of her faith (or lack of) was done well in this volume.

Violet’s back story was particularly interesting. One detail I loved was Violet adding a dash of eye liner after suiting up in her armour. We find out more about Violet’s family and her relationship with them. It is both very amusing and captured in a way that is very reflective of real and genuine family relationships anddynamics. Another aspect I really appreciated was Violet’s appropriate slaying whilst dealing with inappropriate comments from creepy old men (slay, violet, slay!)

Plot wise, the story is quite formulaic and typical of questing style plots. However, multiple character’s personal histories and interests are entwined with the main plot and villain’s scheme, in an interesting way. The formulaic nature of the plot does not detract from the overall enjoyment of this volume, as the Rat Queens retain their sassy sense of humour and distinctive personalities. It does not take long to re-familiarise yourself with the characters and they really are the force which makes this series so entertaining to read. Additionally, the continuing ‘Gary’ jokes never fail to amuse.

The art style has changed slightly with the switching of the illustrator, but it still retains a similar style. The lines and especially the noses are a lot sharper and pointier than before but overall, it is a small change and does not detract from the enjoyment of the story. 

I really enjoyed this volume. The characters are diverse, complex and all round awesome which really makes reading Rat Queens so enjoyable. Rat Queens combines complex female characters with a brilliant sense of friendship and humour in an action packed fantasy world. This second volume definitely lives up to expectations.  


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