Review: Rat Queens #17

With a new king in control, the Rat Queens find themselves doing hard time in the clink. As they struggle to maintain their sisterhood (and their sobriety), their only hope for survival lies in an unlikely spirit. Can the Queens break their unlucky streak?

1st Appearance of Terwilliger!

Written and letterers by Ryan Ferrier Art by Priscilla Petraites Marco Lasko.

Rat Queens #17 has a recurring theme to it.Â It is about women who embody taboos and misconceptions, fiery characters empowered by their talents but without that true bond of sisterhood going for them they often fall short. They each embody the traits of a taboo aimed at women ”“ witchcraft, sexuality, greed, Party girl, the b* for example.

The book lets the Rat Queens takes the time for some team introspective, because so far their infighting and selfishness has resulted in a pattern of failures and some of the members leaving to live their own lives

An interesting piece was also the antagonist Gary.Â His perspective dialogue, is very reminiscent of America’s “Forgotten Man” in which he explains that the reason for his transformation is because even though he tried to get along with everyone he was made to feel like an As*.Â Â because he wasn’t successful.Â So now, Gary has been successful, and even now the Rat Queens aren’t impressed, which I guess speaks to an idea that for all the advantages many men have, some still struggle to find the dignity essential to their self-hood.

It was so interesting to read about this part of history, and how history is recorded, and understanding how that has manipulated the gender-based imbalances in our society.

So in a nutshell, the particular issue is inspired by the judgement and expectations that are thrust onto women, the way in which historically societal expectationsÂ have been manipulated to cast shame upon powerful women characters, and how we can use our self-expression and strength to empower ourselves and reclaim the taboos and judgement that once weighed upon us.

The art by Priscilla Petraites and Marco Lasko did a pretty good job and showed that they are Black Belt Master level degrees at displaying emotions and giving context the moment.

I had to give this title an extra point just on the fact that I didn’t need to go back and read previous issues.Â I was able to pick it up and get the gist of what was going on right away.Â The dialogue and the art was a pleasure to experience.Â I am definitely hoping to pick up the next issue to see if this creative team can keep up the pace.

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(W) Ryan Ferrier (A/CA) Priscilla Petraites