A review by carroq
Rat Queens Special: Braga #1 by Kurtis J. Wiebe

3.0

I don't typically read or review single issues, but this came as part of the Image Comics Humble Bundle that I purchased. I've read the first two volumes in the Rat Queens series, so I was looking forward to reading this one. This was not included in either of those volumes. It is available in the deluxe edition though.

The Rat Queens is a sword-and-sorcery series featuring an adventuring group of female protagonists with the same name. This standalone issue is about Braga, who is a member of the Peaches, one of the competing adventuring groups. It takes place between Rat Queens volume 1 and volume 2.

Braga tells the story of how she was once the prince of an orc tribe. Yes, you read that correctly. She is a transgender character. That isn't the point of this story though. As the prince, she led troops into battle but wanted something more. This special turns some fantasy stereotypes on its head, which is something I would expect based on the rest of the series.

I liked that the creators took some time to focus on one of the side characters. Its a good introduction to Braga and left me wanting more. The art was good, although the style differed a bit from the rest of the series. What turned me off was the dialogue. Some of it just seemed over the top and unrealistic. It was a bit jarring and kept me from really caring about the characters.

There is some violence, profanity, and nudity, and is not appropriate for younger readers.