Posted in: Comics, Speculator Corner | Tagged: Rat Queens

Speculator Corner: Rat Queens #16 Will Never Be Reprinted

It's been a little while since we last talked Rat Queens, the fantasy series published by Image Comics.

Rat Queens Deluxe Edition Vol 1 contains Rat Queens Volume 1 #1-10 as well as the Braga Special. Rat Queens Deluxe Edition Vol 2 contains Rat Queens Volume 2 #1-10 plus Orc Cave Special.

But what of Rat Queens Vol 1 #11-16? Well, #11 to #15 appear in the third Rat Queens trade paperback, but not #16.

Those issues were drawn by Tess Fowler, with whom writer Kurtis T Wiebe had a massive falling out. After charges against Rat Queens co-creator Roc Upchurch of assaulting his ex-wife were made public, he was dropped from the book and Tess Fowler replaced him on the series.

The question was asked on Reddit about the Deluxe volumes and reprints. And Kurtis answered, saying,

1. It is correct that Volume 3 will never be collected in another format again. I refuse to allow Tess Fowler any more money after her attempt to completely destroy me and the series. I also cannot, in good conscience, give more money to someone like her after uncovering real horrific stories from private messages and online sources.

2. Volume 3: Demons IS canon. Issue 16 will never be collected. I hated that issue. It was a reminder of how bad things had gotten creatively. I do, however, homage (and completely make fun of it) in RQ Volume 5. Little easter egg for those who had to suffer through that issue.

While Tess Fowler, currently working on Kid Lobotomy with Peter Milligan, tells Bleeding Cool,

I quit Rat Queens because Kurtis Wiebe had a problem with turning in scripts and telling the truth. I'm glad to see he got the script thing under control at least. This behavior makes me sad, but really isn't a surprise. I wish him and the RQ team well.

Differing versions aside, what does that mean for comics collectors? Kurtis clarified "Volume 3 will remain in print, and has gone back to several printings already. It will not be included in the upcoming Deluxe Volume 2."

But that leaves an unreprinted, uncollected 16.

And if Pukeko Pictures and Heavy Metal do indeed adapt Rat Queens as a 30-minute animated television series, as promised, there may be a lot more demand.

Roc Upchurch's previous issues are still reprinted and collected, but not this one.

Which means it is possible, just possible, that Rat Queens Vol 1 #16 may currently be selling on the low side. It's available on MileHighComics along with other issues at similar prices. It's out of stock on mycomicshop. And it's recently sold copies on eBay for less than cover.

But someone reckons they could get a bit more for it. They may be right…

Oh and it's still on sale on ComiXology for half cover…

His issues however remain reprinted and in the deluxe editions.

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