by Joe Iconic, Reporter
MATURE READERS
“BRAGA: THE ONCE PRINCE, NOW BASTARD” Before joining the Peaches, Braga was destined to become the greatest leader of her people. But a life changing decision proved too controversial for even her most devout followers. A former life paved on the bodies of her enemies left behind…what choice was worth losing everything? Featuring guest artist TESS FOWLER!
Rat Queen fans rejoice! Kurtis Wiebe (Peter Panzerfaust, Intrepids, Green Wake) tells a coming of age story for Braga, a transgendered character. The empowered, diverse Rat Queens fantasy setting served as the ideal vehicle for this tale. The tone, however, is more serious than the usual bawdiness set by Hannah, Violet, Dee, and Betty, who do not make an appearance in this issue. Still, this story reinforces why Rat Queens should remain on the top of a pull list.
Previously, Braga only made a few appearances so far in the series, a minor background character at best. Character-driven writers, like Jim McClain of the Solution Squad, talk about being able to write 900-word origins for characters that appear on one panel of a story. Wiebe shows us the depth of his largely comedic universe in the Rat Queens supporting characters. The large orc with the eye patch in the corner is not just pretty window dressing of the diverse landscape that is Rat Queens, she represents what is brilliant about this series.
This story highlights the journey of Prince Broog, reluctant heir of an orc tribe caught in perpetual war, to become Braga, member of an adventuring group.
It is important to note that the reader does not get to see how Broog becomes Braga. It’s a fantasy setting, where magic replaces science, so the easy guess is a polymorph-sort of spell or potion. Old school gamers would appreciate the early edition Dungeons & Dragons solution of a Girdle of Femininity/Masculinity, or that pesky magical arch in Tomb of Horrors.
The means of transformation, though, is purposefully incidental to the story. The reader is drawn into Prince Broog’s story so completely, the reminder that Broog becomes Braga, open kimono, is almost jarring in the end, and elegantly designed to be so.
Transgendered characters gained a wider audience in the collective narrative of comics through webcomics, and then through indie comics such as Shadoweyes by Ross Campbell. Mainstream transgendered characters include Gail Simone’s recent inaugural new 52 run on Batgirl. Barbara Gordon modeled acceptance through her transgender roommate Alysia Yeoh. Braga’s origin pushes this envelope, making a transgender character the center of the story. Braga experiences alienation, the pain of having to reject the expected cultural restraints, and the dishonesty inherit in accepting social expectations. All universally relatable.
And that is the brilliance of this story.
Just as brilliant: Tess Fowler on watercolors. This issue pops. Although I eagerly await Stephan Sejic’s art in the next issue, I want to see more of Tess Fowler’s work.
Musical choices: Finding the right musical enhancer is like adding a fine wine to a good meal. The right music is often an effective device to turn off the “speed read” mode of the mind, allowing the reader to savor each panel. For this issue, I found Rufus Wainwright “Hallelujah,” via the Shrek soundtrack, captured Prince Broog’s conflict of triumph and tragedy with the early battle scenes. For a tall glass of emo-pop, I dialed in Imagine Dragons on Pandora for the rest of the issue. Music varies by taste, so feel free to add your own musical suggestions to the comments!
This sidetrek from the main Rat Queens storyline is worth the road traveled. Readers who enjoy the fantasy hijinks of Rat Queens, Skullkickers, or The Rogues will not be disappointed. Read this series!
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Rat Queens Special Braga 4 out of 5 Daves, but no Gary. That guy sucks.
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