Recently, Bleeding Cool uncovered that “Rat Queens” artist Roc Upchurch had been arrested in Henry County, Georgia for “Battery – Family Violence, First Offense Misdemeanor” in relation to an altercation with his wife. In the piece, Bleeding Cool includes excerpts from a write-up by Upchurch’s wife about what happened in the incident and it is truly horrific, and Upchurch shared his perspective, admitting his guilt in the process. For full details, read BC’s coverage to see the ins and outs of everything that went down.
It’s an ugly situation, and one that puts into questions all kinds of things related to comics which – by comparison – ultimately don’t matter very much when a woman’s safety has been impacted and a family is being torn apart. But many openly wondered, “what does this mean for Rat Queens?” After all, this is a book that has generated a very passionate fan base, and one that is heavily comprised of women. Multiversity’s own Matthew Meylikhov went to their meet-up at ECCC this year, and he met many awesome fans – including women and Valkyries alike – who likely went through some serious soul searching in the past few days. Could “Rat Queens” fans go on reading with Upchurch as the artist on the book?
That won’t be an issue, it seems, as writer Kurtis Wiebe shared that Upchurch will no longer be the artist on the book. In Wiebe’s own words:
As of today, Roc Upchurch will no longer be illustrating Rat Queens. This is going to be a transitionary period for the series as we rebuild and prepare for a new start. I am committed to Rat Queens, to stand by what it has always been praised for and to prove to the fans that they weren’t wrong in loving it.
You should read the full piece, as Wiebe admits that this has been a very, very hard time for him, but ultimately, it’s hard to look at this as anything but the right decision. Yes, Upchurch was – at least in my opinion – the straw that stirred that book’s drink, but for many readers, it would be a betrayal of the audience and everything that book represents to continue on with Upchurch as the artist. It was likely a hard decision, but it’s hard to see it as anything but the right one.
Remember, if you or someone you love is in a place where they are in danger in such a way, there are options like the National Domestic Abuse Hotline (1-800-799-7233).
