"What is a Plot?" 
 This is the question I wanted to ask people after finding several reviews which criticized the supposed lack of plot in Rat Queens, Vol. 1.: Sass & Sorcery. The primary story isn't about the fantastic adventures that Hannah, Violet, Dee and Betty are involved in. It is about their realistic growth as individuals and friends, during and between hilarious, kinetic and bloody action scenes! 
 "While writing this review, I experienced an "oh, ****!" moment when one scene quickly became ominous, in my mind!" 
 Rat Queens is a comedy; the most impressive element of this, in Sass & Sorcery, is Roc Upchurch's art! Upchurch succeeds in depicting the type of over-the-top, unruly, comedic violence which is found in films such as Pineapple Express, through a medium which poses greater challenges to those attempting to convey it. (Important: Upchurch will no longer illustrate the series, for understandable reasons.* Don't be discouraged from continuing to read Rat Queens!+) 
 Rat Queens made me laugh! However many of the jokes written into the dialogue were familiar; the structures of interactions were frequently reminiscent of other contemporary humourist's works. Yet, though I recognized the conventional anatomy of the jokes, they rarely bombed (as they have, for other works.) I do hope that, as the series progresses, these back-and-forths (particularly those with Betty) become more inspired -- this is only the first volume. But, given the wonderfully diverse representation of sex, mental health, race and sexual orientation, the use of these familiar joke structures undermine common tropes too. 
 "The quest is secondary to hanging out, amusing each other and learning from experiences." 
 The representation in Rat Queens' cast is powerful because each main character has believable depths to them. In the short span of time that this volume (mostly) focuses on, the reader is audience to (sometimes unanticipated) climaxes and revelations of internal and interpersonal conflicts, as well as complex changes in people's behaviors (i.e., satisfying character development!) Because of this I'll accept the few troubling opinions expressed by them as the beliefs of the three-dimensional characters and not indicative of Weibe's attitudes -- with the exception of one (slightly Moffat-esq) dubious scene near the end! 
 If you worry that there won't be complicated quests in the Rat Queen's futures, you needn't. Their world is exciting, and this first volume establishes more than enough to build on. (While writing this review, I experienced an "oh, ****!" moment when a certain scene quickly became ominous!) And a plot is not only the physical journey of a hero! 
 I've never been heavily invested in games of Dungeons & Dragons but, from my experiences, I recognized the influence the RPG had on Kurtis J. Wiebe's tale: for many, D&D is a social event (whether you're in character or not), the quest is secondary to hanging out, amusing each other and learning from experiences. And Rat Queens, Vol. 1.: Sass & Sorcery adapts this masterfully! 
 Did I Keep it? 
 No. This book was lent to me by a friend and I returned it. Were it mine, I would resell it; I could find another copy if I needed it, and reselling it would allow others to obtain it! 
 *Read more: http://www.themarysue.com/upchurch-no... 
 +Stjepan Sejic's art will not ruin Rat Queens. Kurtis J. Weibe continues to deliberately write an entertaining, socially-conscious action/adventure/comedy which is a positive influence on people's lives. But because of recent developments, and his status as co-creator of the series, it is justifiable to debate purchasing works which fund Upchurch.