My Statement on the Rat Queens News
by kurtiswiebe
This is a difficult and upsetting statement to write. I couldn’t have imagined something I love so dearly would become connected to domestic violence.
After a few days of reflection and going through a roller coaster of emotion, I’ve realized I’m not angry about this revelation. I’m deeply saddened. When you work with someone so closely on a project that is so personal, you are much more than creative collaborators, you become friends that feel like family. I have a lot of love for Roc Upchurch, I’ve spent a lot of time with him, at conventions and signings and quiet times over dinner when the crowds have gone away. Shannon and I have spent time with his wife, whom we admire greatly. With everything that has happened, I still care about and love Roc and my greatest hope is that in all this there is an opportunity to find help and for healing to take place in his family. They are never far from our thoughts.
I’m not a stranger to domestic abuse. I know that keeping abuse a secret and being afraid to speak about it are why so many people suffer in silence. It is a topic that needs to be openly talked about and there needs to be a feeling of safety and acceptance for those that come forward with their stories. It is why I am addressing this news rather than burying my head in the sand.
I know many readers are asking the ultimate question: What now? I was on vacation with my family when the news broke and I’ve spent the past few days debating what to do. Rat Queens has always meant a lot to me. I’ve poured my heart into the series, and through it I’ve shared my life, revealed my fears and insecurities and it’s helped me cope with lifelong struggles of body image and confidence.
I want you to know that Rat Queens means the world to me on a personal level and my mission for the series is unchanged. I want to write stories about women that I see in my everyday life, about friendship and to make comics that include and embrace diversity.
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.
Thank you for your understanding in this difficult time.
Kurtis J. Wiebe
As a Vancouver resident, I encourage contacting Domestic Abuse Services to learn how you can get information about abuse or make a charitable donation.
I am sorry you and your work are having to be affected by this. Hopefully Roc and his family can get the help they need and you can continue the amazing work we all have come to appreciate.
It’s a real shame, sir. I hope that everyone comes out the other end of this and find themselves in a better place.
I just picked up my first Rat Queens today and immediately fell in lust. I am sorry to read this and will be visiting the donation site. Thank you for what you wrote and I look forward to a new artist. Thanks for addressing this.
– Newbie Rat Queen
Good luck, Kurtis. You have my sympathies; I can only empathize—I can’t fathom how difficult this must be for you. Thank you for your candor.
Best,
-Eric Trautmann
Rat Queens is one of my favorite series together with Saga and Chew.
I find this news specially tragic considering that Rat Queens is at is heart saying that women can defend herself against anything. I really hope your team can find a new visual identity to the series and we can grow stronger past this.
Hoping for a swift return,
Francisco
I can’t be the only one who thinks that whatever’s transpired in Roc’s personal life is not only none of our business, but doesn’t affect his ability to draw a comic book beautifully. I understand wanting to distance and protect Rat Queens from this event, but so much of Rat Queens is the art. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to get behind another artist! I keep hoping that fans will respond, wanting Roc back, and everything can go back to normal. Best wishes to you and the Queens and Roc also!
Your statement was compassionate and respectful. Best of luck in the new direction of my favorite comic book. My thoughts and prayers for the Weibe and Upchurch families.
J. Blix
Your statement was so good and so impressive l
[…] some worry into the fandom as to what was going to happen with the series. Well, Kurtis released this statement, essentially saying that both he and Upchurch have chosen to part ways for the sake of the […]
[…] 2014 when the original illustrator, Roc Upchurch, was arrested on domestic violence charges. Wiebe issued a statement on his blog, and Upchurch was removed from the publication. Stjepan Sejic took over as artist for […]