The Butcher Queen and why you should check out this Unique Sci-Fi Story
The Butcher Queen series (both Black Star City and Planet of the Dead) is a comic that the world needs to talk about more. Written by Jim Ousley with art by Ben Sawyer – co-created by both – and published by indie comic publisher, Red 5 Comics. Butcher Queen is a unique science fiction story, with elements of horror, and the sort of loveable characters you just want to cheer on in comics, making it a perfect package for fans of the genre.
In Butcher Queen: Black Star City, we’re introduced to Syd, a fugitive cop turned mercenary that tries to help alien off-worlders on Earth in 2120. It’s a futuristic take on a story that has been around for longer than it should be: fearing those different than us, and the bad things that happen because of that fear. In this case, hundreds of off-worlders being unaccounted for. Syd and her companion, Rags, get involved with a victim that’s escaped those behind the disappearances.
It’s a beautiful, exciting story about redemption. Syd is a character you want to cheer for. As a reader, you want to see her do what’s right, and that’s what she always tries to do – even if she’s failed before, she learns and keeps trying. She’s able to fight and hold her own (and her liquor), as well as crack a joke. Along with Syd, you love characters like Rags and Avina, and their relationship with Syd. And as the series goes on, you grow to love more characters and find charm in many of them.
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In the sequel series, Butcher Queen: Planet of the Dead, we join Syd and the gang, along with a mysterious interdimensional ally as they try to prevent the Earth from being destroyed. From start to finish, every issue is action packed. You’re immediately pulled into what’s happening and want to see what’s going to happen next.
Jim Ousley does an excellent job with the script, unraveling the plot slowly and keeping the intrigue at the same time. He develops characters you love, and ultimately go through everything alongside them emotionally. Ousley delivers great writing, with beautiful horror elements woven into the science fiction environment, with obvious influences of cyberpunk throughout. There’s a perfect balance within both stories of thrilling adventure and heartbreaking moments. They drew inspiration from exploring the idea of regret, using Syd and her decision to learn from her own mistakes rather than get lost in that regret.
Ben Sawyer brings both Butcher Queen: Black Star City and Butcher Queen: Planet of the Dead to life with his incredible artwork. The visuals are very cyberpunk influenced, with lots of stitched together pieces of what the world used to be. The backgrounds are huge, intricate pieces of art that completely suck you into the world and make it feel more real. He draws Syd perfectly, as well. She really feels battle-hardened, and fits into the world they’ve developed so well. Besides just Syd, the other characters all have unique designs that suit their personalities. The colors are gorgeously done and add so much to each page.
If you haven’t read the Butcher Queen comics, you’re really missing out on something special. This is an indie series with a lot of heart, beautiful storytelling, and fantastic art. Make sure you grab this series from Red 5 Comics, and let them know you’d love more of this story. I cannot wait to see what’s next from Jim Ousley and Ben Sawyer.
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