It appears we’re in a new age of adult fantasy as Babs releases this week, joining the likes of Barbaric and Rat Queens, just to name two. Blending adult language and themes, writer Garth Ennis aims to filthy up the swords and sorcery genre and does so beautifully. Throw in some social commentary on internet culture, and you’ve got yourself a wild ride.
The first thing you’ll notice when you crack open Babs #1 is the great art by Jacen Burrows. The forests are lush, and the detail is gorgeous. Captions draw us in with a sing-song sort of depiction of how others see Babs while a fox hunts and dives for a bunny. Burrows is great at character acting, a must for a comedy like this, but there’s so much rich detail in this fantasy world you’ll never doubt its setting.
Soon, she’s pulling at her chainail top and commenting on how it’s going to sheer her nipples off. This is not your father’s Conan the Barbarian. This is a good setup, as much of this issue is set in a bar where Babs must deal with incel-like ruffians. Prior to getting to the bar, there’s a good gag involving a dragon and a solid setup of Babs’ other barbarian friend.
These characters are known as “leprecunts” in the issue.
Credit: AHOY
This issue isn’t all swearing and puke humor, though there’s plenty. There’s some good commentary about the typical overly online male who was thrown in. At one point, they’re talking crap about Babs because they claim she stole the costume from her father, who did it better. You see, they hate when they think gender-bending is taking place. Later, there’s further commentary from this vile lot involving the “Deep Realm,” aka the Deep State. They’re a good foil for our barbarian lead, who couldn’t care less about these has-been washed-up males.
Somewhat surprisingly, Ennis sticks to Babs’ desire to soften up her chainmail with events after the bar. The scene helps establish her talking sword, which is set up well, but a lot of time is spent on a mishap with a bear. While I’m fine with a bear attack, it seems like a lot of focus to keep her occupied while the incels grow in strength.
This issue also houses a backup teaser for Toxic Avenger, and it’s a great bit of grimy weirdness. Fred Harper’s art has a grit that’ll make you feel itchy in a good way. The Toxic Avenger is truly disturbing to look at, and Mat Bors captures wholesomeness right off the bat. The social commentary, though brief, is going to be a delight to dig into once the series kicks off.
Babs is a hell of a lot of fun, especially for someone who grew up loving Conan the Barbarian. There’s an edginess you don’t often see in comics made for adults you won’t want to miss. This is a smart comedy disguised as a filthy one while also completely insane.
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