Rogues #3
Written by El Torres
Illustrated by Diego Galindo
Colored by Fran Gamboa
Lettered by Malaka Studio
Cover by Diego Galindo
Amigo Comics
Release Date: July 17, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

Sword and sorcery, action and treachery, nudity and debauchery””all things you’ll find in Rogues #3. From the creative team of El Torres and newcomer Diego Galindo, comes the first issue of a new four-part arc in the series from Amigo Comics. The anti-heroes who fought off wizards and chickens in the first two issues of Rogues are back, and this time it seems like everyone is out to get them.

Someone is roaming about, murdering citizens of Gerada and Bram and the Weasel are investigating””especially considering the latest victim bears a striking resemblance to the Weasel herself. As they subdue the culprit, the two thieves are subsequently chased by a group of hired guards/mercenaries and everything goes downhill from there. With a powerful governing force behind the newly enforced city watch that’s putting an end to all miscreant behavior, will Bram and Weasel escape from justice yet again?

I’m an avid reader of fantasy and many of its sub-genres. Torres clearly takes some vital cues from the likes of Robert E. Howard and other fantasy giants. Rogues can be fun and enticing at times with its action and witty banter between the two protagonists of the comic. Likewise, Galindo’s illustrations are masterfully done with an array of browns and charcoal-like shading that present the gritty feel of Gerada well; however, each issue seems to be a platform to showcase up-close and personal shots of women and their genitalia. I realize that it is probably meant to fit with the humorous and often satirical tone of the series””taking what could be considered an uppercut rather than a light jab at the misogynistic stories of Conan“”but it just seems very distracting and unnecessary; a little too much.

Rogues #3 sets the stage for what will likely be a thrilling joyride into troubled waters for the “heroes” in the near future. It’s certainly a mixed bag of ups and downs with this issue as with the previous two but nonetheless, an enjoyable story. Rogues is definitely not for children, or even some adults for that matter.