Positives:
- The art is an approachable style, one that a lot of people will enjoy. There aren't any quirky stylistic elements that takes some getting used to (i.e. the art in The Simpsons). Every page is also fully colored, which took more time on the artist's part but is more engaging and enjoyable.
- The representation is present and good in this comic. It doesn't feel forced or unnatural for the most part. It's good to see people of all skin colors, sexuality, gender identity and body types as an organic part of the world.
- It tackles some important topics that people of our world struggle with while remaining consistent with its own fantasy setting. The cleric being both queer and devout, knowing exactly where their moral compass points is perhaps the strongest takeaway from the tale.

As much as I'd like to give works like this a five star rating, because it really matters to me that the artist went that extra mile to colorize everything and I feel that representation is really important, unfortunately there are quite a few ways that Real Hero Shit falls short for me, as someone who consumes a lot of fantasy. Your mileage may vary, especially if you're coming from a different background than I am:
- It's less of a story, and more of a collection of common fantasy tropes: the flamboyant swashbuckler, the horny/party animal tiefling, the persecution of secular magic by religious authorities, the wizard who spurns religion, just to name some.
- How Eugene and Ani ended up felt like it was supposed to have been this surprising development, but it didn't really end up being surprising.
- Overall, the story wasn't really memorable.

All in all, I'd say it's a good introduction to fantasy, for if someone wanted to get a friend who doesn't consume much fantasy into it. The cool thing about comics is that they're a lot more accessible than a lengthy RPG or TTPRG, and Real Hero Shit conveys that mix of fantastical and meta elements.

Eugene is a prince and a scoundrel. Bored, he decides to join a group of adventurers who are on a quest to find who is kidnapping people in a far-off village. The journey isn't without its dangers, but Eugene is just happy to be there.

Accompanying Eugene is Michel, an elf with a secretive past, Hocus, a religious healer who uses E/Em/Es pronouns, and Ani, a secular mage who is very short and very angry.

The story is extremely funny while still having a compelling plot. The cast is compelling and the quest is a good adventure. I will admit I was caught off guard by the sex scene, but I still enjoyed the graphic novel.

4.5/5 stars.

Plot:

Prince Eugene grows bored of his life in the castle and decides to seek adventure, further fame, and the chance to become a real hero, by joining a trio of young questing adventurers who are currently in need of a fourth questing-party member.

Together, Michel, Ani, Hocus, and Prince Eugene will investigate a small mountain town outside of the kingdom, where villagers of all ages have been disappearing without a trace. This quest was given to Michel, the party leader, by the secret organization he works for, a network of thieves known as The Underguild. However, with the arrogant and rather horny (in more ways than one) Prince Eugene now in the party, their mission may become a lot less covert, but without a doubt, a lot more entertaining.

Story:

This story, first of all, is not suitable for younger audiences. It’s a story that involves adult content such as nudity, scenes of a sexual nature, and strong language. For us more mature readers, that’s simply what makes it so good. It’s a story that’s not afraid to be nerdy, horny, and downright hilarious and Kendra Wells writes it perfectly with great comedic timing, a perfect tone, and an almost anime-like style to its layout.

It features your classic high fantasy/D&D type tropes, such as different races, classes, different types of magic, and a religious conflict, but it also brings forth the modern and real-life aspects of gender fluidity, and gender identity, with Hocus’ race, the Zsegda being portrayed as having a varying list of possible gender identifications as well as which pronouns to use for certain ones. It’s a great addition to an already incredible story that just gives it so much more depth than previous stories within the same genre.

Art:

The digital art drawn by Wells shows great detail when needed, whilst building the world with a clear and precise vision, to portray the world that they have created. Each character design is unique, giving you a clear portrayal of who’s who and what’s what, with plenty of representation from all spectrums of life, and that might sound like a lot to take away from the art, but I promise you, when you read this book, you’ll see what I mean. Its vibrant colors and action-packed panels show clear inspiration taken from a mixture of both Manga/Anime art styles as well as American cartooning, with Wells adding in their own splash of adult content, making this a book unlike any other currently on the shelves.

The Kingdom of Marble is a vast land with varying landscapes, a whole host of races, various religious beliefs, and of course plenty of questing to be done for those brave enough to do it. These elements are portrayed through Wells’ art, which brings them to life and gives the reader a clear idea of Wells’ vision for the world they are building for us, the readers, to enjoy.

Conclusion:

Real Hero Shit is a fantastic, highly enjoyable, and brilliantly entertaining story with excellent artwork to take the reader on a journey of adventure, laughter, and lust, along with the uniquely designed characters that will leave you wanting more. I myself already hope there are multiple sequels to this book because it is without a doubt one of the most unique graphic novels I have read in a long while. It’s unapologetically awesome, holds nothing back, and the adult content takes nothing away from the pacing, or story. If anything, it simply adds to the overall enjoyable experience. It reminds me of the Dragon Age video game series, so if you’re a fan of those, and games like them, then this is a book for you!

Real Hero Shit was a clever and colorful twist on classic adventure tales. When a team of adventurers accidentally catches the prince's attention, they have no choice but to let him join their team. Though he's their opposite in every way, they head off and tackle the mysterious disappearances plaguing a nearby town.
This is a short graphic novel. You can read it in half an hour, and read it you should. As the title suggests it's a story that doesn't take itself too seriously and the characters have lots of room to grow if the author continues this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and LetterBetterPublishing Services for a protected pdf in exchange for an honest review.

Described as a fantasy action-comedy, Real Hero Shit is a lighthearted fast-paced story that I read over my lunch break. I was so into the story that I wouldn't have minded if it is was longer. The illustrations were gorgeous!



Expected Publication Date 01/02/22
Goodreads review published 20/01/22

A fun new story with a lot of potentials. Still, a lot to learn about the world and characters but a great recommendation for lovers of fantasy and D&D.

Fun, light, and short. I was thrown off by the pacing, as I assumed the main conflict was the first stop of many. There definitely could have been more complexity in the story, but I liked getting to know the characters, and the interpersonal stuff was more interesting. I loved the cleric and wanted way more of a focus on them!

Real Hero Shit by Kendra Wells is a hysterically funny, fantasy adventure that is an absolute joy to read. I had so much fun reading this comic, it was the perfect escapism of humour, adventure, action and sarcasm that came into my comic life right when I needed it.

I first discovered this comic on NetGalley. I was the cover, became intrigued and investigated further, the description grabbed me and I requested to read there and then. Thankfully I was accepted, this filled me with excitement. I was not disappointed when I finished reading this book. Kendra is an exceptionally talented person, not only in writing this delightfully awesome story but also in providing the expressive artwork. Whilst this was an advanced readers copy with the potential to ‘iron out’ some of the art, the art style and direction is fantastic and compliments the story and writing style beautifully.

My favourite aspect of this story is that it is different to other comics on the market right now. Yes, there are plenty of fantasy comics but none, for me, have this magically crafted recipe of humour, action, intrigue and general naughtiness. As someone from the UK I really did appreciate the jokes and sarcasm throughout! It’s right up my street and I honestly laughed out loud during certain panels.


I need more stories that include this group of rough around the edges ‘heroes’. I had such a happy feeling in my mind reading this comic and I want that to continue. I’m hoping Kendra may read my review and answer my prayers with a new story! I’m down for being a guest character too! Haha! In all honesty you need to check this comic out whether you are a fantasy fan, D&D fan or just a lover of good, well made comics.

“Why is this gremlin shooing me, it was a draw, not a loss.” - Eugen Edouard Emmanuel D’Pascha, Crown Prince And Heir Apparent Of The Kingdom Of Marble

This graphic novel is lighthearted, funny, wonderfully drawn and it’s got amazing characters! I instantly fell in love with Hocus and Eugene, definitely my favorites! I enjoyed reading the story and the end left me with wanting to know more about their past and their future. I hope I’ll be able to read more about this quartet in the future. “Real Hero Shit” has got diversity and there also were some spicy scenes that I really liked!
Bonus: Eugene is witty and sarcastic, I love that about a main character!

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this graphic novel!

Rating: 4 stars

I had so much fun with this, as soon as I was approved I read the whole thing in one sitting and I didn't want it to end! I'm hoping there might be a follow up in the future...

The art style was so stunning and the colours vivid, the story was full of adventure and comedy and the characters were an absolute delight!

Overall, highly recommend this graphic novel if you like fantasy adventure, diverse characters and comedy.

Real Hero Shit is a graphic novel following Prince Eugene on his sudden decision to become a hero. He joins the questing party of Michel, Ani and Hocus, who all have strong opinions of the entitled prince, and together they start their journey to a village where people have gone missing. How will their journey go?

I loved the aesthetic of the story! It was quick-paced, the characters are awesome and the art is beautiful. The start of the graphic novel was very well executed, I was hooked from the very beginning! However, I would have loved some more background information about the characters and some better dialogue.

The graphic novel gets extra points for its diversity! And for the character named Ani, as this is the first time I have ever come across my own name in a book. ;)

I really enjoyed Real Hero Shit, but I don't think I would reread it.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4

I would definitely recommend this to people who like to play D&D because it 100% feels like a D&D game written into graphic novel format. Which makes it a fun adventure story, filled with a great cast of characters and some great action sequences.

That being said, I wanted some of the writing to be stronger throughout the book. The art and the characters are really what carry the story, even though I felt like I was missing some of the background information about the world. Or maybe I just read the book too fast and missed something? Which could be entirely possible.

If you're a fan of role playing games, this is a graphic novel you'll definitely get a kick out of. There's a lot to enjoy here, and you'll be guaranteed to be enteratined if you pick it up!

The main premise is that the prince Eugene, who looks like he was sired by a demon, wants to join a questing party.

Being a prince, he doesn’t get the concept of paying his way, or not having luxuries on the road, and not having everyone do what he wants them to do. And of course, all the other things that come from being privileged, though he is purple, and has horns, so he isn’t white privileged.

The prince is pansexual, and will bed just about anything that moves, and he is drawn to the members of the questing party, some of which he does bed, and others he just lusts after.

It is a fun adventure, with a lot of back story that we don't know, as though we were dropped into the middle of their lives, which we have been.

Fun banter, and mild sex. Probably young adult on up.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

Playboy prince Eugene, bored of life at court, answers a help wanted ad for a swordsman and ends up joining a band affiliated with the Undergild, a group dedicate to questing and solving crimes. Eugene's new band, led by Michel, a mysterious rogue, Ani, a mage, and Hocus, a healer, set off towards a mountain town where people have been going missing, and no one is quite sure why...

I loved this. Super entertaining and loads of fun - perfect for anyone looking for an amusing read between D&D campaigns. I really hope there are further volumes - I need more of Eugene's antics! I need to know Michel's full backstory! More, please!!

I saw the Kickstarter for this posted on my Twitter a few weeks ago, and didn't even realise I had the ARC of it until I was scrolling through my Netgalley, I'm so happy to take part in this one! This graphic novel was fantastic, the art was beautiful and I'm a huge fan of the comedy and D&D aesthetic here, it feels like one of my campaigns but with a little more sauce. Definitely one I'm recommending to pretty much everyone who loves D&D!

This was a super fun graphic novel. A quick read, but also begging for a sequel. I saw another reviewer call this one a true “romp,” and I have to agree! Fun, lighthearted, queer-positive, and a cute story without anything too intense. My one complaint is that it wasn’t longer!

Funny and fun taking some of the tropes from classic fantasy novels and giving them an LGBT+ twist, I would love to see more from these characters and see how they develop along their adventures.

It's like a little D&D game came to life!

The diversity (specifically LGBTQ+ rep) in characters was nice and this book, or specifically Eugene, was so horny. I liked the illustrations, though I think it would have improved from a bit of complexity since they were rather simple--which is completely fine! There is some allusion to a mysterious backstory which I think would be perfect for sequels, which I would completely read.

What I would have liked:
I wish there would have been a bit more story...I just wish it was longer, there was like a red-herring or two... something to make it more like a D&D campaign or just to flesh it out a bit.

I'd recommend this for:
People who like simple stories and enjoy a bit of spice. I think anyone who has ever played a D&D campaign will enjoy this graphic novel, as they might find themselves in some of the characters.

A quick and enjoyable read about a wanderlust royal who joins a questing party. The story follows the basic D&D tropes of party types, missions, and storytelling while boasting a diverse cast of races, genders, and sexualities! The art style is very modern (I'd compare it to many webcomic styles) and the color and backgrounds are gorgeous and well detailed.

We didn't get to find out too much about all the characters and only saw a little action in the story so I hope there will be more issues to come! Even though this isn't the best fit for my libraries' collection I'm definitely going to get a copy for myself.

I love the title a lot! I knew this was going to be awesome and I was right! Prince Eugene is bored and he so wants to be a hero of course and he actually does it. An adventuring group that consists of Michel, Hocus, and Ani need a fourth member that can actually fight and then enters our bastard prince. Eugene is actually quite good a fighter and the group takes him with them on a journey to save a village from a nasty priest. But, the plot ins't the thing here really. It works and is good, but the best thing is the group dynamics and how Eugene starts a sexual relationship with Ani and they both hate each other. It's perfect. The characters are awesome personas and there's lots of lgbtq+ stuff in the comic too. I loved the verbal abuse and jokes and all a lot, totally the best part.

The art looks very game-like in a sense. I do like the line art, it's webcomic style. The colors could vary a bit more and have more layers, but it works like this too. I just love good humor comics with big and pervy heart at the core. It takes no time to read this, but it's surely not for people without humor. It's crude and great!