Most of the comics series published today revolve around superheros, with the occasional divergence towards science fiction, fantasy or horror. As a result, the vast majority of trade paperback collections are in these genres. Most graphic novels, on the other hand, are either autobiographies (Stuck Rubber Baby, Blankets and even, in a sense, Maus) or experimental indie projects, rather genre defying in nature (Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron comes to mind). It seems that in spite of its potential to tell all kinds of stories, prejudice and current readership limits graphic story telling - at least in English - to very few styles and types of stories.
But once in a while, an artist takes a bold step, or perhaps the publishers let down their guard, and we're awarded with the rare gem of a good story that just happens to be told in sequential art, shaking off the shackles of expectations and custom that the medium has become burdened with.
This is the case with The Tale of One Bad Rat by Bryan Talbot, originally published by Dark Horse.
We first encounter our hero, Helen, begging for money in the Tottenham Court Road underground station and contemplating suicide. All, it is rather obvious, is not well. And, indeed, Helen has low self esteem, can't bear to be touched and doesn't trust anybody. All classic symptoms of sexual abuse victims. Helen, however, is not only typical, she is also unique: by degrees, with ups and downs on the way, she learns to trust people, and is resolved to face her issues rather than let her past smother her present. Unlike so many others, Helen manages - with the help of kind strangers, an iron will and an active imagination - to reforge her self and her future.
Article comments
1 - Paul Goldman
What an interesting twist on the Beatrix Potter characters!