#2 Graphic Novel- The Tale of One Bad Rat

Talbot, Bryan. The Tale of One Bad Rat. Milwaukie, Dark Horse Books, 1994. Print.

Annotation: After suffering severe abuse at the hands of her father, Helen flees from her home with her pet rat. Not exactly sure of where to turn, she begins to follow in the path of her favorite author Beatrix Potter in a desperate attempt to rid herself of the abuse she has had to endure.

Justification for Non-nomination:

Talbot uses this graphic novel as a device to show the harsh realities of child abuse and incest. Helen, abused by her father finds comfort in the life and books of Beatrix Potter. Her only companion is a rat she rescued from a laboratory. After fleeing from her father, Helen is homeless, roaming the streets desperate for food and shelter. She encounters many evils along the way including people believing she is a sinner and the cause of her despair, which actually can be tied into what a person suffering abuse may feel.  She also encounters people looking to use her for prostitution or sexual favors of their own. Tragically, no one has Helen’s best interest at heart and she receives absolutely no unconditional love through much of the story.

Though it is a dark and dismal story, there is a prevailing message in this comic-art style graphic novel in that Helen can become the voice of those being abused. Talbot moves her character through various psychological stages that accompany the pain and eventual healing associated with sexual abuse: guilt, despair, distrust, worthlessness, anger, and eventually confrontation of her abuser. These stages allow Helen to progress on a path towards healing allowing for her journey to be a vehicle for other abused children to possibly find hope and healing when dealing with sexual abuse.

Though this is a courageous piece of literature in that it brings sexual abuse to the forefront and offers to be a healing, “you are not alone,” type of device for those suffering from abuse, I couldn’t help but think of the target audience. This piece would show the horrors of sexual abuse and incest but I question its influence and impact on those that have not suffered in this way. While it is necessary to bring awareness to this abuse, this book most likely would be influential to those being traumatized, affected, or even experiencing abuse.


Genre Catalog: Graphic Novel, Realistic Novels/Problem Novels/Edgy Fiction