The Bad Guys: Episode 1

Blabey’s illustrations continue to play an important role in the narrative in these chapters, particularly his use of exaggerated cartoon styling to emphasize comedy and character expression. One effective technique that Blabey repeatedly employs is the use of negative space; in several pages, characters are centered alone in a mostly blank panel, which directs full attention to their expressions or the absurdity of their situation. A particularly striking visual moment occurs on Pages 64 and 65, where a two-page spread showcases Mr. Wolf’s car—his “rock ‘n’ rollin’ chariot of flaming coolness,” with unusual parts like “customer ejector” and “fat wheels for just looking insanely cool” (64). The book’s comedic tone is enhanced by the illustration of the car’s off-kilter shape, which is influenced by vintage cartoon physics and bends and twists as it screeches to a stop. Similarly, some panels make Mr. Shark appear even more ridiculous and menacing by compressing or stretching to match his massive frame. The illustration of Mr. Piranha inside Mr. Snake’s belly or the cat’s googly, frightened eyes as it clings to a tree are more examples of the humor’s visual elements. These decisions emphasize the graphic novel’s transition between comic book and cartoon, with a little hint of anti-heroism.

Character development continues, particularly reflected in how the group resists change, both intentionally and unintentionally. It turns out that Transformation and Going Against One’s Nature are no easy feat. Mr. Wolf tries to inspire the others by asking, “Aren’t you tired of being the VILLAIN? Aren’t you tired of the SCREAMS? Aren’t you tired of the FEAR?” (48). Unlike Mr. Wolf, however, the others don’t mind being feared and just see it as their lot in life. Mr. Snake and Mr. Piranha show no enthusiasm about the Good Guys Club at first and make no attempts to fight their basic instincts. Mr. Shark also fails to appear friendly; no matter how much he tries, his appearance remains threatening, especially as he towers over others with large, pointed teeth. His dialogue when he tries to calm down the cat is colored in red, blood-like lettering, suggesting the potential for violence. Each animal refuses to wear their assigned “good guy” hats, a small but symbolic rejection of Mr. Wolf’s vision. These moments emphasize that while Mr. Wolf wants to change, at this point, his teammates might only be going along for the ride.

These chapters reinforce the idea that Mr. Wolf feels trapped by the world’s perception of him, further developing the theme of Being Misunderstood and Fighting Stereotypes. He wants desperately to prove he’s not a villain anymore, but he is largely alone in that desire. His friends never really agreed to become “good guys” and don’t seem bothered by their reputations. Even their good deeds terrify the animals they are trying to help. Mr. Wolf repeatedly tries to steer his carnivorous teammates away from eating meat, offering cake instead of mice or seals, but they crave their old habits. His good intentions run into trouble when he refuses to accept their instincts. Mr. Wolf himself also exhibits some inconsistency in this regard, threatening Mr. Snake and resorting to violence to get the job done. Mr. Wolf is tired of being feared, but that doesn’t mean he knows how to be a hero, and his friends’ reluctance emphasizes how hard it is to fight against one’s nature.

Despite the chaos and failure, the group demonstrates Teamwork Amongst Unlikely Allies. The club’s attempt to rescue the cat is completely unconventional: Snake swallows Piranha, Wolf swings Snake, and the result is Piranha landing on the cat, which leaps from the tree in terror. It isn’t perfect, and it wasn’t in the plan, but it turns out to be effective. This absurd and awkward show of collaboration indicates that even the most unlikely teammates can achieve something together. The foundation for a deeper connection that develops over the series is laid by these early instances of collaboration.