The Bad Guys: Episode 1

Stereotypes lead to misunderstanding, and being misunderstood or judged based on appearances can be devastating. The four characters in The Bad Guys, especially Mr. Wolf, see value in trying to change how others see them; they want to be judged for their actions, rather than how they look. The graphic novel opens with Mr. Wolf launching into a speech about how awful it is to be feared and seen as “bad.” He is determined to make others see him differently. This is no easy feat, so he employs the help of three unlikely friends who all have the same bad reputation. Initially, Blabey casts doubt on Mr. Wolf’s true intentions and whether he is capable of change by depicting him as a dark and sinister figure on the first page. Mr. Wolf, however, knows he has been the villain in many famous stories and decides that this story must be different. With Mr. Wolf’s determination and the teamwork of his fellow predators, Blabey promotes the need to push back against stereotypes and fight against being misunderstood.

At first, Mr. Wolf’s predator friends aren’t interested in changing themselves or the way they are seen. They hop in Mr. Wolf’s car with him because they are curious about what might happen, not because they are interested in changing their image.