Speak: The Graphic Novel

Speak: The Graphic Novel

I’ve never read the actual book associated with this graphic novel, but I imagined it played out the same just visually. I wasn’t truly captivated by the story from the beginning, but once it started to build, I started to open up. I was more attracted to the art work and its subtle hint of poetic imagery.

The main character, Melinda, has emotionally shut down from dating and friendships and disconnected with the world. She tries to take up interesting hobbies like art and sculpting, but it only reveals the true horror and dark secret that’s resonating inside her. She even befriends a girl that is the complete opposite of her. Because of her emotional shut down she doesn’t voice her opinions so freely or easily. She doesn’t fight back and hides from her humiliation to avoid confrontation.

Because of Melinda being so emotionally shut down and somewhat angsty about everything, I had a hard time relating with her. She didn’t let herself open up to people that were into the same things she was and could have helped her in the healing process. Instead, she acted as though she was so different from everyone else that she was the only one who was beyond high school life.

I understand the emotional and physical trauma the character went through, but one reason girls or women don’t tell people what they went through is because they want their life to go back to the way it was before the event. Everyone handles trauma differently, but Mel’s response came across as an angsty teenager who doesn’t care about the life unfolding and changing before her.

Some of the characters that Mel pushes away are actually decent people. Mel had a new friend even if it wasn’t someone she would usually befriend, but at least the girl wanted to be friends with Mel. It was just frustrating to watch Mel push her away and treat the girl like she was another popular jerk who’s only looking out for herself.

Overall, I had a hard time connecting with Mel. When she finally spoke up about her assault, she opened her emotions and allowed people back into her life and heart. That was a good moment for her.