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Portal 2: Lab Rat
To help develop the history of Aperture Science, and the span of time between Portal and Portal 2, Valve expanded upon the unseen character of the "Rat Man" in both Portal 2 and through a digital comic, "Portal 2: Lab Rat", whose storyline takes place between the two games.
This comic, made available online about two weeks before Portal 2's release, includes Wicklund's art contrasted against Oeming's own style and layout along with an overall story written by Ted Kosmatka. The artists worked with the game's writers, Laidlaw, Faliszek, Wolpaw, Pinkerton and team leader Josh Weir, to tie the comic's story to the plot of Portal 2.
This comic, made available online about two weeks before Portal 2's release, includes Wicklund's art contrasted against Oeming's own style and layout along with an overall story written by Ted Kosmatka. The artists worked with the game's writers, Laidlaw, Faliszek, Wolpaw, Pinkerton and team leader Josh Weir, to tie the comic's story to the plot of Portal 2.
26 pages, Digital Comic
First published April 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
750 people want to read
About the author
Ted Kosmatka
67 books161 followersTED KOSMATKA set his sights early on being a writer. This mostly involved having all his writing rejected, pursuing a biology degree, dropping out before graduation, and becoming a steel worker like his father and grandfather. Then the mill went bankrupt. After that he worked various lab jobs where friendships were born and fire departments were called. (And where he learned the fine point of distinction between fire-resistant and fire-proof) Eventually, Ted ended up at a research lab. Then came the final logical step: ditching all that to write video games in Seattle. Ted’s fiction has been nominated for the Nebula and Sturgeon awards. His novel THE FLICKER MEN was selected by Publishers Weekly as one of the best thrillers of the summer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 7, 2011
"I'd ask you to think outside the box on this, but obviously your box is broken. And has schizophrenia."
Lab Rat is an incredibly short online comic that serves as both backstory to and bridging material between Portal and Portal 2. There's no point in adding any more plot details. If you've played Portal, I don't need to, and if you haven't, you should. The Portal series is one of my favorites, and so I can't be objective enough to write a decent review. It's true to the games, the art is great and suits the storyline perfectly, and it's quite well-written. Also, it's free to read online.
Lab Rat is an incredibly short online comic that serves as both backstory to and bridging material between Portal and Portal 2. There's no point in adding any more plot details. If you've played Portal, I don't need to, and if you haven't, you should. The Portal series is one of my favorites, and so I can't be objective enough to write a decent review. It's true to the games, the art is great and suits the storyline perfectly, and it's quite well-written. Also, it's free to read online.
June 17, 2015
Fantastic!
This is for Portal fans only, if you haven't played the games this won't make a lick of sense. Also, if you haven't played the games WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!!! These are seriously the best video games I've ever played, they are smart and funny and original.
This comic bridges the two games (Portal & Portal 2) together quite nicely and explains the wall scribblings that make the first game so mysterious.
The artwork is perfect for the tone and the writing includes all same things that are great about the game. It keeps things simple, but also has a dose of creepy with just the right amount of funny.
This is a must for anyone who has spent time as a test subject for Aperture Science! (And if you haven't what are you waiting for?!)
This is for Portal fans only, if you haven't played the games this won't make a lick of sense. Also, if you haven't played the games WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!!! These are seriously the best video games I've ever played, they are smart and funny and original.
This comic bridges the two games (Portal & Portal 2) together quite nicely and explains the wall scribblings that make the first game so mysterious.
The artwork is perfect for the tone and the writing includes all same things that are great about the game. It keeps things simple, but also has a dose of creepy with just the right amount of funny.
This is a must for anyone who has spent time as a test subject for Aperture Science! (And if you haven't what are you waiting for?!)
April 27, 2015
Portal 2: Lab Rat is an interesting, beautifully drawn short comic, obviously, connected to the high praised videogames of the same name. The story takes place in between the first and the second game, and connects the two stories through a character, hinted at throughout both games, Rat Man and the decisions he makes.
The comic, albeit short, makes up for its length in details. The drawings are amazing, and the character's "problems" are beautifully reflected in the lines and the colours throughout the comic. In addition, the story itself is also good, giving more information about the universe of Portal, which should satisfy any fan.
However, the short length of the comic does hinder the investment in this new character and the story. I am inclined to believe the comic wasn't ever supposed to achieve that sort of depth, instead just giving more of the universe to those people already invested in it through the games. Therefore, I can definitely respect that decision, but it still takes a little away from the experience.
Still, I highly recommend this comic to any fan of the series, and should you never have heard or played Portal before, I urge you to play the first game before reading this comic, and after that continuing with the second game. This series is a true example of how videogames can become so much more, than mindless fun.
The comic, albeit short, makes up for its length in details. The drawings are amazing, and the character's "problems" are beautifully reflected in the lines and the colours throughout the comic. In addition, the story itself is also good, giving more information about the universe of Portal, which should satisfy any fan.
However, the short length of the comic does hinder the investment in this new character and the story. I am inclined to believe the comic wasn't ever supposed to achieve that sort of depth, instead just giving more of the universe to those people already invested in it through the games. Therefore, I can definitely respect that decision, but it still takes a little away from the experience.
Still, I highly recommend this comic to any fan of the series, and should you never have heard or played Portal before, I urge you to play the first game before reading this comic, and after that continuing with the second game. This series is a true example of how videogames can become so much more, than mindless fun.
April 19, 2022
Light spoilers: A friend told me about this comic while I was playing Portal 1, years later I finished both games. I was crossing between different fandoms, then remembered how much I used to love Portal then I just got back into playing the games. I asked my friend if they could send me a link to the comic and after I read it I was amazed at how great it was. Once I read it everything of the two games I didn’t get, made since, it fit together perfectly, like a puzzle. I loved how innocent the companion cube is, exactly how I imagined it from all the paintings on the walls in-game that Doug made. The art style is absolutely amazing, it’s able to just perfectly catch the insanity of Doug.
It is a great comic, but before anyone reads it, I suggest playing the games first.
It is a great comic, but before anyone reads it, I suggest playing the games first.
January 31, 2013
"Reality is a story the mind tells itself, an artificial structure conjured into being by the calcium ion exchange of a million synaptic firings, a truth so strange it can only be lied into existence."
I am obsessed with this; I don't even know where to begin. It's so short and simple but the subtleties in certain phrases and illustrations have this residual effect that can leave you wildly pondering your existence for a time after. GlaDOS is also very well written. At some point, I am going to have to buy the trade paperback for my bookshelf.
I am obsessed with this; I don't even know where to begin. It's so short and simple but the subtleties in certain phrases and illustrations have this residual effect that can leave you wildly pondering your existence for a time after. GlaDOS is also very well written. At some point, I am going to have to buy the trade paperback for my bookshelf.
February 27, 2022
I do miss the Portal game series. Portal 2: Lab Rat was a short digital comic released between games to whet fan appetites. It managed this and then some.
Kosmatka scripted an intricate story within 27 pages, exploring the life of Doug Rattmann, a former scientist of Aperture Science and survivor of the wrath of GlaDOS, the crazed artificial intelligence running the facility. Not only is he a functioning schizophrenic, he has managed to live so long in such a hostile terrain because of his paranoia, not to mention his intelligence.
Oeming and Whitlund's scratchy, exaggerated artwork perfectly exemplifies Rattmann's troubled state of mind, particularly when compared to flashbacks featuring more clean and sedate illustration. The character's downfall is vividly tragic.
While Lab Rat serves the purpose of bridging the gap between the end of Portal and the beginning of Portal 2, it also conveys some acerbic philosophy and more warped logic from GlaDOS. One favourite quote of mine is 'If any Aperture Science employee would like to opt out of this new voluntary testing program, please remember, science rhymes with compliance. Do you know what doesn't rhyme with compliance? Neurotoxin.'
Portal 2: Lab Rat is a fantastic short comic, the creators of whom deserve more recognition. I recommend it to fans of the game series and those drawn to quirky tales of survival.
Kosmatka scripted an intricate story within 27 pages, exploring the life of Doug Rattmann, a former scientist of Aperture Science and survivor of the wrath of GlaDOS, the crazed artificial intelligence running the facility. Not only is he a functioning schizophrenic, he has managed to live so long in such a hostile terrain because of his paranoia, not to mention his intelligence.
Oeming and Whitlund's scratchy, exaggerated artwork perfectly exemplifies Rattmann's troubled state of mind, particularly when compared to flashbacks featuring more clean and sedate illustration. The character's downfall is vividly tragic.
While Lab Rat serves the purpose of bridging the gap between the end of Portal and the beginning of Portal 2, it also conveys some acerbic philosophy and more warped logic from GlaDOS. One favourite quote of mine is 'If any Aperture Science employee would like to opt out of this new voluntary testing program, please remember, science rhymes with compliance. Do you know what doesn't rhyme with compliance? Neurotoxin.'
Portal 2: Lab Rat is a fantastic short comic, the creators of whom deserve more recognition. I recommend it to fans of the game series and those drawn to quirky tales of survival.
July 31, 2015
Aha! So this is what happened between Portal and Portal 2. This little online comic is a must-read if you're a fan of the Portal franchise and want to know more about the background of the game's world. You'll definately enjoy the familiar twistedness of the series and GLaDOS's hilarious one liners. It's short and sweet, and totally worth it!
May 29, 2016
well here we are again it's always such a pleasure
remember when you tried to kill me twice?
oh how we laughed and laughed except i wasn't laughing
under the circumstances i've been shockingly nice
you want your freedom? take it that's what I'm counting on
i used to want you dead now i only want you gone
remember when you tried to kill me twice?
oh how we laughed and laughed except i wasn't laughing
under the circumstances i've been shockingly nice
you want your freedom? take it that's what I'm counting on
i used to want you dead now i only want you gone
April 5, 2012
It started poorly and I was not overly fond of the art... but... I <3 GLaDOS. As soon as she began talking I was enthralled and sad when it ended.
September 4, 2013
nie, żeby mnie kreska czy fabuła powaliła, ale fajnie zobaczyć prequel sequela ( historia między Portal i Portal 2), zwłaszcza jeśli akurat jest się wciągniętym przez grę... :)
September 25, 2016
Interesting comic with an especially interesting end. The humor especially feels like a direct extension of the game.
November 19, 2020
Wow. Just wow. I love the Portal series with a passion, one of my friends told me about this when I first played Portal. But I had to wait until I finished Portal 2 to read it. After playing the absolutely amazing Portal 2, I kinda put it off... now, I finally read it! I loved the little callbacks to the game (Cave Johnson’s Prerecorded Message, GLaDOS’ obsession with Neurotoxin, ect.), it really made me connect with the characters and his backstory. The art style, in a way, reflected Doug’s Schizophrenia. It was very chaotic and disorganized but it brought me back to running around in Portal and seeing the artwork. This was an amazing addition to the series. (I wish Valve would make another great addition to the series! *cough* Three! *cough*) Overall, a really great, short (sadly) book, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I would highly suggest this to Portal Fans out there, it actually explains a lot. Great job, Valve, for pulling me back into Aperture Science within 27 pages.
Trying to figure out how to use this portal gun,
Allie Kat
Trying to figure out how to use this portal gun,
Allie Kat
December 11, 2021
Initially I didn't like the art style and I was planning on giving the game a 4 stars, then I remembered that this is the style that the Ratman is drawing with in the actual game, and this turned out to be an awesome idea.
Nothing negative can be said about the plot of this book as it furthers the story of both portal 1 & 2 and it fills any gaps in between.
This was surprisingly great read for me as opposed to many of the comics that accompany game releases.
Nothing negative can be said about the plot of this book as it furthers the story of both portal 1 & 2 and it fills any gaps in between.
This was surprisingly great read for me as opposed to many of the comics that accompany game releases.
January 15, 2022
"If any Aperture Science employee would like to opt out of this new voluntary testing program, please remember, science rhymes with compliance. Do you know what doesn't rhyme with compliance? Neurotoxin."
It's lines like this that make me love GLaDOS even more, and I cannot begin to express how much I think this world would make a fantastic tv series.
It's lines like this that make me love GLaDOS even more, and I cannot begin to express how much I think this world would make a fantastic tv series.
October 10, 2019
Adds a lot of nice insight and lovely art style
November 21, 2016
"—You're right. Walking is too slow. Run Away.
—Runnin is what 've been doing. Running and hiding.
—It's why you're still alive. You're not a hero. Heroes die".
Acabo de terminar Portal 2 y la euforia me persigue como yo persigo la información sobre la saga: sus secretos, sus sorpresas. Quiero siempre un poco más, un detalle, un guiño. Un amigo me recomendó que después de terminar el videojuego leyera esta historia sobre el sujeto que durante Portal y Portal 2 ha dejado sus dibujos en las instalaciones de Aperture Science.
La historia de Doug Rattman es breve pero efectivísima: conocemos un poco más sobre la conformación de GLaDos (su intervención es exquisita) y la estupidez nata de los científicos de Aperture, así como la necesidad de Doug por salvar a Chell después de los eventos de Portal y que explicarán el comienzo de Portal 2.
Las palabras del cubo de compañía son proféticas y tristes, pero resumen la belleza de esta breve historia: el hombre que sacrificó su libertad (quién sabe cuánto tiempo escapó de GLaDos, cuánto tiempo pasó para que ignorara las virtudes del sol) por salvar a la persona amada.
"She never gives up. Ever"
—Runnin is what 've been doing. Running and hiding.
—It's why you're still alive. You're not a hero. Heroes die".
Acabo de terminar Portal 2 y la euforia me persigue como yo persigo la información sobre la saga: sus secretos, sus sorpresas. Quiero siempre un poco más, un detalle, un guiño. Un amigo me recomendó que después de terminar el videojuego leyera esta historia sobre el sujeto que durante Portal y Portal 2 ha dejado sus dibujos en las instalaciones de Aperture Science.
La historia de Doug Rattman es breve pero efectivísima: conocemos un poco más sobre la conformación de GLaDos (su intervención es exquisita) y la estupidez nata de los científicos de Aperture, así como la necesidad de Doug por salvar a Chell después de los eventos de Portal y que explicarán el comienzo de Portal 2.
Las palabras del cubo de compañía son proféticas y tristes, pero resumen la belleza de esta breve historia: el hombre que sacrificó su libertad (quién sabe cuánto tiempo escapó de GLaDos, cuánto tiempo pasó para que ignorara las virtudes del sol) por salvar a la persona amada.
"She never gives up. Ever"
February 3, 2017
I read this comic along with "The Final Hours of Portal 2" soon after finishing the game. The creative process of an artist, a game developer, and the sound designer all shines through and blends together to create this amazing universe of Aperture Science. 'Lab Rat' is highly symbolic of the heinous workplace that Aperture Science is, where the cost of a life is nothing compared to the "science" that is derived out of testing.
The comic drops hints at the events that happened between Portal and Portal 2.
The artwork is beautiful and the comic does an excellent job at showing the thought process of the protagonist.
Highly recommended after playing the two best games designed in human existence.
The comic drops hints at the events that happened between Portal and Portal 2.
The artwork is beautiful and the comic does an excellent job at showing the thought process of the protagonist.
Highly recommended after playing the two best games designed in human existence.
November 21, 2016
A short digital comic that bridges the gap between "Portal" and "Portal 2." Unsurprisingly, if you've never played either of those games then this digital comic probably won't make very much sense to you. That said, for as short as it is it does include a fairly deep message about both both mental illness and the creation of artificial intelligence. Plus, from a purely non-story standpoint the imagery in the comic is really cool, with entirely different art styles based on the mental state of the protagonist. On the flip side, from a purely story standpoint Lab Rat offers up some key insight into just what in the world happened between Portal and Portal 2, and if you never played the original Portal *after* they retconned the ending then Lab Rat brings you up to speed quite quickly.
January 3, 2015
A very interesting short comic that links the first Portal game to the second. The story of a scientist in Aperture labs who was rightfully paranoid about GlaDOS's intentions and his efforts to shut her down.
It's a great comic that you can find on a Valve's website, I definitely recommend this to anyone who appreciates Portal's witty story.
It's a great comic that you can find on a Valve's website, I definitely recommend this to anyone who appreciates Portal's witty story.
February 4, 2016
It added a whole other layer to the game. Personally being a huge fan of the games, I found it very interesting on getting a new perspective and an entirety different story. If you like the games, you'll love this book. It's also a quick-read graphic novel that you can finish in (less than) a day.
I was introduced to this book by the online YouTube series "The Game Theorists".
I was introduced to this book by the online YouTube series "The Game Theorists".
September 18, 2015
A nice little explanation of what happened between the events of the first and second Portal games. We get to meet the infamous Doug Rattmann whose scrawlings we've been enjoying through the games.
Definitely recommended if you've played the game.
Definitely recommended if you've played the game.
May 22, 2014
It explains the void between portal and portal 2 nice enought, but with few Glados' interventions on the storyline, being Glados the greatest character of the series... It think it lacked some Glados.
July 11, 2014
Really good on GlaDoS background and what she did and how chill got to be woken upPortal 2: Lab Rat
October 25, 2014
Was very disappointed in this. Loved the art, but the story didn't make very much sense to me. I needed a little more of something, I don't know. I'm not sure what it was, but something just didn't jive with me. Too bad, because Portal is one of my favorite games, EVER.
July 9, 2015
It was a little confusing to me, but nonetheless helpful in explaining the bridge between portal and portal 2. for anyone who a hasn't seen it I would recommend the "exile, vilify" music video by the national, which goes hand in hand with this comic!
October 25, 2017
Something that i did not see any other artist do as beautiful as in this comic is how they change the artstyle depending on the psychological state of the protagonist.
It is a tiny story, that brings us more details to the games.
A plot of Portal 1&2 transformed into a story.
It is a tiny story, that brings us more details to the games.
A plot of Portal 1&2 transformed into a story.
September 16, 2012
Fantastic art.
May 27, 2012
Fantastic. That is all. This cleared things up a bit. Also, GLaDOS is great.
November 9, 2012
An amazing comic to further explain Ratmans story in Portal and a very well written and illustrated reading piece.
August 22, 2013
really cool and very funny
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews