My roommate Swifty recently loaned me Volume 1 and 2 of the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series, thinking I would like it. Man, was he right.
Scott Pilgrim, by Bryan Lee O’Malley, tells the story of the title character, a Toronto slacker who’s only ambition it seems is to play bass with his band Sex Bob-Omb. He lives in a crappy one bedroom apartment with his gay roommate Wallace. Oh, and he’s the best fighter in the province. And his girlfriend may or may not be an American ninja.
The series is drawn in a silly faux-manga style — big eyes, action poses and all. But its the writing that stands out, from the clever banter to the hilarious labels he gives all all the characters. O’Malley really makes me want to live in the Pilgrim universe and hang out with his friends, fall in love with the girls, and rock out with his band. Which is quite an achievement using the minimalist, black and white style of the manga.
I love having a roommate who collects comics. 🙂