The books
[URL="http://www.amazon.com/Scott-Pilgrim-Vol-Versus-World/dp/1932664122"]
[/URL]
It's easy to dismiss American manga-style comics as derivative material intended for teens and tweens. But you would be wrong to do that with Scott Pilgrim. First, the comic is actually set in mysterious Canada and written by Canadian artist Bryan Lee O'Malley. Second, while younger readers can enjoy Scott Pilgrim, it's really written for children of the late 80s-early 90s and gamers. It's not about games, but there are tons of references like the band names (Crash and the Boys, The Clash at Demonhead, etc.), characters playing games (Bomberman!!!), and more.
The books are about Scott Pilgrim, a slacker in his early 20s who plays bass in a band and lives in a 1-bedroom apartment with his gay roommate, Wallace Wells. Initially he dates Knives Chau - a 17 year old, for which he receives lots of teasing (I did this exact same thing myself). But the bulk of the story is about Scott's relationship with Ramona Flowers. He has to defeat her Seven Evil Exes, after all. The story begins very grounded in reality and reads like a comedy with light drama. But eventually fantastic things start happening, like the dramatic arrival of Matthew Patel - Ramona's first evil ex, who is accompanied by succubi. Crazy fights break out all over the place, from concerts to libraries. But the strangeness here really works, because it's balanced with lots of ordinary settings and character development. The dialogue feels authentic, though it's always clever and funny. I noticed someone at CAG called the books stupid, but they are in truth just extremely silly and fun.
Oh, and the art style isn't just some manga wannabe. O'Malley is definitely influenced by respected manga artists like Osamu Tezuka, but his style never comes across as a copy. It's cute, endearing, and yet very well-suited for the occasional intense battle.
I highly recommend everyone read the first volume and see what all the fuss is about.
Comic reviews
IGN reviews Volumes 1& 2
Comic Book Resources Volume 6 review
Mania.com Volume 6 review
Scott Pilgrim links
Scott Pilgrim official site
Bryan Lee O'Malley's blog
The Movie
The movie is directed by Edgar Wright (Shawn of the Dead, Hot Fuzz). Cast list, soundtrack list, etc. at Wikipedia.
Character comparisons
Scott Pilgrim and his sister Stacy
Ramon Flowers, Scott's girlfriend
Knives Chau, Scott's young ex
Matthew Patel, 1st of Ramon's evil exes
Lucas Lee, 2nd of Ramon's evil exes
More comparisons here!
[youtube]qoFqatfEFrw[/youtube]
Reviews
IGN review
UGO movie review
io9's movie impressions
Playlist soundtrack review
The videogame
And of course, there's an awesome XBLA/PSN videogame, for which we have a thread here: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=268232
[URL="http://www.amazon.com/Scott-Pilgrim-Vol-Versus-World/dp/1932664122"]
It's easy to dismiss American manga-style comics as derivative material intended for teens and tweens. But you would be wrong to do that with Scott Pilgrim. First, the comic is actually set in mysterious Canada and written by Canadian artist Bryan Lee O'Malley. Second, while younger readers can enjoy Scott Pilgrim, it's really written for children of the late 80s-early 90s and gamers. It's not about games, but there are tons of references like the band names (Crash and the Boys, The Clash at Demonhead, etc.), characters playing games (Bomberman!!!), and more.
The books are about Scott Pilgrim, a slacker in his early 20s who plays bass in a band and lives in a 1-bedroom apartment with his gay roommate, Wallace Wells. Initially he dates Knives Chau - a 17 year old, for which he receives lots of teasing (I did this exact same thing myself). But the bulk of the story is about Scott's relationship with Ramona Flowers. He has to defeat her Seven Evil Exes, after all. The story begins very grounded in reality and reads like a comedy with light drama. But eventually fantastic things start happening, like the dramatic arrival of Matthew Patel - Ramona's first evil ex, who is accompanied by succubi. Crazy fights break out all over the place, from concerts to libraries. But the strangeness here really works, because it's balanced with lots of ordinary settings and character development. The dialogue feels authentic, though it's always clever and funny. I noticed someone at CAG called the books stupid, but they are in truth just extremely silly and fun.
Oh, and the art style isn't just some manga wannabe. O'Malley is definitely influenced by respected manga artists like Osamu Tezuka, but his style never comes across as a copy. It's cute, endearing, and yet very well-suited for the occasional intense battle.
I highly recommend everyone read the first volume and see what all the fuss is about.
Comic reviews
IGN reviews Volumes 1& 2
Comic Book Resources Volume 6 review
Mania.com Volume 6 review
Scott Pilgrim links
Scott Pilgrim official site
Bryan Lee O'Malley's blog
The Movie
The movie is directed by Edgar Wright (Shawn of the Dead, Hot Fuzz). Cast list, soundtrack list, etc. at Wikipedia.
Character comparisons
Scott Pilgrim and his sister Stacy
Ramon Flowers, Scott's girlfriend
Knives Chau, Scott's young ex
Matthew Patel, 1st of Ramon's evil exes
Lucas Lee, 2nd of Ramon's evil exes
More comparisons here!
[youtube]qoFqatfEFrw[/youtube]
Reviews
IGN review
UGO movie review
io9's movie impressions
Playlist soundtrack review
The videogame
And of course, there's an awesome XBLA/PSN videogame, for which we have a thread here: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=268232
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