Scott Pilgrim

I’m not being a literary snob, I just don’t thing most comic books have grown up. Calling them ‘Graphic Novels’ does not qualify them as adult fiction. I've read several examples of comics claiming to show maturity in the industry, but aside from a few real life stories such as Maus or Persepolis, these claims are largely redundant. These examples I refer to contain Watchmen within their ranks. Watchmen does a very good job of creating a credible and atmospheric world. It is let down, however, by a flawed thesis and poor characterisation (Captain Manhattan’s personality is completely inconsistent). It therefore came as a bombshell that Scott Pilgrim, a story with constant deviations from the plot and more computer game references than you can shake a stick at could prove so brilliant and exciting!

The Scott Pilgrim books are unquestionably silly. They often make little sense and aren’t afraid to make a beautifully cheap joke. They are, however, also entirely consistent, brilliant realized, and funnier than your mum. The cast of the books are entirely believable, and the dialog is a class above anything I’d read with speech bubbles before. it’s a bit like reading the graphic novel of Spaced (its no wonder Edgar Wright chose to direct the film adaptation of this).

Scott Pilgrim is also wonderfully inventive. Brian O’Malley has no qualms about taking a detour from the plot for the characters to give you cooking instructions for vegan bolognaise (Not because they are vegan, they just like to be inclusive). Scott’s reward for winning a fight is a 1-up. Characters get introduced with fun facts. Room itineraries are presented. You get the idea.

My personal highlight of the saga is Wallace Wells, Scott Pilgrims roommate. They share a one bed apartment, so whenever Wallace brings a guy home for the night Scott gets shunted out for the night. He is witty, insightful, and regularly dissects Scott’s life with tenacity.

If you are afraid to buy into a six part saga - try the film to start you off. It has split critics in a way not seen for quite a few years, and it hasn’t been the most successful, but I’m convinced in 5 years it will be looked upon as a cult classic. This is fiction born out of 21st century culture. The 6 books follow the structure of a computer game. In fact, Scott’s life is a computer game. If you aren’t able to cope with frequent changes of narrative and pace you will struggle with this story. Some critics cant cope with this. Future critics will be able to identify with it much more unanimously. Get on board.

Altogether now: ONE TWO THREE FOUR!