Scott Pilgrim vs The World (comic series)

as requested by Justin Huffman

There are very few comic series that can win my heart over quite like Scott Pilgrim vs The World. I became a fan after watching the 2010 film. I learned that the film was based on a series of comics. Now, while that move is absolutely stellar. I gotta say that the comics are truly the superior story. Which isn't surprising; that's just kinda what happens when you try to shove a 6-volume story into an hour and a half. There's so many more great character interactions and funny moments than ever made it into the movie adaptation.

If you don't know, Scott Pilgrim is about a boy named Scott. (Woo!) Scott quickly falls in love with this girl that he met in a dream named Ramona. He later meets this girl in real life and decides that he just has to date her! But before he can, he must defeat Ramona's seven evil ex-boyfriends. ("boyfriend" here is evidently a loose term).

I realize that sounds incredibly silly or downright idiotic. But it's completely intentional. I've met a few people who just do not like this series, and to be honest, I can see why. A major complaint about the series from some is that the protagonist, Scott is kind of a jerk and a scumbag. Which is completely true. But that doesn't keep me from reading. Especially since his being a jerk and a scumbag is used really well for comedic effect.

The series contains a lot of references from the video game and music world. These references range from blatantly obvious to incredibly obscure. The beginning of volume 4 has a clear nod to the start screen for Sonic the Hedgehog on the old Sega. Characters throughout the comic wear shirts with the names of some no-name bands.

It's not the story that has he hooked here. It's the fantastic sense of humor and the great anime-inspired art style. I couldn't really care much less for the ending. By the end of the story, Ramona just doesn't seem like she is somebody worth fighting for. But the ride to the ending is incredibly fun. And well, I can't say that I didn't enjoy the series immensely. I was very entertained. Entertained. That's what matters.