Broken Frontier

So, by now you’re hooked. A verified Pilgrim-ite, well versed in the video game reality where this world resides. In a musical, people express their emotions through song during everyday happenings. No one blinks or questions an open chorus, full song in the middle of a busy street. It’s just a natural extension of that story’s tone. Here, when emotions reach a certain climax, it’s through the language of Street Fighter and Double Dragon. It’s commonplace and accepted as a form of communication in Scott’s world.

Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together

If the first three volumes of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s magnum opus were about setting up this whimsical world, then volume four is when it all starts to come together. Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together, volume four of six, is a story about accepting change. This is the first time in the series that Scott makes active steps, no matter how small they are in the grand scheme of things, towards (gasp) adulthood. His relationship with Ramona starts to settle into a comfort zone, beyond any initial period of adjustment. Here, we get to plainly see that Ramona, who is usually quite guarded, does have feelings for Scott. He’s very different from anyone she’s ever dated (hint: he’s not evil) and she is slowly becoming more comfortable with that. So much so, that she doesn’t change her hair color as often.

Sure, the simple act of someone not dying their hair is no big thing, but style and length of hair is given a certain level of importance in O’Malley’s stories. In volume three, Scott attributed the last time he got a haircut to when Envy broke up with him. It’s clearly spurious reasoning that brings him to that conclusion, but the scenario is brought full circle when it’s pointed out that Ramona hadn’t colored her hair in some time. She’s sported short bobs and a different bright color every other week up until her relationship with Scott. Is she becoming, dare I say it, content?

Deep within this crazy story is a more relatable scenario about two very damaged people. The emotions involved are real and as potent as they would be in a “classy” drama. This connection from the audience onto these fictional characters is what’s really driving the story. As the series continues, even the fights are given a little less importance.

The majority of this book chronicles what happens in between the battles. The fights act almost as stakes for an argument between Scott and Ramona as opposed to the danger being about the fight’s outcome. At this point, O’Malley has already established Scott as a formidable opponent, so he’s wisely starting to set up battles that stem from moral dilemmas or secrets from the past. It’s a great technique that keeps us engaged beyond any fatigue from intentional clichés.

Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together is about compromise, contention, experimentation and the “L” word (no, not lesbian). It establishes a forward momentum towards the betterment of this slacker's life. He's comfortable fighting, but having to clean up past mistakes, find a job and admit he loves someone, that's doesn't come as easily. Don't think it's all boring adult stuff, though. The creator is successfully able to organically introduce these changes in Scott's life. They all happen so subtly that it's not a jarring experience. It's actually quite comforting. O'Malley is able to evolve these people, something he wouldn't be able to do with franchise characters. 

Another aspect of these books that continues to evolve is the growing skill in the creator’s pencils and page layouts. This volume’s first chapter is a full color piece acting almost as a transition from the third book into the fourth. Chronicling the end of their summer break, it's a wonderful palette cleanser signaling not only the passage of time, but Ramona's involvement in the group. She's an active part in his life now, which sets the stage for coming conflict. It's a beautiful section of the book and gives a higher appreciation for O'Malley's art. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I would love to see this work colored and oversized (I'll pay, Oni. I’ll pay). It would only add to the grandiose aspects of the story.

Volume four concludes and a new status quo for Scott and Ramona is revealed. Every part of this series is building and building in quality from the art to the complex plot. In a project with this level of nostalgia and novelty, an investment in the characters is paramount. O'Malley is successfully infusing these people with distinct voices and real motivations. There's a sea change coming, and our love for the characters makes it all the more exciting and scary.

Another Evil Ex bites the dust as we move forward to Volume 5, which is considered the Empire Strikes Back of the set (not my words, but I'm in agreement). Revelations, changes and questions about our lovable loser and his lady’s future remain. With only three evil exes left, does Scott have what it takes to finish?

Keep reading to find out. You know you can't resist.

Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together is available from Oni Press priced $11.99.