“Scott Pilgrim EX: Dawn of Metal Scott” Review – Return of a Legend

The Run Down

Never in my life did I think we’d get another Scott Pilgrim comic from Bryan Lee O’Malley, yet here we are! If you’re sitting there asking the question “is this canon”, O’Malley answers that pretty perfectly himself! The book is indeed canon and acts as a prequel to the game “Scott Pilgrim EX”. So, without much further ado, join Anthony and I in Scott’s suspace highway as we review Bryan Lee O’Malley’s latest!

Writer, Artist: Bryan Lee O’Malley
Colorist: Nathan Fairbairn
Designer: Jacob Ferguson

The Writing

Anthony: The setup for this is pure slice of life. Scott grabs sushi with Wallace Wells and Other Scott, gets misty about all-night video game sessions, and heads home through a Toronto alley as the day winds down. I’ll stop there, because the surprise is too fun and I don’t want to ruin it! Let’s just say Scott faces a threat the cover already teases, his friends have opinions and Ramona remains the most sensible person in the room.

What impresses me is the structure hasn’t changed a bit! O’Malley lays it out like a video game, with quiet moments, a sudden jolt and a wrap-up that feels like a level cleared. The domestic scenes are where O’Malley’s voice still sings. Scott’s stubborn defense of his gaming habit might be the most Scott thing he has ever said, and Ramona’s deadpan is the MVP of the issue. Even the recap page earns a laugh, shrugging off the Evil Exes’ long road back with a therapy gag and a wink about what is or isn’t canon.

Eda: Jumping into this new book, I was slightly worried that it wouldn’t feel like the old days. Rest assured, O’Malley’s back in true form! It truly feels like a single beat hasn’t been missed over the last sixteen years. Somehow, O’Malley manages to make all of the returning cast feel like themselves while keeping the vibes and tones of what made the original run so great.

With that being said, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more and I truly hope he eventually gives us that. With how great the writing and characters continue to be, it would be a real shame if this is where things ended for the foreseeable future. The laughs come as they always do, but it’s the heart that’s still beating. O’Malley, in so few pages, proves he still has it.

The Art

Anthony: O’Malley’s line work and Nathan Fairbairn’s colors are wonderful as always. Simple, consistent, saturated and full of energy, leaping from the page like a Saturday morning cartoon. No notes!

Eda: As with before, even the artwork feels like it hasn’t changed much from the old days! The duo of O’Malley and Fairbairn do everything they can to make you feel like you stepped back in time and the magic works. As Anthony said, no notes!

Final Thoughts

Anthony: Now the gripes. It’s a trifle. Stakes are low, the supporting cast are mostly cameos, and the closing page leads on right into the “Scott Pilgrim EX” video game. Nothing wrong with that, but know what you’re buying. For art nerds, the real treasure is the bonus material: the three-page script, the rough layouts and the cover sketch show exactly how a tiny idea evolved into sixteen finished pages. Buy it for the nostalgia, keep it for the bonus pages. It won’t rewrite the Scott Pilgrim legacy, but at four bucks, it’s a joyful reminder of why we fell for this slacker in the first place. What’s Metal Scott’s deal? Share your theory in the comments. – 9/10

Eda: While the story is short and sweet, it feels like the old days. Reading this feels like the perfect dose of nostalgia for any “Scott Pilgrim” fan and makes me wish for more. Whether you’ve watched the movies and anime, played the games or read the original comics, you’ll feel right at home. – 10/10

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

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Comments

Are you a “Scott Pilgrim” fan? What are your thoughts on the latest book? Let’s discuss in the comments below!