Tomorrow, When the War Began

I have just seen a preview screening of Tomorrow, When the War Began, the film adaptation of the first novel in John Marsden's fantastic Young Adult series. I want to take this opportunity to urge everyone, if they haven't already, to please go and buy a copy of the books (seven, in total). At least try the first one. They're very well-written, imaginative, and yet have a gritty sort of toughness in the vein of many recent works of Dystopian fiction (except, these novels precede that trend). A special shout out to anyone who may be reading this and is not living in Australia: you won't regret it and they're available cheaply on Amazon.

Now, go forth and devour, my pretties!

Scott Pilgrim, You Slay Me

Review: Scott Pilgrim Volume 6: Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour by Bryan Lee O'Malley

While 24 —the age of our hapless hero, Scott Pilgrim—may not generally be considered Young Adult, the general behaviour of our protagonist seems to warrant that label. These graphic novels are a tale for our times and may, in fact, describe most (if not all) of the males you know under the age of 30. True story. 
 
In case you haven't read the others in the series (which I haven't—yet), the inside cover provides a quick recap titled 'Keep Up!!'. I love this already. 

Ramona Flowers, Scott's supposed true love, has gone away (to where, no one is really sure). His deep state of zombified depression is even pissing of Wallace, who by all accounts, is a chump. With the help of his friends, Scott cycles through his past (and possible future) relationships to figure out what went wrong, or why they will never be. I would perhaps point out to Scott that asking blatantly for casual sex from your ex (or anyone) is perhaps the most direct method, but not the most effective in winning the heart of a lady. 

In the tradition of the previous volumes, he must also fight one of Ramona's evil ex-boyfriends. Oh noes!

 The three main words one should use to describe this story are hilarious, hipster, and insightful. The themes about feeling lost in relationships and unsure of your direction in life are very relatable and sit nicely alongside the cacophony of über-cool artwork and wisecracks. 

A sample, if you will:
Scott: It feels like we're alone on the world!
           No grown-ups!
           It's like "The Tribe!"
Kim:   Scott. We are grown-ups. And I have no idea what "The Tribe" is.
Scott: I don't think I'm ready to be a grown-up.
Kim:   I don't think you are either, buddy.
            But hey, you'll get it. 

I'm no artist, but I found the black and white illustrations were drawn and inked in a way that was very eye-catching, while being simple enough to complement some truly great comedic writing and poignant emotional touches. 

The verdict: Highly Recommend. Do it now (I am now going back to the first volume). 

P.S. - Here's a nice picture of Michael Cera, the live-action version of Scott Pilgrim. Because I bloody well can, okay?