“Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe, v. 5″ by Bryan Lee O’Malley

The fifth installment of the wildly entertaining Scott Pilgrim YA graphic novel series, Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe, finds our hero battling not one but TWO of girlfriend Ramona Flowers’ evil ex-boyfriends.

Ramona: Is he OK in there?

Kim Pine: C’mon. He’s Scott Pilgrim.

Party Host: A tiny robot is kicking this guy’s ass, if anyone wants to watch.

Scott not only has to battle robots, but deal with Ramona’s reaction after a revelation from teen nutcase Knives Chau. Silliness and sadness ensue. Scott continues to be an endearingly clueless and inept hero. The aura of mystery surrounding Ramona grows both figuratively and literally. And the next book sounds like it will wrap up the series.

O’Malley notes at the end that this is the only book so far he’s gotten in by deadline. I also think it’s the best-done to date–the plot is tight, as is the art. Nothing feels rushed or sloppy. I hope O’Malley can maintain the momentum for a strong ending to this story. Scott deserves a good ending (one I’m thinking won’t have him dating Ramona), even if not a happy one.

News on the upcoming movie, directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) with Michael Cera playing Scott: parts of the film may be animated, which should make the fight scenes really interesting, as well as provide some of the wacky whiplash that helps define these books.

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