Scott Pilgrim

Scott Pilgrim is a twenty-something slacker living in Toronto who falls for the mysterious Ramona Flowers — only to discover he must defeat her seven evil exes in battles that blend real life with video-game logic and indie-rock energy.

Bryan Lee O'Malley introduced Scott Pilgrim to the world in 2004 through Oni Press, and this slacker-hero of the Modern Age quickly became one of the most beloved creations in indie comics — a twenty-something Canadian navigating love, life, and chaos across a run that stretched nearly two decades. Born from O'Malley's sharp wit and manga-inflected linework, Scott's adventures feel like a love letter to a generation raised on video games and mixtapes, with a voice so distinct it leapt off the black-and-white page. It's a testament to the character's staying power that he's shown up alongside icons of alternative comics like Harvey Pekar and Hunter Rose, suggesting a pedigree that stretches across the full, wonderfully weird spectrum of the art form. If you've somehow missed him, Free Comic Book Day Edition is a perfect on-ramp — and once you're in, the full Scott Pilgrim series is an absolute must-read.