Bryan Lee O’Malley reflects on Toronto nostalgia and 20 years of Scott Pilgrim
Bryan Lee O’Malley: 20 Years of Scott Pilgrim
Canadian cartoonist Bryan Lee O’Malley never imagined that his quirky idea of “seven evil exes” would turn into a cultural phenomenon. Two decades ago, O’Malley was living in Toronto, trying to make a name for himself in the world of comics. Little did he know that his creation, Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life, would lead to a series of six graphic novels, a blockbuster film starring Michael Cera, a video game, and even a TV adaptation.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the series, Oni Press released a special black and white hardcover boxset of the original six volumes. O’Malley reflects on the impact of his work, saying, “I never thought I could lift my little finger and change the world in this kind of way. I’m on this tour and meeting people every day, multi-generational fans at this point, parents and kids, [who are] getting something out of this thing I made.”
Scott Pilgrim follows the story of an unemployed 23-year-old in Toronto who must battle his new love interest’s seven evil exes to continue their relationship. O’Malley drew inspiration from his own experiences, including a breakup and living in Toronto, but he sees Scott as his opposite. “I’m a quiet, thoughtful, sensitive man and Scott Pilgrim is this brash fool,” O’Malley admits. “I wanted to have a character that would do all the things that I would never do or that would think things I would never think.”
Despite Scott’s flaws, O’Malley feels a sense of empathy towards him, as the character embodies lessons learned about life and relationships during his early 20s. The series also captures the essence of Toronto in the early 2000s, featuring real-life landmarks like the Toronto Reference Library and Casa Loma. However, some locations, such as the iconic Honest Ed’s department store, have since been demolished, making the comics a nostalgic time capsule of the city.
While Scott Pilgrim’s world may have evolved over the years, the characters’ universal appeal remains intact. An animated Netflix show, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, was released in 2023, further expanding the series’ reach. O’Malley expresses a desire to revisit the world of Scott Pilgrim and continue its growth and evolution.
In addition to Scott Pilgrim, O’Malley has created other acclaimed comics like Snotgirl and Seconds. His love for the medium dates back to his childhood in London, Ont., where he immersed himself in comics like Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes. O’Malley appreciates how comics allow for a blend of humor, action, and introspection, offering a unique way to explore existential questions and personal expression.
As O’Malley reflects on the legacy of Scott Pilgrim after 20 years, he remains grateful for the opportunity to connect with fans across generations and continue expanding his creative universe. From the streets of Toronto to the depths of existential musings, Bryan Lee O’Malley’s work continues to resonate with readers worldwide.
