Two decades ago, a scrawny, oblivious bassist named Scott Pilgrim first tumbled into our lives, forever changing the landscape of independent comics with his blend of video game aesthetics, indie rock romance, and surreal martial arts battles. Now, to commemorate this significant milestone, the highly sought-after Scott Pilgrim 20th Anniversary Graphic Novel Box Sets are available at an astonishing 60% discount, transforming a collector’s dream into an accessible reality for many.
The Pilgrim Phenomenon: A Legacy Unpacked
Bryan Lee O`Malley`s original six-volume series wasn`t just another comic book. It was a cultural touchstone, perfectly encapsulating the anxieties and aspirations of a generation navigating love, identity, and the digital age before it truly arrived. Scott Pilgrim’s world, where ex-boyfriends manifest as super-powered adversaries and emotional baggage can be physically fought, resonated deeply. Its unique blend of humor, heart, and hyper-stylized action set a new standard, proving that graphic novels could be both profoundly personal and wildly entertaining.
The series’ influence extends far beyond the page, inspiring a beloved live-action movie adaptation (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), a cult-classic beat-`em-up video game, and, most recently, an innovative animated Netflix series (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off) that reimagined the narrative while retaining the original cast. This multifaceted legacy ensures that Scott Pilgrim remains as relevant and captivating today as when he first encountered Ramona Flowers.
Celebrating Two Decades: What`s in the Box?
The 20th Anniversary Box Sets are more than just a collection of comics; they are a curated experience for devoted fans and new readers alike. Available in both vibrant full-color and the iconic black-and-white renditions, these hardcover sets are designed to be the definitive edition of the series. Each set includes:
- All six volumes of the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels, featuring new, redesigned artwork by Bryan Lee O`Malley himself.
- A sturdy clamshell collector`s box, also adorned with exclusive new artwork, ensuring your precious cargo is well-protected.
- A “Making of Scott Pilgrim” comics compilation, offering a fascinating glimpse into the creative process.
- Additional exclusive comics and a collectible sticker sheet.
- Mystery collectibles from the expansive world of Scott Pilgrim, adding an element of delightful surprise.
These sets, which originally retailed for $250, now command a mere $100 on Amazon. While the full-color edition currently shows as “temporarily out of stock,” a peculiar quirk of modern retail often allows purchases to be made, with shipping commencing once new stock arrives. For the truly dedicated, securing this deal promptly is advisable, lest the universe – or Amazon`s inventory system – conspires against you.
Beyond the Box Set: A Pilgrim`s Guide to Editions
For those who might miss out on the anniversary sets or prefer alternative formats, the Scott Pilgrim universe offers a variety of editions to suit every preference and budget:
- Color Edition Hardcovers: The individual color hardcovers, introduced after the original black-and-white run, still offer a robust reading experience and are available for around $14-$21 each.
- Color Collection Compendiums: These paperback compendiums combine two volumes into one, offering a more compact and cost-effective way to read the colored series, typically ranging from $18-$30 per volume.
- Precious Little Slipcase Collection (B&W): For purists, the black-and-white paperback slipcase collection, first published in 2010, remains in print. It offers the original artwork in its intended format and often comes with its own exclusive poster and slipcase art, currently available for around $57.83 (down from $90).
- Individual Black-and-White Paperbacks: The original digest-sized black-and-white paperbacks are still in print and can be acquired for about $7-$15 each, providing the most economical entry point into Scott’s world.
Each edition offers a slightly different way to experience O`Malley`s masterful storytelling, whether you prefer the vibrant reimagining of the color versions or the raw, immediate energy of the original monochrome panels.
The Pilgrim Universe: From Page to Screen (and Back Again)
The enduring appeal of Scott Pilgrim isn`t solely confined to its comic book origins. The 2010 film adaptation, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Michael Cera, was a visual tour de force. It translated the kinetic energy and comic panel transitions of the graphic novels onto the big screen with remarkable fidelity, even if its box office performance was, shall we say, a “precious little” sum. Its status as a cult classic is well-deserved, and fans can still grab the 4K UHD Blu-ray for around $16.36, a small price to pay for such a stylish cinematic journey.
Following this, the tie-in video game proved equally popular, eventually receiving a “Complete Edition” for modern platforms after a period of being delisted – a testament to fan dedication. Most recently, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off on Netflix offered a surprising and fresh take, utilizing the original voice cast to tell a new story within the beloved universe, further cementing its place in pop culture.
The Mind Behind the Magic: Bryan Lee O`Malley`s Other Worlds
For those enchanted by O`Malley`s distinctive voice and artistry, his other graphic novels are equally compelling. Seconds: A Graphic Novel, a 2014 New York Times Bestseller, delves into themes of regret and second chances with a magical realism twist. Its hardcover edition is often found for a significant discount (e.g., $13.55 from $30). Before Scott Pilgrim, O`Malley penned Lost at Sea, a more introspective and melancholic tale of alienation and self-discovery, with its 10th Anniversary Edition hardcover available for around $18.
As Scott Pilgrim celebrates two decades of punching through exes and navigating the complexities of modern romance, these deeply discounted anniversary box sets represent a golden opportunity. Whether you`re a long-time fan looking to upgrade your collection or a newcomer eager to dive into this unique world, now might just be the perfect time to “get it together” and acquire a piece of graphic novel history. After all, a deal this good doesn`t come around every two decades.
