Book Club Picks: Grommets Vol. 1 by Rick Remender and Brian Posehn

Rick Remender and Brian Posehn have joined forces in the creation of a comic book titled Grommets, which takes inspiration from the 1980s skater culture, and is published by Image Comics. The collected volume, Grommets Vol. 1, presents the first seven issues of the series, delivering a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The comic captures the essence of 1980s skate movies and teen films, immersing readers in a world filled with skateboarding adventures.

Set in 1984 in Sacramento, CA, the story revolves around Rick, who is struggling to adjust to his new surroundings at junior high school. Despite his skateboarding skills, Rick finds himself isolated until he meets Brian, who becomes his skateboarding partner. Together, they navigate the challenges of dealing with jocks, girls, and the dangers of skating accidents, forging a unique and unlikely friendship along the way.

One of the outstanding aspects of Grommets is the authenticity it brings to the table, depicting the 1980s in a raw and unfiltered manner. From parents purchasing beer on their way to work to casual interactions with strangers, the comic portrays the grit and vernacular of the era. Furthermore, the graphic novel successfully incorporates humor into depicting injuries, highlighting a realistic and sometimes brutal portrayal of skate culture.

Skateboarding, a once-maligned subculture, finds a home in Grommets through the eyes of Rick and Brian as they carve their paths within the skating community. The supporting characters in Grommets, including Rick’s love interest Samra and punk rock enthusiast Liberty Spike Mike, add depth and diversity to the narrative. The trio of skater girls known as the Jens provides an excellent contrast to Brian’s infatuation, enriching the comic with compelling relationships.

Encounters with jocks, rednecks, and security guards reveal the challenges faced by skaters in a society that often viewed them as troublemakers. However, the real adversaries emerge from the parental figures in Rick and Brian’s lives, showcasing the familial struggles that mirror the evolving distractions of modern times. Despite facing backlash from authority figures, the skater kids in Grommets confront coming-of-age issues and societal stereotypes with grit and determination.

The artwork by Brett Parsons complements the story with its slightly cartoony yet fitting style. Parsons’ illustrations capture the essence of the 1980s, reminiscent of classic movie posters and infused with punk rock and metal references. Brian and Rick’s contrasting musical tastes, reflected in their clothing choices and band preferences, add a layer of authenticity to the characters and their era.

While Grommets delivers a tale grounded in teen reality, it deftly weaves humor and drama, surprising readers with unexpected turns. The comic evokes the spirit of the 1980s skate culture and pays homage to the youth of its creators, highlighting the joys, challenges, and complexities of growing up in an era marked by rebellion and exploration.