Hopeless Savages

Hopeless Savages is one of my favorite comic books. It doesn't come out too often but what it lacks in volume it makes up for in quality. It's smart funny and it's got a lot of heart. Which tells you nothing I know. So I will try to give away no spoilers, but I will describe the book a tad.
Hopeless Savages, which is written by Jen Van Meter and illustrated by several different talented artists, is sort of like The Osbournes, only a comic book, with a bit more adventure. Years ago a British Punk Rocker named Dirk Savage met, fell in love with and married American Punker Nicole (Nicky) Savage and thus, the Hopeless Savages were born. The first comic (get the short graphic novel and it's a quick enjoyable read) is set in present day where Dirk and Nicky are now producing music and have 4 children, Rat (oldest boy), Arsenal (oldest girl) Twitch (boy) and Zero (girl). Only "Mum and Da" get kidnapped while Zero, the only child still living at home, practices in the bacement for her band, The Dusted Bunnies. So Arsenal and Twitch rush home to Zero's call. Suspecting the kidnapping might have something to do with the old days, they decide they must find their estranged brother Rat and then find and free their parents. That's just a broad over view. This book has a lot of great individuality in the characters and more than anything you can truly tell this is a family of people who really love each other no matter what.
The second 4-issue series was titled Ground Zero, mostly because poor Zero spends most of the book being grounded. But it's a great series and maybe my favorite story arc. Zero, who's speech is charming and creative once you get the hang of it (I shall forever be calling Justin the Hooskiest boy I know), is sick of people assuming things about her. Some guys think she's loose because her family is rockers. Then she meets a math/scientist genius with (IMO) the coolest name: Ginger Kincaid. That is such a freakin' cool name for a guy. He is named after the drummer Ginger Baker. Anyway, Ginger is your typical Harry Potter looking Brit boy, glasses, dark hair, cute. Turns out he's had a crush on Zero since they were seven. But one thing after another makes it seem like the universe itself is conspiring to keep Zero and Ginger apart. Yet again, family is a strong support system, but also the people who can drive you most nuts. And ground you. I've been re-reading this series this week and it just has some great humor and genuinely good moments. Highly recommended if you get the chance. A nice slice of life comic. Little in jokes, like how Flora, who works at the Comix Comet in the book, says she sees Ginger on Wednesdays. Well, what comic geek doesn't know that Wednesdays are new comic books day? Note to self: Must go to Ogre next week and clean out my pull box.
Anway, the next four-issues are about Arsenal, who is a martial artist. Only I've only read two of the four issues, so I can't go into a lot of detail because I have to pick up the last two issues and finish them myself. Anyway, good stuff. Start with Hopeless Savages #1 (pic below of the kids) and enjoy. Peace out Girl Scout!

Comments

[Rock Norris]

hey suzi, this reminds me, remember that cousin i was mentioning before? well, the effort to get her support and info has just been ratcheted up a level. i may try just e-mailing you and justin or trying the wf board.

[Suzi]

Cool! I hope she is doing well. Did she happen to get to attend the Heroes Aren't Hard To Find Convention? Has she considered applying to art schools? E-mail me and we can discuss. :)

Suz

[Kit Peters]

Hopeless Savages kicks ass, and it's a shame more people don't know about it. Don't forget to check out Hopeless Savages: B-Sides, which I think is still available as a free download from Oni.