Grommets #1 Advanced Review: Skate or Die

Grommets #1

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Rick Remender, Brian Posehn

Artist: Brett Parson

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: May 29, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Grommets is a skateboarder's dream comic with its fantastic depiction of the scene in the 80s. Rick Remender lays the groundwork for a heartfelt and hilarious coming-of-age story that’s brought to life by the incredible art of Brett Parson.

Grommets #1

Review

Writer: Rick Remender, Brian Posehn

Artist: Brett Parson

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: May 29, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Grommets is a skateboarder's dream comic with its fantastic depiction of the scene in the 80s. Rick Remender lays the groundwork for a heartfelt and hilarious coming-of-age story that’s brought to life by the incredible art of Brett Parson.

Rating

9

Good

Rick Remender continues his most diverse run of comics yet with Grommets, a love letter to  80s skater culture and punk rock. While the popular writer may be best known for his flair for sci-fi and fantasy comics, this heartfelt coming-of-age story is a refreshing change of pace I’m eager to dive into. Together with comedian Brian Posehn, Remender welcomes readers to a snapshot of an era when skating took off and inspired a generation of kids to pick up a board and ride until the wheels fell off. Artist Brett Parson, alongside Moreno DiNisio on colors and Rus Wooton in letters, brings to life a vibrant vision of the 80s that transports you back to that much simpler time. With this being one of my most anticipated new titles from Image Comics, I’m glad to say this debut issue did not disappoint. Keep on reading for my full review of Grommets #1!

Overview

It’s 1984 in Sacramento, California, and young Rick hates his new school. He wants his family to move back to San Francisco, but his dad can’t make it happen. So, the kid has to make due and try to find new friends. The problem is that no one in school wants anything to do with “the new kid.” But that changes when Rick meets someone who’s just as much of a skateboarding-obsessed outcast as him. Together, they ride to the skatepark where all the cool kids hang out. It’s their best shot to show the world they’re not the losers everyone thinks they are. Will they show out or crash and burn?

Image: Image Comics

Review

I’d best describe Grommets as a snapshot of American teenagers in the 80s. With all the big hair, bright colors, and slick-looking fashion, Brett Parson's art and Moreno DiNisio's colors perfectly capture the radical vibe that era was known for. While admittedly I’m neither American nor was a teenager in the 80s, I’ve seen enough coming-of-age films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High to have a good idea of what it must have been like back then. Or at the very least, what a fictionalized version of the 80s looks like–which this comic is to a tee. There’s enough teenage angst and outlandish slang thrown around in Grommets to make you feel like you’ve stepped through a portal to a time when skateboarding was at the center of the universe. And if you keep your eyes peeled on the comic’s full-page spreads, you’ll find plenty of neat and funny 80s pop culture references in the details.

What stood out to me right away about Grommets is that its lighthearted story is refreshing to see from Rick Remender. I’ve followed his comics for years, and I believe Grommets may be his most comedy-centric and heartfelt title yet. That must be where comedian Brian Posehn’s influence comes into play, as the characters in this charming comic are all naturally quippy. Considering the main character of Grommets is also named Rick, this comic could be one of Remender’s most personal comics yet as he expresses his passion for skateboarding and punk rock. From the classic board designs to the beautifully accurate depictions of tricks, this comic is a well-crafted and authentic love letter to 80s skater culture. As someone with a light interest in skateboarding, it was a trip reading the characters casually talk about their board setups like it's an ordinary conversation. It made me realize that skateboarding is a surprisingly untapped resource within comics. The scenes of kids shredding at the skatepark got me excited to see what more the creators have in their bag of tricks for the series. 

Image: Image Comics

The only thing I wanted more out of Grommets #1 was for it to be a little bit longer. While it is only the first issue, I felt the story ended right when it found its footing in the final scene at the skatepark. As hilarious and bombastic as the scene is, I couldn’t help but feel like there could have been more to the story afterward. Ultimately, this issue does a great job of establishing the series’ vibe. I just wish there was more to chew on regarding the characters and their overarching story. Regardless, because I’m a big Rick Remender and was blown away by Brett Parson’s fantastic art, I’m interested to see what sort of wild adventure this unique comic has in store for us in the next issue.

Image: Image Comics

Final Thoughts

Grommets #1 is an impressive debut in a lot of ways. Not only does it have Rick Remender and Brian Posehn exploring what feels like uncharted territory with an 80s skater story, but the art by Brett Parson, Moreno DiNisio, and Rus Wooton oozes charm across every page. I’m excited to see what this fantastic creative team can pull off now that the story is rolling. Whether you’re into skateboarding or just looking for a light and fun comic to dive into, Grommets is definitely a miniseries to keep an eye on this year.

Why You Should Read Grommets

• Brett Parson’s art is vibrant, eye-catching, and perfect for this type of story. 
• Seeing Rick Remender dive into lighter, more comedic stories is refreshing.
• The vibes are immaculate if you’re into 80s skateboarding culture.