Grommets #6 Review: Radical Emotions

Grommets #6

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Rick Remender, Brian Posehn

Artist: Brett Parson

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: November 27, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Grommets #6 shifts to a heavier tone as it explores the emotional fallout from a wild party gone wrong. With stunning art and raw character moments, this issue sets up an exciting finale for the radical coming-of-age series.

Grommets #6

Review

Writer: Rick Remender, Brian Posehn

Artist: Brett Parson

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: November 27, 2024

Page Count: 32

Format: Single-issue

Grommets #6 shifts to a heavier tone as it explores the emotional fallout from a wild party gone wrong. With stunning art and raw character moments, this issue sets up an exciting finale for the radical coming-of-age series.

Rating

9

Good

Grommets has been a wild, nostalgic ride, capturing the chaotic energy of growing up in 1980s America. With its mix of parties, drugs, and skateboarding, the series feels like a vibrant time capsule from a bygone era. Rick Remender, Brian Posehn, and Brett Parson have delivered an emotional and exhilarating story about teenagers navigating their place in the world. As the series approaches its grand finale, Grommets has evolved into one of the most poignant and entertaining miniseries of the year. But how does this penultimate issue stack up? Grab your board, and let’s dive into the radical highs and emotional lows of Grommets #6!

Overview

The party at Brian's grandpa's house spirals out of control when the school jocks start trashing the place. Things take a dangerous turn as the team captain, armed with a concealed pistol, hunts down Brian with violent intentions. Fortunately, the police arrive in time to break up the party before the situation escalates further. In the aftermath, Brian and Rick are left to pick up the pieces of the night and mend their fractured friendship.

Image: Image Comics

Review

From its very first issue, Grommets has felt like a love letter to the 80s, with all the quintessential hallmarks of the era: reckless parties, skateboarding antics, and a rebellious undercurrent. The last two issues, however, have shifted gears, diving into heavier emotional territory. The violence at Brian’s party is genuinely shocking to see, marking a stark departure from the series' earlier, more lighthearted tone. But the jarring escalation events reflect the unpredictability of teenage life, where carefree moments can abruptly give way to stark reality. It’s a bold narrative turn that injects depth and gravitas into the series, grounding its nostalgia in something more poignant and authentic.

But even as the story gets heavier, a its heart, Grommets remains a comic book about teenage growth and friendship. Brian takes center stage in this issue, shedding plenty of his carefree skater persona to reveal a depth of emotional complexity. The fallout from the party forces him to face the brutish jocks, but also the tensions in his friendship with Rick. The issue’s conclusion, with its emotional cliffhanger, sets the stage for what promises to be a climactic and cathartic finale.

Image: Image Comics

Brett Parson’s art continues to be a standout element, elevating every emotional beat with dynamic, expressive visuals. One particularly powerful scene shows Brian facing off against the school jock with blood all over his face. It’s a moment where very few words are said, but you can read all the emotions purely through the intense expressions of the characters. 

The only downside to this issue? The three-month gap until the final issue hits stands in February 2025. After an issue packed with great action and emotional stakes, knowing that we’ll have to wait so long to see how the series ends is excruciating. However, looking at the bright side, this gap presents a great chance for new readers to catch up on the series or for longtime fans to revisit the series, reliving the fun ride throughout Grommets’ exhilarating run.

Image: Image Comics

Final Thoughts

Grommets #6 delivers a stellar penultimate chapter that raises the stakes while staying true to the series’ radical 80s vibe. Remender and Posehn’s writing is at its best, blending nostalgia with heartfelt storytelling, while Parson’s art captures the essence of both the chaos and the quiet emotional beats. As the series transitions from a fun romp to a deeply affecting coming-of-age tale, it cements itself as one of Image Comics' standout titles of the year. Whether you’re here for the skateboarding, the heartfelt friendships, or the messy teenage drama, Grommets has something for everyone.

Why You Should Read Grommets

• It’s a perfect blend of 80s nostalgia and emotional storytelling
• Brett Parson’s art brings every moment to life with vibrant, dynamic visuals
• The story balances lighthearted fun with heartfelt drama
• It’s a unique coming-of-age tale that evolves alongside its characters