In its final two issues, Scooter Girl has been transformed into a far more familiar and conventional form: that of the romance comic. The twists and turns that led us to this point were odd and fun, but the more straightforward -- even predictable -- resolution is comforting. I'm far from the core audience for this book. My hip ness quotient probably lies somewhere near nil, and many of the musical references peppered throughout the series went right over my head. But the pop combination of a love story and a coming-of-age tale stands out as unique overall, twisted and witty, as well as unusually touching.
AShton laments the fact that his past misdeeds have apparently robbed him of the woman he loves for the rest of his life, but a chance encounter with her brothers -- immersed in a similar self-pitying funk -- inspires Ashton to chase after the object of his affection. Sadness is replaced with anger, though, when he tracks her down, as he once again decides Margaret has slipped through his fingers.
The art on Scooter Girl is the strongest I've seen from Chynna Clugston-Major in her career thus far. It's far less frenzied and more stylized. The artist relies less on exaggeration to get her point across, and the subtleties she uses instead speak just as loudly. The characters' emotions shine through clearly, and the panels are far less crowded. Less is definitely more here. I also love how Clugston-Major brings a timeless quality to the book with the visual components.
I was pleased to see that this conclusion makes it clear the story isn't just about the changes Ashton makes in himself. Margaret acknowledges her own shortcomings and hypocrisy, and it makes for a nice balance in the story and the relationship that serves as its foundation. The bit with Drake and his belle adds a sweetness and innocence to the mix as well.
At its core, I suppose, this story isn't about romance at all, but about Ashton's unusual journey toward maturity and awareness of the world beyond himself. Clugston-Major performs a surgery here, one that was messy and even violent at times. She excises Ashton's ego, but the key to its success is how his charm, savvy and confidence remain intact in the end.
