On the surface, this one-shot tells the story of the "secret origin" of Skank Zero's band, the Dusted Bunnies, but the formation of the band is really a secondary concern here. No, what this is really about is Zero, how she's is and always has been an original and independent soul and how it takes a special and original kind of person to qualify as her friend. As the title indicates, the story is told completely in flashbacks, and the use of three different artists to bring three different times and friendships to life works quite well. If one is uninitiated in the world of the Hopeless Savages, this might not be the most accessible introduction, but fans of Skank Zero will come away with smiles on their faces.
Skank Zero Hopeless-Savage begins at a new middle school in September 1995, and she's immediately shunned by the plastic cliques that make up the upper strata of the school's social scene. Not that she cares. Zero just sits and plays guitar on the campus, and she catches the attention of Flora, who despises the phony people around her just as Zero does. Before long, the two become fast friends, and Flora decides Zero ought to head up a band. The other members will be Zero's friends as well, and we catch a glimpse of how Zero met them years before.
Is there an artist better suited to depicting a teenage Zero than Demo's Becky Cloonan? I think not. She captures Zero's attitude, strength and independence perfectly. Just as important is how Zero's youth is preserved as well; Cloonan just doesn't present a shorter version of an adult woman. Mike Norton's vision of a toddler Zero is adorable. Her innocence and joie de vivre are given pudgy little form here, and it makes for an interesting contrast to the furrowed stress that defines Zero's mom and her "nemesis" here. Brogsul's work here stands out as truly unique. Its indy appeal is clear. The art boasts a simple charm, but at the same time, the artist makes sure the sense of place around Zero and Emma's hideaway is convincing.
The toddler Zero flashback is easily the most enjoyable. The cuteness factor plays a big part in that, but what I really appreciated about it was how van Meter makes it clear that Zero's unique personality was apparent right from the start. Her penchant for inventing words isn't something she developed over time; she was all about her own unique way of communicating.
The message here is clear: true friendships are about being true to oneself and sharing that with others. Van Meter fortunately avoids the after-school special vibe of that notion (something I've failed to do in this review). The script isn't preachy; it's just honest. Innocence is a big part of this one-shot's appeal as well, and that idea isn't equated with naivete, but with honesty as well. 7/10
