Teen Angst and Thrashing Guitars
FML #1 hits the ground running, packed with humor, attitude, and a lot of heart. Set in the gritty landscape of Portland, it follows Riley Maloney, a 16-year-old navigating the chaos of adolescence. Riley finds his escape in two things: his sketchbook and his band, STFU. His crew includes Savvy, whose name says it all, witchy Glory Holgate, and Lydia, the overachiever with her own wild side. The story takes a twist no one sees coming, yet it feels perfect for this rebellious, punk rock vibe.
FML’s world balances on a razor’s edge, where high school drama meets occult intrigue. Riley’s family life is no less colorful; his mother, a former rock star known as Pattycake, and his sister, obsessed with true crime podcasts, add to his frustration. Throw in a botched ritual and Riley’s life is about to get much more complicated.
Comedy Meets Genuine Character Work
DeConnick’s script is sharp, brimming with humor that feels raw and real. She captures teen life in bold, hilarious strokes. One standout moment has Savvy jumping onto Riley’s mother’s car, flipping off the passengers inside. It’s pure punk rock. Yet, beyond the laughs, DeConnick digs into Riley’s struggle to connect with his family and find his place. It’s this balance of comedy and depth that makes her writing resonate.
A Visual Masterpiece
David Lopez brings DeConnick’s script to life with his art, capturing both Riley’s world and his inner thoughts. Lopez’s panels often blend Riley’s own artwork—raw, angsty, and dark. His sketches reveal a mind grappling with authority, demons, and all the angst that comes with being 16. The result is a visual narrative that surprises on every page.
Cris Peter’s colors enhance the experience, especially in a surreal sequence that’s drenched in blues and pinks. The ever-present reddish-orange Portland sky sets a haunting, apocalyptic backdrop. Clayton Cowles’ bold lettering adds another layer, with Riley’s journal-like captions and the Tooth Fairy legend crafted in haunting, heavy-metal font. Together, they build a world that feels both grounded and otherworldly.
A Comic That Demands Attention
FML #1 isn’t just a comic; it’s an experience. Blending comedy, magic, and metal, it’s a fresh take on coming-of-age storytelling. DeConnick and Lopez have crafted something unique, with a twist that leaves readers wanting more. This isn’t just a story about a kid in Portland; it’s a raw, riotous journey into the heart of growing up.
Get ready for a wild ride with Riley and his friends in FML #1. This comic is funny, punk, and full of surprises—exactly what makes it one of a kind.
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