One of DTLA’s newest and finest purveyors of comic books, sequential art, and all things in between, A Shop Called Quest, held an impromptu signing and launch event for Image Comics, Snotgirl Vol 1, with creators Leslie Hung and Bryan Lee O’Malley (of Scott Pilgrim and Seconds fame) on hand.
Arriving on a relatively calm LA afternoon, passerby’s were treated to a line that snaked through the parking lot of 300 S Santa Fe, Los Angeles, and out and around the block.  The Uber driver that was entrusted with my ride was in awe at the amount of people waiting in line and asked the obligatory “what the hell is going on here.”
Our answer, “The folks from Scott Pilgrim and Snotgirl are here…”
Snotgirl by Bryan Lee O'Malley and Leslie Hung
 
 
Snotgirl, the brainchild of O’Malley and Hung, hangs its story around the life of Lottie, a flawless social media star plagued with allergies and and other ailments that leave her dripping with snot.  Originally unveiled in Image Magazine 1, Lottie and her story has gained a similar cult fan following as O’Malley’e earlier work.  Paired with Hung’s welcoming and distinctive art style, it marks their first foray into monthly storytelling.  With an outsider’s story that hits home for many, it was well received by critics and fans of pop-culture alike.
The pop-culture/geek/comic community in the current sphere has proven itself to be one of openness and resilience with a level of acceptance that other spheres of our world would benefit from experiencing.  When speaking with a group of kids who had waited in line for 2 hours before the signing, they spoke of O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim resonating with them as having “a voice that spoke and appealed to them.”  “We would have never met, if it wasn’t for our interest in what these books were saying,” one of the line goers continued, “the work speaks for itself.”

As a fan of pop-culture and its influence on the natural lexicon of media and its relative spheres, we wholeheartedly agree.  Comic book and pop culture has transcended the backs of libraries and locker rooms and has entrenched itself in the forefront of the conversations that help to make meaning of the the everyday lives and connections that many people have.  Moreover, it has provided a means for people of different creative backgrounds to express themselves outwardly and within their social circles.

Case in point, running into @theknittedzombie (Trevor of Ventura), we were at first drawn to his reinterpretation of the classic Boba Fett/Mandalorian outfit, but were one over by his outward jovial attitude and attempt at making everyone feel welcome and entertained.  His outward love for pop culture (and Star Wars) was a beacon for conversation and led into many topics that covered the launch of Snotgirl and the space in which it was held.
All in all it was an amazing night for everyone who participated and showed up.  Kudos to Leslie Hung, Bryan Lee O’Malley, and the crew from A Shop Called Quest for making this happen.  Not only was it an awesome celebration of one of our favorite books out right now, but it was a great space for conversation and ideas as well as what’s coming up on the horizon for storytellers written, visual, or otherwise.
For more information:

A Shop Called Quest | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Snotgirl | Image Comics