- This is an article for detailing the entire franchise of Scott Pilgrim. If you're looking for the titular protagonist, see Scott Pilgrim. If you are looking for other pages with a similar name, see Scott Pilgrim (disambiguation).
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Scott Pilgrim is a Canadian media franchise created by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The original edition of the series consists of six digest size black-and-white volumes, released between August 2004 and July 2010, by Portland-based independent comic book publisher Oni Press. It was later licensed by 4th Estate, an imprint of HarperCollins. Full-colour hardback volumes, coloured by Nathan Fairbairn, were released from August 2012 to May 2015. As part of the series' 20th anniversary, Oni Press released the Scott Pilgrim: 20th Anniversary Box Set which included re-released versions of the six graphic novels.
Books and comics
Graphic novels
The graphic novel series revolves around the titular Scott Pilgrim, a slacker and part-time musician who lives in Toronto, Canada, and plays bass in a band, dating a high school student while recovering from a traumatic breakup.
Scott's life takes a turn when he meets Ramona Flowers, an enigmatic American delivery girl with a mysterious past. As Scott begins to fall for Ramona, he discovers that she comes with a unique set of challenges. In order to date Ramona, Scott must first defeat her seven evil exes, who each possess superpowers and are intent on defeating him. These battles are orchestrated by Gideon Graves, Ramona's most recent ex, who manipulates the other exes into targeting Scott.
The graphic novel series explores several themes, including the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the struggle to overcome one's past. The battles with Ramona's exes serve as a metaphor for the emotional baggage that people carry from previous relationships. Each encounter forces Scott and Ramona to confront their own insecurities and learn to communicate more honestly.
| Vol. | Title | Author | Release date | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | Colour Version | 20th Anniversary Version | ||||
| 1 |  |
Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life | Bryan Lee O'Malley | 18 August 2004 | 8 August 2012 | 27 August 2024 |
| 2 |  |
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World | 15 June 2005 | 7 November 2012 | ||
| 3 |  |
Scott Pilgrim & the Infinite Sadness | 24 May 2006 | 22 May 2013 | ||
| 4 |  |
Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together | 14 November 2007 | 13 November 2013 | ||
| 5 |  |
Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe | 4 February 2009 | 13 August 2014 | ||
| 6 |  |
Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour | 20 July 2010 | 5 May 2015 | ||
Compilation books
| No. | Title | Author | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scott Pilgrim Collected Extras | Bryan Lee O'Malley | 27 August 2024 |
Special comics
| No. | Title | Author | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comics Festival 2005 | Bryan Lee O'Malley | May 2005 |
| 2 | Monica Beetle | 15 June 2005 | |
| 3 | Free Scott Pilgrim | 6 May 2006 | |
| 4 | Beverly Hillbillies | David McGuire | 24 May 2006 |
| 5 | Scott Pilgrim vs. King Hippo | Jacqueline Lesnick | |
| 6 | NOW's Best of Toronto | Bryan Lee O'Malley | 2006 |
| 7 | Comics Festival 2007 | May 2007 | |
| 8 | Scott Pilgrim: Full Colour Odds & Ends 2008 | 12 August 2010 | |
| 9 | Scott Pilgrim EX: Dawn of Metal Scott | 2026 |
Animation
Main article: Scott Pilgrim vs. the Animation
Scott Pilgrim vs. The Animation is an animated short based on Bryan Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim series. At "around midnight" on August 12, 2010, during their Adult Swim programming block, Cartoon Network premiered Scott Pilgrim vs. the Animation in segments during commercial breaks. The animation is an adaptation of the first chapter in Volume 2. In conjunction with the release of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Titmouse, Inc. (producers of Metalocalypse) had animated the series of shorts for Adult Swim. They were voiced by movie cast members, and elaborated on the Scott Pilgrim–Kim Pine "secret" origin. Scenes from Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novels are also used, and Mae Whitman, who plays Roxie Richter in the movie, was called on to voice Scott's could-have-been high school flame Lisa Miller in the short. The animation notes that Lisa does not appear in the movie (although she was mentioned).
Film
Main article: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
The film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was released on August 13, 2010. It is based on all six volumes of the graphic novel series with the final book being released after original filming wrapped; this led to a new ending being filmed to match the books before the film's release. The film is directed by Edgar Wright and stars Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Scott and Ramona, respectively. The film was a critical success, but did not fare well commercially in cinemas. However, its commercial fortunes improved after being released on Blu-ray and DVD. The DVD included extras including bloopers, outtakes, deleted scenes, storyboards (which include the ending provided by the comics), and trailers. The 2-disc edition includes soundtracks, animation (when Scott dates Kim), and a making-of.
Television series
Main article: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
An animated series based on the comics was announced to be in development by Universal Content Productions for Netflix on January 7, 2022 with O'Malley writing and executive producing alongside BenDavid Grabinski, Japanese studio Science Saru providing the animation, Eunyoung Choi serving as producer, and Abel Góngora as director. Edgar Wright, Nira Park, Marc Platt, Jared LeBoff, Adam Seigel, and Michael Bacall will also receive executive producer credits for the series. On March 30, 2023, it was announced that the original cast from the movie would reprise their roles for the television series, with Anamanaguchi providing original music. The series, titled Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, was released on November 17, 2023, and serves as both a continuation and alternate retelling of the books' events.
The series garnered critical acclaim with praise for the voice acting and animation, and later winning the 2024 Critics' Choice Award for Best Animated Series.
Video games
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game
Main article: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game
A video game based on the series, titled Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game, was announced during San Diego Comic-Con 2009 and was developed by Ubisoft Montreal, released alongside the film. The game is a four-player side-scroller influenced by 8-bit and 16-bit video games, with players able to play as Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Kim Pine and Stephen Stills; players can also unlock Nega Scott, while Knives Chau and Wallace Wells were added as playable characters via downloadable content. The game features music by chiptune punk band Anamanaguchi and art direction by Paul Robertson.
The game was released on PlayStation Network on August 10, 2010 and Xbox Live Arcade on August 25, 2010.
On December 30, 2014, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game was delisted from the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. This follows similar previous delistings of licensed games such as Uno and Marvel vs. Capcom Origins due to their licenses' expiration. On September 10, 2020, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Ubisoft announced that the game would finally be re-released with all downloadable content included as Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game - Complete Edition. The game was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Stadia, on January 14, 2021.
Scott Pilgrim EX
Main article: Scott Pilgrim EX
Scott Pilgrim EX was announced on 6 June 2025, developed by Tribute Games and published by Universal. In the game, Toronto is taken over by three rival gangs: The Vegans, The Robots and The Demons, and Scott and Ramona must defeat them. There are seven playable characters in the game, including Scott and Ramona. The game is expected to be released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Other media
Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little App
Main article: Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little App
Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little App was an app that was available for download on the App Store for Android, iPod Touch and iPhone. The app uses movement, sound and vibration to create an original reading experience and includes extra material hidden in the scenes of the comic.
Pilgrim's Punch Out!!
Main article: Pilgrim's Punch Out!!
Pilgrim's Punch-Out!! was an Apple mobile app created by NBC Universal promoting the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World movie. The gameplay involved brawling The League of Ramona's Evil Exes in a Punch-Out!!-esque style. The app also featured two trailers for the movie, a movie picture gallery and a look inside video (must be connected to Wi-Fi in order watch)
Music
- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is the music soundtrack release for the 2010 film, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game - Original Videogame Soundtrack is the soundtrack from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game recorded by Chiptune-Punk band, Anamanaguchi.
- Scott Pilgrim Takes Off: Original Soundtrack From The Netflix Series is the soundtrack release of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
Critical Reception
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Scott Pilgrim has received critical acclaim and garnered a large fanbase. Critics and fans alike praised the series for it's story, influences, unique artwork, it's themes on self-reflection, learning from your mistakes and growing up, visual style, and fun characters.
Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together is often voted as the best book in the series, with fans highlighting the improved art, character writing, and maturity.
The artwork books featured in the books is often described as being influence by Japanese manga, with O'Malley confirming that his intention was to create a shonen-style comic that took inspiration American comics and Japanese manga. O'Malley's artwork has often been praised by fans and critics. Many Japanese writers have also given their thoughts. Author Kentaro Taketuma praised the battle sequences and praised how O'Malley structured the comic panels. Fellow author Koji Aihara praised the influence of Japanese manga on the series, noting that it never felt like a ripoff and praised the unique way of expression. It's worth noting that O'Malley's improvement in skill is evident: the artwork in the first three volumes is rougher and more simpler, while the last three feature smoother artwork and more detail, especially Volume 6.
The writing and character development on the series has also been praised. Fans and critics took notice of how the first three are more carefree and fun, with last three feeling more mature while still retaining the element of fun, much like Harry Potter. Particularly praised is the character development, particularly of Scott and Ramona and their relationship, which many fans felt paid off really well in Volume 6, with both of them accepting their mistake and wanting to work to overcome them together. The humor is also praised as being very witty and meta. Likewise, most of these elements serve as the reason why most fans usually vote Volume 4 as being the best book in the series, being praised for Scott and Ramona's relationship, the evolved sense of maturity, and dealing with real life situations such as finding a job and moving home. Volume 4 is also praised for developing Lisa Miller's character which adds a touch of drama to the story; Lisa's character has been praised, and she's often voted as a fan-favorite. On a similar note, Volume 5, while still praised as being good, is often voted as the least popular due it's tonal deviation, maintaining the fun but adding in an evolved sense of dramatic tension as Scott and Ramona's relationship goes through it's worst point yet. O'Malley stated that this was intended, as he planned for the last two volumes to reflect a single story, with Volume 5 being the "darkest hour" and Volume 6 being the "redemption arc".
The books aren't just singled out for praise: most of the franchises other adaptations have also reached critical acclaim. The movie, whilst failing commercially, received high praise, directing towards the visual style, performances, and humor. Rotten Tomatoes noted how the script "isn't as dazzling as it's eye popping visuals" but made up for it by being "fast, funny, and inventive". The movie is also credited with bringing new fans to the franchise, with many stating they were introduced to the series either by watching the movie or reading the comics. The movie is often praised as one of the best action comedies of the 2010s. Several celebrities, such as Quentin Tarantino and Jason Reitman also praised the movie. Takes Off received acclaim for it's animation and performances. The show also received praise for it's twist on the story, it's focus on Ramona, and introducing new fan favorites, such as Future Ramona, although some were disappointed by Netflix's marketing of it as a fully faithful adaptation on the comics.
Characters
Main article: Characters
Locations
Main article: Locations
| Scott Pilgrim franchise | |
|---|---|
| Graphic novels | Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life (2004) | Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2005) | Scott Pilgrim & the Infinite Sadness (2006) | Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together (2007) | Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe (2009) | Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour (2010) |
| Film | Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) |
| Animated series | Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023) Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life | A League of Their Own | Ramona Rents a Video | Whatever | Lights. Camera. Sparks?! | WHODIDIT | 2 Scott 2 Pilgrim | The World Vs Scott Pilgrim |