I don’t say this dismissively, but Snotgirl, which last published an issue in March of 2020, was a really, really, really weird comic book. Written by Bryan Lee O’Malley, with art by Leslie Hung, the series was ostensibly a satire of fashion and social media influencers, but often would head down a rabbit hole that felt like a fever dream. But somehow, Snotgirl has returned with Snotgirl #16 from Image Comics… And at least in this issue, it’s better (and more accessible) than ever before.
Picking up right where we left off, allergy-prone fashion influencer Lottie Person is in a relationship with her former seeming rival Caroline. And what follows is a light, funny, and very adult romp as the duo figure out who they are together.
Given that it’s been four plus years since the last issue, O’Malley and Hung smartly check in with our other major characters, and even cheekily point out how bizarre the book got in previous issues. Side-note: if you were a fan of that part of the book, it’s likely coming back… There are spy shenanigans, and sci-fi trappings poking their heads in on the side, as the main action follows Lottie and Caroline’s burgeoning physical and emotional relationship.
But it’s that last part that will keep readers coming back. By the nature of presenting a vapid character obsessed with looks and her social standing, Snotgirl always felt removed from the reader, holding you at arm’s length. This issue is far more intimate, funnier, and more relatable, even as Lottie and Caroline attend a “Hater’s Brunch” in the park and still constantly discuss their social stats and shares.
Also thankfully, the social media references have been updated, too. Back in 2020, the characters were obsessed with Instagram. In 2024, despite not that much time technically passing in the comic, that obsession has been updated to TikTok. That gives the team a new canvas and language to play with, and it works.
O’Malley and Hung have always been experts at telling this story the way they want to tell it. But the break has completely revived and changed what this comic is, and how it works. It’s fresher, funnier, and more romantic than ever before. If you were allergic to previous issues of Snotgirl? Consider issue #16 the Claritin you’re looking for.
Snotgirl #16 Rating:
Snotgirl #16 Official Synopsis:
NEW STORY ARC! SNOTGIRL is back! Now that allergy-suffering fashion influencer Lottie Person is officially in a couple with Caroline, the girl of her dreams, what kind of trouble will they get into next? Find out in this long-awaited new issue, picking up where SNOTGIRL #15 left off!
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