REVIEW: ‘It’s Only Teenage Wasteland,’ Issue #1

Javi’s not an outsider at his high school, but he’s not “in with the in-crowd,” as they say either. Like many of us did, he floats in the middle ground with a small group of friends as he tries to survive the tragedies and triumphs of high school. But when his parents go away, Javi and his friends decide it is their chance to participate in that right of passage called the house party. But It’s Only Teenage Wasteland #1 from publisher Dark Horse Comics, writer Curt Pires, artist Jacoby Salcedo, colorist Mark Dale, and letterer Micah Myers may have bigger problems in store for him than any house party can bring.

This issue opens up with a terrified Javi cowering behind the counter during what appears to be a convenience store robbery. The purpose of this opening interlude seems to be to assure the reader that while Javi may be the lens through which this story will be told, he is not the hero. His words. This introduction does a great job of establishing the tone of the book. Here, like throughout the rest of this story, Pires writes Javi like a real person. Not heroic or despicable, just a person.

From here, It’s Only Teenage Wasteland #1 jumps back an unknown amount of time to the start of a mostly normal day for Javi. We get introduced to his friends and his place in the social order of his high school, as well as see the plan hatched to throw the house party. Through these moments and the party itself, the reader is presented with many of the moments one expects to find when 20+ teenagers in varying states of inebriation get together. Shenanigans of many types ensue until someone eventually starts throwing fists. The nature of the spark that lights the fire is as upsetting as it is believable. There are always people who are just terrible and more than willing to show it.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the skillful way Pires delivers this classic storyline, where the story ultimately ends is such a left turn from where it appeared to be going that I have no idea what will come next. While this isn’t a bad thing in and of itself, it feels like the story moving forward will be completely different from this issue. To the point where I wonder if liking this issue is even a good indicator of the rest of the story being what the reader would be looking for.

Complementing It’s Only Teenage Wasteland #1‘s story is a solid artistic presentation. Salcedo’s lines present the reader with a world that feels completely normal. Combined with Dale’s colors, the visuals bring the normal high school setting to life. The final element of this book is the lettering. Myers keeps the lettering flowing smoothly while choosing the perfect moments to emphasize with some extra style to sell the emotions contained in them.

When all is said and done, It’s Only Teenage Wasteland #1 delivers a strong read that captures the struggles of your average high schooler. Where the whole story is going and whether or not it will appeal to those who enjoy this story is something only future issues can tell.

It’s Only Teenage Wasteland #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.