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Grommets #1-7
Grommets
“Grommets captures the raw feeling of being an outcast kid in the 1980s, and why skateboarding became such a sacred salvation to a lucky few. The graphics, attitudes and language of that era are represented with a rare authenticity that will leave you wanting more.” —Tony Hawk
Two outcast best friends navigate the Sacramento suburbs of 1984, where they find a home in skateboard culture and punk rock. Perfect for fans of John Hughes' Brat Pack teen movies, Freaks & Geeks, and Dazed & Confused.
Grommets is both an authentic look at ’80s skate culture—a snapshot of the generation that turned skating into a worldwide phenomenon— as well as a heartfelt coming-of-age story following two friends from troubled homes navigating their damage in an era when no one cared.
The series’ title springs from skater slang, a “grommet” is a commonly used term for a young up-and-coming skater or surfer. Since the ’60s it’s been used to describe the next generation of kids who, with youthful exuberance, love the sport but want to put their spin on it.
Collects the complete story, Grommets #1-7.
Two outcast best friends navigate the Sacramento suburbs of 1984, where they find a home in skateboard culture and punk rock. Perfect for fans of John Hughes' Brat Pack teen movies, Freaks & Geeks, and Dazed & Confused.
Grommets is both an authentic look at ’80s skate culture—a snapshot of the generation that turned skating into a worldwide phenomenon— as well as a heartfelt coming-of-age story following two friends from troubled homes navigating their damage in an era when no one cared.
The series’ title springs from skater slang, a “grommet” is a commonly used term for a young up-and-coming skater or surfer. Since the ’60s it’s been used to describe the next generation of kids who, with youthful exuberance, love the sport but want to put their spin on it.
Collects the complete story, Grommets #1-7.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2025
10 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Rick Remender
1,254 books1,429 followersRick Remender is an American comic book writer and artist who resides in Los Angeles, California. He is the writer/co-creator of many independent comic books like Black Science, Deadly Class, LOW, Fear Agent and Seven to Eternity. Previously, he wrote The Punisher, Uncanny X-Force, Captain America and Uncanny Avengers for Marvel Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 17, 2025
(B+) 77% | Good
Notes: Rad, looks cool, nostalgia-fueled, a 1980s mood, but no story core (nor fleshing out esprit de corps), gets by on attitude.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issue #1 ◦ Issues #2-3 ◦ Issues #4-5 ◦ Issues #6-7
Notes: Rad, looks cool, nostalgia-fueled, a 1980s mood, but no story core (nor fleshing out esprit de corps), gets by on attitude.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issue #1 ◦ Issues #2-3 ◦ Issues #4-5 ◦ Issues #6-7
July 26, 2025
I could read this forever. On the one hand, I want more. On the other hand, fuck what a perfect ending.
October 24, 2025
I'm an 80s kid that was in to metal and punk so this was awesome!
May 25, 2025
Grommets by Rick Remender is a coming-of-age story about a new kid in town trying to fit in. If I liked skating more, this would have been a home run. But even as someone who was never really into the skating or punk scene, I truly appreciated the overall feel of this series, and there are some genuinely tender and sweet moments.
As a coming-of-age narrative, you see growth through frequent moves, meeting a best friend and a hot girl, and generally trying to figure life out. That aspect of the story works exceptionally well, expertly mixed with the awesome, insane, and often over-the-top art.
The skating parts aren't as intriguing, and the hyper-violence is sometimes so brutal it's hard to take seriously. The tone also shifts to a very dark place at points in the later half.
Despite these caveats, I had a good time overall. 3.5 out of 5.
As a coming-of-age narrative, you see growth through frequent moves, meeting a best friend and a hot girl, and generally trying to figure life out. That aspect of the story works exceptionally well, expertly mixed with the awesome, insane, and often over-the-top art.
The skating parts aren't as intriguing, and the hyper-violence is sometimes so brutal it's hard to take seriously. The tone also shifts to a very dark place at points in the later half.
Despite these caveats, I had a good time overall. 3.5 out of 5.
July 22, 2025
I had a good time with this, I’m not an 80s kid and haven’t skated so the nostalgia aspect doesn’t appeal to me but this was still a good coming of age story with Rick trying to fit in to a new place. Fun read and the art was very good to top it off!
August 21, 2025
This story starts sad and ends sad… but at least in the middle, there are also glimmers of sadness.
This plays like a supercut of all the bad stuff that happens to two boys over the course of… maybe a year? The emotion to this book hits… but not because there’s much character development, mostly because it’s hard to watch people be mean to kids.
I appreciate the intention behind this book, but it’s an unfortunate execution… except the art, which is absolutely phenomenal.
This plays like a supercut of all the bad stuff that happens to two boys over the course of… maybe a year? The emotion to this book hits… but not because there’s much character development, mostly because it’s hard to watch people be mean to kids.
I appreciate the intention behind this book, but it’s an unfortunate execution… except the art, which is absolutely phenomenal.
July 25, 2025
Hated to see it end, a really rad coming of age story about Rick Remender's childhood, following the punk rock and skateboarding culture of the Gen X era in Sacramento. I really enjoyed the art and story and you really can't help reflect on your own childhood and old friends reading this.
November 7, 2025
The artwork is great, but I find myself aggressively uninterested in our protagonists and I would much rather have a story about the Jens than these loser boys and their cliché existences. No idea why I picked this up; I think it may have been nominated for an award.
January 11, 2025
Grommets is a standard coming of age story set in California during the 80s featuring skateboarding and pop culture from the time.
SPOILER
The main character moves to a new town, makes friends through a mutual love of skateboarding, gets into low level mischief while strengthening those friendships, and begins a romance with a local girl, but his happiness is threatened when his parents announce they are moving to Arizona out of the blue. His best friend’s grandpa (whom the friend lives with) is losing his mind. Plus there are some “jock” bullies.
/SPOILER
It’s basically a teen drama like fast times at ridgemont high. Grommets is unambitious and unoriginal, but a quick, light read if you have some time to kill.
The art is the highlight of the book, with an appealing style (there is a clear Jamie Hewlett (gorillaz) influence) and strong character designs and facial expressions. Still, it’s far from great — often sloppy and ugly with the inconsistencies and crudities of an inexperienced draughtsman. Storytelling is smooth — flows seamlessly without clutter or confusion.
SPOILER
The main character moves to a new town, makes friends through a mutual love of skateboarding, gets into low level mischief while strengthening those friendships, and begins a romance with a local girl, but his happiness is threatened when his parents announce they are moving to Arizona out of the blue. His best friend’s grandpa (whom the friend lives with) is losing his mind. Plus there are some “jock” bullies.
/SPOILER
It’s basically a teen drama like fast times at ridgemont high. Grommets is unambitious and unoriginal, but a quick, light read if you have some time to kill.
The art is the highlight of the book, with an appealing style (there is a clear Jamie Hewlett (gorillaz) influence) and strong character designs and facial expressions. Still, it’s far from great — often sloppy and ugly with the inconsistencies and crudities of an inexperienced draughtsman. Storytelling is smooth — flows seamlessly without clutter or confusion.
September 28, 2025
The ending is one of the best endings I’ve read in a while :’)
Other than that I have to say the artwork is really fitting and great. The story is for young adults, but also punk rockers and skaters in their 40s who wants to relive their early days. Loved that.
Other than that I have to say the artwork is really fitting and great. The story is for young adults, but also punk rockers and skaters in their 40s who wants to relive their early days. Loved that.
June 1, 2025
Decent. Lot of nostalgia if you grew up a certain way.
July 30, 2025
Fun graphic novel, especially the art but the story wasn’t as grappling.
January 12, 2026
A love letter to the ’80s and carefree teenage life. Full of music and pop-culture references, with a mix of humor and a touch of injustice. It was quite good, but in the end I felt like something was missing. The cartoonish drawing style is pretty cool.
December 29, 2025
A transporting, one-sitting read. A great coming-of-age story. A good mixture of high jinx, humor, and heart. The artwork is the perfect fit for the story, as well.
October 9, 2025
I absolutely loved Grommets! Sure, the coming of age through skateboarding setup isn’t exactly new — you can feel the DNA of Freaks and Geeks or Fast Times at Ridgemont High all over it — but it nails the tone perfectly.
As a 90s skate kid kid I grew up loving that idolized version of the ’80s. Remender makes it possible for me to live in that time, if only briefly. It’s these same elements that he included in “Deadly Class” which made it an all time favorite as well.
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or picked up a skateboard… I think (hope) that it will resonate with you too!
As a 90s skate kid kid I grew up loving that idolized version of the ’80s. Remender makes it possible for me to live in that time, if only briefly. It’s these same elements that he included in “Deadly Class” which made it an all time favorite as well.
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or picked up a skateboard… I think (hope) that it will resonate with you too!
October 11, 2025
Great art!
August 27, 2025
Fans of movies like Mid90s, shows like Freaks and Geeks, and novels like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, look no further than Grommets if you’re looking for a graphic novel that captures all of the pre-2000s nostalgia.
Grommets is a raw, coming-of-age graphic novel, following the new kid in town, Rick, and his new best friend, Brian, as they navigate growing up in the 80s. Both teenagers cope with messy home lives, first crushes, and being social outcasts by seeking solace in skateboarding and finding community with others who don’t necessarily fit the mould.
I feel like these volumes perfectly capture the wistful nostalgia of adolescence, with the turmoil of growing up, and being too young to have full autonomy. The writing is great, and the dialogue feels authentic to how teenagers would talk in the 80s-90s.
I feel like the art and the plot captured the nostalgia of growing up before the age of the Internet. I loved the character designs and the more graphic, violent scenes felt more real and urgent because of the art.
I absolutely devoured this collection of all 7 volumes, and though I know very little about skateboarding, I felt fully absorbed in the stories of two teenage boys and their friendship. Based on interviews and documentaries I’ve seen about skating, the notion of skateboarders being the social outcasts feels authentic to the time, as Tony Hawk himself has spoken about how skateboarders were seen as losers when he started skating. It had everything I wanted in a coming-of-age story and now that the entire story is out, I definitely recommend giving it a shot!
5/5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Image Comics for the ARC.
Grommets is a raw, coming-of-age graphic novel, following the new kid in town, Rick, and his new best friend, Brian, as they navigate growing up in the 80s. Both teenagers cope with messy home lives, first crushes, and being social outcasts by seeking solace in skateboarding and finding community with others who don’t necessarily fit the mould.
I feel like these volumes perfectly capture the wistful nostalgia of adolescence, with the turmoil of growing up, and being too young to have full autonomy. The writing is great, and the dialogue feels authentic to how teenagers would talk in the 80s-90s.
I feel like the art and the plot captured the nostalgia of growing up before the age of the Internet. I loved the character designs and the more graphic, violent scenes felt more real and urgent because of the art.
I absolutely devoured this collection of all 7 volumes, and though I know very little about skateboarding, I felt fully absorbed in the stories of two teenage boys and their friendship. Based on interviews and documentaries I’ve seen about skating, the notion of skateboarders being the social outcasts feels authentic to the time, as Tony Hawk himself has spoken about how skateboarders were seen as losers when he started skating. It had everything I wanted in a coming-of-age story and now that the entire story is out, I definitely recommend giving it a shot!
5/5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Image Comics for the ARC.
July 18, 2025
Grommets is a seven-issue miniseries co-written by Rick Remender and Brian Posehn, with art by Brett Parson. An exploration of '80s punk and skater culture, as seen through the nostalgic lens from a creative team that holds to that period with gripping sentimentality. Set in Sacramento in 1984, where the new kid Rick befriends fellow outcast Brian and the pair begin to bond over their shared love of skateboarding, music, movies, comic books and even girls. Other friends join this small group of social outcasts, creating a sense of community that the two boys often feel lacking in their home lives.
Given that the two main characters are named after the two writers, it's clear that Remender and Posehn are drawing from childhood experiences to transplant onto their author insert characters. The nostalgia is very much apparent, as Grommets takes on the tone of every '80s John Hughes movie along with having copious references to the period pop culture. Sometimes the nostalgia is laid on a little too thick, but a compelling enough narrative of two friends navigating the complexities of teenage life is very much present here. Adding in to the mix is Brett Parson's pleasing artwork which laces in cute little details in the backgrounds to remind the reader that this is very much suburban California in '84. Though this period isn't something I'm all that sentimental about, (I'm a '90s kid, after all) I'd still be interested in continuing the story of young Rick and Brian should the team ever decide to follow up on this series.
Given that the two main characters are named after the two writers, it's clear that Remender and Posehn are drawing from childhood experiences to transplant onto their author insert characters. The nostalgia is very much apparent, as Grommets takes on the tone of every '80s John Hughes movie along with having copious references to the period pop culture. Sometimes the nostalgia is laid on a little too thick, but a compelling enough narrative of two friends navigating the complexities of teenage life is very much present here. Adding in to the mix is Brett Parson's pleasing artwork which laces in cute little details in the backgrounds to remind the reader that this is very much suburban California in '84. Though this period isn't something I'm all that sentimental about, (I'm a '90s kid, after all) I'd still be interested in continuing the story of young Rick and Brian should the team ever decide to follow up on this series.
November 20, 2025
Grommets is an absolutely immersive dive into the teenage world of the 80s, with a special focus on skateboarding dirtbag boys. This feels like Rick Remender and Brian Posehn transcribed a classic 80s film, except Grommets is very much its own thing.
You can tell Remender is on board because Grommets is surprisingly dark at every turn. Sure, the kids are just out to flip the bird to their parents and the world, with all its demands and requirements and shit. So let's get stoned and hit the arcade, or a throw a party when the 'rents are out of town, or bomb the concrete sewer snake on our skateboards.
Except in Remender's hands, the outcome of most of these activities is violence and abandonment, which honestly kind of keeps you glued to the page. If Grommets was all Reagan-era fun and nostalgia, it would be dull as hell. With the darkness, it's thrilling, if a little relentless.
Ultimately, things turn out sorta okay, which I guess reflects life. I certainly cared for these dingus characters, especially as they're drawn just this side of Disney animation. Not complaining about the art, though! It's stunning and vibrant. Half the reason to pick up the book, really.
You can tell Remender is on board because Grommets is surprisingly dark at every turn. Sure, the kids are just out to flip the bird to their parents and the world, with all its demands and requirements and shit. So let's get stoned and hit the arcade, or a throw a party when the 'rents are out of town, or bomb the concrete sewer snake on our skateboards.
Except in Remender's hands, the outcome of most of these activities is violence and abandonment, which honestly kind of keeps you glued to the page. If Grommets was all Reagan-era fun and nostalgia, it would be dull as hell. With the darkness, it's thrilling, if a little relentless.
Ultimately, things turn out sorta okay, which I guess reflects life. I certainly cared for these dingus characters, especially as they're drawn just this side of Disney animation. Not complaining about the art, though! It's stunning and vibrant. Half the reason to pick up the book, really.
June 19, 2025
Image Comics provided an early galley for review.
I was a middle-schooler in the late 70's and high-schooler in the early 80's, so this one hits squarely in my nostalgic core. Remender and Posehn, in basing the story on their own youth, capture the attitude and tones of the time very well. Anyone who is part of Gen-X will find aspects of their lives in this work. Parson's artwork is absolutely perfect, adding lots of details (like wall posters, t-shirts, iconic businesses and logos, etc.) that pull the reader right into the specific moments of this period. Dinisio's colors further excentuate the moods, day or night. I could easily see this as an animated show.
I appreciated the inclusion of the letter columns and text pieces from the individual issues as well as the alternate covers. Most collected additions should strive for the level of completeness that this one provides.
I was a middle-schooler in the late 70's and high-schooler in the early 80's, so this one hits squarely in my nostalgic core. Remender and Posehn, in basing the story on their own youth, capture the attitude and tones of the time very well. Anyone who is part of Gen-X will find aspects of their lives in this work. Parson's artwork is absolutely perfect, adding lots of details (like wall posters, t-shirts, iconic businesses and logos, etc.) that pull the reader right into the specific moments of this period. Dinisio's colors further excentuate the moods, day or night. I could easily see this as an animated show.
I appreciated the inclusion of the letter columns and text pieces from the individual issues as well as the alternate covers. Most collected additions should strive for the level of completeness that this one provides.
August 18, 2025
This is a fun coming of age story about a couple of skater rats in the 80s. It's got a very 80s movie thing going on with the outcast heroes, the douchey jocks and unstable family life. I have no doubt this will be adapted into a Netflix or Prime series in the next few years.
I've read a lot of Rick Remender's work and have enjoyed it but I mostly know Brian Posehn as a character actor, so I was surprised to see how much he's done over the years.
I don't know if this is partly autobiographical since the two protagonists are named after the writers, but either way it's a nice, quick read.
The artwork by Brett Parson is great, the kind of cartoony style I really love.
I've read a lot of Rick Remender's work and have enjoyed it but I mostly know Brian Posehn as a character actor, so I was surprised to see how much he's done over the years.
I don't know if this is partly autobiographical since the two protagonists are named after the writers, but either way it's a nice, quick read.
The artwork by Brett Parson is great, the kind of cartoony style I really love.
May 11, 2025
Turns out there are plenty of crossovers between '90s skater culture in the UK and '80s skater culture in the US - I got several nostalgic feels from this beautifully crafted graphic novel.
It helps that it feels like an animated version of a Richard Linklater movie, sliding by on hang out vibes, before building to the best cut to black I've seen out of The Wrestler (which I know is Darren Aronofsky, but humor me).
Really feel this deserves to be in the 4s on here, so I'm bumping my score up to five because I'm punk rock like that.
It helps that it feels like an animated version of a Richard Linklater movie, sliding by on hang out vibes, before building to the best cut to black I've seen out of The Wrestler (which I know is Darren Aronofsky, but humor me).
Really feel this deserves to be in the 4s on here, so I'm bumping my score up to five because I'm punk rock like that.
August 27, 2025
My mom didn't pack any drug paraphernalia in my lunch.
Grommets is a slice of life portrayal of grungy skating diehards in the 80s. There's complicated family dynamics, period accurate unfortunate homophobia and insensitive jokes, and a whole ton of bloody violence. Its chaotic visuals are perfectly stylized to where it's almost as if you can smell the grit of the scenes. The tension and pacing are well done to the point that I was left wanting more but satisfied with the ending at the same time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for the arc!
Grommets is a slice of life portrayal of grungy skating diehards in the 80s. There's complicated family dynamics, period accurate unfortunate homophobia and insensitive jokes, and a whole ton of bloody violence. Its chaotic visuals are perfectly stylized to where it's almost as if you can smell the grit of the scenes. The tension and pacing are well done to the point that I was left wanting more but satisfied with the ending at the same time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for the arc!
October 6, 2025
(4,5 of 5 for an excellent trip to '80 suburb outsider's teenage world)
I really enjoyed this comic, from playful and colourful art to the lightness of storytelling, particularly on not-so-easy topics. I enjoyed how the events seem both rare and yet common and relatable. Especially for me, hitting the same age & similar culture, just one ocean away and some years later. Yeah, this is just prime Rick Remender, doing his best. And he doesn't even need to go to the lengths of fantasy to some assassin's school; he can deal greatly with a very common, flawed yet perfect world.
I really enjoyed this comic, from playful and colourful art to the lightness of storytelling, particularly on not-so-easy topics. I enjoyed how the events seem both rare and yet common and relatable. Especially for me, hitting the same age & similar culture, just one ocean away and some years later. Yeah, this is just prime Rick Remender, doing his best. And he doesn't even need to go to the lengths of fantasy to some assassin's school; he can deal greatly with a very common, flawed yet perfect world.
September 5, 2025
i absolutely LOVED this. so much so that i practically read it in a sitting.
i’m a sucker for a good coming of age story and this just flows so well, you can tell rick remender lived through this all and looks back on everything with love and appreciation. even the good, the bad, and the embarrassing.
makes me wish i was there to live through some of these moments, lol
i’m a sucker for a good coming of age story and this just flows so well, you can tell rick remender lived through this all and looks back on everything with love and appreciation. even the good, the bad, and the embarrassing.
makes me wish i was there to live through some of these moments, lol
July 2, 2025
Right up my alley. Skater punks in the '80's. The art is messy and detailed. The story is pretty standard outsider type of thing. The injuries the characters get and then mostly walk away from are a little over the top.
Apparently, the ebook was available at my library ahead on the publication date?
Apparently, the ebook was available at my library ahead on the publication date?
August 3, 2025
A very good coming-of-age story set in the mid-1980s. The teens involved deal with difficult family matters, bullying, and falling in love, all set around their love of skating. It's nostalgic in all the best ways (for teens from any era), has a great ending, and the art is fantastic. Definitely worth a read.
August 11, 2025
Cliched, but at times weirdly ultra violent 80s nostalgia trip. The jokes don’t really hit either.
2.5 stars rounded up because the art is pretty good.
2.5 stars rounded up because the art is pretty good.
September 6, 2025
Well, the story didn't sanitize skater or some aspects of punk rock culture, and it didn't need to. But this story wasn't for me.
It was just a lot of violence and steroid rage. The insight into the home life of the two characters was the most heartfelt part. You can see the kids feel like they can never do anything right, and that their parents resent them in different ways.
Samra felt a little manic pixie dreamgirl-ish.
The artwork fits well, and the era should bring nostalgia.
It was just a lot of violence and steroid rage. The insight into the home life of the two characters was the most heartfelt part. You can see the kids feel like they can never do anything right, and that their parents resent them in different ways.
Samra felt a little manic pixie dreamgirl-ish.
The artwork fits well, and the era should bring nostalgia.
December 30, 2025
Dibujo espectacular pero la historia es la nada. Un tono ochentero que tiene su punto pero con una historia totalmente vacia que no cuenta nada. Una sucesión de anécdotas menores que no dejan poso. Y otro tema a mencionar es la absurda traducción. En lugar de trasladarte a cómo se hablaba en esa época parece que un chaval que no lo vivió lo ha imaginado. De hecho más que traducción es adaptación y no buena
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews