Wallace Wells vs. The World: Examining "Scott Pilgrim"'s Gayness Factor

With the sixth and final Scott Pilgrim graphic novel having recently been released, and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World coming out in theaters soon, the world of geekery (particularly gay geekery) has Pilgrim Fever.

If you haven't already read the graphic novel series, then first of all: what is wrong with you? There is definitely something wrong with you and you should definitely go to your local comic book shop and then probably to a doctor, in that order.

The Scott Pilgrim series, written and drawn by Bryan Lee O'Malley, takes place in a world much like our own, except that the logic and sensibility of video games are applicable to everyday life. Enemies and rivals physically battle one another on a regular basis, with the antagonists exploding in a burst of money, items, or extra lives.

Scott is a jobless 23-year-old content to play in his friends' band and mooch off his gay roommate Wallace Wells; that is, until he meets Ramona Flowers. But dating Ramona has one nasty stipulation: he has to defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends.

Wallace, Ramona and Scott

Though Scott's romance with Ramona and his battles with the Evil Exes take up a good portion of the plot, he also spends a significant amount of time simply navigating friendships. And Wallace represents an interesting twist on an archetype that has persisted for a long time.

My So-Called Life had Ricky, Mean Girls had Damien, He's Just Not That Into You had ... those three guys that Drew Barrymore worked with (man, Wilson Cruz, huh?).

You've seen him in countless movies and TV shows. He's the Gay Best Friend.

Sometimes this character is somewhat of a “token” designed to add diversity, or to add gay appeal (as if Ugly Betty would be any less gay without Marc St. James). And sometimes he's just a non-threatening, non-sexual, sassy confidant to the female protagonist. Never fear, straight girls! The Gay Best Friend is always ready with sound advice and a snappy one-liner, and he definitely won't distract from all the normal people by kissing any dudes in front of you!

Ew! Gross! Am I right, ladies?

With all that said, not all gay supporting characters are sassy sexless advice-bots, and even the more eyebrow raising characters have a certain appeal. Sure, Hollywood Montrose from Mannequin (and the highly revolutionary and groundbreaking Mannequin 2) is somewhat of a stereotype to say the least, but ... he has an awesome car? I ... I would like to have his car?