Legendary underground comics artist Peter Bagge returns to the series that he made his name on in Hate Revisited!. Buddy Bradley and Lisa Leavenworth, now middle aged with a free-spirited young adult of their own, confront their own poor decisions as young people in the grungy 1990s. Shifting between the present day and their Gen X, the story of how Buddy met Lisa, Stinky, George, and Val is revealed. Meanwhile, Buddy is forced to come to terms with the tragic — and covered-up — circumstances of Stinky’s untimely death in the original Hate series, while navigating elder care, contemporary politics, family and friendships.
When you’re talking about top names in the alternative comics scene, Peter Bagge’s name needs to be in that conversation. His clever use of dark humour and exploration of generation x and slacker cultures made him a standout name – with Hate in particular being one of the bestselling alternate comics of the 90s. It has been quite some time since we’ve had new Hate comics with the original series wrapping up in 2011. But with everything that has been happening in the world, now is a perfect time to bring the old gang back and ask the question of what happens when disenfranchised Gen Xers get older themselves.
With several key events happening in American culture in the last two decades, there’s a lot for Bagge to work with. Between Trump, COVID and Black Lives Matter – there are several events that would have a large impact on his classic characters. This is greatly juxtaposed by Bagge switching between the classic era of the series (presented in black and white) and the present day (presented in full colour) where the consequences of Buddy and co’s actions are brought to full light. There is still the snarky humour present that readers would expect from the series but Bagge shows that the events of the last few years have clearly had a significant impact on most of his characters. He plays with this theme especially in regards to Buddy who is very much the same person he was when he first debuted and it is not made clear in which direction he is politically inclined. The series obviously has a strong political leaning, but Buddy’s lack of interest/awareness gives the satirical side an extra bit of depth.
Bagge’s cartooning remains as strong as always. His characters – along with their rather bendy limbs – are loud, brash and expressive leaving little to the imagination which is exactly what you’d want from Hate.
This is a perfect revival of a classic comic series and an apt reflection of what is happening in America today. This is one that alternative comic fans new and old will not want to miss.
Hate Revisited! is out now from Fantagraphics (9798875000485, p/b, £18.99)
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