The buzziest comic book series of the decade, Scott Pilgrim combines the slacker comedy of a Judd Apatow flick with rock ’em, sock ’em combat straight outta Super Smash Bros. Since the first volume debuted in 2004, the hipster hybrid has racked up accolades, including an Eisner Award nomination (the comic book Oscars). The title character is a 23-year-old indie rocker wannabe. “All he wants to do is play video games and rock out with his band,” says writer-artist Bryan Lee O’Malley. But when Scott becomes smitten with sexy Ramona Flowers, he discovers he must defeat her seven ex-boyfriends in video-game-style battles in order to date her. Imagine if instead of merely cock-blocking you, your girl’s exes lobbed ninja stars at your head, and you’ve got the idea.

In the latest volume, Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe, things get even darker for our hero. “This is the Empire Strikes Back of the series,” O’Malley hints. Not surprisingly, Hollywood wants in on the action: A movie version is coming, directed by Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz), with Michael Cera as Scott and knockout Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona. If the books are any indication, expect a kick-ass soundtrack and lots of ass-kicking combat.