Waldo's Hawaiian Holiday by Alex Cox, Chris Bones and Justin Randall

(pb; 2007: graphic novel. “Quasi-sequel” to Cox’s 1984 film Repo Man)

From the inside flap

“Ten years after Repo Man I became interested in the idea of a sequel. . .

“Specifically─what had happened to Otto, during his ten-year absence from Earth? And what would he make of the changes which had taken place in his absence? Otto, it would appear, had been held prisoner, in great luxury, on the planet Mars. Now he has returned to Earth, and changed his name─to Waldo. – Alex Cox, Writer/Director of Repo Man

Review

When reading this offbeat “quasi-sequel” to the 1984 film Repo Man, it is best to not expect a straight-ahead storyline. True, there are returning characters (Otto/Waldo’s parents; Beatrice Joanna, his mohawk-sporting acquaintance), but they are included largely to keep a Repo-like feel to this spiral of a follow-up tale, which also keeps with themes and elements from its source film: predatory, soulless capitalism and religion; car-based jobs; unease and ennui; familial/generational disconnection─although, as in Repo, Otto/Waldo has some allies who are reliable guides for his journey toward reintegration/healthy wholeness. . . if only he accepts what they’re offering. 

Is Waldo as good as Repo? It’s hard for me to judge, because Repo is burned into my brain while Waldo─its own spin-off creature─bears a faint resemblance to the 1984 film that spawned it, in terms of Otto/Waldo’s trajectory, and how it’s framed. I can safely say it’s character-progressive and different.

In terms of giving readers a lot to think about (beyond its loopy L.A. feels like a broke prison vibe), Waldo succeeds.

If read with the above awareness, Waldo has a shot of not disappointing its film-based readers. It’s as sharp as, and tone-true to, Repo and its characters, but it feels like a less angry, yearning work (Otto/Waldo wants to belong to something less destructive. . . y’know, settle down). I don’t re-read most books (unless it’s a decade or three later)─I plan to re-read Waldo sooner than that, and that’s a good thing.