The Misfits, Issue 1 (IDW)

## Our Songs Are Better, Part One

***The Misfits, Issue #1***, subtitled *Our Songs Are Better, Part One*, is the first issue of the *Jem and The Holograms* spin-off series *Jem: The Misfits*, and is the first part of the five part story-arc *Our Songs Are Better*.

It was originally published physically and digitally by IDW Publishing on December 21st, 2016, and was later included in the *Jem: The Misfits* trade paperback published on August 8th, 2017, followed by being digitally available on the same day.

## Official Synopsis

"Their songs may be better, but The Misfits have lost their label and nobody will touch them in the music business. On the ropes and desperate to get back on top, they’re forced to consider the worst case scenario…A MISFITS REALITY TV SHOW. Though it promises the chance to get them back in the spotlight, it comes with a heavy, privacy-destroying price."
—IDW Publishing

## Plot Summary

Two weeks before present day, The Misfits are playing a game of volleyball at Pizzazz's beachfront home. Pizzazz, teamed with Blaze, is growing annoyed with Jetta and Roxy, and the four get into an argument over scoring, asking their unwilling referee Stormer to make a call. Just as the game is about to devolve into chaos, Clash arrives -- Eric Raymond is here, and he would like to speak with Pizzazz.

Eric, as per Pizzazz's request, cuts right to the chase -- 5x5 Records has been open with all of the trouble they've had with The Misfits and, as a result, no label wants to come anywhere *near* the group. In fact, they have only two options at this point: agree to do a reality TV show or let a cruise line book them.

There is an upside to the reality show gig -- they *want* The Misfits to be themselves. However, tempting as it is, Pizzazz still has reservations. She needs time to think it over, but she has to decide quickly, before another band snatches up the opportunity first. She watches her band play volleyball on the beach below as she mulls it over.

In a flashback, a teenage Pizzazz is waiting with the Gabors' divorce lawyer, Mr. Gould. Both of her parents have phoned separately saying that they were unable to attend the meeting, and for them to just go on with the proceedings. They've already signed all of the paperwork, so all that's left is for Mr. Gould to inform Pizzazz of the custody agreement. Gould offers to arrange a ride home for Pizzazz in her parents' absence, but she's already got a ride.

Pizzazz, crying in the back of the Gabor limousine, isn't ready to go back to an empty home just yet. She instructs her driver to take her down Sunset -- she doesn't yet know where she wants to go, but she'll know when she sees it. Eventually, she spots a nightclub with a live show that night. She can't go there just yet, but someday.

Years later, about three years before present day, Pizzazz discovers a young Stormer in a nightclub -- Stormer's band just finished performing. The song Stormer wrote was (in Pizzazz's opinion) the only song of the set, and Pizzazz wants her to join her band. So far, it's only the two of them, but they're going to build it together.

Not long later, Pizzazz and Stormer are watching Roxy play up on stage. They follow Roxy after her band leaves the stage, which makes Roxy understandably upset. Pizzazz can tell that Roxy's forced to hold back, that there's no room for her depth with her current band, and puts forth a proposition: join The Misfits, and she can play how she really wants to play.

Later, Roxy drags Pizzazz and Stormer out to check out a new musician after playing a tape for them. They meet this musician, Jetta, quite suddenly as she throws one of her bandmates out onto the street. Now that she's out of the band, The Misfits ask: does she want to join them?

Two years before present day, Pizzazz is incognito at a coffee shop. She uses a fake name for her order but unfortunately, the barista recognizes her -- and she happens to be a huge fan. Desperate to leave before more people recognize her (and a little impressed by the coffee), Pizzazz asks Clash if she'd like a new job, specifically, that of Pizzazz's assistant.

A few months before present day, Blaze hesitantly enters Pizzazz's room and asks if they can talk. She knows that 5x5 and Eric want The Misfits to drop her and go back to their old sound, but Pizzazz isn't having any of it. Blaze brings something new to the band -- and besides, she's part of the family now.

Pizzazz finally makes her choice. She calls The Misfits away from the beach to break the news: they're doing the reality show. Nobody is happy about this.

Present day, The Misfits are holding an interview on *Super Late with Rick Tenenbaum*, revealing their upcoming reality show to the world. For the benefit of the audience, Rick asks what viewers can find out if they tune in. Pizzazz's answer? *Everything*.

## Cover Variants

Default Cover
by M. Victoria RobadoSubscription Cover
by Jenn St-OngeSketch CoverRetailers Incentive Cover
by George Caltsoudas
## Navigation

 Main Series
Jem: Dimensions: 01 • 02 • 03 • 04