BY THE ALIMOCHE TEAM
25 JANUARY 2023
Who’s that goth girl gracing the comic strip in the Metro? Nemi Montoya, of course. Norwegian comic artist Lise Myhre’s iconic series packed a punch through the paunch of the rat-race, enlivening London’s travellers until January 8th, 2016. Initially based around heavy metal music, Nemi embodied counterculture for commuters; a shot of espresso for the daily grind.
the goth girl in the metro: nemi montoya is a cultural icon, an inspiration to us all.
source: lise myhre
Feminism/Social Issues
Gothic glamour paired with addressing important social issues, including sexism and bullying, are part of what makes Myhre’s Nemi the fearless paladin she is admired for. Nemi is unabashedly proud of who she is, and unashamed of other characters’ unnecessary comments surrounding her lifestyle, appearance and interests, including those of her stepmother, a constant source of insecurity. Nemi addresses bullying through scenes of Nemi comforting children, assuming a nurturing role despite her otherwise tough appearance; the character has a pure heart and a gentle soul despite her past traumas. Following the barbaric murder of Sophie Lancaster in 2007, addressing the alternative community being bullied and stigmatised was an important social issue to cover in Nemi, encouraging people to be proud of who they are, despite their superficial differences. For the Metro, this is a revolutionary stance to take, due to the homogeneity of the recession and the negative stigmas associated with alternative subcultures. It also empowers young women not to submit to cyberbullying and hateful messages online; a unique yet much-needed stance to take in the emerging social media era and divisive political climate.
an anti-bullying message in this strip, nemi tackles many social issues.
source: lise myhre
Feminism is also a core value of the Nemi comics. From addressing mainstream capitalist ideals of the pressures of body image, a la Jane Fonda-esque workout videos, to tackling sexist attitudes of misogynists in a workplace of female administrative staff, Nemi’s feminist message is confronted directly through the titular character’s interactions with the perpetrators of the issue at hand. Coupled with the removal of traditional gender roles within Nemi’s romantic relationship, the feminist message of freedom of choice is further echoed throughout the comic. For some, this may be viewed as progressively Nordic in sentiment, however for others this message of choice and freedom is a direct antithesis to the political climate of the time; instead of the toxicity of 2000s misogyny, such as the media’s brutal treatment of Britney Spears during her infamous breakdown, Nemi is a space for women to vent their issues and find female solidarity within one another, in effect, Myhre creating a space by women for women.
nemi also satirises the overtly-chirpy attitude to diet culture in this strip.
source: lise myhre
Nemi’s Style
Nemi brought modern gothic style and heavy metal music to an otherwise blandly beige audience, particularly important during the 2007-2008 Global Financial Crisis and further recession periods in the UK. Due to limited forms of self-expression from having to cut back, Nemi’s classic black-on-black style, raven tresses and nails to match translated into modern society. Her look was easy to replicate; staple pieces in a modern woman’s wardrobe, and stylistically timeless, yet with a darker edge, perfect for the skulls, crosses and faux-leather motifs of the late 2000s and early 2010s. During the financial crisis, the rise in affordable luxuries, notably nail polishes, but also lipstick, soared, and the simplicity in Nemi’s makeup routine, the trending shades in her repertoire were easily accessible from any price point, and from any drugstore or makeup counter.
an easily replicable look, nemi's classic black-on-black is in many wardrobes already.
source: lise myhre
Emulating Evanescence’s Amy Lee, as well as Arch Enemy's Angela Gossow and other symphonic metal singers, Nemi’s fashion choices were dramatic but relatable. Nemi was the Emily the Strange for the older girl, the working woman, forging her own path in life through her own style, from Nemi the sultry pantheress clad in a black minidress, fishnets and boots of the same midnight hue to Nemi the everyday sardonic anti-hero, in her black skinny jeans and long-sleeved top, the perfect corporate gothic basics. Popular with not only the gothic subculture, but the rising emo, grunge and punk subcultures of the late 2000s and early 2010s, Nemi’s style was versatile and accessible regardless of social label, due to the lack of logos and simplicity in the dark motifs.
Nemi also proved individual style is far more interesting than corporate styles.
source: lise myhre
This huge contrast to the aggressive 1980s revival of excessively disjointed neon colour blocking, legwarmers, mesh and the gaudiness of logomania ebbing and flowing through the mainstream wardrobe further cement Nemi as arguably one of the earliest influencers of counterculture and individuality in a collective-obsessed, image-focused, hustle-obsessed sea of clone culture. Such an impact from a comic strip in London’s most popular newspaper can be argued to have defined the fashion choices of two generations; Millennials’ skinny jean hyperfixation and Generation Z’s penchant for kohl-rimmed eyes and bold lip looks. Nemi can thus be argued to be one of the original influencers of the time before Instagram and TikTok, the last era before homogeneity became a desirable personality trait.
Relationships
Aside from her looks to kill and progressive social values, Nemi’s relationships are further definitive of the era. From her romantic relationship with her long-term boyfriend Grimm, to the female solidarity and affection expressed between snarky comments with her best friend Cyan, Nemi’s interwoven relationships are complex yet logical. Yet despite the happy-go-lucky exterior, it is evident from previous comics surrounding Nemi being bullied and not quite fitting in, that there is deep trauma stemming from childhood. This trauma shows through Nemi’s anxiety within her relationships, and is buffered by regression to please and appease her inner child, arguably the main reason she cannot hold down a stable job. But showcasing this insecurity through Nemi’s relationships, despite Cyan’s unwavering loyalty and Grimm’s stability and reassurance emphasises the importance of mental health awareness. In tandem with not showing Nemi as perfection, and instead showing her as a real woman, with real issues, insecurities and fears, Nemi was the progressive stance our selfish society has needed. Infused with storytelling, this Lord of the Rings and chocolate-obsessed brainchild of Lise Myhre is perfectly imperfect, and portrays exactly the kind of stable relationships we crave, even if they are a little different on the outside.
Relationships, such as Nemi's relationship with Grimm, may look a little different on the outside, but are just as beautiful on the inside.
source: lise myhre
Visit the Sophie Lancaster Foundation here: www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/
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