Chew Vol. 1: Taster's Choice
Reviewed by Joshua Rathbun
Written
By: John Laman
Art By: Rob Guillory
Colored By: Rob Guillory
Published By: Image Comics
Cover Price: $9.99
Release Date: November 2009
The biggest comic book of the past 6 months isn't from Marvel Comics. It's not from DC Comics. It doesn't involve Skrulls, Norman Osborn or Black Lanterns. However, it does feature a skinny Asian American and his rotund partner and their adventures in food detective work. That book is called Chew and it might well be the best monthly title out there.
Chew is the story of Philadelphia cop Tony Chu, who happens to be cibopathic, meaning he gains a feeling from anything he eats, as in he can tell you how something died or what drugs were put in. He's psychic for food. He's also living in a world where chicken has been outlawed and the only thing that doesn't bring up his cibopathic ability is beets. After his partner is violently injured on a case involving illegal poultry, he quickly teams up with Mason Savoy of the FDA, where Chu is quickly transferred.
This has been, from the first issue, a very great book. A lot of people tell me that it can't be that great. They say you can't take an idea like this and stretch it past a couple of issues. I would like to say that after reading these five issues(and issue six, which shipped last week) that you can take a very interesting idea and do a lot of very fresh things with it. From eating the face of a killer to see what lives he's claimed, to having to dine on burgers with fingers in them, it all comes off very original. Now, this might be a book that's a bit too gruesome for some. It's understandable after looking at the material but the story and the characters make it more than just a gross-out. It's dark and funny and disturbing all in one.
John Layman is no stranger in the world of comics, with work on such titles as House Of M: Fantastic Four and Marvel Zombies Vs. Army Of Darkness, and while those were entertaining, this is his best work yet. The character personalities come off unique and the dialogue is crisp. Plus, he puts Chu and his partner(s) through the wringer. The art and coloring is performed on this by newcomer Rob Guillory, His style on this book is fun and disgusting and great for telling the story. While he has some room to grow, I expect more great things from this artist in the future.
Overall, this trade is a steal at $9.99 as it compiles "Taster's Choice", the first 5 issues and it's far cheaper than buying the issues individually. The first 3 pressings of the first issue have sold out and back issues are already commanding a high price. It's great to see an Image Comics series be this great and with the series being still in it's infancy, now is the time to hop on Chew.
Chew is monthly from Image Comics.
Take A Look Inside
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Rating the Issue
| Story: 5 of 5 |
Art: 3.5 of 5 |
Importance: 5 of 5 |
Reviewer Bio
Name: Joshua Rathbun
email: josh@theropestore.com
Review Bio: Salt Lake City resident Joshua Daniel Rathbun has been reading comics longer than he can even remember and enjoys a bevy of different tastes in comics. When not writing up reviews for Comic Related, he can be found on Twitter (http://twitter.com/JoshuaRathbun) or at his comic book blog located at www.4thdownandhelltogo.com and appreciates feedback, both good and bad at josh@theropestore.com or on the Comic Related forums. He also sings for the Salt Lake band, Dogwelder.
Been reading comics: Over 20 years.
Favorites: Preacher is the all-time favorite.
Websites: joshrathbun.livejournal.com - theropestore.com - 4thdownandhelltogo.com
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