Chew Review and Comicast
The written review for Chew Volume 1 is here. Done by Pablo Gunner. We will have the podcast discussing Volume one as well.
There's so many great things about this comic I honestly don't know where to start. For one I really wish I would have started reading this title since issue #1. Chew is created by John Layman & Rob Guillory. Layman is the writer and letterer. Guillory draws and colors. This book is a perfect example of a cohesive creative team in which one could not work without the other. Chew just would not work if it wasn't written or drawn by the same people.
The uplifting feel, bright color scheme, cherubic looking characters make this dark, morbid, grotesque themed story gel perfectly and just work. Chew is about this guy who is a cibopath, somebody who can get an idea of how something died by eating it. The premise of Chew is rather absurd but this creative team not only makes it work but makes it shine. After reading the first issue I couldn't help but think, "wtf am I reading, that was weird, brilliant, a little disturbing but different from anything else I've ever read," and left me wanting more.
The first issue, as most issues, starts with a prologue. The prologue is usually the basis of the issue even though you usually don't figure that out until later in that issue or chapter as its referred to in the book. Tony Chu is introduced as is his gift/curse and the he's a detective for Philly Police Department. Him and his partner, whom is the exact opposite in personality, are on a stake out. At first it seems like they were onto a big bust when the FDA put a halt to that. In this universe the FDA is the ultimate law enforcement agency since chicken is considered illegal in this world much like prohibition. Though stopped in their tracks are offered a free meal compliments of the FDA through the larger than life character, Agent Savoy. In the process Chu gets images of a serial killer that happens to be working as a chef. When confronted things turn south but Tony Chu is determined to find out what happened to all of the victims of this killer in the most disgusting way possible. Chu extracts the information the only way he knows how in an act or desperation. The way he got the information loses him his job but not before the robust, jolly Agent Savoy welcomes him to the FDA.
Albeit the first chapter was a little wordy but each word served a purpose as it established the story, characters, relationships, settings, nearly everything you need to know and need to do to hook the reader. The rest of the chapters aren't as wordy as the first one did such a spectacular job of establishing almost everything that you need to know about the universe this story takes place in. As the story continues on Agent Chu has to deal with a new royal a-hole of a boss. Anybody that has had a crappy, jerk off, tyrant of a boss can relate. He has to get use to a new job with new coworkers like his partner Agent Savoy which turns out to be even more than the larger than like character that he's illustrated as. There's so much growth and layers to these characters even in what felt like a short book. In actuality it's not any shorter than any other trade it just seemed that way because the artist did such a splendid job the book didn't require too much reading after the first chapter.
I assure as demented, ridiculous, grotesque, and weird as this book sounds it is easily one of the most original, unique, fresh, innovative, smart, funny comic books I have ever read. You will not regret reading this odd, witty, cartoony, enjoyable book. This first trade is only $10. It will be the least regrettable $10 you've ever spent in your life.
Verdict: STRONG BUY
Comicast Episode: Chew Volume 1
There's so many great things about this comic I honestly don't know where to start. For one I really wish I would have started reading this title since issue #1. Chew is created by John Layman & Rob Guillory. Layman is the writer and letterer. Guillory draws and colors. This book is a perfect example of a cohesive creative team in which one could not work without the other. Chew just would not work if it wasn't written or drawn by the same people.
The uplifting feel, bright color scheme, cherubic looking characters make this dark, morbid, grotesque themed story gel perfectly and just work. Chew is about this guy who is a cibopath, somebody who can get an idea of how something died by eating it. The premise of Chew is rather absurd but this creative team not only makes it work but makes it shine. After reading the first issue I couldn't help but think, "wtf am I reading, that was weird, brilliant, a little disturbing but different from anything else I've ever read," and left me wanting more.
The first issue, as most issues, starts with a prologue. The prologue is usually the basis of the issue even though you usually don't figure that out until later in that issue or chapter as its referred to in the book. Tony Chu is introduced as is his gift/curse and the he's a detective for Philly Police Department. Him and his partner, whom is the exact opposite in personality, are on a stake out. At first it seems like they were onto a big bust when the FDA put a halt to that. In this universe the FDA is the ultimate law enforcement agency since chicken is considered illegal in this world much like prohibition. Though stopped in their tracks are offered a free meal compliments of the FDA through the larger than life character, Agent Savoy. In the process Chu gets images of a serial killer that happens to be working as a chef. When confronted things turn south but Tony Chu is determined to find out what happened to all of the victims of this killer in the most disgusting way possible. Chu extracts the information the only way he knows how in an act or desperation. The way he got the information loses him his job but not before the robust, jolly Agent Savoy welcomes him to the FDA.
I assure as demented, ridiculous, grotesque, and weird as this book sounds it is easily one of the most original, unique, fresh, innovative, smart, funny comic books I have ever read. You will not regret reading this odd, witty, cartoony, enjoyable book. This first trade is only $10. It will be the least regrettable $10 you've ever spent in your life.
Verdict: STRONG BUY
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