Chew #6 (John Layman and Rob Guillory/Image Comics/$2.99)
Absolutely John Layman is a good writer. Last issue saw the end of the first storyline (“Tasters Choice”, now out in Trade.), and not only left us with Tony Chu utterly defeated by his former mentor Savoy, but full of questions and the Chewiverse ripe with fresh plot strings and mysteries. But as with every issue before John Layman doesn’t bog us down with narrative and the past he plows forward and jumps right into more fun.
John gets a partner, well maybe not so new, but certainly “newer” then he was before, and we are also introduced to a strange “fruit” found on a construction site. “International Flavor” starts off this issue in the best tradition of the Buddy Cop gimmick. John does a great job re-introducing the partner, with what has become the Chew origin format. It works well and really not only encapsulates the character, but also his feelings about Tony Chu. Those feelings play out in wonderful dialogue and scenes as the partners bust illegal use of Chicken and to Chu’s surprise comes across the strange fruit from the opening of the issue while tasting some broth at the crime scene when he tries to use his powers to track down where the bad guys got their poultry from.
As with prior issues you get some fun scenes, quirky actions and unpredictable craziness. Chu and his newish partner have genuinely interesting moments throughout the issue, and even some old school bad cop violence. Throwing an informant out the window and such.
John’s dialogue and pacing are great. And more and more he peels away layers of his meta-story without giving too much away. It really is impressive to see it unfold, especially since I know a lot of where it is going having either read or talked to John about the book. John is a master, giving us clues and insights without telling us explicitly where the story is headed. I really love the dialogue as well. “No one talks like that you know?”. Hilarious. And fun. Considering the violence and adult themes I had no idea this comic would be so much fun.
Rob Guillory again shows us that is style and colors are the perfect compliment to John’s writing. Quirky, some what untraditional, obviously stylized Rob pulls it all together to create these wonderful dynamic and dramatic pages. I cannot imagine any one else drawing this book. I think the unique style Rob brings gives it the perfect character. Lines and color coming together to really give you a perfect tone to the Chewiverse.
Rob is really impressive through out this issue. From the great character nuance and expression to fun action and violence it really adds something unquantifiable to the comic. The cover and preview covers are magnificent.
Another stand out issue by John and Rob. I highly recommend you pick up the trade of the fist arc “Tasters Choice” and jump on board. It’s like the M&Ms of comics. You can’t read just one.
9 out of 10
And a teaser from next issues cover…
