You Butter Believe It!
Highly Recommended!
Al Bundy makes a cameo appearance in this, the fourth part of the current CHEW arc, "Major League Chew". Okay, so it isn't actually a cameo, but he is one of the main background subtleties that makes this series great. In fact, THIS is why the series is so fantastic. For me anyway. This level of detail, combined with the already scrumptious stories being told by my favorite creative team, make it the best ongoing series I am reading today. Maybe ever. I am constantly blown away by the genius that goes into each and every panel, on each and every page.
Tony doesn't make much of an appearance in this issue, as he is a bit preoccupied with a sports story he is working on... err... yeah, a sports story... Instead, the issue is all about his daughter, Olive. We get to experience her journey of self-discovery as she hones her incredible abilities - and I am not talking about her constant scowl and bad attitude... Along the way, we are introduced to yet another character with a food related ability, the Xocoscalpere. It is one of the most interesting and powerful talents yet to be introduced - perfect for crafting high-calorie munitions.
This new talent and its wielder account for the majority of the violence, gore and action we have all come to expect from this savory story-line. The other players, Savoy, Valenzano and Chu, complete the line-up and contribute the obligatory wit, and where appropriate, cannibalism (now in three tasty flavors!).
---
Story: 5.0 / 5.0
John Layman is a genius. Period. Everything about this series is perfection. This issue is no exception. Subtlety and close attention to detail are his key weapons in prevailing against all creative odds. Once complete, the collection of this sadly finite series will be a treasure to be sure. As usual, by the end of the issue, we are left satisfied, yet respectfully hungry for more. The last page is sure to inspire awe as we all learn a little more about what it is to be a Cibopath. What it is to be Olive. All this and the ante is upped, as the advertisement for the next Issue, and conclusion of the "Major League Chew" arc has promised to, and I quote, "BLOW YOUR $!%@& MIND"; with a full cast of characters, to include: Tony, Amelia, Colby, Colby's wrinkly-ass old boss, Elvis, and even some civil war reenactors... I know I am chomping at the bit!
Cover Art: 5.0 / 5.0
I cannot say enough about Rob and his assists. The art on this cover is not only consistent with the theme of the issue, it captures the essence of story being told. It is worth at least 1000 words. I especially love it when the cover and interiors are completed by the same artist. It gives the entire work a more cohesive feel.
Art: 5.0 / 5.0
Rob Guillory never fails to deliver. Every panel of every issue is a masterpiece, fit to be hung in a gallery. This series is lucky to have not only one of the best artists in the business, but a consistent creative team that doesn't jump around from issue to issue, arc to arc. These guys are THE quintessential team, working on one of the best projects I have ever laid my eyes on.
As not to forget the color assists by Taylor Wells, whatever the assistance is, I am sure it was well implemented and managed by the creative team.
Overall: 100% (whatever the scale may be!)
It is obvious that I am a fan. There is no way around it. I honestly think that this series is one of the best, ever. Seriously. The creativity baked into each issue, never ceases to amaze; the pop culture references sprinkled in, keep you on your toes; and the forethought has an aroma that instills trust in the process, creative team and project as a whole. Each issue, just like this one, is part of something bigger. Greater. A puzzle piece meant to fit in to the ongoing masterpiece that is CHEW.