This issue promises nothing will be the same in Chew again. I think it means we’ve know got the situation established–the government covered up a hundred million people dying as a bird flu thing. But Tony’s partner, the fat guy, knows it’s not true. So he’s going to do whatever he can to find out what’s going on. And Tony’s going….

Oh, whatever.

From what I’ve read so far, Layman’s going to introduce aliens into the conspiracy at some point, since aliens have already put in an appearance.

I haven’t decided if I’m trying the next issue–where nothing will be the same again–just because if Layman actually writes mysteries to be solved with the peculiar investigative technique of tasting the victim’s flesh, it might be interesting.

I’m guessing it won’t be interesting, however. I’m guessing it will be lame and get lamer.

At least I discovered Guillory.

CREDITS

Taster’s Choice, 5 of 5; writer and letterer, John Layman; artist and colorist, Rob Guillory; publisher, Image Comics.

Well. I wanted subplots. I certainly got subplots. The issue opens with a subplot–the hit out on protagonist Tony–then Layman does a layered narrative (which always sounds good, but sometimes it’s just so you can force interest in a story by showing something interesting)–then we get another subplot (Tony’s brother is in trouble). Then the issue ends with space aliens and a government conspiracy and Layman assuming the reader knows nothing about how long it takes light to travel through space.

There’s also a fairly decent scene with the medical examiner and a couple funny things about government-funded private research.

But, basically, Layman’s approach to this series is to throw everything he can at it and call it good. He’s making a stew out of leftovers. It’s actually a shame he’s writing it. Someone with some focus and understanding of good police procedurals could make it significant instead of slight.

CREDITS

Taster’s Choice, 4 of 5; writer and letterer, John Layman; artist and colorist, Rob Guillory; publisher, Image Comics.

So I think I’m starting to understand how Layman’s using the bird flu. It’s his subplot. Instead of an actual subplot, he’s got this big political situation going on. In some ways, serialized television has ruined comic books. It’s funny since it’s been around since the eighties at least (“Hill Street”) but only got “popular” with hipsters when HBO started doing it.

Of course, comics have been serialized storytelling since… well, at least the sixties. So instead of being informed by, say, Stan Lee’s Spider-Man pacing, Layman is informed by “Lost.”

There’s something very wrong with that equation… it’s like trying to make chicken piccata based on a microwave dinner instead of referring to a chicken piccata recipe.

That fundamental disconnect aside, Chew‘s a solid book. It amuses. It has a likable protagonist, engaging artwork and it only costs three bucks an issue. Those features make it an attractive read.

CREDITS

Taster’s Choice, 3 of 5; writer and letterer, John Layman; artist and colorist, Rob Guillory; publisher, Image Comics.

I like how Layman uses his letters page to crap mouth DC. It really defines the audience for the book. He wastes half an issue on the incredibly stupid office politics–turns out the FDA has violent bullies running the place (think Gene Hunt but without caring about justice)–and then makes a crack about DC ruining Wildstorm in his letter column. Maybe next issue he’ll crack a New Coke.

Besides some of the idiotic details–like the boss, like the ninjas, like the chicken ban–Chew‘s a decent comic book. It takes a while to read. Even though the present action is limited (here it’s a day), it’s a full day. The comic is a solid procedural.

It’s only the second issue and Layman has no subplots yet so it’s still hard to tell how the comic’s going to shape up. Layman recovered from the atrocious FDA office scene, so anything is possible.

CREDITS

Taster’s Choice, 2 of 5; writer and letterer, John Layman; artist and colorist, Rob Guillory; publisher, Image Comics.

I imagine creator Layman will be able to get Hollywood to option Chew, but turning it into a movie or TV show will be somewhat problematic. I’d heard the concept–protagonist Tony Chu (get it, Chu? The book’s full of those) gets a psychic read off things he chews, including people–but, so far, the selling point is Layman’s humor and Guillory’s art. Guillory manages to embrace the quirkiness, but not go overboard. It’s set in reality, just one with some visually funny stuff (the absurdly overweight federal agent).

Unfortunately, Layman’s over thought the ground situation–in the world of Chew, chicken has been outlawed following a bird flu epidemic (this development has nothing to do with the protagonist’s superpower, so why complicate things?).

This issue is just a setup. Since it gives no indication of the format the comic will take… it’s hard to be optimistic or otherwise. Guillory’s a find, though.

CREDITS

Taster’s Choice, 1 of 5; writer and letterer, John Layman; artist and colorist, Rob Guillory; publisher, Image Comics.