Chew #13 – Review

by John Layman (writer & letters) and Rob Guillory (art & colors)

The Story: Tony discovers the truth behind Montero Industries and Poultplus, their new chicken substitute that everyone is talking about.

What’s Good: It’s rare these days for an artist to get big laughs out of me more or less solely on the merits of his own talents, but that’s exactly what Rob Guillory does this month.  Guillory is quite possibly the most humorous artist in comics today and it’s a good part of what makes his work on Chew so strong.  Everything he does glows with innate comedy, which gives everything that much more life.

This month, Guillory gets us with a number of sight gags.  Obviously, the facial expressions are as good as ever, but I particularly enjoyed other jokes as well, like the inexplicably hostile sports writer in Amelia’s office.  Then there’s the secret behind why Montero’s Poultfree tastes as good as it does.  I won’t spoil it, but Guillory’s art makes the reveal truly laugh out loud funny.  It’s easily the most hilarious artistic concept I’ve seen this month.

Layman’s script is also as good as ever, delivering what makes Chew strong month in and month out.  Tony and Colby’s relationship, for example, is always a treat to watch.  Behind all of his snarkiness, there’s a clear bond between John and Tony and whether either will admit it, Layman makes it clear that the two do like each other.  The dialogue only gets more interesting this month when Colby visits Amelia’s workplace along with Tony; the entry of Amelia into the partners’ unique relationship makes for a fresh twist to an already to fun relationship.  You can imagine the jabs Colby can gleefully dish out at this sort of thing.

Then there’s Applebee, who’s as much of a treat as ever, even if he’s getting weirder by the month.  The ridiculous double-standard he shows this month between Tony and John is really funny and I do like the fact that Layman is slowly going back Applebee giving Tony hell.  I loved awkward Applebee, but I missed the hatred.  Seeing him treat John so much better only makes it even more enjoyable to watch.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

Dean’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Morning Glories #1 – This was the best first issue I’ve read in a while.  Most series have one or two mysteries as their hook, but Morning Glories had about 10 things that I want to know more about.  This is a book that deserves support!

Most Anticipated: Bulletproof Coffin #3 – The first two issues were just awesome and scratched a LOT of itches as we saw this dude whose job is to basically rummage through the belongings of the recently dead get sucked into a world where he is transformed into a Golden Age comic book superhero.

Other Top Picks: Phoenix without Ashes #1, Light #5, New Avengers #3, Thunderbolts #147, Uncanny X-Men #527, Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher #2

Alex’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Morning Glories #1 – A great debut that had me badly wanting more, it looks like Nick Spencer is well on his way to delivering on his promise of this being the next big series for Image.  Really good stuff that I recommend getting on-board with if you’re looking for something different.  That is, if you can still find a copy – apparently it’s already sold out at the distribution level and Image is planning a second printing in September.

Most Anticipated: Ex Machina #50 – Really, could it be anything else?  With so many questions, such high stakes, and a bigger issue, this should be one hell of a finale.  Given Y: the Last Man’s final issue, Brian K. Vaughan knows a thing or two about those.   Regardless of the delays, I’ve followed Ex Machina since the beginning and while I’m sad to see it go, this conclusion feels natural and properly timed.  Bring it on, Mr. Vaughan!

Other Picks: New Avengers #3, Secret Avengers #4, Brightest Day #8, Chew #13, Fables #97, Wolverine: Weapon X #16