Chew #14 – Review

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

The Story: Tony’s past love life is detailed and John has the unfortunate task of confronting the always deadly Mason Savoy.

What’s Good: While Chew is a very funny book, it’s issues like this that remind you that John Layman’s ongoing series isn’t just a series of gags and jokes.  It’s also about human relationships, and that’s what shines through this month.  Amelia and Tony’s relationship continues to be a fun read; it’s always touching, tender, and lovable, while always being just self-aware enough, especially thanks to Guillory’s art, to keep it from ever becoming nauseating.

Then there’s the relationship shared by John and Tony.  Never has there been a stronger proof of John’s loyalty for Tony than what we get this month.  It’s so strong that it could easily enter bromance territory.  It’s also a great character moment for John, again showing that he really does care a great deal about Tony, though he’ll never outright say it to Tony’s face.  It’s stuff like this that makes John such a great character and far more than just a two-dimensional sarcastic joker.

There are laughs to be had as well though.  Layman introduces us to Tony’s psychotic ex-girlfriend Mandy through a series of flashbacks, leading us to believe she’ll be important in the long run of the series.  Suffice it to say that Layman takes the qualities of your typical psycho girlfriend and drives it to over-the-top excess.  It’s great fun.

Rob Guillory’s artwork also helps with all of this.  His illustrations of the despairing Mandy are hilarious and across this issue, he once again proves why he’s one of my favourite comic artists when it comes to characters’ facial expressions.  Guillory’s figures are also great, especially when it comes to portraying the ludicrous action scenes involving the absurdly ninja-like Savoy.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

DS’ Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Kato Origins #4: Way of the Ninja – As predicted, Kato Origins #4: Way of the Ninja stomped the competition. Nitz delivered a great, multi-level story that kept on surprising until the end. I’m loving Kato Origins!

Most Anticipated: Valkyrie #1 – I have been a Defenders fan pretty much since I started collecting comic books. It was a non-team of slightly odd characters with really different origins and reasons for being. Valkyrie was just another one of the characters that seemed to fit. Goddess power in a woman’s body. Then Goddess soul in woman’s body. Then finally, Goddess soul in her own body. She’s tough. She’s brave. She’s loyal. And I’m looking forward to seeing what Marvel does with her on her own.

Other Top Picks: Justice Society of America #43, Outsiders #33, Atlas #5, Avenger: Prime #3, Captain America #610

Dean’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Velocity #2 – Read my review to see how much I love Kenneth Rocafort’s artwork, but this series also has a very easy to get behind story that doesn’t require any prior knowledge of Top Cow properties.

Most Anticipated: Avengers Prime #3 – This is an amazingly light week for comics, but I’m still excited to see the next chapter of the adventures of Tony Stark, Steve Rogers & Thor.

Other picks: Amazing Spider- Man #644, Valkyrie #1, Powers #6, X-Men Legacy #240

Alex’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Thor #615– In what was an outstanding week for comics, Thor stands out from the pack as fresh, big, and very, very promising.  It’s Matt Fraction doing what he does best and I can’t wait for the next issue.

Most Anticipated: Powers #6 – Powers really takes this by the slimmest of margins over Action Comics, which sees Nick Spencer’s DC debut.  But I can’t say no to Deena Pilgrim, who is making her return this issue.  Not to mention that it’s about goddamned time this thing came out.  I’ve been aching really badly for some Powers and I finally get not only that, but also one of my favourite comic characters making a comeback.  Sweet.

Other Picks: Captain America #610, Casanova #3, Powers #6, Secret Warriors #20, Action Comics #893, Wonder Woman #603, Chew #14