Chew, an American comic series by John Layman and Rob Guillory, is one of those rare treats where you truly feel like you’ve never read anything quite like it.  The result is an interesting blend of comedy, mystery and an over-the-top tale of violent, futuristic crime drama.

Cibopathy

The story centers around Tony Chu, one of few cibopaths in the world.  With cibopathy, Tony can eat anything and recall its history.  With the illegalization of chicken, Tony’s position at the FDA makes him a member of one of the most powerful organizations in the world.  It is with this crazy premise that the series begins, and it only gets more insane as it continues.

All the Right Ingredients

It is not simply the original premise that sets Chew apart, but the writing as well.  Despite Tony’s habit of biting his way through crime, the witty writing helps alleviate some of the more unappetizing scenes.  The cast of characters never experiences a dull moment, especially since they are as off-kilter and they come.  In terms of tone, Chew has a wide array of tools at its disposal.  At times, it has the airy, fairytale-like delivery of Pushing Daisies.  Other times, it is reminiscent of the bloody carnage of a Quentin Taratino film.  Couple that with its crime investigation and out-of-this-world assassins, there is something for everyone.

The Mythology

The series starts off with a bang and never looks back.  It does so convincingly because the creators have a distinct plan for the show.  Every element introduced in the series feels decisive and with a purpose.  Don’t let its premise fool you; Chew has plenty of meat to its mythology.

This is a series that has found incredible success recently.  After reading a few issues, it’s clear why.  In addition to originality, Chew has the artistic flare and witty writing to back up its crazy story.  You won’t want to put this bad boy down.

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