This is more of an in between collection. There's a couple of small things that get accomplished, but mostly it's obviously a set-up for what's to come.

That said, this is still one of the most enjoyable series out there. The art, while cartoonish, is enjoyable and detailed and pays you back for your attention. And the writing? Just brilliant.

If you're considering reading this series, this is absolutely not the place to start. But you really should go back to Chew Volume 1 and do so. Quickly. ( )

Chew only keeps getting better. The series began as something that I thought would be light reading; the plot is ridiculous, after all. the US lost 23 million in the avian flu epidemic, and the world 113 million more. Chicken and all other poultry has been outlawed, and the FDA quickly became the most powerful organization in the world. Fringe groups believe the government manufactured the threat of avian flu, and underground chicken pushers are thriving. Our hero is Tony Chu, a cibopath, which means he has the ability to get psychic impressions from the food that eats. Naturally this leads to him eating people, and more disturbing things still, in order to help solve crimes. Ridiculous, right?

As the series progresses we meet even more ridiculous people with troubling powers. In this volume, for instance, we see a photographer who has the ability to create strong sexual responses in people from the pictures he takes of food. This leads to the publication of the perverted magazine... Food Luv. For all of the series ridiculousness, though, there is a lot of character development and downright touching moments. Tony's relationship with his estranged daughter, and his daughter's relationship with Amelia (Tony's girlfriend) are incredibly touching and natural in the way they evolve. Just the way the various characters handle grief and react to one another - the sacrifices they make and the loyalty they show - are fantastic. This is an oddly human, and evocative series in the midst of all the absurdity.

I'm so glad I decided to pick up this comic, and I'm sad I'm getting closer and closer to the end. There are so many mysteries I'm looking forward to seeing solve, but man, I've fallen in love with these characters and this crazy universe. I'm happy there's still more to read. ( )

This is my favorite volume so far. It has tons of Toni, less Tony, a little bit of Poyo, psychedelic chogs, hallucinations and alien planets. Oh and colorful and fun art.
Seriously, this was so much fun and I don't know how the rest of the series can hope to top it. ( )

My blog post about this book is at this link. ( )