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Jun 26, 2012 Issue #41 - Yeasayer By J. Nisen

If you’re familiar with Anthony Bourdain’s other work—nonfiction (Kitchen Confidential, etc.), fiction (Bone in the Throat), various TV shows, and even his speaking engagements—you may find him funny, opinionated, a little sick in the head, and totally engaging and entertaining.

If Bourdain’s sensibilities applied to, say, a combination of The Warriors (film) and a spaghetti western, with a dash of sci-fi, would float your boat, then Get Jiro!, which he has written with Joel Rose, is probably for you. The cartooning by Langdon Foss captures the over-the-top madness in the vein of perhaps a Geof Darrow. Which is to say it’s wonderful.

The quick premise: in a future where the only entertainment is eating, chefs are both top dogs and beholden to organized crime-style restaurant conglomerates. The two main factions are Bob’s acolytes of overindulgent, Euro-inspired, cutting-edge cuisine, and Alice (a little jab at Ms. Waters?) and her New Age, patchouli-scented locavores. Caught in the middle is sushi chef Jiro, who just wants to be left alone to cook and occasionally grab a meal at his French buddy’s eatery. But when each side tries to woo Jiro, the city’s culinary powers get more than they bargained for.

Despite playing largely within certain tropes, Get Jiro! is clever as can be—save perhaps the very end, which is fine if somewhat expected. Ultimately recommended. (www.vertigocomics.com)

Author rating: 8/10