Review: CHEW #31

CHEW #31
Written by John Layman
Art by Rob Guillory
Release date: January 23, 2013

2700508-chew31The second half of Chew begins with #31. After the earth shattering events of issue 30, the cast of Chew tries to gain back a sense of normalcy.

There is a lot going on in this comic. A lot. In one fell swoop it manages to wrap up the first half of the comic, re-establish Tony Chu, and set up the next arc for the series. Each one of those situations could have been a comic by itself, but with Layman’s pacing and storytelling, he is effectively able to squeeze all of this into one single issue.

I have mixed feelings on the decision to throw the kitchen sink into this issue. Even with the overall depressing feel of the comic, this issue is a great jumping on point for new readers. Layman reintroduces a lot of characters and brings some older unresolved plot lines to the forefront, especially ones involving the Chu family. I came onto the series a little bit late and some of the monologues and interactions in this issue helped in getting me more prepared and excited for what will be coming in the second half of Chew. The other side of me would have liked to see the series slow down and really reflect what happened in #30. Paneer, a character who was integral in the build-up to #30, is only shown in one panel the whole issue. The villain at the cause of all of this was completely MIA as well.  Layman is an extremely talented writer. With his style of writing, I know he will be able to sneak in the character reflection I am looking for somewhere down the line.

In case you were nervous Layman might take the series in a new direction, Chew‘s second half continues its tradition of off-the-wall humor and plots. The case they are sent to investigate is just as good as any case from the previous 30 issues and some of the scenes were downright hilarious.

Even if you are unsure on how the story should have been told like me, the artwork will win you over anyways. Rob Guillory is perfect with his coloring and drawing, and shows his passion in every single panel. Almost every panel is filled with background Easter eggs (the Comic Con team in this issue is Layman and Guillory themselves) or sight gags. Not all of the gags work for me, but I have so much fun every time I see a panel with more than two characters in it, I stop and carefully scan the background for little clues or inside jokes. The style in which Guillory draws also really lends well to facial expressions on the characters.  Tony Chu was drawn with this new sense of determination that oozed out of every panel he was in for the final half of the comic.

Issue #31 is the best jumping on point you’ll have to read Chew aside from issue 1. One of the most popular Image titles right now and it will only increase in popularity as the series nears its end. Get on board now before it’s too late.

Verdict: 8.5/10

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