Flavor #2
Co-Creator/Writer: Joseph Keatinge
Co-Creator/Artist: Wook Jin Clark
Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Culinary Consultant: Ali Bouzari
Publisher: Image Comics
Review by Cory Webber
Flavor #2 sees Xoo descend into the underworld in search of an ever-elusive truffle. Also, she has a mysterious connection to someone of privilege. Meanwhile, we learn that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to her Uncle Geof. How does this all play out? Does this issue answer questions from the last issue? Read on to find out.
Flavor #2 begins by introducing us to a group of kids attending a culinary academy. They appear to be there because their parents are the “right people,” and not because they are skilled in the culinary arts. One such student is Anant, a boy who has some sort of connection with Xoo. The themes of privilege and destiny are at play, and I look forward to seeing how they are further explored.
The plot moves around from Anant, Xoo, and Geof with a measured, purposeful pace, which nicely sets up their story threads for future issues. While I didn’t quite get answers to questions I had from issue one, I was intrigued enough by new questions that popped up in this chapter.
Clark’s art in Flavor #2 is cartoony and playful. Consequently, I’m not quite sure how I feel about the way it contrasts with the story’s weightier, more serious tone. Likewise, the bright, vibrant colors lull me into a sense that things are good and cheerful. I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. All this to basically say that I’m experiencing some cognitive dissonance.
Furthermore, the back matter might be my favorite part of this series. Bouzari’s notes are almost more interesting than the comic itself. His essay, in this issue, on the five senses and how they influence flavor was equal parts educational and, almost, romantic.
Verdict: Wait and see.
Flavor #2 does enough to get me to check out the next issue or two. However, I need to get a little more insight into some of the mysteries involving this world and its characters, like pronto, before I fully endorse it.
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