Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Brian Wood
Created & Illustrated by Danijel Zezelj
Created & Coloured by Dave Stewart
Where the first issue does an amazing job in introducing us to what this world is like and who Gavin is or has become this issue takes that to the next level. That’s what a good story does each issue gets more interesting, complicated and shows us even more so who these characters are and what motivates them. Brian is a genius the world in which this story is set in is original and the setting, stage or arena we are seeing hasn’t been done before but it’s still very cutthroat and competitive in some incredible ways.
The characterization that’s being unveiled as we read on is superb, That we get a little more as the story keeps going and a clearer picture begins to develop through Gavin’s actions and encounters, not just him though as Sheldon, Roman and Dina get just as much attention at being fleshed out as he does at the same times.
The fact that Brian is using a cooking contest show to bring us the unfairness of the upper class compared to the lower is so well portrayed that it’s not only surprising but it should be applauded that Gavin is using this kind of stage bring this to light. This issues challenge in the kitchen is a prime example of the inequality happening in this world and that what Gavin does and what we see from Dina’s point of view on the subject matter is brilliant in how it’s handled.
Now I cannot attest to the fact that most celebrity chefs have gotten away from their love of cooking and found a new love in being famous but I do know a number of chefs who straddle the line and whose love of cooking is what makes them famous. It’s easy to see in our world how the lines could get blurred and Gavin’s own self discovery which we saw a peak of last issue is further explored this issue and it gives you hope that once you cross a line you can find it within yourself to get back to the person who made you happy in the first place.
This book is a surprise for me it’s so much more than you would ever think it would be and to be honest that it’s completely about people and how they live their lives and not set in some spandex world makes it all the more appealing to me. This is something I could see happening, a direction society could very well take, where that 1% keep things going the way they are and helping it along.
I also love what Danijel and Dave are doing on the interiors. It’s dark, brooding and mysterious but full of life and emotion at the same time. It really like we are seeing this world through Gavin’s eyes and it’s an amazing view kind of like what he’s introducing Sheldon to. From the use of the city as a character in this story to the actual people themselves the work these gentlemen do is just as powerful and impactful as the words themselves.
Welcome to the world of Starve part amazing cooking show, part social commentary and all kinds of intensely interesting.