Oni Press 2016
Created, Written & Illustrated by Natalie Riess
Peony survived her first challenge by making a good dish and was warned to watch her back. She’s made a few friends along the way and is beginning to settle in, in this alien environment. This has been a fun fusion of science fiction with reality cooking shows in a great all-ages way. This is just as inspiring for adults as it is for kids and the enjoyment factor is off the charts.
First night on the station and it’s a wonder if Peony will get any sleep at all! I wouldn’t i’d be too excited and the adrenaline and thrills of what i’m experiencing would finally be settling in and making all this a reality. Including the window which is an incredible of the stars outside.
So a new day brings new challenges and a new outfit fit for television, courtesy of the show. Guess they believe she will be sticking around if they are providing her with an outfit that will look on their show. I have to say the characterization here is just delightful. I mean while you can never rule out someone because of the way they look, take Melonhead for instance he doesn’t have to be the saboteur just because he looks like that or makes unveiled threats. He does come across as more bluster than anything.
I do like today’s challenge as it pokes fun at the snack bar industry, you know all those good healthy bars of whatever which are all over the place and half taste like cardboard because they have no artificial anything and bland as can be. Even better is the way Natalie is able to use the pages and panels to really give us that television show feel and showcase all the contest visually while they work, including the sabotage moment which ended up in the wrong hands.
I like the creativity and the message being sent and I think that’s what makes it all-ages. You don’t have to be a kid or teen-ager to understand that differences and acts of kindness can go a long way to making your life a better place. Adults need to remember that sometimes a whole lot more. Then there’s the whole stay true to yourself and be who you are and the right people will find their way into you life. They may not what’s focused on here but that’s among what i’m seeing represented here.
We all need a little lighthearted fun in our lives right and Natalie is able to deliver that and not so surprisingly add a little message to make this a tad more enlightening than at first glance. With her charming and unique interior style artwork and penchant for writing interesting characters this is a great series to introduce young ones to comics and to for seasoned fans as well.