REVIEW: Something is Fishy in ‘Starve #6′

Brian Wood and the rest of the Starve creative team continue their brand of socioeconomic and cultural criticism in the near possible future in the beginning of the second story arc in STARVE #6. After an unexpected turn of events in the last issue, the show must continue, so to speak. Still catering to the filthy and shallow one percent, the legendary protagonist has a change of strategy, instead of pursuing his original intent. That one is akin to the battle-cry of progressives and social activists in the context of distributing the wealth in the most utilitarian way possible. To make things more interesting, a change of heart is applied to give gravitas of the apparent metamorphosis of that leading character. The problem is that kind of expectation could be a red herring of sorts or taken literally. The smell of this character development is something worth investing with.

[CHECK OUT… REVIEW: ‘Starve, Vol. 1′ is the Taste of Reality Hell]

Artists Danijel Zezelj and Dave Stewart are a match made in culinary heaven in the most twisted way. Danijel’s pencils are once again dark to good measures, even in pages when they set in daylight, an essence on how pessimist the possible future could be. His inks are appropriately heavy to match further the already cynical outlook of what would happen if we are so greedy on what is left in the food chain. His sequential visual storytelling is still consistent since the last arc that is becoming way more accessible to digest aside from the metaphors the writer likes to sprinkle in. And, Stewart’s colors are equally matched the artist’s striking illustrations. Dave’s restricted four-color schema is expertly laid to provide contrast and mood to the already gloomy future ahead, especially on how we would suppose to eat our meals then.

If there are something to balk down, there are facial portrayals Danijel presented are rather awkward to look upon, particularly the chief’s daughter in some panels. And, despite a good cooking tip is brought up, it delivers in a rather preachy way.

Starve #6 kicks-off a good opening of the new story arc. I love how this issue teaches something in treating the soon-to-be-eaten species with dignity by illustrating clearly that kind of culinary method of snuffing out its life. And, the cliffhanger is basically a great transitional way of getting readers and fans more invested in reading this dark, riveting and contrast critique that is still full of relevance in reminding ourselves what we are dealing with, and the juiciness of the food we are definitely eating. Brian Wood continues his social activism and awareness by reminding the readers that there is still hope of changing the current status quo in the guise of culinary reality television. The art department led by Zezelj remains highly consistent in its respective responsibilities. I can’t barely wait how this storyline will go to out for this prima donna chef.