Gastronomique #2 – Allegiance Is Written In Flesh

Gastronomique returns with a wild second issue. Freed by her sister Solange, La Python, Charlotte, is on a quest to ensure her sister’s sacrifice was not in vain. Solange took Charlotte’s place at the Guillotine so that Charlotte could pursue Tararre, the man who killed and ate Solange’s daughter. Now, with her partner in crime and lover, Zélie, Charlotte goes after the man with an unquenchable thirst.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writer: Marguerite Bennett
Artist: Helena Masellis
Color Artist: Nisha Singh
Letterer: Jodie Troutman
Cover Artist: Helena Masellis

Writing

Amid all the horror and grotesqueness in this story, Marguerite Bennett tells a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between Charlotte and Tararre. I love that Bennett gave them a history or backstory together that helps to show exactly how well they know each other. The implication seems to be that while they are very different, Bennett is creating a connection between the two characters. They are essentially opposite sides of the same coin.

If Gastronomique #1 was an introduction to the life and background of Charlotte, then issue number two serves as a proper introduction to Tararre. Basing the sadistic villain of this story on the real-life French oddity adds a unique wrinkle to this story. Bennett walks readers through the development of Tararre and how he comes to encounter this world and his cruel fate. Ultimately, Bennett tells a compelling story that is part horror and part history. It makes for a compelling concept for a series.

Art

Helena Masellis, Nisha Singh, and Jodie Troutman do a magnificent job of helping Bennett tell this story through the art. The mood and setting that Masellis creates right out of the gate of the first panel immediately draws you back into the dark and cruel world our characters find themselves in. Masellis’ work is crisp and clean when it needs to be and thick jagged lines when the panel calls for it.

Nisha Singh captures the colors beautifully right from that first panel. I think my favorite thing about Singh’s work in this issue is the palette choice. Through some time jumps as well as the general historical setting of this comic, Singh perfectly captures the palette in a way that draws you into the setting and makes you feel it. Jodie Troutman not only helps move the story along but does just a beautiful job of ensuring the art and narration sing off the page. I really enjoyed the variety of world bubble shapes that Troutman uses throughout this issue. It creates distinction without distraction

Final Thoughts

Gastronomique #2 continues one of the most interesting, unique, and grotesque stories on the market today. This creative team perfectly manages to capture a real-life character through a fictional lens. The art feels dark and foreboding, drawing you into the degradation and quest for revenge that flows through the issue.

Overall Grade: 8.5/ 10

Until next time, may your pulls remain magical, and your multiverse remain stable.

What did you think this issue? Let me know in the comments