Chew Volume 4 - Flambe, Volume 5 - Major League, Volume 6 - Space Cakes

 I have really gotten intrigued by this highly unlikely series - strange characters, even stranger situations but great writing and nicely stylized artwork. We pick up here a few weeks after the (apparently) alien writing appears in the sky, which Chu and his companions are now investigating, having put the illegal chicken underground (due to millions dying from an avian flu) on a back burner, so to speak. Of course, there are innumerable twists'n'turns and machinations'n'chicanery afoot - nothing is as simple, as it seems, even when it does not seem simple! There's a lot more info about Chu's daughter and sister, who both appear to have abilities themselves, along with others who have variations on Chu's powers. Area 51, aliens, space babies, writing in the sky, death cults, vampires, teenage terrorists, voluptuous USDA agents, a killer rooster and more all make appearances.

Here in Volume 5 things start to get really complicated - even more so than before! Chu is transferred to traffic patrol by his vindictive supervisor and his partner, Colby, is transferred to the USDA. Chu handles this better than Colby for a time - that is, until he is kidnapped and tortured in order to use his powers to provide info for an aspiring writer (and Chu's girlfriend's former beau). Chu's daughter is also kidnapped but ends up cooperating with Chu's original partner as they work on cases without any official designation and learn about Olive's (the daughter) extended abilities. Chu is, of course, rescued, by his tougher-than-she-looks girlfriend.

Wow - this one is a bit surprising - it starts off wacky enough, with lots of references to hallucinogens but with Chu still in the hospital from his kidnapping and torture, and more tales of his family. Previous characters return, there's more on the psychotic rooster, Poyo (who literally takes a trip to hell), the vampire returns, Chu's sister gets engaged, and then it all ends on a weirdly, dementedly, serious note. BUt gawddam if I don't wanna order the next issue right this minute!

Damn good storytelling and fun artwork. Totally recommended!