Continuing to venture out of the comfort zone of superhero stories to other genres that comic books have to tell one new series that caught my eye was Rare Flavours. Written by current Detective Comics writer Ram V and art by Captain Marvel artist Filipe Andrade, this new series looks o be a wicked ride through food culture. Given Ram V’s history of tapping into the magic realm it’ll be interesting to see what he does with this food journey story involving a demonic-like lead character. We got an early copy of Rare Flavours #1. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Ram V
Artist: Filipe Andrade
Letterer: Andworld Design
SOLICITATION
“Discover the tantalizing tale of Rubin Baksh, a demonic Rakshasa with a down-to-earth dream of becoming the next Anthony Bourdain.
To achieve his vision, Rubin enlists Mo, a filmmaker who has seen better days, to document the world-renowned cuisine of India and the people behind such glorious food.
But little does Mo know that there’s more to Rubin than meets the eye, and the mortals play a darker role in the show than they were prepared for…
Entice your palate with the follow up offering from the Eisner, Harvey, and Ringo Award-nominated team of Ram V (Detective Comics, Blue In Green) and Filipe Andrade (Fantastic Four, Star) in this series painstakingly prepared for fans of Anthony Bourdain’s Hungry Ghosts and Eat The Rich!” – BOOM! Studios
REVIEW
Everything from Ram V writing to Filipe Andrade’s artwork gives off the vibe something is off with the world presented in Rare Flavours #1. As soon as you open this first issue there is a one set of a bigger story than just someone trying to become the next Anthony Bourdain.
Making everything about what Rare Flavours #1 does is the lead in Rubin Baksh. Everything about the character has layers to it. The words Rubin speaks have a sense that things are more complex than he is presenting them to be. Then there is his sense of style and how he composes himself that adds to how Ram V and Andrade choose to portray this demon Rakshasa.
Rubin’s layered character works as well as it does thanks to who he is paired with. Mohan is presented both as a young college film student looking for his big shot and there being more to his chosen path. The brief look into Mohan’s childhood and the emotions it invokes speaks to him having a deeper story. That all results to creating an interesting dynamic between Rubin and Mohan. Given the results this pairing gets we are left with wondering what is next in Rubin and Mohan’s food journey.
While our pair of leads and food culture are at the forefront of the story there is a sub-plot developing around them as well. Throughout Rare Flavours #1 Ram V teases we will see Rubin’s demon Rakshasa will be explored in the future. Exploring this side of Rubin’s character will add to the mystery behind the motivation of the series as a whole.
When it comes to Andrade’s artwork it is one that won’t be for everyone. The artwork is definitely at its best when focused on specific characters or the food. Once scenes zoom out to show the greater setting the art is a bit messier. There is a lack of detail that makes all the coloring Andrade employs blend together that takes you out of the story. Moving forward with the art style Andrade is utilizing focusing on one or two characters will be for the best.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Rare Flavours #1 is a unique comic book experience through the world of food culture. The dynamic between the two leads shines as much as the food presentation. It all comes together for a comic book experience that leaves you wondering what is next.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 6 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10