Chef's Kiss
- Writer
- Jarrett Melendez
- Artist
- Danica Brine
- Letterer
- Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
- Publisher
- Oni Press
- Price
- 14.99
- Release Date
- 2022-04-12
- Colorist
- Hank Jones
So often, coming-of-age stories focus on teens, ignoring the fact that people never stop growing and taking on new roles and responsibilities. When a graphic novel does dare to explore what it's like to go through major periods of change as an adult, it is a breath of fresh air, and that is exactly what Chef's Kiss is. Written by Jarrett Melendez, art by Danica Brine, colors by Hank Jones, and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, Chef's Kiss is about Ben Cook, a recent college graduate struggling to find work in his field of study. He decides to apply for a job at a restaurant, where he not only learns more about himself but also develops feelings for one of the chefs working there, Liam.
While the title of the graphic novel makes it seem like this is primarily a romance story, Chef's Kiss actually puts focus on Ben's personal growth first and foremost. For those wanting a hot and heavy love story that dominates the book, Chef's Kiss may disappoint; however, the graphic novel is a sweet, slow burn. More importantly, it's a story about self-love and discovery, with Ben going on a transformative journey that asks a question most 20-somethings wonder: what do I actually want?
Many people are taught that they are supposed to know exactly what they want in life as teens. They are often told that if they follow a specific path perfectly, they will then achieve this goal. However, Chef's Kiss shows that those goals and wants change over time, and even when people do everything right, they may not see the promised results. Chef's Kiss beautifully demonstrates the hard truths of becoming an adult, but it does so in a way that is still hopeful. For those just entering this stage of life, it prepares them for what actually lies ahead. Meanwhile, for those who have moved beyond it or who are still going through it, Chef's Kiss validates this frustrating, stressful, and exciting period of life.
Chef's Kiss also pays attention to the other relationships in one's life beyond the romantic ones. Parental, platonic, and work relationships all get their time to be fleshed out, with the platonic ones particularly reminding readers that all relationships go through hardships and need to be worked on to become stronger. The fact these relationships feel so real is a testament to the characters themselves, as they feel developed with room to grow. The romantic relationship is cute and captures what it feels like to have a crush on someone. Chef's Kiss isn't afraid to show some of the embarrassing and confusing moments that come with a crush.
At the end of the day, Chef's Kiss reads as sweet, especially given the art style. Brine finds a great balance between the realistic and the cartoonish, letting the characters' expressions speak for themselves. The anatomy, in particular, is a stand-out as it feels realistic while also capturing what these two cooks find attractive in one another.
It would also be a shame not to discuss the food in Chef's Kiss, as Melendez puts great care into these recipes. How he writes about food makes one want to try the dishes themselves, especially after seeing how Brine illustrates them. They look delicious and like something one could actually order for themselves at a quaint restaurant. Thankfully, the back of Chef's Kiss includes a few of those recipes for readers to try out themselves.
While not a spicy romance, Chef's Kiss is certainly sweet with lots of heart. It goes beyond being a love story, delivering a message so many readers need to hear. That, accompanied by a cast of characters forming a beautiful found family, makes Chef's Kiss a great comic to read with a warm cup of tea and fresh pear tartlet.
