Review: The Chefs of Death
How about something completely different, well same but different, 80's style, a bit of sci-photo-fi fumetti with a peckish invader from space that's some of the silliest fun you can have with a comic and it's for a good cause? There can be only one The Chefs Of Death by Alex Finch.
Alex Finch is writer and photographer for this one. He wrote his debut novel Several Moments Of Madness which was released November 2022, he has written for various sites including London Film Festival, View From The Cheap Seats and Everything Theatre along with his own blog Comedy To Watch.
A myriad of fellows bring this one to life as the photos need stars and they are as follows.
Ian Lane, award-winning comedian, writer, speedrunner and DJ.
Chris Denton, Eagle Award-nominated writer of The Walking Wounded, Massacre For Boys, Killing Moon and Killing Moon Rises.
Chloe Taylor, perhaps, if that is even her real name, shadow dweller.
Louisa Gosse, professional actor of many London stages.
Ben Scheck, professional actor with previous work in the film Criminal Audition, Radio 4 drama 'I, Severus' and many London stage productions.
Special mention also for Katherine Monk, Jennifer Blythe, Andy Pearse-Hooly, Jonathan Simmons, Will Preston, Barrie Tomlinson (who is at least partly responsible for the inspiration so it's his fault really), John Higgins, Steve Macmanus and Boo Cook. The excellent lettering is nailed by the great Bhuna. Bountiful cast of beautiful people at the very least name dropped. I think it's time for a review.
So, let's start with the art. Which I suppose is what it is. Look, this one might be tricky because it's a photo strip, but here goes. It's certainly artistic, that's unquestionable, the effort and skill is admirable, even ballsy because, look, a fun aspect of this one is to consider the actual creation. The very game souls mentioned earlier, who have been willing to pose in public places with various silly props, are a testament to Alex Finch's artistic eye and powers of persuasion.
There's still a visual narrative on display that's performed and presented really well, so I don't think it's a stretch to say this has artistic quality. Yes, it's all very silly in the perfect way you'd expect from this style, and that's the fun of it; the self-aware, tongue-in-cheek presentation is lovable, and the fun being had by all is clear to see. The many cameos and use of one known character's mask, in particular, is sure to further titillate. This is effortlessly enjoyable, undeniably jollification inducing artistic presentation.
Story time then. Alex Finch bequeaths readers a straight homage love letter to photo stories of the 80s, in particular Eagle Comics Doomlord. In fact, the characters' very likeness is used in a wonderful role as god's replacement in issue two, which, along with the many other cameos, stands out as particular highlights, but let's not get off track too quick.
The plot of this one concerns the exploits of Zarmdov, the deadliest lifeform in the universe, hailing from Kabrullion, who has dedicated his existence to travelling the universe in pursuit of provender for his particularly peckish parental patriarch. It's a formidable appetite to cater for, but fortunately for him, he's found a new delicious species. Unfortunately, it's us. The narrative is genuinely compelling throughout these issues, regardless of how you feel about photo strips. The presentation really emphasises the silly aspects and good humour involved, but the writing of this one sneaks in an entertaining slice of sci-fi. There's loads of great British pop culture references and jokes along with the sublimely simple and daft. It's great absurdist sci-photo-fi for the ages.
For fans of sci-fi, photo strips, Eagle comics, Doomlord, actors of pedigree co-hearsed into posing with masked individuals in the name of a good cause and for the sake of silly sci-fi stories, out of this world chefs, alternate realities, satisfying endings or shock twists in photo strip format there can only be one, well technically two with a third on the way it's The Chefs Of Death.
To get your copy, head here. Where you'll find all the relevant links, as well as being kept up to date with all the latest happenings. You're bound to have fun and what's more you'll be doing your bit for a good cause as all profits from these issues goes to charity, issue 1 for Cancer Research Uk and for issue 2 it's Mind there with soon to be plans for issue 3 with profits for Crisis. I mean, come on, how could you not?
Review: 4/5 A very fun read.
