Feasts of Fury by Eric Colossal (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Feasts of Fury by Eric Colossal April Spisak Colossal, Eric Feasts of Fury; written and illus. by Eric Colossal. Amulet, 2016 [128p] (Rutabaga the Adventure Chef) Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-4197-1658-4 $16.95 Paper ed. ISBN 978-1-4197-1659-1 $9.95 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 3-5 Rutabaga (a human) and Pot (an animate pot) return for another round of ridiculous adventures following their first outing in Rutabaga the Adventure Chef (BCCB 5/15) and travel the seemingly endless land of Colossal’s creation, seeking new ingredients and hoping to share amazing food with all they meet. Pot is absurdly personable, given that he is a cauldron with no facial features, and he gets more of a role in this graphic novel than in the earlier one, sharing adventures while also serving as cooking vessel, beloved companion, and hero. Rutabaga, all bluster and enthusiasm, is equally endearing, resulting in a duo one can’t help but root for, especially when they face dangerous gubblins who can’t be defeated by brawn but might be outmatched when it comes to brains. Lively illustrations (which will be in color in the bound book), liberal use of exclamation points and font changes to emphasize exaggerated points, and manga-style facial expressions keep things pitched at high drama, as Rutabaga seems to react to deathly encounters and minor disappointments with equal amounts of surprise. As with the earlier novel, there are several actual recipes throughout that foodie kids can try, with three specifically featured at the end that would be appropriate even for young cooks. While there isn’t a lot new added to this second encounter, fans will still enjoy the chance visit again with Ru and Pot. [End Page 409] Copyright © 2016 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois