Advance Review: Ram V’s ‘Rare Flavours TP’
Rare Flavours TP is the collection of a comic masterpiece that, like a treasured family recipe passed down for generations, reveals complexities and nuances with each reading making you wonder how something so simple can contain so many layers. Written by Ram V with art by Filipe Andrade the collected edition hits shelves this week from BOOM! Studios. While the 6-issue story is replete with fantastical imagery and imagined histories, it remains firmly rooted in the specifics of human experience, both our shared and individual ones.
Ram V's top-notch storytelling guides the reader on a gastronomic odyssey, showcasing a diverse array of characters that are as rich and varied as the dishes they create. He creates a sumptuous and introspective journey that delves into the profound significance of food within human culture, transcending time and geography. It’s a model for how culture can bring us together when everything else appears to be trying to tear us apart.
Andrade's stunning artwork brings the narrative to life, imbuing even the simplest panels with a sense of reverence and wonder. The rich colors and delicate beauty of his illustrations invite the reader to partake in the intimate moments of culinary creation, where the frailty and beauty of human existence are laid bare. Ram V's lyrical narrative weaves a poetic tapestry that explores the intricate relationships between cuisine, identity, and community.
Rare Flavours TP is chicken noodle soup for the comic book reader’s soul. It is a sublime and introspective exploration of the human experience, one that will leave you hungry for more. Savor the journey, indulge in the beauty, and let the flavors of this masterpiece linger on your palate.
Rating: 10/10
