I'm going to sound a bit like the character Stefon from, "Saturday Night Live," whenver he describes a nightclub that, "Has it all," because when discussing the first issue of, "Gastronomique," it really does have a lot--and that's a good thing! It contains historical fiction set that reimagines real people in different situations; it's got a lot of body horror, it has lesbian lovers enjoying each other's company in an old-timey tub, and it has a bit of supernatrural/metaphysical vibe riffing on concepts of evil, right versus wrong, and such. Oh, and the comic opens with people parading through the street with Marie Antoinette's bloody, decapitated head as they sing a cheerful tune about her death, just to give you an idea of the visceral vibe.
Published by BOOM! Studios, this new series is written by the immensely talented Marguerite Bennett and illustrated by Helena Masellis. With the French Revolution serving as the setting, the main focus of, "Gastronomique," seems to be following Lady Charlotte (a spy and assassin) as she attempts to hunt down Tarrare, a quite real and infamous individual who could eat seemingly anything (he ripped apart and ingested live animals in front of scientists amazed at his insatiable hunger). Tarrare is thought to have even engaged in cannibalism, with the idea he possibly ate a young child serving as a big motivator for the Lady's efforts to kill him. If you're into a queer, erotic, horror-thriller and aren't too squeamish (Masellis illustrates one detailed incident of Tarrare swallowing a live snake, whole), this looks to definitely be worth a read.
5 out of 5 Stars.
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