Exclusive Review – Cooking With Monsters Book One: Can I Get Seconds Please?

Have you ever watched an episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender and secretly yearned for more culinary moments? If so, brace yourself for a captivating journey into the culinary realm with this remarkable graphic novel! Cooking With Monsters is as if a book was tailor-made for your cravings. Prepare to be transported into a world where monsters and magic intertwine seamlessly, crafting delectable dishes from the creatures they conquer.

I don’t usually review titles like these, but I’m so glad I was given this chance. Cooking With Monsters embodies a dream story my younger self would have enjoyed. It follows a group of budding monster hunters that embark on an educational journey that melds the art of hunting and cooking. Picture Hogwarts, but with the fiery spirit of Gordon Ramsay at the helm. Here, each student hones their prowess under the tutelage of master hunters. At the heart of this adventure stands Hana Ozawa, a spirited young student whose aspirations echo her beloved heroes.

The cast of characters in this book is absolutely adorable and unique. Each character possesses a distinct identity and individual motivations. Amid this splendid array, one character, Layla, emerges as an instant favorite of mine, a non-binary person radiating warmth and compassion. As someone who shares their they/them pronouns, I was delighted to witness these characters embracing their identities with seamless authenticity. Such subtle yet profound inclusivity tugs at the heartstrings and elevates this work to a realm of distinction.

All the characters are great, and the cast deals with some heavy issues, but they’re approached through a lens suitable for young audiences. This first book deals with topics like gender, immigration, and racism. In our current political climate, books like these are even more important than ever, as more and more books get banned in some states for covering topics like these. Cooking With Monsters ingeniously weaves humor, action, and romance into issues that matter. This book should be in every library and school, as young people need to see a title that gives them a reflective story like this. The writer does a beautiful job, and I appreciate this book.

The artwork that graces these pages is an absolute marvel. It presents a simultaneously familiar yet uniquely captivating style—a fusion of beloved classics like Avatar, Dragon Prince, and She-Ra. The artist’s ingenuity shines through with humorous and charming moments, akin to the animated flourishes found in anime, from endearing chibi scenes to emotive expressions. The artist (who is also the inker and colorist) is exceptionally talented; right away, you can tell what kind of book this will be.

The action scenes are also exceptional and are brimming with explosive energy. Each fight in this book is full of all the wham and bam you could want from a young adult and children’s comic. And even though this is made for kids, the art doesn’t back down. Kids’ titles deserve as much skill and talent in their art and color as this book has. It stands out in its category.