Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Agent, chef's kiss, graphic novel, marketplace, ogn, oni press

Chef's Kiss, Debut Graphic Novel by Jarrett Melendez and Danica Brine

Published Fri, 11 Dec 2020 10:30:03 -0600

Last updated Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:29:37 -0600

Chef's Kiss is the debut graphic novel written by Jarrett Melendez, drawn by Danica Brine, coloured by Hank Jones, lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. and to be published in 2022 by Oni Press. It was picked up by Oni's former editor Robin Herrera, but will now be edited by Grace Scheipeter.

A queer YA graphic novel, Chef's Kiss will tell the story of a young, frustrated chef. "Despite a new college degree and a plucky attitude, nobody will hire Ben Cook for a job in his field. Desperate for work, he takes a job as a chef in an unconventional restaurant, where he discovers a new passion that may or may not have something to do with his gorgeous co-worker, Liam."

Chef's Kiss, Debut Graphic Novel by Jarrett Melendez and Danica Brine

The creative team behind Chef's Kiss represented themselves without an agent. But I bet they'll get one now. Jarrett told Bleeding Cool "I'm so lucky to be working with such a talented team. Danica and I had been wanting to collaborate on something for as long as we've been friends. Everything she draws is stunning – food, people, even a humbly decorated living room. Hank's rich, vibrant use of color complements her lines so perfectly, and, though I can't show off Hassan's lettering just yet, he nails every moment perfectly, from showing dread in a character's voice to punching up a joke. We can't wait to get this book out in the world!"

Jarrett Melendez has written for Full Bleed, Field Tripping and All We Ever Wanted, but also used to be a professional chef. Danica Brine also worked on a couple of those, as well as covers for Wayward. Chef's Kiss also seems built for good reviews. Will anyone be able to resist saying "this graphic novel is, just… *mwa*!" I don't think they will.

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