This week the Berger Books imprint of Dark Horse Comics debuts its first title: Hungry Ghosts #1. The new initiative from Dark Horse promises to bring one of the most acclaimed editors in comics history back to the forefront with new creator-owned series meant to tantalize and provoke. The first of such is a tasty appetizer for the imprint. Indeed, Hungry Ghosts is an anthology of sorts. Well, specifically it’s a buffet of Japanese ghost stories. Acclaimed novelist Joel Rose teams up once again with Anthony Bourdain to craft these classic delicacies for your palates.
On a dark, haunted night, a Russian oligarch dares a circle of international chefs to play the samurai game of 100 Candles-where each storyteller spins a terrifying tale of ghosts, demons and unspeakable beings-and prays to survive the challenge. Inspired by the Japanese Edo period game of Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai, Hungry Ghosts reimagines the classic stories of yokai, yorei, and obake, all tainted with the common thread of food. First course: With bad consequence, a ramen chef refuses to help a beggar, and a band of pirates get more (and less) than they were bargaining for after their encounter with a drowning woman turns ghastly.
There’s quite a bit to digest in this first issue which is a slightly larger serving than your average Big Two title nowadays. And yes, the art from Alberton Ponticelli and Vensa Del Rey is quite scrumptious. And yes, there’s fun to be had in this classic idea of telling ghost stories to punk out your friends, colleagues, and total strangers. Lest we not forget, there’s a pinch of a larger mystery and story unfolding for further issues. We’re certainly going to be experiencing an intense tasting menu at the chefs’ mercy. Hungry Ghosts should please foodies and horror fans alike this coming Wednesday. I guess there’s nothing left but to dig in!
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