Rutabaga The Adventure Chef: Book 1 (Family Comic Friday)

   

 Rutabaga is a young chef who travels the countryside in search of new recipes and adventure. In his travels, the gourmand meets a group of knights-errant, a king, some Vikings, and other strange creatures. Along with his magic cauldron. Pot, Rutabaga helps his new friends battle a dragon, train a baby monster, and uses his knowledge of exotic fruits and veggies to battle a crusty cook in an epic cook off in the kitchen of a secret tavern.

    I loved this new series by Eric Colossal. As a professional chef, I am excited to see youngsters so interested in food and developing culinary skills. Shows like Iron Chef and Chopped on Food Network have really inspired the next generation to be more adventurous and willing to learn how to cook. I think this revolution is because of how busy the modern family is these days that youngsters see an opportunity to slow things down and bond with siblings, parents, and loved ones by preparing a meal that everyone can enjoy ever once and a while. Plus, there's is just so much great food to explore in the world!

   That's what Rutabaga does here. He scours the world for culinary delights and uses his food knowledge to help others heal, relax, or celebrate their cultural heritage. There are dozens of recipes peppered throughout this book that children can try and create (with parental help, of course) such as the Adventurer's Snack Sacks filled with meat and potatoes and Chicken Spear with Peanut Dipping Sauce. I'd love to try the Perfect Pep Potion. Though, I'm not sure where they keep the sweetened blood berries at Wal-Mart. There's also a few recipes inspired by Rutabaga's adventures at the end of the book for readers to try.

   Speaking of the end, I did not want this book to stop. It was such a fun read. The art was cartoony but very detailed. The scenes when the Viking characters battle the monstrous Koraknis were epic. Eric Colossal did a fantastic job on this book and I cannot wait to see where he takes Rutabaga next.

   I expect big things from the Adventure Chef series in the coming year. I think it will be making must read lists (for 2015) and winning lots of young reader and graphic novel awards. Get on the bandwagon now folks as Rutabaga is going to be huge.

   Now let's get cooking and reading!

   Worth Consuming

  Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.