Anthony Bourdain’s Finalé
A Disturbing Graphic Novel by the Fiery Chef
The Day of the Dead holiday is not exclusive to Mexico. During the month of August, Japan observes Obon, when families give homage and thanks to their ancestors’ spirits returning to the world of the living for a short visit. Similar to the celebration in Mexico and in a way, America’s Halloween—hello, candy— homes are decorated with altars of food offerings such as fruits, vegetables, and rice balls, plus candles and lanterns.
How appropriate that this spiritual, ghostly holiday is the subject of the final graphic novel by recently deceased and much-missed Anthony Bourdain? The author, chef, and host of the Emmy-Award winning TV series, Parts Unknown, had completed, Hungry Ghosts, his second book with his writing partner, novelist Joel Rose (Kill, Kill, Faster, Faster), before his suicide in June.
Their first book, Get Jiro!, was a New York Times #1 best seller, and considering that Bourdain’s debut memoir, Kitchen Confidential, bounced back onto that list after his death, we expect Hungry Ghosts to follow suit.
In the spirit of Obon, Bourdain and Rose have created a true spine-tingling tale involving international chefs, food, ghosts, and a terrifying samurai game called 100 Candles. On a dark and stormy night, a circle of chefs is challenged to a life and death competition in which each must spin a food-related tale involving scary demons and dangerous phantoms. Gulp.
With brilliant illustrations by Alberto Ponticelli and Vanesa Del Rey, perfect color by Jose Villarrubia, and the truly haunting cover by Paul Pope, Hungry Ghosts will be a collectors’ item for the artistically inclined. And for those still reeling from the passing of our favorite raconteur, perhaps this spiritual tale will offer a salve on the giant bruise Bourdain’s passing has left.
Hungry Ghosts will be released in October.
