Mini Review: Get Jiro: Blood and Sushi by Anthony Bourdain

Title:Get Jiro: Blood and Sushi
Series: Get Jiro #2
Author: Anthony Bourdain
Illustrators: Joel Rose, Alé Garza
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: October 27th 2015
Source: Netgalley/Vertigo


Book Description:

Acclaimed chef, writer and television personality, Anthony Bourdain and Joel Rose (Kill The Poor) return for the follow-up to their #1 New York Times bestseller GET JIRO from Vertigo.

In GET JIRO: BLOOD AND SUSHI, Bourdain and Rose examine the origins of the mysterious Jiro and what made him into the chef he has become. Born the heir to a Yakuza crime family, Jiro never longed to travel the crimnal path laid out before him, but instead chose to secretly study the rich culinary history of his homeland, something that would have significant repercussions if discoverd by his ganster father.

As Jiro's interest in the culinary arts deepens, his ability to keep his artistic and criminal worlds seperate becomes too great, triggering a great personal loss that will forever change Jiro's path.

Review:

★★★

What a bummer.

I really enjoyed the first book in this graphic novel series. What's not to love? It involves Anthony Bourdain, violence, and food. Sign me up! I was happy to see that there was a new book.... But I was left disappointed.

This second novel is a backstory. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Honestly? I found it boring. I don't know how that's possible. It's chock full of violence and sex and crime and the Yakuza and still, I was left with a "meh" feeling. Maybe it's because it's a predictable plot? I'm not sure. There's also way less focus on the food, which was disappointing for me. That was a good part of the reason why I enjoyed the first one.

I also didn't care for the art in this volume. It's completely different, and for me the change wasn't for the better. It's kind of dark and not really anything memorable. I think this added to the overall "ho hum" of the story for me.

I don't think I'll read any other books in the Get Jiro line if they continue. I think people who enjoy formulaic action movies (like the Fast and the Furious franchise) might like it. But if you loved the first one, maybe reconsider reading this one.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.