Review: The Beef #2

I“ve read the first two issues of The Beef (Image Comics) and I“m still confused as to what in the world is going on. Is this a comic with the subliminal agenda to make its readers go vegan? Is it trying to point out flawed immigration policy and shine a light on the plight of immigrant farm workers? Maybe it“s sticking a fork in the eye of the capitalist industrial system that we are all beholden to and editorialize on the dangers within. Maybe”¦it“s just telling a story in a comic.

I ask these questions because as I“ve read both issues, I have felt that each of these possibilities would be cast as the overriding theme of the story. Through two issues, I“m still not sure I have the answer.

In this completely original story, written by Richard Starkings and Tyler Shainline, we are introduced to Chuck Carter, who has eaten way too much beef. So much in fact, the excitotixins that he has accumulated in his brain over the years, now turn him into a giant slab of beef when he gets angry. Think of a big marbled pink and white Hulk running down the street.

To me, the comic so far has been a test of patience. I feel there is a really good story here that is worth telling, but it feels slow to develop. If I can continue to hold out, I feel there will be a payoff soon. I just have no idea what it is, or when it is planned.

I do want to give major kudos to Shaky Kane for the art and colors, which jump off the page. So far, this has been the consistent stand out work in the series.
If you have patience, this comic has potential. There are a lot of moving parts and if they are brought together into a cohesive storyline, it might be really fun. If you“re reading along with me, let me know what you think. I“ll continue to keep tabs on this one.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

(W) Richard Starkings, Tyler Shainline (A/CA) Shaky Kane

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Bryan Spaulding

In his free time, other than reading comic books, Bryan enjoys listening to his ever growing record collection and driving his 27 year old roadster named Mingo.