Zawa + The Belly of the Beast is a delightful new creator-owned story for all ages, especially kids and food lovers. In a world tainted with unhealthy food, pollution, and a corrupt mayor, some things must be given, and with Zawa now free of her chains, can she be the savior the people need? It’s a question she contemplates in the third issue this week that adds new wrinkles to the ongoing mystery of her destiny.
Zawa + The Belly of the Beast #3 opens with Zawa eating breakfast on a roof. She’s got an insatiable hunger, especially now that she’s had some homemade cooking from our main character, Bandit. She’s feeling the pressure as she realizes people are counting on her to save the day. This leads to Zawa puking up her breakfast, and something quite extraordinary spews out.
This issue opens things up a bit as far as the town as we get to see it in the daylight for the first time. There’s a good sense of community with the good guys and a good sense of dismay and anger with the mayor, who is very much the bad guy. After giving a limp speech about a new energy drink that’s clearly unhealthy, it’s clear something’s got to give. Even more compelling is a mysterious lab Bandit’s mother works in that reveals something Zawa-related you won’t want to miss.
Michael Dialynas’ art shines as we get to see more of the town and it has a feel like something out of Zelda. In fact, can we get an open-world video game based on this series? Zawa has a cartoony look that suits her godly presence in the face of the regular folk, right down to her puking, which is more superpower than grossness. The design of the mayor is also great as he’s a tiny man being held by a strong man with a big round head. It’s like Kang from TMNT, only a bit more realistic. Foodies will also enjoy the sandwiches Bandit makes.
Credit: BOOM!
The lettering continues to be a stand-out element as Dialynas punches emphasis with color. Word balloons and their tails take on a life of their own as needed as well.
Plotting is a little more subtle in this issue. There are some interesting clues if you’re paying attention, like in Bandit’s mom’s lab. A bridging issue for sure, this issue is a little stuck with its focus on Zawa’s anxiety as we wait for The Divine Feast to kick into gear.
Zawa + The Belly of the Beast is the most endearing comic you’ll read all year. It’s perfect for younger readers in its general vibe, with pleasing art and a story that relates to our own world, which is obsessed with unhealthy eating and living.
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