21 Nov / Toriko (vol. 1) by Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro, translated by Christine Dashiell, adapted by Hope Donovan
We’ve all heard the stories of palate-adventurers willing to go to extreme lengths to try some of the most … uh … scintillating flavors (some people’s ‘mmmm’ is definitely other people’s ‘yuck’ – we seem to have a lot of that at our house …).
So in this toothsome new manga series, the hunt for ultimate culinary experience takes center stage: “Welcome to the Gourmet Era. Where mankind boldly explores the frontiers of exotic taste!”
Deep in the headquarters of the International Gourmet Organization (IGO), the Bureau Chief is in a tizzy about the menu for a major upcoming IGO function: “I want something with a little more impact to it. IMPACT!” he demands. Head chef Komatsu knows that only Gourmet Hunter Toriko has the brawn to track and take down the world’s most challenging (and delicious) game. As timid as he is, Komatsu is determined to watch the legendary Toriko in action. Readers, too, will surely appreciate his battling prowess, gurgling sound effects, flying body pieces, and all!
From the Garara Gator to an Underbite Dragon to harvesting the elusive Rainbow Fruit, Toriko will stop at nothing to get his meat! Thank goodness his hunter morals are in tact: “I don’t kill anything unless I’m gonna eat it! If you don’t want to eat something, then don’t kill it. And you kill it, then you eat it …!! That’s my golden rule.” And eat he does … with all that endless sampling, his life dream is to create the ultimate menu.
As the debut volume draws to a close, Toriko’s got the dessert course figured out … which means he’s got seven more courses to fill. Perfect set-up for many more culinary adventures!
Readers: Middle Grade, Young Adult
Published: 2010 (United States)
TORIKO © Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro
Original Japanese edition published by Shueisha Inc.