This graphic novel was not at all what I was expecting. I was not expecting the story to take such a drastic turn. Though I must admit I really liked it. I am a person who thoroughly enjoys when plots tale a dark turn and this novel did this in such an interesting way.
The illustrations as well were stunning. They had such a distinctive style and even in places where the illustrations weren't what could be considered conventionally beautiful I couldn't stop studying them. I was in awe of the work that was put into this novel. The colors alone were breath taking.
This was probably the most surprising graphic novel I have read in a while. I definitely plan on talking this one up to all of my bookish friends as well as my customers.
Thank you to Netgalley for an early review copy.

This book was received as an ARC from IDW Publishing - Top Shelf Productions in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love the ambition and passion Tulip/Danny had throughout his journey through the Cambridge mainland in finding this delicacy mushroom that has put this restaurant business back into action. Then as all successful businesses start, you start to be consumed in the business and let it take over your life which is the point where Danny hit and the town is becoming more demanding of this delicacy and the dishes Danny consumed that he is almost at his breaking point. This book is perfect for the foodie at heart or the aspiring restauranteur that is prepared for the hardships and complications that come with running a restaurant and meeting the demands of customers.

We will consider adding this title to our Graphic Novel collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

James Albon gifts us a story about two brothers that have a dream of growing and creating amazing food in the city. After their aunt and uncle disappear, they are left with a substantial inheritance near the city, which will make most of their dreams come true. Once in London they discover that dreams take time to flourish, or do they? One day they discover a rare and exquisite mushroom that grows in a remote patch inside their estate, little did they know, this rare find will unravel in one of the cities must coveted dining places and in the thing that will finish them both.


The book is amazing and the art is breathtaking.

This is a highly recommended book.

The story told in "The Delicacy" is at turns a tale of brotherly entrepreneurship, a gripping mystery and finally a bizarre case of mushroom obsession turned insanity. My biggest problem with the book is the art, particularly how the artist draws people. My apologies to the illustrator, as some scenes were really beautiful (sunsets, seascapes, and farmland). The story itself is compelling enough to keep me reading until the last page, but the art really just made me cringe.

An instance where the "subject to change before publication" emblazoned on every single page of the review file is met with a 'not likely, mate', for there is little room for improvement here. It's not quite a five-star read, mind - the book swings from the mundane into the pleasantly different into the remarkable in ways that jarred slightly, and I'd not even have noticed the shifts or them being a problem if this was a true classic. But right from the get-go the qualities of this are evident.

We start with two brothers, sons to a mad old hippy stuck on a remote Scottish island, both inheriting something from the sister she disowned. With one a want-away business head, and the other addicted to farming, they find the pile they now own a great base with which to grow all that is needed for a hip and healthy London restaurant. Of course, though, the formation of that - and making it a success - is not plain sailing. And then comes the more pleasantly different, the remarkable - and all the rest your friendly plot summary should be leaving you to discover.

And discover this you really should. Excellent hand-crafted artwork (OK, the fight scene is a bit weak but that too will pass) and a superlative readability - never does this feel like something outstaying its welcome, even if it is on the very large size for a comic - all add to the wonderful fun the drama provides. And I use the word 'fun' advisedly - this could have been a book trying to tie itself up in knots just to discuss island organic existence vs London chemicals, or this way of life versus that way of life, or any of a spread of themes. To me, happily, it just smacked of having provided entertainment instead, however, and a lot of it. Four and a half stars.