Ghost Pepper Vol. 1: Flavors of Ash

Ghost Pepper #1

by Ludo Lullabi, Adriano Lucas (Artist)

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2026

About the author

Passionné de dessin, de jeux vidéo, de manga et de cinéma, il se lance en autodidacte dans la bande dessinée. Ses références sont Otomo, Shirow, J.Woo, Tsui Hark, mais aussi Loisel. En 1998, il crée avec son frère les éditions mercutio, et publie deux séries Niutsuendo, un véritable hommage à l'esthétisme nippon et Le fils du père Noël. En 2001, il présente son nouveau projet aux éditions Soleil. C’est tout naturellement que la ligne graphique de Eternel Midgnight, empreinte d’influences issues de la japanimation et du jeu vidéo, trouve sa place dans la collection Soleil Levant. Il travaille, par la suite, sur la série Lilian Cortez et l’enfant des étoiles scénarisée par N.Tackian. 2007 sera l’année de la consécration avec World of Warcraft chez Marvel USA et Lanfeust Quest.

Texte et photo © Soleil

Reviews

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the world was saved by the great hero Bataar, everyone is grateful for salvation, but not everyone is living a better life. An unusual man with great strength and no knowledge of the last few years shows up out of nowhere and sets off a chain reaction that might just save the world for real... if he doesn't destroy it first.

The story is a little slow to take off. You get little nuggets and crumbs that lead you towards the bigger plot, which I get reasoning because it builds tension, but the world and its characters are interesting enough that it's not necessary.

I loved the art. It's expressive and grand without feeling stuffy or like Lullabi and Lucas were more focused on the art than on helping propel the story forward. The colors fit the mood of the story perfectly, helping to beautifully set the mood, time, and place for each part of the story. The mix of detailed panels and panels that play with shadow and light that come out to play in intense moments makes the story feel super dynamic, even when things are slowing down in the plot to give exposition and worldbuilding a chance.

Ash is great, Loloi is a great foil for his seriousness, and the villain has dark secrets that I have an inkling will lead to dashing revelations. The glimpses we get at the bigger story that's about to come intrigued me enough that I'm excited to pick up the next volume to see if my hunches are right or if Lullabi will surprise me.

Very happy thanks to Skybound for the e-galley and the chance to discover this great series!

[Kurt Lorenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed this volume, definitely check out the manga series Crazy Food Truck; it has very similar vibes.

[Ossie VV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I want a new fresh comic I’m going straight to Image and DC instead of Marvel.

Awesome world, awesome characters and a good story. 9/10, 5 stars.

[Misse Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like it a lot!

For someone who happened to grab Ghost Pepper single issue #3 based solely on the cover, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this introduction to the series. It's a great build up for what comes next and easy to follow. I especially like Loloi because she's giving badass fmc energy. I love that this entire series is based off of her on a food truck bringing joy and happiness where there's not a lot that exists. I enjoy Ash's character because healers need protectors right? It's quite an adventure to journey though. Look forward to catching up on the rest of this series.

[Doug Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the single issues for this, but it was a good book with some very fun artwork. the story is interesting and has me wanting to know more, and all around it is a solid read.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!!

Review submitted to School Library Journal for potential professional publication.

[Arlene Avilez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I love this world building happening! And these characters! And this art!
I need more!!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun first volume. I really liked the artwork.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

when that foo said cause I fought the cinder I actually got so hyped

[Mee Too · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dystopian future action fantasy Interesting concept, never heard of that before 😉

Not much story building involved but cool art, colors, characters are fun, and lots of action.

3.4✨

[Amethyst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this volume! It was funny and the story was great. I love how a recipe is a big part of the story! It's definitely different from anything I've ever read.