What do you think?
Rate this book
Brave Chef Brianna #1-4
Brave Chef Brianna
Brianna Jakobsson has big cooking dreams, and when her ailing restaurateur father poses a challenge to his only daughter and fifteen sons, she seizes the opportunity. She’s going to have the best restaurant around and earn the family empire. Thing is, the only place she can afford to set up shop is in Monster City. Her menu is full of weird delicacies, her kitchen is run by a half-bird harpy, and her dining room is filled with skeleton businessmen. Add on the nefarious Madame Cron, some highly competitive siblings and Brianna’s plate is literally . . . full. Brave Chef Brianna from writer Sam Sykes (Munchkin) and artist Selina Espiritu explores one woman’s incredible journey to realize her dreams in the unlikeliest of places. Welcome to Monster City!
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2017
166 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
About the author
Sam Sykes
90 books1,214 followersSam Sykes is the author of Tome Of The Undergates, a vast and sprawling story of adventure, demons, madness and carnage. Suspected by many to be at least tangentially related to most causes of human suffering, Sam Sykes is also a force to be reckoned with beyond literature.
At 25, Sykes is one of the younger authors to have arrived on the stage of literary fantasy. Tome Of The Undergates is his first book, published in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Holland, and Canada. He currently resides in the United States and is probably watching you read this right now.
At 25, Sykes is one of the younger authors to have arrived on the stage of literary fantasy. Tome Of The Undergates is his first book, published in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Holland, and Canada. He currently resides in the United States and is probably watching you read this right now.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
June 11, 2018
A sweet story of a young woman trying to overcome self-doubt and prove herself as a chef.
I enjoyed it. What's more, it's a book I can happily give to my little boy to read.
I enjoyed it. What's more, it's a book I can happily give to my little boy to read.
February 18, 2021
Yike's ya'll! I really wanted to like this one, but it didn't do it for me. I remember reading the single issues and really enjoying the first two which explains why I enjoyed the first half but the not the second. This had food and monsters which I thought was going to be an interesting mash-up. But alas, no. CW: self-deprecation
Brave Chef Brianna seems to be a single volume comic that centers around Brianna who is competing against her brothers to acquire whatever her father is leaving behind related to his cooking business. Each of them is required to start a business and the person with the most successful business wins. The premise seemed really interesting and the art was fun; however, I was not pleased with the execution. There were so many plot holes. When Brianna makes it to Monster City she struggles a lot with self-doubt/self-hatred. What's weird about this self-doubt is that it manifests itself into this dark creatures that only Brianna seems to notice. THIS IS NEVER EXPLAINED. I don't know what purpose they served, whether it was an indication that Brianna was part monster, none of it made sense. It also felt as though Brianna wasn't fully developed as a character. She had some serious things that she needed to work through and it didn't feel as though she truly ever worked through those things. Then there was the fact that Brianna came to Monster City and felt as though it was completely and totally appropriate to disregard the rules and regulations set forth because she needed to make money. IF THERE WAS A RULE FOR THEM NOT TO EAT SUGAR, FLOUR, OR MILK WHY DO YOU FEEL JUSTIFIED IN DOING SO?!? It was obvious that there was a cultural reason why this rule was in place and the writer felt like it was okay to send the message we can go against peoples cultural values if it's for our benefit. There was also some failed character development with the antagonist who appears to be "out" to ruin Brianna's business; however, she has some good reasons as to why she doesn't trust humans and those reasons were never fully explored. That was particularly disappointing. Let's not fail to mention that this character was also darker in skin tone than the rest of the characters (I'm so tired of people subtly attempting to use skin tone as a way to denote good and bad -- it's gross). This character went through some pretty traumatic experiences related to being a monster and having to deal with humans, BUT as a result she's made to be the villian. It doesn't make sense and I'm not really sure what the author was intending, but it didn't add up when it's all said and done. I usually enjoy comics like these, but I don't know how it started so well and ended up going down hill. The comments related to culture and discrimination were not good and I'm not sure if the publisher or the writer even realized the message they sent out by publishing this.
Brave Chef Brianna seems to be a single volume comic that centers around Brianna who is competing against her brothers to acquire whatever her father is leaving behind related to his cooking business. Each of them is required to start a business and the person with the most successful business wins. The premise seemed really interesting and the art was fun; however, I was not pleased with the execution. There were so many plot holes. When Brianna makes it to Monster City she struggles a lot with self-doubt/self-hatred. What's weird about this self-doubt is that it manifests itself into this dark creatures that only Brianna seems to notice. THIS IS NEVER EXPLAINED. I don't know what purpose they served, whether it was an indication that Brianna was part monster, none of it made sense. It also felt as though Brianna wasn't fully developed as a character. She had some serious things that she needed to work through and it didn't feel as though she truly ever worked through those things. Then there was the fact that Brianna came to Monster City and felt as though it was completely and totally appropriate to disregard the rules and regulations set forth because she needed to make money. IF THERE WAS A RULE FOR THEM NOT TO EAT SUGAR, FLOUR, OR MILK WHY DO YOU FEEL JUSTIFIED IN DOING SO?!? It was obvious that there was a cultural reason why this rule was in place and the writer felt like it was okay to send the message we can go against peoples cultural values if it's for our benefit. There was also some failed character development with the antagonist who appears to be "out" to ruin Brianna's business; however, she has some good reasons as to why she doesn't trust humans and those reasons were never fully explored. That was particularly disappointing. Let's not fail to mention that this character was also darker in skin tone than the rest of the characters (I'm so tired of people subtly attempting to use skin tone as a way to denote good and bad -- it's gross). This character went through some pretty traumatic experiences related to being a monster and having to deal with humans, BUT as a result she's made to be the villian. It doesn't make sense and I'm not really sure what the author was intending, but it didn't add up when it's all said and done. I usually enjoy comics like these, but I don't know how it started so well and ended up going down hill. The comments related to culture and discrimination were not good and I'm not sure if the publisher or the writer even realized the message they sent out by publishing this.
February 2, 2018
I feel torn on this.
On the one hand, Brianna is likable and her shortcomings are relateable. There is a feel-good story in here about believing in yourself and doing things because they make you happy, not to impress someone else (even if that someone else is your celebrity chef father.)
On the other hand, there's kind of a weird undercurrent of racism and gentrification in here that left an unpleasant taste in my mouth. The monsters were persecuted and basically forced into this ghetto called Monster City, where they make their own society apart from humans. The top chef there (Madame Cron) is a monster who remembers the days of persecution, being driven from their homes, etc. (She's also the brownest character in the book.) Now this rich, blonde human comes in and starts a restaurant that ignores their laws, takes business away from monster businesses, etc. And Madame Cron doesn't like it. And I get why she doesn't like it! There's a little bit of lip service paid to her background explaining why she hates humans so much, but she doesn't manage to escape her role as the bad guy, trying to take Brianna (and her restaurant,) down.
I'm not saying that the author is a racist, or that Brianna is an unlikable character, or that she's doing something bad on purpose, but the story IS problematic IMO. Maybe Sam Sykes meant to flesh out Madame Cron more and make her more sympathetic and less of a villain, but just didn't end up doing that. I don't know. But I found myself agreeing with her throughout the book, and feeling like all the people (and monsters) telling her to get over the subjugation of their people (because it was so long ago) were being total jerks. And Brianna should have had to realize that she was at least somewhat in the wrong here.
THAT ALL BEING SAID. It was otherwise fun. And cute. The art is colorful and eye-catching. But it could be better. 2 1/2 stars.
On the one hand, Brianna is likable and her shortcomings are relateable. There is a feel-good story in here about believing in yourself and doing things because they make you happy, not to impress someone else (even if that someone else is your celebrity chef father.)
On the other hand, there's kind of a weird undercurrent of racism and gentrification in here that left an unpleasant taste in my mouth. The monsters were persecuted and basically forced into this ghetto called Monster City, where they make their own society apart from humans. The top chef there (Madame Cron) is a monster who remembers the days of persecution, being driven from their homes, etc. (She's also the brownest character in the book.) Now this rich, blonde human comes in and starts a restaurant that ignores their laws, takes business away from monster businesses, etc. And Madame Cron doesn't like it. And I get why she doesn't like it! There's a little bit of lip service paid to her background explaining why she hates humans so much, but she doesn't manage to escape her role as the bad guy, trying to take Brianna (and her restaurant,) down.
I'm not saying that the author is a racist, or that Brianna is an unlikable character, or that she's doing something bad on purpose, but the story IS problematic IMO. Maybe Sam Sykes meant to flesh out Madame Cron more and make her more sympathetic and less of a villain, but just didn't end up doing that. I don't know. But I found myself agreeing with her throughout the book, and feeling like all the people (and monsters) telling her to get over the subjugation of their people (because it was so long ago) were being total jerks. And Brianna should have had to realize that she was at least somewhat in the wrong here.
THAT ALL BEING SAID. It was otherwise fun. And cute. The art is colorful and eye-catching. But it could be better. 2 1/2 stars.
July 10, 2018
I wanted to love this I really did, but I just got so bored so fast. The first issue was okay but then I just got bored, it didn't really feel like it was living up to my expectations. I'm sure someone younger would enjoy this, like my little sister, and would be less bothered about the plot points and undertones.
(Also to note, there's a lot of self-hate and anxiety in this comic, which I didn't know going into it, and it was pretty present in the story. It felt less about being a chef and cooking and more about that. I also had some issue with the main character going against the rules of the city food-wise (not eating sugar, flour or cooked meat(?)) and feeding unknowing customers things they are against. That'd be like feeding a vegan meat without telling them, and it was a bit iffy for me idk if I'm making sense.)
(Also to note, there's a lot of self-hate and anxiety in this comic, which I didn't know going into it, and it was pretty present in the story. It felt less about being a chef and cooking and more about that. I also had some issue with the main character going against the rules of the city food-wise (not eating sugar, flour or cooked meat(?)) and feeding unknowing customers things they are against. That'd be like feeding a vegan meat without telling them, and it was a bit iffy for me idk if I'm making sense.)
October 14, 2018
3.5 out of 5 stars!
This was a good comic but on reflection, I felt that the main character Brianna at times came across quite unlikable. She does struggle with anxiety but there were moments that she rushed into saying/doing things without thinking about it first. I liked the story premise and the illustrations but this won't be a re-read for me!
This was a good comic but on reflection, I felt that the main character Brianna at times came across quite unlikable. She does struggle with anxiety but there were moments that she rushed into saying/doing things without thinking about it first. I liked the story premise and the illustrations but this won't be a re-read for me!
May 19, 2018
I read all four single issues that make up this collected volume. I did not buy the collected volume because I didn’t want to give it any money. (I typically love Boom! Studios comics but this...) I don’t think I’ve ever shared a review as strong as this one (well, strong for me) but I feel like I should put my voice out there about it.
I had high hopes for Brave Chef Brianna when I read about it before release, but after reading the series I was so, so disappointed. I’m actually surprised that it made it to print with the story as it is. It’s a good story idea; a girl with huge self-doubt moving to a new place, a new culture, to do her best in opening a restaurant, but the execution of the story with parallels to real world cultural and racial issues—and dealing with them poorly—was extreme. The fact that those issues, like prejudice (a painful and violent history of prejudice) and coming into a culture with rules and beliefs differing from one’s own, were presented but disregarded in favor of a “yay” for the main character, was kind of appalling. She didn’t learn about the culture before moving into it, she didn’t familiarize herself with the laws and rules of the culture once there and becoming a business owner, she knowingly used ingredients that were against the laws of that culture (after finding out about the law) so she could further herself, the “antagonist” is an obvious parallel for a black woman with emotional scars from experiencing intense prejudice and violence done to her and her people and she is still painted as the “bad guy” messing up the main character’s chance and herself being prejudice, the end of the story is just so—gah, I just have strong feelings and disappointment about this series—the issues are so glaring and dealt with appallingly, it could have been handled so differently! A well off white girl inserting herself into the culture of a minority with a painful and turbulent past, and blatantly disregarding and disrespecting their cultural ways and history and being shown as “the good guy” and “yay, we’ll eat your illegal food so you can win against your brother and gain your daddy’s approval”—I just—it incenses me. It could have been so much more. Be respectful, learn about the culture, accept the challenge, create fusion food, gain respect (from others and from yourself); it could have gone so differently and well. I think I feel so strongly about it because I feel like I was cheated out of what could have been a wonderful story.
(It is NOT OKAY to feed someone something secretly made with ingredients that are against their religion, culture, diet, preference, etc. An “it’s for their own good” or “I know they’ll love it” or even “they’ll never know” mentality is horrible.)
This review is about the story, the writing.
The artwork and coloring are fun and lively. It’s very sad that they’re not attached to something better.
I had high hopes for Brave Chef Brianna when I read about it before release, but after reading the series I was so, so disappointed. I’m actually surprised that it made it to print with the story as it is. It’s a good story idea; a girl with huge self-doubt moving to a new place, a new culture, to do her best in opening a restaurant, but the execution of the story with parallels to real world cultural and racial issues—and dealing with them poorly—was extreme. The fact that those issues, like prejudice (a painful and violent history of prejudice) and coming into a culture with rules and beliefs differing from one’s own, were presented but disregarded in favor of a “yay” for the main character, was kind of appalling. She didn’t learn about the culture before moving into it, she didn’t familiarize herself with the laws and rules of the culture once there and becoming a business owner, she knowingly used ingredients that were against the laws of that culture (after finding out about the law) so she could further herself, the “antagonist” is an obvious parallel for a black woman with emotional scars from experiencing intense prejudice and violence done to her and her people and she is still painted as the “bad guy” messing up the main character’s chance and herself being prejudice, the end of the story is just so—gah, I just have strong feelings and disappointment about this series—the issues are so glaring and dealt with appallingly, it could have been handled so differently! A well off white girl inserting herself into the culture of a minority with a painful and turbulent past, and blatantly disregarding and disrespecting their cultural ways and history and being shown as “the good guy” and “yay, we’ll eat your illegal food so you can win against your brother and gain your daddy’s approval”—I just—it incenses me. It could have been so much more. Be respectful, learn about the culture, accept the challenge, create fusion food, gain respect (from others and from yourself); it could have gone so differently and well. I think I feel so strongly about it because I feel like I was cheated out of what could have been a wonderful story.
(It is NOT OKAY to feed someone something secretly made with ingredients that are against their religion, culture, diet, preference, etc. An “it’s for their own good” or “I know they’ll love it” or even “they’ll never know” mentality is horrible.)
This review is about the story, the writing.
The artwork and coloring are fun and lively. It’s very sad that they’re not attached to something better.
February 6, 2018
A cute book with adorable illustrations.
But something about it just didn't sit right. The cute little blonde girl moving to the rough town and forcing change to long-held traditions just felt icky. Doubly so because Brianna is presented as the underdog character, while the character trying to keep tradition was depicted as a villainous snake.
But something about it just didn't sit right. The cute little blonde girl moving to the rough town and forcing change to long-held traditions just felt icky. Doubly so because Brianna is presented as the underdog character, while the character trying to keep tradition was depicted as a villainous snake.
March 3, 2018
Brave Chef Brianna is a cute comic about a chef trying to make it on her own in a new city. The catch is that she chose to go to Monster City, a place that's not to friendly with humans. It's an interesting premise, but the author also chose to embed some messages about racism that... don't make any sense. Could we not make the blonde, white lady the oppressed one? Aside from mixed messages about discrimination, the characters definitely need development because the world is rather fascinating! Unfortunately, I think this is a one shot. I am sure younger readers would enjoy, but the mangled messages make me hesitant to recommend it.
February 25, 2018
Aw man, I wish this was an ongoing. It was just building up to so much! What a great cast! And we never saw the rest of the brothers!
January 11, 2019
Eu ADORO quadrinhos e livros sobre culinária! É um nicho bem pequeno e específico, mas eu sempre leio tudo que encontro nele e fiquei empolgada quando vi Brave Chef Brianna... Só que não deu certo.
O pai de Brianna é Sven Jakobssen, maior nome da culinária do mundo, que descobre que está doente e só tem mais alguns anos de vida. Ele decide que Brianna e seus 15 (!!!!) irmãos mais velhos devem competir para ver quem vai continuar o legado da família. Como as regras são de apenas um dos irmãos por cidade (e são QUINZE irmãos), ela vai para Monster City, uma cidade onde vivem os monstros. Apesar de alguns humanos morarem lá também, é a única cidade no mundo que pertencem aos monstros.
Brianna chega, monta seu restaurante e logo o primeiro cliente a avisa que não é permitido cozinhar com farinha, açúcar ou carne cozida. Ela passa dois segundos desesperada quando mais clientes chegam e aí decide ir contra a lei e usar esses ingredientes mesmo assim.
Ela SABIA que tava errada. SABIA que não era pra fazer isso. Fez mesmo assim.
Sou super a favor de questionar regras e leis quando elas PRECISAM ser questionadas. Aparentemente essa lei só existia pra separar essas coisas humanas da culinária monstra e valorizar os ingredientes deles (não era uma questão de que faz mal pros monstros ou nada do tipo), maaaaaaaas aqui gente tem uma personagem branca, loira, rica, que chega em uma cidade com uma população e cultura completamente diferente da dela e decide nem tentar algo novo com a culinária local e fazer tudo SÓ DO JEITO DELA, uma coisa bem "a MINHA comida é que é boa, vocês nunca comeram algo assim"... TEM UM PROBLEMA AQUI.
Tem um problema também quando a vilã da história é alguém que passou a vida lutando pelos direitos dos monstros de terem seu espaço, de serem respeitados, valorizando a cultura monstra bem distante da influência de humanos, e (olha só) o tom de pele dela é escuro. HUMMM, QUE CURIOSO.
Não posso diminuir que a personagem principal tem o seu ~carisma~ e que ela tem suas questões de insegurança e ansiedade, a pressão do seu sobrenome e seus QUINZE (não me conformo com isso) irmãos que nem lembram que ela existe. Se não fossem esses problemas, poderia ser um quadrinho muito bom, MAS NÉ. Não foi dessa vez. Toda vez que eu penso na história eu acho que se fosse o ponto de vista da Madame Cron (a ~vilã~), seria muito mais interessante. 🤷🏽♀️
O pai de Brianna é Sven Jakobssen, maior nome da culinária do mundo, que descobre que está doente e só tem mais alguns anos de vida. Ele decide que Brianna e seus 15 (!!!!) irmãos mais velhos devem competir para ver quem vai continuar o legado da família. Como as regras são de apenas um dos irmãos por cidade (e são QUINZE irmãos), ela vai para Monster City, uma cidade onde vivem os monstros. Apesar de alguns humanos morarem lá também, é a única cidade no mundo que pertencem aos monstros.
Brianna chega, monta seu restaurante e logo o primeiro cliente a avisa que não é permitido cozinhar com farinha, açúcar ou carne cozida. Ela passa dois segundos desesperada quando mais clientes chegam e aí decide ir contra a lei e usar esses ingredientes mesmo assim.
Ela SABIA que tava errada. SABIA que não era pra fazer isso. Fez mesmo assim.
Sou super a favor de questionar regras e leis quando elas PRECISAM ser questionadas. Aparentemente essa lei só existia pra separar essas coisas humanas da culinária monstra e valorizar os ingredientes deles (não era uma questão de que faz mal pros monstros ou nada do tipo), maaaaaaaas aqui gente tem uma personagem branca, loira, rica, que chega em uma cidade com uma população e cultura completamente diferente da dela e decide nem tentar algo novo com a culinária local e fazer tudo SÓ DO JEITO DELA, uma coisa bem "a MINHA comida é que é boa, vocês nunca comeram algo assim"... TEM UM PROBLEMA AQUI.
Tem um problema também quando a vilã da história é alguém que passou a vida lutando pelos direitos dos monstros de terem seu espaço, de serem respeitados, valorizando a cultura monstra bem distante da influência de humanos, e (olha só) o tom de pele dela é escuro. HUMMM, QUE CURIOSO.
Não posso diminuir que a personagem principal tem o seu ~carisma~ e que ela tem suas questões de insegurança e ansiedade, a pressão do seu sobrenome e seus QUINZE (não me conformo com isso) irmãos que nem lembram que ela existe. Se não fossem esses problemas, poderia ser um quadrinho muito bom, MAS NÉ. Não foi dessa vez. Toda vez que eu penso na história eu acho que se fosse o ponto de vista da Madame Cron (a ~vilã~), seria muito mais interessante. 🤷🏽♀️
February 19, 2019
This comic was okay. I did like how Brianna evolved throughout the volume and how she grew up, not only as a person, but also as a chef. Her friendship with Suzan was sweet and I'm glad they were able to overcome their differences.
Monsters City was a nice and unusual setting that I enjoyed very much. I just wish I could have known more about Madame Cron's backstory though.
I also did not appreciate the reason why Brianna had to open up her restaurant in the first place. I did not like the fact that she had to compete against her brothers to get her father's inheritance. I'm glad she decided to turn that down and to devote herself to her beloved restaurant.
Monsters City was a nice and unusual setting that I enjoyed very much. I just wish I could have known more about Madame Cron's backstory though.
I also did not appreciate the reason why Brianna had to open up her restaurant in the first place. I did not like the fact that she had to compete against her brothers to get her father's inheritance. I'm glad she decided to turn that down and to devote herself to her beloved restaurant.
April 13, 2018
This was a frustrating read. On one hand, the art is cute, the concept interesting, the characters fun... I greatly enjoyed the way Brianna's self doubts were depicted and appreciated how honest they were, it did a great job setting her up as a sympathetic character you want to root for. Suzan was mostly great.
However the way the story is set up makes Our Hero a gentrifier. The story then chooses to make the villain a member of the minority (monster) race, her villainous crimes being objecting to the gentrification and disregard for their culture/law in the only place it's been allowed to exist (in this world monsters seem to have been driven into a city, the hallmarks of which is super cheap rent.)
This is all solved with some hand wavey "I'm just trying to share!" and the villain's concerns being dismissed as fear and hatred. When read in conjunction with the book's opening pages that "I wish the world were as simple as cake"... well... this series ends up reading like an argument for "if you'd stop making race a big deal and being MEAN everything would be ok." I get the feeling this is at least in part due to the short nature of this series and some potential character development not making it to print (I get the impression Cron was meant to be more complex than she was), but that's a pretty careless message to accidentally broadcast. Disappointing, as Boom! Box imorint normally does better about that kind of thing.
However the way the story is set up makes Our Hero a gentrifier. The story then chooses to make the villain a member of the minority (monster) race, her villainous crimes being objecting to the gentrification and disregard for their culture/law in the only place it's been allowed to exist (in this world monsters seem to have been driven into a city, the hallmarks of which is super cheap rent.)
This is all solved with some hand wavey "I'm just trying to share!" and the villain's concerns being dismissed as fear and hatred. When read in conjunction with the book's opening pages that "I wish the world were as simple as cake"... well... this series ends up reading like an argument for "if you'd stop making race a big deal and being MEAN everything would be ok." I get the feeling this is at least in part due to the short nature of this series and some potential character development not making it to print (I get the impression Cron was meant to be more complex than she was), but that's a pretty careless message to accidentally broadcast. Disappointing, as Boom! Box imorint normally does better about that kind of thing.
March 26, 2018
Brianna has to prove that she is an awesome chef, and so proceeds to do that in a city full of monsters!
I came across this comic through another comic I was reading, I just had to try it out and I am so so happy I did. This was too much fun. I do adore comics about cooking, especially when they add something extra to the mix. Like this one has monsters, or with Space Battle Lunchtime and aliens.
Brianna's father is a big name in the cooking world, and he has set up a contest. Brianna and her brothers will have to compete. One of them can use his last name! Something that will surely help with making people come to a restaurant. All her brothers are immediately interesting, but Brianna worries. She isn't used to working at a restaurant + she has to find a place that isn't too expensive. I loved that while she was worrying, she didn't just give up. She went to search for a place and found one in a very special place. Which had me squeeing. Come on, a city full with monsters? All living, relatively, happy together? Oh yes!
And at first Brianna's restaurant starts off well, but she quickly learns there are some rules in place... the monsters CANNOT eat certain ingredients (because humans are ick). You can imagine that Brianna goes in a tizzy, but then decides to lie and go on with what she is doing. Which sounds a bit rude, but I can imagine that she will continue, especially since so many people are coming for her specialities. They don't want those boring other foods or monster foods, they want burgers. They want fries! And trying to make those without those ingredients... well... not working. So you can imagine the choice Brianna made. And it showed in her restaurant. All the monsters loved her food!
I also quite liked, well maybe liked is the wrong word, more that it made her more real and made you really root for the girl, that you could also see that not everything went easy for this girl. She had some dark thoughts at time that often would overload her. But we can also see that she is able to dispel those bad thoughts and just keep trying.
Suzan, the harpy girl who is helping out Brianna with her restaurant. I have to say that in the beginning I didn't like her that much. For a whole load of reasons. Sorry, I used to quite be interested in grumpy characters, but lately I just can't like them. But later on I started liking her more and more. Plus it seemed that all she needed was a bit love and attention for her to bloom.
Kevin, the guy who keeps popping up and eventually becomes just as much a part of the restaurant as Suzan. I liked him from the start, and was happy that he became a permanent fixture in the story.
There is also a baddie in the story, why wouldn't there be. :P I really didn't like the old crone. Just let people be people. I get that you are probably worried no one will come to your restaurant, but seriously? I am sure people will still visit yours if they are in the need for some fancy smancy monster food. I just didn't like how she kept trying to find something to destroy Brianna's dreams with. Evidence/proof/witnesses, anything really. *sighs* I also feel sorry for her assistant. I can't imagine what kind of hell that is to work with the old woman.
I liked the food contest against Brianna's brother (I still think it is cheating that he is doing the restaurant thing like this), and also the final battle against the old crone.
I am a bit sad that the comics don't seem to continue any further. I would have loved to see more Brianna. Maybe see more of her relationship with her dad and her brothers. But also see her expand her restaurant and make more different recipes!
Oh, lastly, the art was quite fun!
All in all, this is one comic I would recommend to everyone looking for a fun, monsterific comic with cooking.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I came across this comic through another comic I was reading, I just had to try it out and I am so so happy I did. This was too much fun. I do adore comics about cooking, especially when they add something extra to the mix. Like this one has monsters, or with Space Battle Lunchtime and aliens.
Brianna's father is a big name in the cooking world, and he has set up a contest. Brianna and her brothers will have to compete. One of them can use his last name! Something that will surely help with making people come to a restaurant. All her brothers are immediately interesting, but Brianna worries. She isn't used to working at a restaurant + she has to find a place that isn't too expensive. I loved that while she was worrying, she didn't just give up. She went to search for a place and found one in a very special place. Which had me squeeing. Come on, a city full with monsters? All living, relatively, happy together? Oh yes!
And at first Brianna's restaurant starts off well, but she quickly learns there are some rules in place... the monsters CANNOT eat certain ingredients (because humans are ick). You can imagine that Brianna goes in a tizzy, but then decides to lie and go on with what she is doing. Which sounds a bit rude, but I can imagine that she will continue, especially since so many people are coming for her specialities. They don't want those boring other foods or monster foods, they want burgers. They want fries! And trying to make those without those ingredients... well... not working. So you can imagine the choice Brianna made. And it showed in her restaurant. All the monsters loved her food!
I also quite liked, well maybe liked is the wrong word, more that it made her more real and made you really root for the girl, that you could also see that not everything went easy for this girl. She had some dark thoughts at time that often would overload her. But we can also see that she is able to dispel those bad thoughts and just keep trying.
Suzan, the harpy girl who is helping out Brianna with her restaurant. I have to say that in the beginning I didn't like her that much. For a whole load of reasons. Sorry, I used to quite be interested in grumpy characters, but lately I just can't like them. But later on I started liking her more and more. Plus it seemed that all she needed was a bit love and attention for her to bloom.
Kevin, the guy who keeps popping up and eventually becomes just as much a part of the restaurant as Suzan. I liked him from the start, and was happy that he became a permanent fixture in the story.
There is also a baddie in the story, why wouldn't there be. :P I really didn't like the old crone. Just let people be people. I get that you are probably worried no one will come to your restaurant, but seriously? I am sure people will still visit yours if they are in the need for some fancy smancy monster food. I just didn't like how she kept trying to find something to destroy Brianna's dreams with. Evidence/proof/witnesses, anything really. *sighs* I also feel sorry for her assistant. I can't imagine what kind of hell that is to work with the old woman.
I liked the food contest against Brianna's brother (I still think it is cheating that he is doing the restaurant thing like this), and also the final battle against the old crone.
I am a bit sad that the comics don't seem to continue any further. I would have loved to see more Brianna. Maybe see more of her relationship with her dad and her brothers. But also see her expand her restaurant and make more different recipes!
Oh, lastly, the art was quite fun!
All in all, this is one comic I would recommend to everyone looking for a fun, monsterific comic with cooking.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 10, 2018
I'm so torn on this. I would have easily given this comic four to four-and-a-half stars just based on the art, pacing, and characters. That was all reasonably well done. The major issue is the story, which draws parallels to real-life social issues and handles them in some really confusing- and troubling- ways.
We basically watch as a privileged, rich white woman from a celebrity family moves into a city made by and for a disenfranchised minority group, then knowingly ignores their laws and customs to open and run her own business, all after doing zero research into said culture and having absolutely no background knowledge to go off of. The villain of the comic is a character who appears to be both designed and written to be a stand-in for a woman of color, who becomes angry at the human girl's lack of respect for her city and culture and frustrated with the younger generation's lack of knowledge of their own history. She's shamed for her anger while our main character is never once forced to really examine any of the problematic decisions she herself has made. Brianna is framed as the victim, while the monster woman is framed as being mean and unfair.
There are so many other ways this story could have gone. Although there were parts of the comic I really enjoyed, the tone-deaf story was a huge disappointment and overshadows anything else this comic got right.
We basically watch as a privileged, rich white woman from a celebrity family moves into a city made by and for a disenfranchised minority group, then knowingly ignores their laws and customs to open and run her own business, all after doing zero research into said culture and having absolutely no background knowledge to go off of. The villain of the comic is a character who appears to be both designed and written to be a stand-in for a woman of color, who becomes angry at the human girl's lack of respect for her city and culture and frustrated with the younger generation's lack of knowledge of their own history. She's shamed for her anger while our main character is never once forced to really examine any of the problematic decisions she herself has made. Brianna is framed as the victim, while the monster woman is framed as being mean and unfair.
There are so many other ways this story could have gone. Although there were parts of the comic I really enjoyed, the tone-deaf story was a huge disappointment and overshadows anything else this comic got right.
May 19, 2021
*Read 📚📚 for free with Kindle Unlimited *
(Random grab while scrolling through there, the cover caught my eye immediately and it sounded cute*
(Random grab while scrolling through there, the cover caught my eye immediately and it sounded cute*
September 25, 2018
content warnings: anxiety, self-hatred, slurs (against monsters)
representation: fat main character with anxiety, korean side character, black side character
I only read this because my friend hated it and wanted my thoughts. As per usual, when she hates something, I hate it more.
The art style is cute and the first issue is okay, but that's literally all this comic has going for it. The rest of the graphic novel after issue one were so boring I just skimmed the last two. Every character is boring (like Suzan) or unlikable (like Brianna). The only two characters I genuinely liked were Kevin, because he's a cutie, and Madame Cron, who's the villain.
Let's talk about Madame Cron, because there are some really uncomfortable racist undertones in this graphic novel. For one, she's the only noticeably non-white character, she's portrayed as a snake (literally), and she's made out to be the villain. I say 'made out to be' because she's not really. Brianna is the one who came into Monster City and decided to go against its laws by serving its citizens human food, something which is outlawed, and then saying that the food she's serving is monster food. All Madame Cron is doing is trying to make sure that the laws in her city are upheld, but Brianna has an emotional speech when she's found out so it's all just fine. If you're interested in more detailed reviews on the topics, there's one here and here.
In conclusion, don't read this.
representation: fat main character with anxiety, korean side character, black side character
I only read this because my friend hated it and wanted my thoughts. As per usual, when she hates something, I hate it more.
The art style is cute and the first issue is okay, but that's literally all this comic has going for it. The rest of the graphic novel after issue one were so boring I just skimmed the last two. Every character is boring (like Suzan) or unlikable (like Brianna). The only two characters I genuinely liked were Kevin, because he's a cutie, and Madame Cron, who's the villain.
Let's talk about Madame Cron, because there are some really uncomfortable racist undertones in this graphic novel. For one, she's the only noticeably non-white character, she's portrayed as a snake (literally), and she's made out to be the villain. I say 'made out to be' because she's not really. Brianna is the one who came into Monster City and decided to go against its laws by serving its citizens human food, something which is outlawed, and then saying that the food she's serving is monster food. All Madame Cron is doing is trying to make sure that the laws in her city are upheld, but Brianna has an emotional speech when she's found out so it's all just fine. If you're interested in more detailed reviews on the topics, there's one here and here.
In conclusion, don't read this.
November 25, 2020
8/10
Cute, soft and inspiring
Cute, soft and inspiring
February 1, 2022
01/02/2022
3 ⭐️
A cute idea that didn't always hit the mark. I do plan on reading more from this author in the future though!
Blog | Letterboxd | Instagram | Tumblr | Twitter | StoryGraph
3 ⭐️
A cute idea that didn't always hit the mark. I do plan on reading more from this author in the future though!
Blog | Letterboxd | Instagram | Tumblr | Twitter | StoryGraph
June 21, 2017
4,5 stars
This was so good. Definitely recommend it!
This was so good. Definitely recommend it!
September 5, 2023
This was cute. The graphics and colors are very light and soft.
June 22, 2019
I never thought I would find myself in comic-form, yet here I am. If you wondered what I look like, look no further than Brave Chef Brianna. She's got fluffy hair, short, and has a body like a milkmaid. This was recommended by NerdBurger and I liked the cover. This was a cute premise and somewhat strange reading experience seeing myself mirrored in the pages. I would love to move to Monster City but I wouldn't want my own restaurant. I would prefer working in the Monster City library blowing off the dust of as many enchanted tomes as possible. I like the artwork and unique storyline. I wish it wasn't a complete series and there were more of Brianna's adventures to enjoy. It was delightful, delicious, and I sighted my doppelganger.
December 9, 2021
She stood up for what she felt was best, I loved that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2017
KaBoom continues to just knock it out of the park with their offerings. This was a limited series that I don't know will be continued, which is a shame. However, this is still a strong story if we only get these four issues.
Beautifully illustrated, this is a story of a woman who is the only girl in a family of twelve(?). Their father is a world famous chef who is looking to pass on his culinary legacy to only ONE of his children. He arranges a competition in which all of his children must open up a restaurant and compete for his legacy. Brianna ends up opening a restaurant in Monster Town, which coincidentally is occupied by a ton of different monsters.
This story is essentially about her journey but also about a handful of characters that get involved in her life. For the relative brevity of this series, the creative team does a great job of tackling some complex issues that definitely could be further explored if given an opportunity.
Interestingly enough, Brave Chef Brianna shares some similarities with the new series that just started called "Moonstruck", which I am also reading.
Beautifully illustrated, this is a story of a woman who is the only girl in a family of twelve(?). Their father is a world famous chef who is looking to pass on his culinary legacy to only ONE of his children. He arranges a competition in which all of his children must open up a restaurant and compete for his legacy. Brianna ends up opening a restaurant in Monster Town, which coincidentally is occupied by a ton of different monsters.
This story is essentially about her journey but also about a handful of characters that get involved in her life. For the relative brevity of this series, the creative team does a great job of tackling some complex issues that definitely could be further explored if given an opportunity.
Interestingly enough, Brave Chef Brianna shares some similarities with the new series that just started called "Moonstruck", which I am also reading.
November 9, 2020
I wanted to love this but in the end I can't give it more than 1 star regardless of its lovely artwork.
Other reviews have explained this better than I will, but I was blown away about how blatant the themes of gentrification and completely disregarding the cultures of a region were in this. The blonde white main character did absolutely no research about where she was moving to and broke the laws to suit herself. The villain was a snake woman with darker skin than any of the other characters who objected to the human character disregarding their ways and encroaching on a place for monsters. This wasn't even all the problems with the book but it's where I'm going to stop.
I'm so disappointed that something that sounded right up my alley ended up being so problematic.
Other reviews have explained this better than I will, but I was blown away about how blatant the themes of gentrification and completely disregarding the cultures of a region were in this. The blonde white main character did absolutely no research about where she was moving to and broke the laws to suit herself. The villain was a snake woman with darker skin than any of the other characters who objected to the human character disregarding their ways and encroaching on a place for monsters. This wasn't even all the problems with the book but it's where I'm going to stop.
I'm so disappointed that something that sounded right up my alley ended up being so problematic.
February 19, 2019
Other people have said it better (check out these reviews: 1, 2, 3) but basically this book has adorable art but completely fails at exploring its themes. The privileged (white) character not abiding laws just because and suffering basically no consequences for it, while the (dark-skinned) "villain", who's shown as an activist for her people, is demonized, isn't really cool.
February 13, 2018
Sweetly illustrated but too breezy for its own good. Sykes goes skimming right over major plotlines and blowing past world building to fit everything neatly into 4 issues which undercuts a lot of the charm. It's also pretty unsettling that Brianna does the equivalent of serving nonkosher/nonvegan food to unsuspecting kosher/vegan customers and doesn't gets much guilt or personal growth out of it. Knowingly giving someone food that goes against their personal beliefs is super shitty.
June 27, 2019
A wonderfully simple comic with great artwork. Sometimes a book doesn't need to be super violent or that deep, that is what I loved about this. This was about dreams and finding your own path. A path that you make for yourself. Not one you are following because someone told you to do it, but because you built it and pushed through obstacles. If you are looking for an uplifting graphic novel. This is definitely a good fit.
January 17, 2021
Art⭐️⭐️⭐️ Story in the negative stars. What a train wreck! The constant juvenile raging temper tantrums, nonsensical family dysfunction, racism, and gentrification elements were lessons in how not to write a story. Lack of insight, resolution, and character arc were a slap in the face of what could have been a thoughtful social commentary metaphor for middle grader readers. But no.
February 20, 2019
Amazing
I loved this! I need more of this! Brianna is great, realistic and optimistic fat fighter with anxiety & depression. The human engineer and the harpy waitress with her make the perfect trio. The villianness is totally understandable & relatable.
I loved this! I need more of this! Brianna is great, realistic and optimistic fat fighter with anxiety & depression. The human engineer and the harpy waitress with her make the perfect trio. The villianness is totally understandable & relatable.
June 9, 2017
A bit disappointing. The characters have potential, but remained unfkeshed and 2D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews