I hope you’re still hungry, because it’s time for seconds.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Yuto Tsukuda/Shun Saeki
Translation/Adaptation: Adrienne Beck
What They Say
Leaving home for the first time in his young life, Soma moves into the Polaris Dormitory—a place run by an old crone and filled with crazy and eccentric students! Barely settled in, Soma quickly finds himself in one of Tohzuki’s legendary cooking duels—a shokugeki! Who will his very first opponent be?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Food Wars returns for more savory delights. Soma Yukihira enrolled to Totsuki Saryo Culinary Institute at the behest of his father, who challenged the talented chef to learn everything he can. His “low class” roots earn the ire of the student body, the wealthy progeny of restaurateurs and renown chefs, who want nothing more to see Soma kicked out. Even the school’s most powerful student, Erina Nakiri, views Soma with the utmost contempt. Where the previous volume introduced the culture of Totsuki, a cutthroat environment that encouraged competition among its students, volume two offers a glimpse at just how extreme such contests can get.
After proving himself against Erina and his teachers, Soma is relegated to a dorm located on the extreme outskirts of the institute. Once a crown jewel of talent, the residence is currently occupied by a small gang of misfits and eccentrics, where newcomers like Soma must earn their place by preparing a meal worthy of the mansion’s aged caretaker, Fumio. As expected, Soma cobbles together a delectable meal from scant ingredients that knocks Fumio’s socks off, bringing her to recall a moment of young love (Soma’s tastings are truly magical events!). He is then acquainted with his dorm residents, a friendly and accepting group of students that includes Megumi, the bottom ranked student Soma helped out in class, a Isshiki, a handsome second year student with a penchant for wearing nothing but an apron. Soma learns more about the school’s Council of Ten Masters, a student leadership group that sits on the highest position of authority. The Council interests the ambitious Soma, who dedicates himself to earning a seat. He learns from Isshiki, himself a Council member, that no ordinary food skirmish can reward a spot.
The challenge of shokugeki was created as a means for students to resolve personal conflicts or grievances but has since morphed into something a bit more unruly. This is shown when Erina challenges the head of the longstanding Chanko Society with the intent of turning the club’s space into an additional cooking wing. The challengers must prepare a dish for a panel of judges who determine the victor. In Erina’s case, she is the winner (because of course she is) and demolishes the building. Soma will experiences shokugeki firsthand after Megumi suggests that he join a club. He casts his lot with the Bowl Society, led by a character who owns a most exquisite pompadour. The society has been challenged by Ikumi, a brash, bikini loving hottie who commands extreme skill and knowledge over high quality meats
Soma is talented, creative, and can be counted on to win every challenge he faces. However, it was comforting to see him struggle with finding the right bowl recipe to bring the shokugeki judges to their knees. Situations like this make him appear fallible and the story is better for it. Where’s the fun in a protagonist that can do no wrong? My hope is that we’ll get to experience a moment of failure, like Erina did in volume one, if only to show that it is okay to do so. However, because the story keeps the stakes so high, both Erina and Ikumi want to see Soma kicked out of school, I worry that Soma won’t get the chance to slip up and that the story will get too formulaic and stale. Food Wars is a fantastic series and I want to see it grow out of itself as it progresses.
Food Wars’ writing continues to delight and once again, Shun Saeki’s artwork adds a scrumptious layer to a charming series. This is food porn at its best, as images of of grilled meats, seared vegetables and warm soups are given the same attention and extreme closeups as Ikumi’s lovely dark-skinned chest. Ikumi accounts for the majority of the manga’s fan service, as there are fewer scenes of suggestive “tasting orgasms.” Instead, attention is paid to Ikumi’s wardrobe, made up with cutoff short shorts and a bikini tops. When she has an opportunity to taste Soma’s dish for the shokugeki, Saeki offers a titillating full page spread of Ikumi writhing in a beef bowl.
In Summary
To those who enjoyed the first volume of Food Wars, picking up the second book is most certainly a no brainer. Yuto Tsukuda keeps things fresh with new characters, situations, and even more recipes to recreate.
Content Grade: A+
Art Grade: A+
Packaging Grade: B
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: Older Teen
Released By: VIZ Media
Release Date: October 7th, 2014
MSRP: $9.99
