Iron Wok Jan!

    (ComicsOne, 2002-2007)
™ and © 1995, 1997 Shinji Saijyo
B&W; Originally published by ComicsOne, later issues by DrMaster

In Japan, they make comics about practically anything—from the boring life of an ordinary “salary–man” to the famous exploits of a baseball player. So it should be no surprise that the infamously campy cable TV cooking show should inspire a manga that hopes to mine the same strangely entertaining vein.

Hoping to convert the over–the–top sensationalism of The Iron Chef to the printed page comes this barely disguised namesake. A rising culinary star, Jan, works at the Tokyo restaurant Gottancho. Bursting with pride, he constantly challenges his lovely coworker Kiriko. But now that both are candidates in the heated All Japan Chinese Cooking Competition, who will prove to be the better cook?

This tale tastes like imitation crab meat. If you can’t get the real thing, you might settle for this. Speed lines seem a bit overdone for stir–frying, but you can’t fault Saijo’s attempt to toss in any handy ingredient to make meal–making exiting. But those of you who can’t boil water to save your life probably won’t consider this title your cup of tea.

— Oliver Chin
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#9

June, 2004
Cover Price: $9.95
1 copy available for $24.99 		Shinji SaijyoShinji Saijyo
#26

September, 2007
Cover Price: $9.95
1 copy available for $124.99 		Shinji SaijyoShinji Saijyo