“At first, Mantaro Ohara was just an ordinary salaryman with slightly bigger appetite. For Mantaro, eating is something to be enjoyed and the idea of food battle does not sound attractive to him. But his meeting in Pork Cutlet store with the professional competitive eater, George Hunter, gradually changed his view and passion towards gourmet competition… And they probably would not let this unexpected “dark horse” escape either.” (TORICO)
*I read Gourmet Glutton on the Azuki App.
Anything can become a ‘sport' under the idle hands of mankind, and manga has explored many real-life and fictional competitions. However, the world of competitive eating is arguably one of the least explored sports in all manga. Yes, there will be ample scenes of famous characters stuffing their faces trying to outdo one another, but to create a long-run series whose sole purpose is to focus on the discipline required to consume as much food as possible… There is no other than “Gourmet Glutton.” But does the series' unique subject matter make it a noteworthy title fans should check out?
There is an undeniable novelty aspect to a project like this, with speed-eating often landing the way of sideshow entertainment instead of serious sport to the casual observer. However, for an organization like Major League Eating to exist, it is apparent to even those outside the sport that there is dedication within the competitive scene and techniques that the top-speed-eaters must use. Gaining more insight into this world is an immediate draw to the series, as the first volume covers some fundamentals and contains two competitions where strategies change depending on the food.
Follow us on Twitter by clicking on the image below
A comedic tinge to the series also helps bring humility to a sport that, regardless of how presented, is bound to be approached with skepticism by those that see it as a novelty. Additionally, Shigeru Tsuchiyama understands the need for a charming protagonist to push the story, and Mantaro Ohara lands somewhere between a loveable loser and an over-confident schlub whose antics are hard not to be endeared towards. The mix of intrigue into an obscure competitive scene's inner workings and a subtle comedic approach allow the series to stand on its own. Still, it is undeniable that the novelty of the situation is still critical to the series, and it is difficult to see it extending to anyone who does not have a nominal interest in the world of competitive eating, which will likely be a sizeable portion of manga readers.
This limitation is not helped by the visual direction, which is not the most appealing, even when showcasing food. The series is by no means subpar, but manga focused on food has a pretty high bar for depicting dishes that “Gourmet Glutton” does not quite meet. Focusing more on the eccentricities of its characters than showcasing cuisine does not capture that desire for a detailed characterization mastered in other food manga. Moreover, the style of Shigeru Tsuchiyama borders that particular aesthetic that mixes modern with traditional drawing. This is, admittedly, a personal preference, and readers will know whether this is a draw or a hindrance to themselves.
“Gourmet Glutton” will best be served up to readers who are always hungry to explore all manner of subjects through the medium of manga. This voracious appetite is required, and Shigeru Tsuchiyama's depiction of the world of speed-eating will certainly leave the reader feeling full–both of entertainment and knowledge of the sport. However, the series will likely be unedible if the reader does not find the subject palatable.
The first volume is now on Azuki, with a new chapter every week. This bite-sized approach to reading has proven favorable, and I am excited to follow the series at a casual pace.
