Chef's Kiss Again Announcement

 

 

Oni Press publishes a lot of cool indie titles you won't see anywhere else! Here's another they're cooking up for you:

 

Oni Press, the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels since 1997, is proud to announce the return of Alex Award–winning and Eisner- and GLAAD-nominated graphic novel CHEF'S KISS AGAIN! Bringing back all the steamy recipes and steamy romance from Chef’s Kiss by series co-creators Jarrett Melendez and Danica Brine, the new volume features Ben and Liam experiencing the ups and downs of new love, new jobs, and new dreams. From food journalist, comic writer, and cookbook writer Jarrett Melendez (Young Men in Love, My Pokemon Baking Book, Persona: The Official Cookbook) and Irene Flores (Shojo Fashion Manga Art School, Heavy Vinyl, Adventure Time) comes the next chapter in Ben and Liam's love story, in stores everywhere August 26, 2026!

Ben Cook seems to have it all. An awesome new cooking job at Cochon Doré, a steady writing gig, amazing roommates, and—best of all—super-dreamy boyfriend, Liam. Even better, reservations at the restaurant have skyrocketed thanks to Ben's recent viral article, and the staff is buzzing with excitement. But between the pressures of the growing restaurant, looming writing deadlines, and nosy parents, Ben is worried about making sure everything is perfect in his new relationship with Liam. When Ben can't quite figure out the perfect Halloween couples costume or the perfect Christmas plans, and Liam gets more and more overwhelmed with all the new responsibilities at Cochon, the new couple starts to grow distant rather than rely on each other. When pressure mounts and signals get crossed, will Ben and Liam be able to overcome their anxieties and learn that striving for love is better than striving for perfection?

“The response to the first volume of Chef’s Kiss was better than I ever could have dreamed,” said Jarrett Melendez. “I knew right away I wanted to pick up where our dear crew leaves off. Now we get to see the aftermath of Ben’s article, what that does for the restaurant, Watson’s ego, and the relationship between Ben and Liam. Like the first volume, this chapter is deeply personal to me, and I hope it will resonate with readers as it deals with all sorts of new universal problems: how to balance life and work, the horrors and delights of a new relationship, and the many varied flavors of anxiety. This volume is bigger, gayer, and has what volume one was missing: DRAG!”

PRAISE FOR CHEF’S KISS

“Fresh, funny, and romantic. This coming-of-age story about friendship, finding yourself, and following your dreams will melt your heart and teach you how to bake a mean pear tart!”

— Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Creatures and Teen Titans: Raven 

"This graphic novel has everything—delicious foods, even more delicious gay romance, and an actual food critic pig. Chef’s Kiss explores the messiness of young adulthood in the most delightful, heartening ways, and I want to follow Ben and his friends on a million more culinary adventures, eating up every word. 10/10 recommend."

 — Robbie Couch, author of The Sky Blues

"Chef’s Kiss is part rom-com, part sultry anime, and part instructional cookbook, there may not be another book out right now that ticks so many of my entertainment needs. Ben and Liam taught me what it means to ship.” 

— Sohla El-Waylly

“Chef’s Kiss is the perfect recipe of humor and heart.” 

— Danielle Paige, New York Times bestselling author of 

Dorothy Must Die and Mera: Tidebreaker

“Probably the best food-related comic ever made!” — John Layman, 

writer of New York Times bestseller Chew

"Recipe for a splendid graphic novel:

 two dashes romance, three parts self-discovery, one charming protagonist." 

— New York Public Library “Best New Comics of 2022 for Adults” 

"Serve over 160 pages of phenomenal artwork and you have an instant classic." —

 New York Public Library “Best New Comics of 2022 for Adults” 

Perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Check, Please!, eighty-six all your other plans when CHEF'S KISS AGAIN debuts on August 26, 2026!

For more updates on Oni Press, visit them on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.

 

Thanks to Oni Press for sharing this announcement with us. 

 

Conan The Barbarian #25 Preview

COVER A: ALEX HORLEY WRAPAROUND

 

Alex Horley's covers have helped Savage Sword of Conan series shine. Now, his art fills a double-length issue of Conan The Barbarian. Roberto de la Torre has been a big part of Conan The Barbarian's success. His interior art helped launch Conan The Barbarian series for Titan. Doug Braithwaite helped fill a crucial period of Conan's development, when he ventured into the frozen north after the Battle of Venarium and met the Frost Giant's Daughter. 

Jonas Scharf brought us Conan's teamup with other Robert E Howard heroes in Battle of the Black Stone. Danica Brine revealed one of Conan's adventures with Bêlit that left a stain on his soul. And recently, Fernando Dagnino chronicled Conan's adventures with Livia, Athyr-Bast, and the shapeshifting Zula. Now these Conan creators band together with beautiful interior and cover art to help Jim Zub ring in the silver issue of the Cimmerian's series.

Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

 

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #25 (ONGOING)

(W) Jim Zub

(A) Alex Horley

Publisher: Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics

FC, 48pp, $5.99, On Sale October 8, 2025

 

INCREDIBLE FULLY PAINTED ART BY ALEX HORLEY!

 

Milestone 25th issue featuring an epic stand alone story! Perfect jumping on point for new fans! Written by fan-favorite writer, Jim Zub!

 

THE NOMAD: Conan the King welcomes a strange visitor with an even stranger mission. Can the Ruler of Aquilonia prove his mettle or will the mysterious wanderer’s incredible power change the course of history?

 

This special issue #25 is a must-have for Conan fans!

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Here are more cover options:

 

 

COVER B: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE

 

COVER C: DOUG BRAITHWAITE

COVER D: JONAS SCHARF

COVER E: DANICA BRINE

COVER F: ALEX HORLEY WRAPAROUND CARDSTOCK ($7.99)

COVER H: COLOR BLANK SKETCH ($6.99)

Cover by Fernando Dagnino

Roberto de la Torre FOC Cover

Roberto de la Torre Black & White Cover

Not pictured:

COVER G: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE FOIL TRADE ($15.99)

 

Available from your local comic shop and Forbidden Planet for UK & Europe.

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us. 

 

Conan The Barbarian: Twisting Loyalties Vol 5 Preview

 

Last year, Jim Zub teased Bêlit's return during our interview at San Diego Comic-Con. While he had previously shown Conan's memories of Bêlit, it was great to see them together in this volume. The later stories also introduce another fan-favorite character from Marvel's original run. While I always enjoy Doug Braithwaite's art, Danica Brine's two issues also evoked Conan The Barbarian's rich heritage at Marvel Comics. Here's all the info:

CONAN THE BARBARIAN: TWISTING LOYALTIES VOL. 5

Author: Jim Zub

Artist: Danica Brine and Doug Braithwaite

Publisher: Titan Comics

SC, 112 pages, FC, $17.99

ISBN: 9781787743267

On sale August 12, 2025

 

Fans of Robert E. Howard’s legendary hero will devour this next installment of Conan the Barbarian comics, filled with high adventure, savage combat, ancient gods, and rollicking sword-and-sorcery action!

 

Volume five of this epic series is masterfully crafted by the critically-acclaimed team of Jim Zub and Doug Braithwaite, with the new addition of this series’ first female artist, Danica Brine!

 

Featuring two epic tales of sword and sorcery starring Robert E. Howard’s iconic barbarian hero.

 

Conan the Cimmerian and Bêlit, Pirate Queen of the Black Coast, are in their prime, enjoying a life of decadence and debauchery, but a flagrant flash of wealth brings unwelcome attention from thieves with a taste for danger and agents from Stygia on a dark mission for their serpent god!

 

In the days following Bêlit’s tragic demise, Conan traveled through jungles of the southern kingdoms but there’s no time for grief – a deadly hunter stalks the Cimmerian, bent on bloody vengeance. Who is this strange foe and what do they know about the ancient power rising in Stygia?

 

The triumphant new era of Conan continues in this tale of brutal heroic adventure from acclaimed creators Jim Zub (Avengers, Dungeons & Dragons), Danica Brine, and Doug Braithwaite (Punisher, Justice)!

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and Forbidden Planet for the UK & Europe. 

 

For my thoughts on the first issue, see my review of Conan The Barbarian #17.

 

Thanks to Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures for sharing this preview with us. 

Conan The Barbarian #18 Review

 

Writer: Jim Zub

Artist: Danica Brine

Colorist: Jão Canola

Letterer: Richard Starkings & Tyler Smith

Editor: Chris Butera

Cover Artists: Darick Robertson, Roberto de la Torre, Jonathan Lau, Andrew Maclean, Leon Leclaire & Barry Kitson

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: February 19, 2025

 

Bêlit’s band of pirates attacked the Argus. After slaughtering Tito's crew, the Queen Of The Black Coast took the Cimmerian aboard the Tigriss. Bêlit doesn't tell him, "Good night, Conan. I'll most likely kill you in the morning," but makes him her king.

 

Conan and Bêlit sail the seas together for nearly a year, splashing crimson in the azure sea. Yet, land calls. The duo finds a safe harbor in Kyros, The Gem Of Shem. Their mutual love draws the patrons’ admiration. Their obvious wealth attacks another kind of attention. How will Conan and Bêlit spend the remainder of their shore leave in the Wine Cask Of The West? Let's grab our swords and battle axes, shout “By Crom,” venture into Conan The Barbarian #18, and find out!

 

Story

Bêlit hails from Shem and believes they are safe in Kyros. Her crew bribed the port authorities. The locals ascribe tales of Bêlit and her mate Amra to legends, just as Bêlit associates Conan with blue-eyed northern giants. But trouble comes from an unexpected source when a thief attempts to rob them. Tarnasha begs for her life after Bêlit and Conan kill her accomplices. She tantalizes them with a lucrative deal. Bêlit identifies with the woman’s ability to shift on a Shemite Dernier. Conan feels uncomfortable working with someone who expresses no sorrow for her fallen companions.

 

Tarnasha shares Conan’s distrust of her new associates. That doesn’t stop her from thoroughly preparing for their mission. In Conan The Barbarian #18, Tarnasha’s target is Libradicio. A deal is going down tonight in the antiquarian’s house. The thief suggests they liberate the relic and the buyers’ coins at the same time.

 

Conan is reluctant to team up with Tarnasha. He is leery of attacking the Stygian buyers. Time has taught Conan to respect the Set cult’s magic. But Bêlit sees only the chance to grab some unexpected treasure. Conan The Barbarian #18 throws Conan into conflict with himself, his lover Bêlit, and the mysterious forces that inhabit his world. Like the sailors on the Tigriss, Conan will follow Bêlit into the jaws of death. Still, that doesn’t mean he has to like it.

 

Art

After tempting us with a memory that evokes Greek myth, Danica Brine imbues Kyros with Roman appeal. Conan and Bêlit wander the narrow streets of the city built on a hill. They pass stalls laden with wares and sit in an outdoor café to plan their heist. A glimpse inside Libridicio’s home evokes the fabled Library of Alexandria. The antiquarian meets with guards wielding Egyptian swords and a priest with an elaborate headdress. The item for sale would make a Zamoran king squirm.

 

Jão Canola lavishes a loaded palette on The Wine Cask Of The West in Conan The Barbarian #18. Conan wears a green cloak and brown trousers, while Belit hangs a brown cloak over the purple silk that stretches across her breasts and groin. Compared with her new partners, Tarnasha hides behind purple shorts, a long-sleeved shirt, a magenta vest, brown gloves, and tall brown boots. Her attire and short blonde hair, combined with how she pledges an oath with Conan and Bêlit, evokes one of Alexandre Dumas’ immortal tales.

 

Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith conjure uppercase lettering into white dialogue balloons and yellow narrative boxes. The words grow bold for intonation, occasionally enlarge, and never shrink. Broken balloon borders suggest lowered voices, while enlarged and colored dialogue accompanies flying scarlet and falling bodies. Words in cloudy green balloons without arrows suggest this tale about Conan and Bêlit is far from finished. Thanks to Titan for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

If the life of a thief precludes loyalty, the antique business proves equally devoid of morality. When Conan and Bêlit embark on a mission without knowing their accomplice, they get more than they bargained for in Conan The Barbarian #18.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

For more covers and a look inside see my preview of Conan The Barbarian #18.

Conan The Barbarian #18 Preview

COVER A: DARICK ROBERTSON

 

Rejoice, Cimmerian comrades! The wait is over! Conan The Barbarian #18 hits stores this week! Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

 

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #18

Writer: JIM ZUB

Artist: DANICA BRINE

Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: February 19, 2025

 

CONAN THE CIMMERIAN and BÊLIT, PIRATE QUEEN OF THE BLACK COAST, are in their prime, enjoying a life of decadence and debauchery, but a flagrant flash of wealth brings unwelcome attention from thieves with a taste for danger and agents from Stygia on a dark mission for their serpent god.

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 Here are more cover options:

 

 

COVER B: ROBERTO DE LA TORRE

 

COVER C: JONATHAN LAU

 

COVER D: ANDREW MCCLEAN

FOC COVER: GIADA MARCHISIO

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us!

Conan The Barbarian #17 Review

 

Writer: Jim Zub

Artist: Danica Brine

Colorist: Jão Canola

Letterer: Richard Starkings & Tyler Smith

Editor: Chris Butera

Cover Artists: Roberto de la Torre, Dean Kotz, Stephanie Lavand, Ace Continuado & Denis Medri

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 11, 2024

 

Conan and Bêlit have sailed together for nearly a year. Under the guise of Amra The Lion, Conan has fought alongside his pirate lover and dyed the sea scarlet. Can the couple maintain their invincibility on land? Let's grab our swords and battle axes, shout “By Crom,” venture into Conan The Barbarian #17, and find out!

 

Story

Conan serves aboard Bêlit’s ship. Unlike with Brissa and Chaundra, theirs is a bond forged in the raging fires of love. The firebrand treated the Cimmerian in a mating dance aboard The Tigress. In Twisting Loyalties Part 1: Fangs and Foolish Thieves, Bêlit takes Conan to the Hidden Haven in the Shemite city of Kyros. In a tavern frequented by brigands, they relax comfortably, enjoying drink and conversation at a corner table. She may no longer be on her boat surrounded by her loyal crew. Still, when a minstrel strums his lute, and his voice fills the lavishly appointed tavern, Bêlit rises and reenacts her mating dance. As the bartender remarks, the Cimmerian has found a soulmate in Conan The Barbarian #17.

 

Still, Conan worries this idyllic shore leave is too good to be true in Jim Zub's story. Won't the authorities be looking for them? Bêlit waves aside his concerns. The city’s leaders realize they cannot stop piracy. So, they don't pursue pirates and look the other way when ships dock in their port. A healthy system of bribery and a share of the booty keep the gears of government moving smoothly. The last thing the leaders want is for someone to rock the boat, so to speak, and irritate the pirates. If they can keep the violence out at sea, they protect their city and profit from looking the other way. Still, Conan wonders if Kyros is as safe for them as Bêlit believes.

 

Conan The Barbarian #17 returns readers to Robert E Howard's story "Queen Of The Black Coast." Chronologically, it follows issue #4, after Conan entered Thulsa Doom's dark tower and lost Brissa. Unlike then, Conan finds no captive Cimmerians. Nor does he battle the undead. Instead, he and Bêlit enjoy a respite from their maritime adventures. Then, some fellow thieves decide that lovebirds who rent the penthouse suite have more money than they need, and Bêlit gets an offer she can’t refuse.

 

Art

Lights illuminate the foot of the city. Sailors and workers walk along the dock of the crowded harbor. Two cloaked forms ascend the stairs, evoking Conan and Subotai exploring Zamora. They toss a coin in a dancer's bowl, shop in the marketplace, and pass someone smoking. (As they don't turn up their nostrils, it's likely Black Lotus, not Haga). A faint purple faze hangs over the less illuminated portions of the Hidden Haven. Decorated walls lead to intricate ceilings, while ornate lighting shines upon Conan and Bêlit when they remove their hoods.

 

Jão Canola lavishes a loaded palette on Danica Brine’s art in Conan The Barbarian #17. Colors shine brightly in the festive atmosphere. Bêlit is so relaxed she wears purple slippers, while Conan retains his brown boots. As they take a table, mauve candle smoke hangs over guests seated on cushions nearby. A richly colored panel interrupts a montage of inks on tan parchment as Bêlit sways to the music from a minstrel's lute.

 

Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith sail uppercase lettering into white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The words grow bold for intonation, occasionally enlarge, and never shrink. Broken balloon borders suggest lowered voices, while enlarged and colored dialogue accompanies flying scarlet and falling bodies. Thanks to Titan for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Conan and Bêlit have become legendary pirates. Some may wonder how much their stories have grown in the telling. But in Conan The Barbarian #17, as they relax in Kyros, Bêlit discovers that Conan's worries are justified. Still, that doesn't prevent her from accepting a job that could prove more dangerous than Conan's final robbery with Chaundra and the Gloryhounds.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview at The Dragon's Cache.

Conan The Barbarian #17 Preview

Cover A: Roberto De La Torre

 

This is a charming story that starts off slow, but grows toward a rousing finish. The art reminds me of the 1980s Marvel Comics I grew up with. It's an enjoyable adventure with Conan and Bêlit in the Shemite city of Kyro. And if you missed out on the earlier stories, don't worry. Jim Zub gives you a flashback revealing how Conan met Bêlit, and sets everything up for this new story arc. 

Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

Conan The Barbarian #17 (Ongoing)

(W) Jim Zub

(A) Danica Brine, Joao Canola

Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: Dec 11, 2024

 

A NEW CONAN THE BARBARIAN ARC BEGINS! WITH NEW CONAN ARTIST DANICA BRINE (CHEF'S KISS)!

 

Conan the Cimmerian and Bêlit, Pirate Queen of the Black Coast, are in their prime, enjoying a life of decadence and debauchery, but a flagrant flash of wealth brings unwelcome attention from thieves with a taste for danger and agents from Stygia on a dark mission for their serpent god.

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are more cover options:

 

Cover B: Dean Kotz

 

Cover C: Ace Continuado

 

Cover D: Denis Medri

Cover E: Stephanie Lavaud

Cover FOC: Roberto De La Torre B&W Virgin Variant

Cover FOC: Roberto De La Torre Virgin Variant

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us!