Discover The First Ongoing Series From I KILL GIANTS Co-creator and Artist Ken Niimura, The Fantastical Cooking Comic UMAMI

March 22, 2018

Press Release

On Friday, March 23rd, the release of the film I KILL GIANTS starring Zoe Saldana will introduce a new audience to the acclaimed graphic novel by writer Joe Kelly (BIG HERO SIX) and co-creator and illustrator Ken Niimura, that inspired the film. The film’s release, in theaters, On Demand, and Digital HD, promises to bring new attention to the career of International Manga Award-winning and Eisner Award-nominated artist Ken Niimura. Today, ten years after the original release of the I KILL GIANTS comic book, Niimura is currently creating a wonderful, whimsical ongoing webcomic, UMAMI, which is published in monthly installments on Panel Syndicate. Food and cooking comics are all the rage in Japan, where Niimura currently lives, and UMAMI offers something new for American audiences.

Review: Umami #3

January 29, 2018

By Dustin Cabeal

As I said on my podcast, if Umami had released just one more issue in 2017, it would have likely ended up on my best of list. The inner debate with myself was non-stop about this book a one or two more that were also very close to making the top five. What Umami has going for it above all other comics, is the overwhelming feeling of happiness that it fills you will. That is the main dish that Ken Niimura’s two characters are cooking up, joy and happiness.

Comic Bastards Podcast - 027 →

January 24, 2018

By Dustin Cabeal

Click here to listen!

027 - I saved this one for a little later in the day because I kind of go off on a comic. It's story time as I open up a little about my life, but it's definitely not what you think. It's about cats. My cats. You enjoy that. On the comic side, it's quick and dirty this week so check it out!

Comic Books covered in this episode:

Doomsday Clock #3
The Wild Storm #11
Gears of War #1
Umami #3
The Three Rooms in Valerie's Head

Review: Umami #2

December 20, 2017

By Dustin Cabeal

Umami nearly made my “best of” list for the year. The thing that kept me from adding it was the fact that I had only read one issue, but then… here’s the second issue. I’m still not sure if I’m going to add it since it’s a tight list that I’ve already completed, but don’t be surprised if on my review for the third issue I mention kicking myself or some such nonsense.

Review: Umami #1

November 8, 2017

By Dustin Cabeal

Umami is one of the most delightful comics I’ve read all year. The storytelling has a strong manga influence, but not so much that a non-manga reader would be turned away from the structure and style. Because it’s embracing both styles though, there is something incredibly pure about it. Something that resonates because it’s a comic, trying to be a comic and nothing more.

Comic Bastards Podcast - 019 →

November 7, 2017

By Dustin Cabeal

Click here to listen to this week's show

019 - This week is an audio-only podcast, but looking at the low amount of views I might just be doing an audio podcast going forward. I'm sick as hell this week and not in a rock'n'roll kinda way. Also, I'm shaking things up by talking about Bendis signing to DC and Disney attempting to buy Fox. I ran long and reviewed three books as well.

Comics/manga covered on this episode:

Prison School vol. 8
Umami #1
Kid Lobotomy #2