With starting a pull list, I have been reading more single-issue comics than trades. When I first began reading comics, I heavily relied on trades to continue in a series. The latest trade paperback I read was Space Battle Lunch Time, by Natalie Riess. Imagine if Top Chef took place in space, and that’s the synopsis of Space Battle Lunchtime. This had such a fun premise and left off on a big cliffhanger.

Space Battle Lunchtime is an intergalactic hit! It’s a reality cooking competition featuring chefs from a variety of different galaxies. Peony, a human from Earth, is in the right place at the right time when she is zapped from her bakery to appear on the show. Peony is replacing another contestant who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Peony has never used galactic cooking ingredients, which puts her at a serious disadvantage compared to her previous opponents. Will Peony fall under the pressure? Or can she cook up to the competition?

This graphic novel was such a lighthearted read. I liked reading about their challenges and how Peony has to quickly adapt. While Peony is the main character, I would say I liked both Neptunia and Aris. Neptunia is a fellow contestant and has to work with Peony on a cooking challenge. There’s a budding friendship between the two, and I liked seeing it unfold. Aris is a cameraman on the show, and he’s always in Peony’s corner, wishing her good luck. Both characters added to Peony’s journey throughout the show.

The art in this graphic novel complements the story perfectly. I liked how the beginning of each issue had a recap page, which felt in line with other reality TV shows or cooking shows. I also liked the logo of Space Battle Lunchtime with the pink spatula and the star.

I have nothing bad to say about Space Battle Lunchtime. It was a fun departure from other graphic novels I tend to read. This is the first graphic novel I read from Natalie Riess, and it won’t be the last. Space Battle Lunchtime can be purchased directly from Oni Press’s website or through your local comic book store.