BigDumbOhFace

I first found out about this series after hearing it was going to be turned into an anime a few weeks back.  However, I couldn't wait until next spring and just read the manga anyways.

Story

Yukihira Souma is a talented chef that is told by his father to hone his skills at a world-renowned cooking academy, Tootsuki Cooking Academy.  There he brings his own unique style to completely shock everyone and try to become the best chef.  All this is in preparation to one day run his family's restaurant and surpassing his father.

The story follows the basic manga hero arc.

1. We meet young hero full of talent
2. Hero goes to place to become better
3. Hero meets quirky cast to compliment him
4. Hero tries to find ways to win seemingly impossible tasks

It's really common but has a great twist using food as the key plot point.  It reminds me of those cooking competitions seen on television but given the anime remix.  It explores the erotic side of food and describes the situation in hilarious detail.  It's new and refreshing for me and it's something I want to keep reading.  

Art

At first it's exactly what you expect in a shounen.  There's nothing special or new about the artwork.  However there's many hilarious visuals it often provides. As I said early, it explores the erotic vibe food can sometimes give and shows in great detail how that goes.  Here are some examples:

One thing that is drawn really well is the food.  It's a manga based on food so it better provide well detailed dishes and it delivered.  And one other thing that I found completely awesome was the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure reference.  I've been coming across those a lot lately and I can't help but love them.

Characters

All are somewhat stereotypical but they're just really endearing.  Each ones have their moments to shine and do something great.  My one real problem is that there's too much that just pushed right into your face right away.  It took me a long while and a bit of research to fully know all the characters and their personalities.

Overall

Shokugeki no Soma is an extremely enetertaining story. I first thought if this as a time filler while my other mangas got updated.  However it's a story that grips me and keeps me wanting more.  As someone that likes to cook as well, it honestly makes me want to start cooking as well.  I just can't wait for the anime