Tony Chu

Tony Chu is one of the most inventively conceived protagonists in modern independent comics, debuting in Chew #1 (2009) from Image Comics — a first issue that collectors have chased ever since the series exploded in critical acclaim. Tony is a cibopath, meaning he can psychically read the entire history of anything he puts in his mouth. A single bite of an apple tells him the orchard it came from, the pesticides used, and every hand that touched it. This bizarre and brilliant power forms the backbone of a world where the FDA has become one of the most powerful law enforcement agencies on the planet following Prohibition-era crackdowns on chicken. That first issue is ground zero for the entire mythos, and raw copies in high grade remain a prized find for collectors.

Working his way from the Philadelphia Police Department through the Municipal Traffic Division and ultimately into the ranks of the FDA, Tony's career arc is as unpredictable as his power set. Writer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory crafted a sprawling sixty-issue saga packed with story arcs that kept readers and collectors equally hooked. Arcs like 'Taster's Choice,' 'Savoy,' and the universe-expanding later volumes introduced a roster of wildly original supporting characters, each with their own food-based abilities. Every arc brought variant covers, retailer exclusives, and collected editions that sell out regularly in the back-issue market.

Tony's designation as a God/Eternal-origin character takes on full meaning as the series reaches its conclusion, elevating what began as a quirky noir procedural into genuine cosmic stakes. His journey is deeply personal — driven by family, loyalty, and sacrifice — which gives his books an emotional weight that keeps readers returning. The complete sixty-issue run of Chew is widely considered one of the greatest independent comic achievements of the 2010s, and first prints of key issues command serious premiums.

For collectors, Chew represents the ideal package: a self-contained story with a definitive ending, a passionate fanbase, and a first issue that launched a cultural phenomenon. First prints of Chew #1, along with early arc issues and signed copies from Layman and Guillory convention appearances, are must-haves for any serious Image Comics collection. With the property gaining renewed attention from potential adaptations, now is the time to lock down key issues before demand spikes further.