Book Cover – Japanese Foodie Matador

Inspired by the blog Awful Library Books, I thought I would post about an awful book cover that I found at the library where I work. Part of my job is to “rove,” which is another way of saying “walk around the floor and see if anyone needs any help.” Usually when I do this, I’ll approach people who are looking in the stacks and ask if they need any help finding anything. Sometimes, when we there aren’t many visitors, I’ll take some extra time during my rove to straighten up the bookshelves, pick up litter, etc. The place has gotta look pretty, don cha know. So anyways, it was a slow day and I was straightening some shelves in the 700s and I came across this little gem:

That’s right boys and girls. It’s Iron Chef: The Official Book (to differentiate between all of those unofficial ones out there). I didn’t actually look into the contents of the book, but who could blame me? I was simply awestruck by the cover. Who on this great, beautiful earth was in charge of the photography and cover design of this thing? Right, so I get the solemn looking Japanese dudes. They’re chefs, after all. They’re super focused and serious about their craft. I’ve got no beef with that. But the “main event” of this cover? I understand the guy is a foodie and whatnot, but what’s up with the love bites he’s giving that yellow pepper? And what on earth is he wearing? Is he some kind of Spanish matador? Is he getting ready for the gay pride parade? Why does he have my grandfather’s winter gloves on? And was the photographer short on powder or something? He’s so shiny you could land a spaceship on his forehead. OOOOOOOH! Take that iron chef! What?! What’s that you say?! Nuthin’. That’s what I thought.

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