Mister Miracle #6 (1972)
Written by Jack Kirby
Artwork by Jack Kirby
Inks & colors by Mike Royer
Chef’s Note: While the regimented eating style and trident forks are of some interest, the most compelling question here is what in the world are those “energy blocks”?
We are not given much to go on, other than the visual representation. They are, indeed, in the shape of a geometric block, pale in overall color, though there seems a bit of browning along the sides, not to mention a bit of texturing on all sides.
All in all, to my very trained scholarly eye, it resembles nothing so much as a block of tofu.
Uncanny, isn’t it? It’s hard to think the resemblance is entirely coincidental. It wouldn’t be that far-fetched to think so: tofu is full of protein, and is cheap & easy to manufacture – i.e., perfect soldier food. And while it is not entirely difficult to cook correctly, it is ever so easy to cook it poorly.
For example, adding “brain drain” to tofu is a classic beginner’s mistake. It doesn’t add any flavor and it just makes the texture rubbery. Also, important point – it allows you to be enslaved by insane matriarchs enthralled to brutal despots.
Garlic soy sesame sauce is a good alternative. Or BBQ sauce.
Really, anything other than “brain drain” is a better choice.