Top 10 #1 (1999)
Written by Alan Moore
Artwork by Gene Ha & Zander Cannon
Colors by Wildstorm FX
Chef’s Note: So many dynamics at play here in the Precinct 10 canteen.
We’ve got Jeff leading off with a very cold shoulder. While there’s nothing wrong with eating alone, him stating it so baldly and so bluntly makes it very clear he has no interest in social interaction with his new partner, or indeed, any one at all.
Contrasted with this are Irma & Sung, who are used to Jeff’s sunny disposition, and make a point to welcome newcomer Robyn to their table with down-to-earth cheer and camaraderie.
Lastly, of course, there’s the interrupted meal. As we have seen before, if you enjoy hot dogs, or even just sitting down to eat, do not become a superhero. If you do, you’ll likely never finish a meal again.
Which, now that I mention it, maybe that’s why Jeff doesn’t want to talk? He knows once he sits down that the proverbial hourglass flips and soon he’ll need to be up & running again…
Well, maybe. But more likely it’s just because he’s a curmudgeonly jerk.
Chef’s Note: We also get a quick peek at a superpower being repurposed for culinary ends (a particular delight of mine). Not sure of his name, but he’s roasting up those hot dogs quite nicely with some kind of heat vision.*
Imagine how juicy they are being cooked fresh and right in the bun!
Actually, scratch this as being a superpower “repurposed” – this hero has obviously found his true & noble purpose for his powers. More power to him!
UPDATE: I believe I have identified our noble unnamed hero (emphasis mine below)-
Page 17. Panel 1. Ronald Byrd points out the presence of Captain Barbeque, the cafeteria worker; this is his first appearance.
More importantly-
“There’s the possibility for grimness, but the fact that all of these people are wearing ridiculous costumes with stupid powers and are working in dead end jobs, I don’t think that the atmosphere gets too grim at all. In the first issue, there are little glimpses of Capt. Barbecue, who works in the canteen and cooks all of the hot dogs with his laser vision, which if you think about it, what else would laser vision be good for? You’d have to get a job welding cars or as a short order chef. There’s lots of room for background details like that that make it quite funny.” —Alan Moore
Quite pleased that my earlier expressed notion is in agreement with Mr. Moore’s. It’s always a nice feeling as a scholar to discover that you have accurately assessed an artist’s creation.