Oni Press, the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels since 1997, is proud to announce the return of Alex Award–winning and Eisner- and GLAAD-nominated graphic novel Chef’s Kiss Again, set to release in summer 2026.
Bringing back all the steamy recipes and steamy romance from Chef’s Kiss by series co-creators Jarrett Melendez and Danica Brine, the new volume features Ben and Liam experiencing the ups and downs of new love, new jobs, and new dreams. From food journalist, comic writer, and cookbook writer Jarrett Melendez (Young Men in Love, My Pokemon Baking Book, Persona: The Official Cookbook) and Irene Flores (Shojo Fashion Manga Art School, Heavy Vinyl, Adventure Time) comes the next chapter in Ben and Liam’s love story.
Ben Cook seems to have it all. An awesome new cooking job at Cochon Doré, a steady writing gig, amazing roommates, and—best of all—super-dreamy boyfriend, Liam. Even better, reservations at the restaurant have skyrocketed thanks to Ben’s recent viral article, and the staff is buzzing with excitement. But between the pressures of the growing restaurant, looming writing deadlines, and nosy parents, Ben is worried about making sure everything is perfect in his new relationship with Liam. When Ben can’t quite figure out the perfect Halloween couples costume or the perfect Christmas plans, and Liam gets more and more overwhelmed with all the new responsibilities at Cochon, the new couple starts to grow distant rather than rely on each other. When pressure mounts and signals get crossed, will Ben and Liam be able to overcome their anxieties and learn that striving for love is better than striving for perfection?
“The response to the first volume of Chef’s Kiss was better than I ever could have dreamed,” said Jarrett Melendez. “I knew right away I wanted to pick up where our dear crew leaves off. Now we get to see the aftermath of Ben’s article, what that does for the restaurant, Watson’s ego, and the relationship between Ben and Liam. Like the first volume, this chapter is deeply personal to me, and I hope it will resonate with readers as it deals with all sorts of new universal problems: how to balance life and work, the horrors and delights of a new relationship, and the many varied flavors of anxiety. This volume is bigger, gayer, and has what volume one was missing: DRAG!”
Perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Check, Please!, eighty-six all your other plans when Chef’s Kiss Again debuts in stores on August 26, 2026.
