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Herobear and the Kid #1-5
Herobear and the Kid Volume 1: The Inheritance
Herobear and the Kid is a nostalgic view of childhood, complete with new schools, bullies, true love, imagination, and...a magic bear. After his grandfather passes away, young Tyler inherits an old stuffed, toy bear and broken pocket watch. He soon learns that things aren't always what they seem, and that you shouldn't judge a bear by its cover. Come join us to remember your childhood, as Tyler remembers his.
220 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2003
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156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 15, 2022
A delightful all-ages tale of a boy and his stuffed bear who can turn into a superhero. A Herobear. Imagine Calvin and Hobbes if Hobbes was more than just part of Calvin's imagination. This is filled with a similar spirit and heart. In addition to beating up giant robots with Herobear, Tyler has a wild imagination that often gets him into trouble.
Kunkel has an animation background and it really shines through in his art. Not only does he have a cartoonish style, but he likes to leave some of his underlying lines behind giving the book something of an sketch look to it. The book is in black and white except for Herobear's red cape. It gives the book a unique look to it.
This was so much fun. Recommended for everyone.
Kunkel has an animation background and it really shines through in his art. Not only does he have a cartoonish style, but he likes to leave some of his underlying lines behind giving the book something of an sketch look to it. The book is in black and white except for Herobear's red cape. It gives the book a unique look to it.
This was so much fun. Recommended for everyone.
February 19, 2015
Herobear and the Kid is about Tyler, who recently lost his Grandfather around Christmas he gets his “Inheritance” which is a stuffed polar bear and a broken pocket watch. He finds out when he pokes the bear’s nose, it turns into a full adult polar bear with a red cape. Tyler and Herobear go and fight crime together as Herobear and the Kid. Herobear does most of the work while Tyler charms the pants off civilians while giving out autographs.
I absolutely fell in love with Herobear and the Kid. When I got this for Christmas, I assumed it was going to be a cute little story about a boy with a magic polar bear and they fight crime but it was so much more than that! And I loved it even more. The end when you get the little twist is so awesome and it all seemed to make sense.
The art in this comic book series is really cool, but because it’s a bit unfinished, and it’s mostly in black and white besides Herobear’s red cape, so it was hard to read at times. Although, I loved that the cape was the only thing colored, it really stuck out.
Also, I am not sure if I am getting old or not, but the text seemed so little I had to squint or bring the comic book close to my eyes so I could read it at times. Also, for a comic about a boy and a polar bear who fight crime, there was very little crime fighting. Although, since it was the buildup, I bet the second one will have more.
I also have to say I loved Tyler. He was such a ham, his over imagination getting himself into trouble, his crushed on “Vanessa Ashley” and his sarcastic wit with the bullies. It all worked so well. He was the best kid character ever.
Overall I absolutely loved this comic book volume and I cannot wait for part two and after that. I give Herobear and the Kid by Mike Kunkel 5/5.
I absolutely fell in love with Herobear and the Kid. When I got this for Christmas, I assumed it was going to be a cute little story about a boy with a magic polar bear and they fight crime but it was so much more than that! And I loved it even more. The end when you get the little twist is so awesome and it all seemed to make sense.
The art in this comic book series is really cool, but because it’s a bit unfinished, and it’s mostly in black and white besides Herobear’s red cape, so it was hard to read at times. Although, I loved that the cape was the only thing colored, it really stuck out.
Also, I am not sure if I am getting old or not, but the text seemed so little I had to squint or bring the comic book close to my eyes so I could read it at times. Also, for a comic about a boy and a polar bear who fight crime, there was very little crime fighting. Although, since it was the buildup, I bet the second one will have more.
I also have to say I loved Tyler. He was such a ham, his over imagination getting himself into trouble, his crushed on “Vanessa Ashley” and his sarcastic wit with the bullies. It all worked so well. He was the best kid character ever.
Overall I absolutely loved this comic book volume and I cannot wait for part two and after that. I give Herobear and the Kid by Mike Kunkel 5/5.
November 26, 2019
Nádherný príbeh o chlapcovi a jeho plyšovom mackovi, pre všetky vekové kategórie. Toto budem čítavať a ukazovať svojim deckám a čítať si sama pre seba ešte niekoľkokrát. Mike Kunkel vie nádherne kresliť, celé je to chutné a milučké a komu sa to nepáči tak proste nemá srdce. V 2. tretine sa to zvrtne v niečo, čo som nečakala, ale príjemne. Celé je to poprepletané skvelým humorom, ktorý nepôsobí vôbec nasilu. Pripomenie vám to, ako dokážu byť deti (a ako ste boli aj vy) kreatívne.
July 3, 2014
This book opens on a very sad occasion. It is Christmas and 10-year-old Tyler is at the funeral of his much-loved grandfather. But Tyler tells us, that from this very sad ending, a new beginning will emerge. For his grandfather was a very generous man who left his family gifts to remember him by. Tyler’s family has inherited his grandfather’s home, which means many changes for Tyler. He begins attending a new school, and it does not go very well. Tyler’s inheritance from his grandfather is a stuffed bear and a broken pocket watch. Tyler is remarkable unimpressed with these gifts, until he discovers that when he presses the stuffed bear’s nose, it transforms into Herobear. The broken pocket watch is actually a signal that goes off when there is trouble afoot, and Tyler and Herobear must fly off to the rescue. Tyler discovers that in his life where so much seems to be going wrong, he has actually inherited, not a silly toy and a broken watch, but a best friend, adventure and magic. A story that reminds us all of a time when we believed.
May 2, 2011
At first I was irritated at the half finished art, but then I got into the story and forgave Kunkel a teensy bit. Mostly what saved this graphic novel was the great cartoony art. The characters expressions reminded me of the old Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers. I added an extra star for the inspirational message on having faith (and the subtle bible references) although I think anyone less religious than me would have felt beat over the head with the moral. My tips for Mike Kunkel (as if he will ever read this or care): find yourself an eraser and get rid of those extra lines, find yourself a few other colors besides red, and make your faith promoting messages a little more subtle....oh yes, and keep the comics coming because anyone with as much talent and faith as you have deserves to make it big. (That's my subtle insperational message.)
September 24, 2024
While this volume is presented as a graphic novel called 'The Inheritance', it's really a collection of five issues of a comic book called 'Herobear and the Kid', which won writer and illustrator Mike Kunkel a pair of Eisner Awards in 2003 and 2003. The book version was published in 2003 and was followed by another volume, collected as 'Herobear and the Kid: Saving Time'.
It's a joyous read, because of the nature of its story, a look back at what it means to be a child, with the openness and potential that carried with it. While it's a set of comic books rather than a comic strip, it can't fail to be compared to 'Calvin and Hobbes', not only because it recounts the adventures of a young boy and his larger talking animal companion.
In this instance, the boy is named Tyler and we meet him at his grandfather's funeral. Grandpa was rich and left Tyler's family his large house, complete with infuriatingly correct butler named Henry. So that becomes their home, in a new town, meaning a new school and new friends and all that jazz, but there's also a more personal inheritance left on Tyler's bed for him: a stuffed bear and a broken pocket watch. Tyler isn't disappointed because he doesn't really understand what inheritances mean yet, but he does light up when he finds out what these things actually mean.
He later discovers the stuffed bear was created by his grandpa, who had secrets that I won't reveal. The secret behind the bear is that when Tyler—and only Tyler—bumps his nose he transforms into a ten-foot-tall polar bear called Herobear, adding colour to proceedings in the process. Everything else is drawn in black and white, rough but impeccable pencil drawings with a simplicity of line and pristine economy of movement—it's no surprise at all to find that Kunkel is also an animator—but Herobear's cape is red. If you care about the broken pocket watch, it's a signifier that adventure is afoot and, when it beeps, it's a call to action for Herobear and the Kid.
It would be easy to see this book as a superhero comic, with Herobear an anthropomorphic combination of Superman and Batman, with the powers of the former and home life of the latter. However, it's also a coming-of-age story, with Tyler having to deal with life at a new school. It's all archetypical, from missing the bus because he's lost in his own imagination to the usual suspects that he meets: the bullies who've got him in their sights to the beautiful young lady he immediately falls in love with, at least what love is to a boy of very few years. It's a serious crush.
I can't tell much more than that without delving into grandpa's secrets and I refuse to go there, so I will merely say that, even though this begins with the sadness of a family funeral, it's a blissful affirmation of a book. Kunkel appears to do very little, both with his art, because he doesn't draw a lot of lines, and his stories, even though he use more words, but his magic is in drawing exactly the right lines and using exactly the right words. The art is effortlessly dynamic and the words resonate. The result is very much what it means to be alive and it can't fail to rub off on us. I wasn't having a particularly bad day when I read this but, if I was, this would have served as a perfect pick me up. Even though I was already happy, I'm a little happier for having read it.
The catch to this simplicity, of course, is that there isn't a heck of a lot of room for character, so most of the characters are broadly drawn, whether we're talking art or language. As with so many comic strips that recount the wonders of childhood, mum and dad are usually off screen; Henry does his best Alfred impersonation whenever needed; and little sister Katie is endearingly annoying. At school, the bullies and the crush are the bullies and the crush, with the best friend a lovable chunk of a chocolate fiend. It isn't unfair to say that they're all in the story to be props for Tyler, who's easily the one character firmly defined, even though he's there to be all of us.
Looking back, I have to come back to that secret, even though I'm still not going to tell you what it is. It's just that I wonder why I didn't see it in advance. The clues were all there, but I laughed just as Tyler did when he found out, only to realise that those explaining the secret to him weren't joking. Initially, I was a little disappointed that Kunkel went there, feeling that he'd cheapened his own story, but as it ran on, I realised that it was exactly right because of how he set the tone. It's entirely appropriate for him to go there and the book would have been less had he not done.
All of which cryptic analysis should end with a hearty recommendation. This isn't the long and in depth read that its size and weight suggest, because those five comic book issues wrap up relatively quickly, giving way to a massively illustrated explanation of Kunkel's inspirations and work process, how he put these issues together, from initial sketches to finished product. Almost a thousand words into a review and I'm still grinning like a madman, just because this lifted my spirits so much, even if I didn't need the boost today. Maybe on my next down day, I'll pick this back up and see if its magic still works now that I know the secret. I have a feeling that it might.
Originally posted at the Nameless Zine in September 2023:
https://www.thenamelesszine.org/Illus...
Index of all my Nameless Zine reviews:
https://books.apocalypselaterempire.com/
It's a joyous read, because of the nature of its story, a look back at what it means to be a child, with the openness and potential that carried with it. While it's a set of comic books rather than a comic strip, it can't fail to be compared to 'Calvin and Hobbes', not only because it recounts the adventures of a young boy and his larger talking animal companion.
In this instance, the boy is named Tyler and we meet him at his grandfather's funeral. Grandpa was rich and left Tyler's family his large house, complete with infuriatingly correct butler named Henry. So that becomes their home, in a new town, meaning a new school and new friends and all that jazz, but there's also a more personal inheritance left on Tyler's bed for him: a stuffed bear and a broken pocket watch. Tyler isn't disappointed because he doesn't really understand what inheritances mean yet, but he does light up when he finds out what these things actually mean.
He later discovers the stuffed bear was created by his grandpa, who had secrets that I won't reveal. The secret behind the bear is that when Tyler—and only Tyler—bumps his nose he transforms into a ten-foot-tall polar bear called Herobear, adding colour to proceedings in the process. Everything else is drawn in black and white, rough but impeccable pencil drawings with a simplicity of line and pristine economy of movement—it's no surprise at all to find that Kunkel is also an animator—but Herobear's cape is red. If you care about the broken pocket watch, it's a signifier that adventure is afoot and, when it beeps, it's a call to action for Herobear and the Kid.
It would be easy to see this book as a superhero comic, with Herobear an anthropomorphic combination of Superman and Batman, with the powers of the former and home life of the latter. However, it's also a coming-of-age story, with Tyler having to deal with life at a new school. It's all archetypical, from missing the bus because he's lost in his own imagination to the usual suspects that he meets: the bullies who've got him in their sights to the beautiful young lady he immediately falls in love with, at least what love is to a boy of very few years. It's a serious crush.
I can't tell much more than that without delving into grandpa's secrets and I refuse to go there, so I will merely say that, even though this begins with the sadness of a family funeral, it's a blissful affirmation of a book. Kunkel appears to do very little, both with his art, because he doesn't draw a lot of lines, and his stories, even though he use more words, but his magic is in drawing exactly the right lines and using exactly the right words. The art is effortlessly dynamic and the words resonate. The result is very much what it means to be alive and it can't fail to rub off on us. I wasn't having a particularly bad day when I read this but, if I was, this would have served as a perfect pick me up. Even though I was already happy, I'm a little happier for having read it.
The catch to this simplicity, of course, is that there isn't a heck of a lot of room for character, so most of the characters are broadly drawn, whether we're talking art or language. As with so many comic strips that recount the wonders of childhood, mum and dad are usually off screen; Henry does his best Alfred impersonation whenever needed; and little sister Katie is endearingly annoying. At school, the bullies and the crush are the bullies and the crush, with the best friend a lovable chunk of a chocolate fiend. It isn't unfair to say that they're all in the story to be props for Tyler, who's easily the one character firmly defined, even though he's there to be all of us.
Looking back, I have to come back to that secret, even though I'm still not going to tell you what it is. It's just that I wonder why I didn't see it in advance. The clues were all there, but I laughed just as Tyler did when he found out, only to realise that those explaining the secret to him weren't joking. Initially, I was a little disappointed that Kunkel went there, feeling that he'd cheapened his own story, but as it ran on, I realised that it was exactly right because of how he set the tone. It's entirely appropriate for him to go there and the book would have been less had he not done.
All of which cryptic analysis should end with a hearty recommendation. This isn't the long and in depth read that its size and weight suggest, because those five comic book issues wrap up relatively quickly, giving way to a massively illustrated explanation of Kunkel's inspirations and work process, how he put these issues together, from initial sketches to finished product. Almost a thousand words into a review and I'm still grinning like a madman, just because this lifted my spirits so much, even if I didn't need the boost today. Maybe on my next down day, I'll pick this back up and see if its magic still works now that I know the secret. I have a feeling that it might.
Originally posted at the Nameless Zine in September 2023:
https://www.thenamelesszine.org/Illus...
Index of all my Nameless Zine reviews:
https://books.apocalypselaterempire.com/
June 20, 2014
4.5 see my review at The Comics Alternative
May 30, 2025
An adventure comic featuring a little boy, Tyler, and a bear that his now-dead grandfather left him in the big ol' house. The bear comes alive, named Herobear, and they must go on adventures together because he is a superhero.
There's a uniqueness to the art style with it being black and white save for Herobear's red cape when he's on page. But it's also complete/incomplete with how the sketches are done that feels like a perfect compliment to the story itself about the friendships and discovery about the meaning of childhood along the way.
It will never and can never replace Calvin and Hobbes, but I see what it's doing. (And this is a new-t0-me comic though it seems like it's been around for a while and continually being reinvented if I'm understanding correctly.)
There's a uniqueness to the art style with it being black and white save for Herobear's red cape when he's on page. But it's also complete/incomplete with how the sketches are done that feels like a perfect compliment to the story itself about the friendships and discovery about the meaning of childhood along the way.
It will never and can never replace Calvin and Hobbes, but I see what it's doing. (And this is a new-t0-me comic though it seems like it's been around for a while and continually being reinvented if I'm understanding correctly.)
November 9, 2018
Herobear and the Kid is a amazing love letter to anyone who grew up with Calvin and Hobbes. Everything from the art style to the overall theme of believe reminds me of old newspaper comics but this book still goes above and beyond in presenting an identity of its own. The storyline is from the perspective of Tyler a kid who just delt with the loss of his grandfather. He and his family move into his grandfathers mansion and in Tyler’s room he receives a broken pocket watch and a stuffed bear.
If your ever read Calvin and Hobbes you will we where this is going and I don’t want to spoil too much but if you are ready for some nostalgic silliness I definitely recommend this book too you.
If your ever read Calvin and Hobbes you will we where this is going and I don’t want to spoil too much but if you are ready for some nostalgic silliness I definitely recommend this book too you.
February 27, 2019
Oh, Herobear. What a darling character. And what a precious story for all ages. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events in this graphic novel. I don't give out five stars very easily, but this story earned all five. Kunkel's presentation of childhood wonder and magic and hardships were organic and wholly relatable. The artwork was beautiful and engaging, and I liked the semi-unfinished quality of the illustrations. What made me give the book a full five stars, however, was the amount of heart and humor and delight packed into the pages. Well done. I'm looking forward to the next adventure!
March 14, 2019
Bellissimo! Edito da Ba-Bao, stupendo. Disegni fantastici, storia completa che fa tenere il lettore incollato. Mi è piaciuta l'idea del peluche, la storia, la trama... tutto! Complimenti, senza spoiler ma capirete la mia felicità nella lettura
April 7, 2018
The artwork is impressive-some very cool work done with panels. I found the story meandered a bit and definitely more targeted towards juvenile readers instead of all ages.
July 9, 2018
pencil drawings. touching story.
July 31, 2018
The message of hope was truly uplifting. I'm curious to see where the rest of the story goes.
January 17, 2019
Love it...love it...love it
November 11, 2020
I've read this every single Christmas Eve for the last (almost) ten years running. 💚❤️
December 21, 2023
Big christian vibes. Not into that. It was cute.
May 23, 2022
Good kids book with enough of a story for adults to enjoy.
January 10, 2017
Herobear and the Kid: The Inheritance series:
This is a series that I strongly enjoyed and will read again! It's a touching story, and not quite the norm for this kind of hero-sidekick story. It's full of suspense, comical relief, warm feelings, and most importantly reminds you of your creativity as a kid. The text is attractive and the quotes at the beginning of each comic is something I throughly enjoyed seeing. The theme is created right there in the quotes and applied so smoothly, I loved it! As well, the art has a raw yet smooth feel, shaded, and fun. As a whole, it's quirky & inventive, and just right. I love it!
Finally, and I will say again, I love this series! I recommend it if you're quirky, a day dreamer, adventurous ... or if you were ever a kid ;)
*The following thoughts of #1-5 after each read*
#1:
This is a very nice introduction to the series. If I were to explain it in one word, it'd be: sentimental.
Right off the bat you're hit with feeling and an interesting primary character to start. As the characters are introduced they become quick to learn. This comic is relatable in so many ways, and the text is comical & enjoyably put. As well, the artwork is very nice. It has a style to it that's raw yet playful, and enjoyable to look at.
However, this is definitely a series you don't want to start unless you have the entirety of it. You'll know once you dive in!
#2:
Defined in one word: smooth. Yet again, a nice comical text and a flavourful continuum. I love the epilogue sections at the end of the comics with Henry. They're a good form of insight, leading on how some things came to be. I'm excited to get to know what comes next. Time to see what this mission is all about!
#3:
In a word: action. You're shown what the meaning of a true hero is. And still you get some solid laughs out of situations ... I love the puns!
However, I'm very interested to find out more of what Henry knows ... maybe he knows what's going on ... maybe he'll say something ... I'm eager to find out!
#4:
A single word (exactly the comics description): discovery. This one was suspenseful, and continually amusing. Tyler is hilarious every time he daydreams, and it's funny how he's trying to achieve more of a grip over that too.
All-in-all, I am most interested to find out how this series comes to an end!
Now, Henry ... all I have to say.
#5:
Belief.
Got to say ... I really didn't see that one coming (a good surprise) ... And so I must also admit, this last one got me halfway through :') ... And as it came to close, I felt warm and comfortable. Also, I felt excited, and for those who've finished the series will get what I mean ... :D
This is a series that I strongly enjoyed and will read again! It's a touching story, and not quite the norm for this kind of hero-sidekick story. It's full of suspense, comical relief, warm feelings, and most importantly reminds you of your creativity as a kid. The text is attractive and the quotes at the beginning of each comic is something I throughly enjoyed seeing. The theme is created right there in the quotes and applied so smoothly, I loved it! As well, the art has a raw yet smooth feel, shaded, and fun. As a whole, it's quirky & inventive, and just right. I love it!
Finally, and I will say again, I love this series! I recommend it if you're quirky, a day dreamer, adventurous ... or if you were ever a kid ;)
*The following thoughts of #1-5 after each read*
#1:
This is a very nice introduction to the series. If I were to explain it in one word, it'd be: sentimental.
Right off the bat you're hit with feeling and an interesting primary character to start. As the characters are introduced they become quick to learn. This comic is relatable in so many ways, and the text is comical & enjoyably put. As well, the artwork is very nice. It has a style to it that's raw yet playful, and enjoyable to look at.
However, this is definitely a series you don't want to start unless you have the entirety of it. You'll know once you dive in!
#2:
Defined in one word: smooth. Yet again, a nice comical text and a flavourful continuum. I love the epilogue sections at the end of the comics with Henry. They're a good form of insight, leading on how some things came to be. I'm excited to get to know what comes next. Time to see what this mission is all about!
#3:
In a word: action. You're shown what the meaning of a true hero is. And still you get some solid laughs out of situations ... I love the puns!
However, I'm very interested to find out more of what Henry knows ... maybe he knows what's going on ... maybe he'll say something ... I'm eager to find out!
#4:
A single word (exactly the comics description): discovery. This one was suspenseful, and continually amusing. Tyler is hilarious every time he daydreams, and it's funny how he's trying to achieve more of a grip over that too.
All-in-all, I am most interested to find out how this series comes to an end!
Now, Henry ... all I have to say.
#5:
Belief.
Got to say ... I really didn't see that one coming (a good surprise) ... And so I must also admit, this last one got me halfway through :') ... And as it came to close, I felt warm and comfortable. Also, I felt excited, and for those who've finished the series will get what I mean ... :D
January 10, 2017
Herobear and the Kid: The Inheritance series:
This is a series that I strongly enjoyed and will read again! It's a touching story, and not quite the norm for this kind of hero-sidekick story. It's full of suspense, comical relief, warm feelings, and most importantly reminds you of your creativity as a kid. The text is attractive and the quotes at the beginning of each comic is something I throughly enjoyed seeing. The theme is created right there in the quotes and applied so smoothly, I loved it! As well, the art has a raw yet smooth feel, shaded, and fun. As a whole, it's quirky & inventive, and just right. I love it!
Finally, and I will say again, I love this series! I recommend it if you're quirky, a day dreamer, adventurous ... or if you were ever a kid ;)
*The following thoughts of #1-5 after each read*
#1:
This is a very nice introduction to the series. If I were to explain it in one word, it'd be: sentimental.
Right off the bat you're hit with feeling and an interesting primary character to start. As the characters are introduced they become quick to learn. This comic is relatable in so many ways, and the text is comical & enjoyably put. As well, the artwork is very nice. It has a style to it that's raw yet playful, and enjoyable to look at.
However, this is definitely a series you don't want to start unless you have the entirety of it. You'll know once you dive in!
#2:
Defined in one word: smooth. Yet again, a nice comical text and a flavourful continuum. I love the epilogue sections at the end of the comics with Henry. They're a good form of insight, leading on how some things came to be. I'm excited to get to know what comes next. Time to see what this mission is all about!
#3:
In a word: action. You're shown what the meaning of a true hero is. And still you get some solid laughs out of situations ... I love the puns!
However, I'm very interested to find out more of what Henry knows ... maybe he knows what's going on ... maybe he'll say something ... I'm eager to find out!
#4:
A single word (exactly the comics description): discovery. This one was suspenseful, and continually amusing. Tyler is hilarious every time he daydreams, and it's funny how he's trying to achieve more of a grip over that too.
All-in-all, I am most interested to find out how this series comes to an end!
Now, Henry ... all I have to say.
#5:
Belief.
Got to say ... I really didn't see that one coming (a good surprise) ... And so I must also admit, this last one got me halfway through :') ... And as it came to close, I felt warm and comfortable. Also, I felt excited, and for those who've finished the series will get what I mean ... :D
This is a series that I strongly enjoyed and will read again! It's a touching story, and not quite the norm for this kind of hero-sidekick story. It's full of suspense, comical relief, warm feelings, and most importantly reminds you of your creativity as a kid. The text is attractive and the quotes at the beginning of each comic is something I throughly enjoyed seeing. The theme is created right there in the quotes and applied so smoothly, I loved it! As well, the art has a raw yet smooth feel, shaded, and fun. As a whole, it's quirky & inventive, and just right. I love it!
Finally, and I will say again, I love this series! I recommend it if you're quirky, a day dreamer, adventurous ... or if you were ever a kid ;)
*The following thoughts of #1-5 after each read*
#1:
This is a very nice introduction to the series. If I were to explain it in one word, it'd be: sentimental.
Right off the bat you're hit with feeling and an interesting primary character to start. As the characters are introduced they become quick to learn. This comic is relatable in so many ways, and the text is comical & enjoyably put. As well, the artwork is very nice. It has a style to it that's raw yet playful, and enjoyable to look at.
However, this is definitely a series you don't want to start unless you have the entirety of it. You'll know once you dive in!
#2:
Defined in one word: smooth. Yet again, a nice comical text and a flavourful continuum. I love the epilogue sections at the end of the comics with Henry. They're a good form of insight, leading on how some things came to be. I'm excited to get to know what comes next. Time to see what this mission is all about!
#3:
In a word: action. You're shown what the meaning of a true hero is. And still you get some solid laughs out of situations ... I love the puns!
However, I'm very interested to find out more of what Henry knows ... maybe he knows what's going on ... maybe he'll say something ... I'm eager to find out!
#4:
A single word (exactly the comics description): discovery. This one was suspenseful, and continually amusing. Tyler is hilarious every time he daydreams, and it's funny how he's trying to achieve more of a grip over that too.
All-in-all, I am most interested to find out how this series comes to an end!
Now, Henry ... all I have to say.
#5:
Belief.
Got to say ... I really didn't see that one coming (a good surprise) ... And so I must also admit, this last one got me halfway through :') ... And as it came to close, I felt warm and comfortable. Also, I felt excited, and for those who've finished the series will get what I mean ... :D
November 21, 2014
This is a short, sweet comic that hearkens back to the days of Calvin and Hobbes. The comparison is perhaps trite and simplistic but remains apt. After all, both star a little boy whose stuffed animal comes to life. The difference in Herobear and the Kid Volume 1: The Inheritance is that the stuffed animal really does come to life as other people are capable of seeing him. While this removes the mystery of imagination versus reality there are more than enough other mysteries and reveals to make up for it. The reveal in the final issues, while not completely unique, is still fresh and fits the character of the series.
The artwork is wonderful. Mike Kunkel's animation background really shines through. The comic really feels like a cartoon captured on paper. While most of the comic book industry rushed to the "wide screen" story-telling to evoke blockbuster action movies, Herobear and the Kid reminds readers of classic animation a la Don Bluth. Where other comics would string a bunch of word balloons over a single static image, Kunkel creates a new image for each word balloon to literally illustrate the character animatedly talking. It also helps that the quality of the drawing is so high. Some people may complain about the lack of inking and coloring since the art is simply the rough pencils with a dash of red ink thrown in on Hero Bear's cape. But that style of drawing really helps the animation feel come across. It also makes the comic feel more whimsical, in step with the story and characters.
The story itself is very simple and over much too quickly despite the issues being longer than standard comic books. This works against jaded adult readers always expecting something deep to dig into (which is odd considering how shallow many mainstream comics are...), but this is truly an all ages comic. Much like a Pixar movie there is plenty for kids and adults to enjoy, and enjoy together. Which I think is part of the goal of this comic. So many comics today aren't really suitable for kids, which is a shame since it makes it hard to share the medium when you can't give a kid an issue of Batman or Superman or Spider-Man without worrying about it being too dark and graphic.
This isn't the greatest comic series in the world. But it's short, sweet, and whimsical, qualities missing in many other comics nowadays.
The artwork is wonderful. Mike Kunkel's animation background really shines through. The comic really feels like a cartoon captured on paper. While most of the comic book industry rushed to the "wide screen" story-telling to evoke blockbuster action movies, Herobear and the Kid reminds readers of classic animation a la Don Bluth. Where other comics would string a bunch of word balloons over a single static image, Kunkel creates a new image for each word balloon to literally illustrate the character animatedly talking. It also helps that the quality of the drawing is so high. Some people may complain about the lack of inking and coloring since the art is simply the rough pencils with a dash of red ink thrown in on Hero Bear's cape. But that style of drawing really helps the animation feel come across. It also makes the comic feel more whimsical, in step with the story and characters.
The story itself is very simple and over much too quickly despite the issues being longer than standard comic books. This works against jaded adult readers always expecting something deep to dig into (which is odd considering how shallow many mainstream comics are...), but this is truly an all ages comic. Much like a Pixar movie there is plenty for kids and adults to enjoy, and enjoy together. Which I think is part of the goal of this comic. So many comics today aren't really suitable for kids, which is a shame since it makes it hard to share the medium when you can't give a kid an issue of Batman or Superman or Spider-Man without worrying about it being too dark and graphic.
This isn't the greatest comic series in the world. But it's short, sweet, and whimsical, qualities missing in many other comics nowadays.
July 28, 2016
Tyler and his family move into his grandfather's mansion after he dies. Part of Tyler's inheritance from his grandpa includes an old stuffed bear and a seemingly broken pocket watch. Great stuff. His week just gets better when he keeps missing the bus and gets on the wrong side of the local bullies. Just when he thinks all this new stuff is going to kill him, he discovers an amazing surprise in his inheritance from his grandpa.
At times this is cute. At other times it is eye-roll-inducing (I think the boys are going to think Tyler is insane for being so girl crazy. At that age most of the boys at our school are still avoiding girls like they carry the plague.) And then it combined superhero and Christmas legend, which I didn't find necessary and a bit too much. I normally tear through graphic novels super quick. This one took me three days to get through. Now, I'm sure it will find an audience. After all, it is a graphic novel (which automatically means it will be read) featuring a flying polar bear in a smashing red cape (bonus points). I liked the gray-scale drawings with dashes of red, but I'm not sure how the target audience will feel about the minimal color.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content or decency issues. Some bullying which includes some physical pummeling. Herobear and a robot get into it, but no one is every seriously hurt.
At times this is cute. At other times it is eye-roll-inducing (I think the boys are going to think Tyler is insane for being so girl crazy. At that age most of the boys at our school are still avoiding girls like they carry the plague.) And then it combined superhero and Christmas legend, which I didn't find necessary and a bit too much. I normally tear through graphic novels super quick. This one took me three days to get through. Now, I'm sure it will find an audience. After all, it is a graphic novel (which automatically means it will be read) featuring a flying polar bear in a smashing red cape (bonus points). I liked the gray-scale drawings with dashes of red, but I'm not sure how the target audience will feel about the minimal color.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content or decency issues. Some bullying which includes some physical pummeling. Herobear and a robot get into it, but no one is every seriously hurt.
October 21, 2013
Tyler's grandfather has just passed away and left him an old stuffed bear and a broken pocket watch. His family has moved into his grandfather's house and Tyler is being bullied at school, fallen in love with a really nice little girl in his class and being driven insane by his annoying sister. Then he begins to discover some amazing things, starting with his bear turning into a giant living polar bear that can save the day.
I didn't get into this book as much as I wanted to. The illustrator admits that he isn't a great inker and didn't really clean up his artwork and it kind of kills me a little bit and made it harder for me to get into. That being said the story is interesting and creative. It definitely had some unexpected twists and turns that I personally did not see coming. There don't appear to be anymore volumes of the story which is sad making b/c I would love to see where the author was going to take the story. I also thought all the notes at the end where he talks about how he came up with the story and developed characters (and why his art style isn't very clean) in conjunction with early artwork and character sketches was pretty great.
I didn't get into this book as much as I wanted to. The illustrator admits that he isn't a great inker and didn't really clean up his artwork and it kind of kills me a little bit and made it harder for me to get into. That being said the story is interesting and creative. It definitely had some unexpected twists and turns that I personally did not see coming. There don't appear to be anymore volumes of the story which is sad making b/c I would love to see where the author was going to take the story. I also thought all the notes at the end where he talks about how he came up with the story and developed characters (and why his art style isn't very clean) in conjunction with early artwork and character sketches was pretty great.
September 12, 2009
One day while randomly looking in the comic section of my High School library I noticed this book. I fell in love with the art since it bears a resemblance to Calvin and Hobbes so I checked it out. After reading I felt so lucky about my discovery. Herobear is brilliant from start to finish. From the opening scene of the Grandfather's funeral to the end were the kid finds true happiness, it never fails to hold your interest. Reading this reminded me of the simpler days of my (early ) youth ( I'm only 18 ). My only complaint is the follow up was never released which I'm not too upset over since the ending already had closure.
August 14, 2008
I have loved this for years. Herobear and the Kid is a bit like Calvin and Hobbes--a stuffed bear in a red cap comes to life when no one's around and he and the boy have super hero-like adventures. Besides such a fun and sweet story, the artwork is utterly amazing. I have a decent amount graphic novels and comics, but they don't have the same feel. Maybe Jill Thompson does, in a way, but it's not the same thing. I don't know if this book is hard to find or not, but it's so very worth it if it can be done.
September 2, 2015
I have to admit to being disappointed with this. The art is beautifully cartoony, but the story doesn't measure up. The concept of the story works, and I'm curious to see more of these characters, but the story is overwritten in a way that makes me unsure of who the audience is. It's much too wordy for younger readers, yet the story is much too heavy handed for older readers. I think, if the writing were pared back and the artwork allowed to do more of its share of the work in telling the story, this could be a classic.
March 13, 2015
It's impossible not to compare this to Calvin and Hobbes -- little kid with a toy that comes to life! -- but Kunkel has certainly put his own spin on things. He's created a really heartwarming story about family connection and the importance of belief, without ever connecting that idea of belief to religion. I was a little nervous when this idea of belief came up that it was going to be a thinly veiled allegory, but instead it's about the innocence and conviction of childhood. Herobear and the Kid also have plenty of goofy, robot-fighting fun.
July 7, 2008
What kid doesn't want a Herobear of his or her own? He's always there when you need him, he takes care of those pesky bullies in a way we all wish we could get away with, and he's
ADORABLE.
I wanted this comic series to go on forever. > sigh <
I wanted this comic series to go on forever. > sigh <
May 19, 2014
How could I not love the story of a little boy who discovers his stuffed toy polar bear turns into a 10-foot tall caped superhero named HeroBear?? And then together they fly around and beat an evil robot named X-5?
May 9, 2015
A young boy inherits a toy bear that can come to life.
The illustrations were really good but the story was not strong enough – I kept mentally comparing it to Calvin and Hobbes (which may be an unfair comparison) and found it lacking.
The illustrations were really good but the story was not strong enough – I kept mentally comparing it to Calvin and Hobbes (which may be an unfair comparison) and found it lacking.
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