There are a lot of comics out there, but some stand out head and shoulders above the pack. With “Don’t Miss This,” we want to spotlight those series we think need to be on your pull list. This week we are taking a look at the return of a hero keeping the world safe from all bearkind, “Shirtless Bear-Fighter! 2” by Jody Lehup and Nil Vendrell. Working with F.U.Z.Z. to atone for the sins of his first adventures, Shirtless has to face one of his most formidable foes yet, while learning more about his mysterious life. If you love ridiculous and over-the-top action, hairy heroes, and solid pear puns, then this is the comic for you! Join us as we show you why you should check out the adventures of this flapjack fury!
Who is this by?
“Shirtless Bear-Fighter! 2” is the triumphant reunion of the original “Shirtless Bear-Fighter Team” of Jody Lehup (“Shirtless Bear-Fighter,” “Quantum and Woody,” “Archer and Armstrong) and Nil Vendrell. (“Shirtless Bear-Fighter!,” “Redfork”) It’s clear that they haven’t missed a beat.
“Shirtless Bear-Fighter! 2” is a prime example of two creators incredibly in sync with their overall vision. It’s a comic that relishes in excess. From the character designs to the action sequences, it’s clear that Lehup and Vendrell want to create one of the most balls-to-the-wall insane comics out there. But it’s more than that. The two always know when to keep things light and cartoony, making the occasional intense moments much more impactful. It’s a comic that knows exactly what it is, with two creators who know how to craft a solid story on top of all the silliness.
What’s it all about?
After defeating Jaxson Logger and Brother Bear, Shirtless Bear-Fighter works with F.U.Z.Z. to atone for his sins against bear kind. There’s a problem, though; a new threat is rising. “Shirtless Bear-Fighter! 2” explores shirtless’ origin as he seeks out his true parents and his purpose in life.
While Shirtless tries to find information about his true heritage, there’s a growing conspiracy in “Shirtless Bear-Fighter! 2.” As a cult works to defame shirtless and give more power to Ursa Major, a divine figure trying to create bear supremacy and turn Earth into BEARTH! The stakes are high for our favorite bear brawler, as old foes and new team up to take him down.
What makes it so great?
Did you not read the line about turning Earth into Bearth? Honestly, I could just stop this section here! “Shirtless Bear-Fighter! 2” is a ridiculous book. It’s big, bold, and brassy; the type of comic that always thinks about raising the stakes and being as extreme as possible. In many ways, Lehup and Vendrell feel like they are creating a spiritual sequel to “Nextwave- Agents of H.A.T.E.” another book that revels in its maximalism. Lehup and Vendrell seemingly have endless creativity when creating insane scenarios and colorful characters. Shirtless fights gummy bears and the Yakuma. While we have returning characters like the Hillbilly Warlock, we meet one of Shirless’ mentors, Mister Beeyagi, and a full rogues gallery of Shirtless’ former foes. Does the comic go into great detail about these characters? No! Does it detract from the story? Absolutely not! It is there for color and the joy of knowing that there is an expansive world that Lehup and Vendrell get to explore. Also, it’s just a joy to read this book. In an era of meticulous pacing of comic stories, “Shirtless Bear-Fighter! 2” always gives you your money’s worth. It’s a “yes and” comic, looking for a way to always go bigger, crazier, and sillier. But the thing that makes the comic work is the ability to take a step back and add some real stakes (without diminishing the fun.)
Again, “Shirtless Bear-Figher! 2” is a genuinely absurd comic, but moments stand out and shine. For example, Vendrell and Michael Spicer get an opportunity to shine as Shirtless confronts his father, Ursa Major, in an incredibly well-executed visual storytelling series. They strip the panels down to a black-and-white fight between Shirtless and his father controlling a storm, leading to a very impactful sequence of legends in a stylized cave painting. This also leads to Shirtless finally getting overwhelmed with his father’s true power as the spirits of bears overwhelm him. It’s an incredible few pages of comics that raise the stakes. You can judge your over-the-top comics by their ability to raise the stakes without diminishing their over-the-top nature. In this respect, Vendrell’s visual storytelling captures this well.
Continued belowSimilarly, Leheup can balance the tone of the comic well. It’s a comic that gets serious without taking itself too seriously. Lehup’s ability to shift between tones seamlessly shows their desire to make a solid action comedy. It can have intense moments, even impactful ones, but you always know another insane fight is right around the corner. Take, for instance, the Ursa Major reveal in “Shirtless Bear-Fighter! 2” #3. The visuals and storytelling are intense, but it’s tempered by having him fight the Yakuma, with sound effects like “BEAR BOTTOM” or “BEAR STUNNER” coming through to remind you that, yes, this is a ridiculous comic! This is a good thing; it’s the kind of action comedy that works because it knows when and where to deploy the silliness. It’s a book brimming with over-the-top ideas and always knows when to go crazy but also knows the power of serious stakes. But at the end of the day, it’s a fun book that consistently delivers an exciting ride.
How can you read it?
“Shirtless Bear-Fighter! 2” is published monthly by Image Comics, and the penultimate issue 6 will be at your local comic shop this week! You can also catch up on the series on Comixology or at your local comic shop and pick up a trade copy of Shirtless’s first adventure in “Shirtless Bear-Fighter!.”
