More than three years after he debuted his landmark series at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Kunkel brings his first story arc to a thoroughly satisfying close. I admit, the big revelation here comes from out of nowhere, but it makes a lot of sense as well. Furthermore, it's a pretty corny plot and script, but it works all the same. Kunkel blends the fun and wonder of the super-hero genre with the everyday magic of childhood in an entertaining read.
Henry, Tyler's grandfather's former butler, and Herobear explain to Tyler just who his grandfather really was and how he was able to create something as amazing as Herobear. Despite everything he's been through and everything he's seen, the secret is just too big for Tyler to believe it. Meanwhile, Von Klon has retrieved X-5 the robot and sent him back out to do away with Herobear and the Kid once and for all.
Kunkel's fluid style continues to impress, and goshdarnit, I still like the lookse pencilling style he employs here. He leaves in his guidemarks. They're subtle enough that they don't intrude on the storytelling, and they offer a small glimpse into the creative process. The single-color scheme kicks into high gear in this issue, as Kunkel makes even better use of the bright red elements in an otherwise black-and-white world.
The super-hero sequence -- featuring Herobear and Tyler's efforts to stop X-5 -- was a lot of fun, and reminded me of the sense of wonder I experienced when I first discovered super-heroes as a kid. There's also a hint of absurdity and humor in there, eliciting a tone not unlike a Bugs Bunny cartoon. There's an irreverence and celebratory tone to the sequence that made me smile.
Yes, this issue is more than a little ham-fisted. The "belief" theme and plot elements are about as subtle as White House propoganda these days. But the outlandish heritage introduced here somehow manages to create a sweet, touching tone. I guess the inclusion of a classic character from just about everyone's youth enables the reader to more easily connect with Kunkel's story. He taps into a universal soft spot that goes beyond nostalgia, that brings out the very best that a kid can be.
