joshgauthier's review
3.0
*Galley received from Image*
I waited so long for this series, I was very excited to finally get the chance to read it. And Shirtless's story delivered in many of the ways I expected it to. It takes ridiculous to a whole new, unashamed level of manly, bear-punching adventure. However, the volume felt weighed down by an immature brand of toilet-humor that just didn't appeal to me.
It's distinct, it's amusing, it starts with manic absurdity and just gets crazier from there--unfortunately, it just wasn't quite for me as much as I hoped it would be.
I waited so long for this series, I was very excited to finally get the chance to read it. And Shirtless's story delivered in many of the ways I expected it to. It takes ridiculous to a whole new, unashamed level of manly, bear-punching adventure. However, the volume felt weighed down by an immature brand of toilet-humor that just didn't appeal to me.
It's distinct, it's amusing, it starts with manic absurdity and just gets crazier from there--unfortunately, it just wasn't quite for me as much as I hoped it would be.
octoberrust1108's review
4.0
Whilst hungrily rifling through the graphic novel selection at my local library, my eye scanning row after row for quality content to engorge upon within the next day or two; the words "Shirtless Bear Fighter" registered in my brain for a second and i kept scanning the shelf. It took me a second to realize what kind of ridiculous, wonderful goldmine I had just discovered. I hurriedly pulled it off the rack, as if someone would run up out of nowhere and steal it before I could discover the flapjack-chomping, bear-slapping goodness that was now lying in my hands. I flipped through it just for a second but stopped myself so as not to ruin the surprises that lie ahead of me.
If you have a thing for stuff that is SO ridiculous that it's actually top quality, then this book is for you. If your inner man is feeling down and needs a pick-me-up, this book is for you. If you've watched every show that Adult Swim has to offer and you're questioning what the next thing to do with your life is, then this book is for you. I haven't laughed so hard at a graphic novel in a hot minute. It is such a funny, witty, bear-pun laden book that every page brought a new smile onto my face.
But the best part of this, by far, is how amazingly engaging the story is. I picked this book up for the sheer spectacle that I knew it would be, but was blown away by how impressive the writing was, how linear the storytelling was, and by how great the art was. Every page, every panel is just dripping with bright colors, expressive faces and animated characters (no pun intended). I really grew emotionally attached to the Shirtless Bear Fighter, and his struggle truly became my own.
Read this book.
Please.
If you won't do it for yourself, do it for me.
If you have a thing for stuff that is SO ridiculous that it's actually top quality, then this book is for you. If your inner man is feeling down and needs a pick-me-up, this book is for you. If you've watched every show that Adult Swim has to offer and you're questioning what the next thing to do with your life is, then this book is for you. I haven't laughed so hard at a graphic novel in a hot minute. It is such a funny, witty, bear-pun laden book that every page brought a new smile onto my face.
But the best part of this, by far, is how amazingly engaging the story is. I picked this book up for the sheer spectacle that I knew it would be, but was blown away by how impressive the writing was, how linear the storytelling was, and by how great the art was. Every page, every panel is just dripping with bright colors, expressive faces and animated characters (no pun intended). I really grew emotionally attached to the Shirtless Bear Fighter, and his struggle truly became my own.
Read this book.
Please.
If you won't do it for yourself, do it for me.
misterfix's review
5.0
Best comic series of 2017!
Monstrously amazing entertainment with heart. I haven't laughed so hard in quite sometime - the sequence with Shirtless fighting in various cities in issue two was possibly my favorite moment in comics in 2017.
BUT it's not just funny, it's ingeniously clever and genuinely moving. Then there's the art, colors, layout, covers, etc. all brilliant and the perfect match. I want all of my friends who are warriors for the environment to read this as they would benefit from the message and the sorry would be comforting as well.
Monstrously amazing entertainment with heart. I haven't laughed so hard in quite sometime - the sequence with Shirtless fighting in various cities in issue two was possibly my favorite moment in comics in 2017.
BUT it's not just funny, it's ingeniously clever and genuinely moving. Then there's the art, colors, layout, covers, etc. all brilliant and the perfect match. I want all of my friends who are warriors for the environment to read this as they would benefit from the message and the sorry would be comforting as well.
court_sport's review
5.0
I never expected something that was that much fun to also have so much heart.
kellylynnthomas's review
4.0
WHAT IS THIS I DON'T EVEN KNOW BUT IT'S HILARIOUS.
No, seriously. The premise: a super strong man raised by bears has sworn to protect the forest. But when his bear family betrays him, he turns his oath around and vows to fight bears. Now super strong bears hopped up on magic bacon (yes, magic bacon) are attacking cities world wide. The FBI calls in Shirtless to save the day, and boy does he ever.
Of course, on the way there are plot twists, hijinks, pixelated nudity, bears in hats, AND SO MUCH MORE. I was wary of this title because of its hyper-masculinity, but the authors are totally self-aware and play on masculine tropes throughout.
Read my full review at my blog!
No, seriously. The premise: a super strong man raised by bears has sworn to protect the forest. But when his bear family betrays him, he turns his oath around and vows to fight bears. Now super strong bears hopped up on magic bacon (yes, magic bacon) are attacking cities world wide. The FBI calls in Shirtless to save the day, and boy does he ever.
Of course, on the way there are plot twists, hijinks, pixelated nudity, bears in hats, AND SO MUCH MORE. I was wary of this title because of its hyper-masculinity, but the authors are totally self-aware and play on masculine tropes throughout.
Read my full review at my blog!
wesleystephen's review
5.0
Sometimes you just want to read something that’s ridiculous and fun and doesn’t take itself remotely seriously. If you’re in the mood for that kind of book, and a fan of puns, you’re going to have a good time with this one
elturko64's review
5.0
With a title such as this, you know what you're getting yourself into. This book had me roaring with laughter from beginning to end. The art is crisp and had no flaws from what I noticed. And surprisingly there were droplets of some wonderful messages to the reader. This comic is a wonderful, wild ride and we need more books like this out there on the shelves.
carroq's review
5.0
I found this book hilarious. It does taper off a little as the book goes on, but it embraces the ridiculous and runs with it. That alone made me enjoy this book so much because it wasn't afraid to go over the top.