Review - Herobear and the Kid: Saving Time #1


"Time. We all think about it. But what is it, really?"

Kids have tough daily routines. That includes hanging out with friends, being imaginative and fighting to save time itself. The last bit isn't quite the most typical thing for a kid, but it is for Tyler in Herobear and the Kid: Saving Time #1 from BOOM! Studios. The issue is written and illustrated by Mike Kunkel.

Tyler and Herobear are up to their usual tricks. They're playing video games, living life and looking after their mysterious family butler Henry. It turns out that Henry has a few secrets of his own that not even Tyler is aware of. What's more, Mr. Von Klon has his own machinations in mind that's dedicated to making Tyler's life a little more difficulty than it needs to be.

Kunkel's writing talent doesn't miss a beat here, as all the characters feel familiar and the book is full of childhood innocence. Tyler is convincing enough as a small child, enjoying life as such and generally hanging out with his ten-foot tall polar bear friend named Herobear. The duo are tasked with saving the day and that they do, even in the face of surprises. Kunkel's latest story adds in something of a twist in terms of Tyler's family history, with a pretty major secret revealed to him about his lineage. Kunkel manages to make that secret intriguing and really launches off of it for the remainder of the issue (and likely the series).

Kunkel doubles down on the creative front, also illustrating the book. His illustrations remain just as lush as before and do a lot more with black, white and red than most other books do with a wider ranger of colors. The characters are simple enough in appearance where the book feels much like a comic strip and really flows along. He does a really good job as well illustrating both Herobear and his crocodile opponent, really tapping into some anthropomorphism skills that are really effective. There's some rather traditional panel layouts throughout the book, which really works for the book and its subject matter.

Herobear and the Kid: Saving Time #1 is another book in the great featuring two familiar characters in adventures that are unfamiliar. Tyler and Herobear are much like Calvin and Hobbes and both go through their own series of adventures that tap into a child's imagination. Kunkel's script is evenly paced, despite a lot of dialogue. His art is equally up to the task of matching the words, presenting Herobear as a hero and Tyler as a truly rambunctious youth. Herobear and the Kid: Saving Time #1 is a great, fun book that's definitely worth checking out if you want something a little lighter.

Herobear and the Kid: Saving Time #1 is in stores now with interiors below.








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