Image Comics reviews 8/17/22 – Do a Powerbomb #3, Undiscovered Country #20

Shirtless Bear Fighter 2 #1

No one can ever accuse this title of being predictable in the slightest. Writer Jody Leheup might have a few tendencies — Shirtless often going pantsless most notably — but this is a book that thrives on the wildest scenarios imaginable.

For the start of this new volume, Shirtless and Suzie Silva deal with an attack of Gummy Bears under the control of Crummy Gummy. Even if you wanted to take these events seriously, Leheup just makes these situations so over the top amusing it’s hard not to smile or laugh. In between missions with Suzie and The FUZZ, Shirtless is dealing with his anger and abandonment issues. It’s not a good combination.

The art from Nil Vendrell is the opposite. Vendrell’s linework is so animated and free flowing that the action feels like it’s leaping from one panel to the next. Vendrell also has fun with basic visuals like Shirtless’s expanding girth after devouring mountainous gummy bears. Colorist Michael Spicer makes sure to maintain the wacky tones with booming bright color hues.

It’s not the deepest title, but Shirtless does exactly what its creators intend — crafting a frill-full title that’s meant to be enjoyed and not heavily scrutinized.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10