Johnson, Alex :: My Art Collection - Artists and the Characters I Associate with them

Herobear and the Kid at Christmas by Mike Kunkel

Artist: Mike Kunkel (All)

7 Comments - 697 Views - 4 Likes

Herobear and the Kid at Christmas by Mike Kunkel Comic Art

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Additional Images:

Art and Artist

Herobear (print)

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Artwork Details

Title:	Herobear and the Kid at Christmas by Mike Kunkel
Artist:	Mike Kunkel (All)
Media Type:	Mixed Media
Art Type:	Commission
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	697
Likes on CAF:	4 5
Comments:	7
Added to Site:	6/25/2022
Comic Art Archive:

Description

I first discovered Herobear and the Kid in the TBP collection back in 2008.

I probably picked it up because Mike did a Captain Marvel (Shazam!) mini-series.

As soon as I read HatK, I knew that I wanted to buy a commission from Mike and I knew exactly what I wanted it to be - Tyler opening presents under a Christmas tree. One of the presents should be a Captain Marvel (Shazam!) action figure and above the tree should be images of Herobear and Santa Clause smiling down on Tyler.

I tried writing Mike immediately using his Astonish Factory email and he replied. He indicated that the idea was appealing, but now was not a good time. Fair enough, but I am determined!

Time passed. Mike did a few Kickstarters that worked well, e.g., a wood block print of Herobear and a book called Timmy and the Moon Piece. Each time he did, I backed it and would ask again with the same results. Sigh...

But I am persistent. One day, Mike decided to create a 20th anniversary edition of the story. It contains every Herobear and the Kid story plus some new material AND he decided to fund it through a Kickstarter campaign. As is common with these, he offered commissions as a perk. I, of course, jumped in with both feet. The KS closed on November 3rd of 2018.

It had taken 10 years, but I was finally on Mike's commission list!

There were the normal delays getting the book done and out, but by December 2020, they were out; I got mine in June 2020. It is a wonderful collection. (Note: I visited a bit with Mike in person at HeroesCon 2019. Wish I'd had him draw in my sketchbook! Duh!).

But fulfillment wasn't complete. The commissions were to come later. As it turned out a good bit later. I got mine today - June 24, 2022.

It was the usual issues - work and the disruptions due to COVID, but Mike kept in touch and I was never worried.

When it arrived I was thrilled! It's exactly what I envisioned (only better drawn), much bigger than the original commitment (11 x 17 vs. 9 x 12), and with a number of prints (see additional images).

Bonus: Mike took a picture of himself with it and sent that to me by email. Thanks, Mike!

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About the Owner

	Alex Johnson Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	January 2006
Last Login:	September 2025
Ebay Id:	alxjhnsn
Website:	http://web.mac.com/alxjhnsn
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Premium Member Q&A Alex's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF Read More About AlexJohnson

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Comments on this Artwork

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Steven Ng
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 6/25/2022

Fabulous. Mike created wonderful characters in Tyler and Herobear.

F M
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 6/25/2022

I too love the book and his art as well (and discovered it way back when he self-published it).

Your patience was well rewarded with a great piece of art (the Shazam action figure is a fun touch).

Thanks for sharing.

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 6/25/2022

Awesome that you got what you wanted at a bonus size too!!

Hart R.
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 6/25/2022

Wonderful illustration! Makes me smile. Congratulations Alex!

Kin Wong
Member Since 2007

1 - Posted on 6/26/2022

Congratulations on finally getting a long awaited commission (with some extra flourishes)!

Bill J
Member Since 2009

1 - Posted on 6/29/2022

Fantastic commission! I love Kunkel's flowing style. His linework is incredible! HUGE congrats!

Mike (aka Off White) White
Member Since 2008

1 - Posted on 6/30/2022

Such a great piece by Mike! Congrats!

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