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BEAR SERUM
When the human race is battling for survival and leans on the military... humanity’s "evolved" cell phones into mental chips provide great strength but can also lead to their demise when a central authority is controlling push notifications... molding the new world.
Chaos is sure to ensue!
A soldier's life is saved by his mental chip and precious Bear Serum, we follow his journey as the world around him evolves and changes. Politics, power and greed shape his journey in the 4-level planet, Earth 2.
A dystopian, stylistic and action-packed sci-fi graphic novel.
DIGITALLY INTERACTIVE!
Chaos is sure to ensue!
A soldier's life is saved by his mental chip and precious Bear Serum, we follow his journey as the world around him evolves and changes. Politics, power and greed shape his journey in the 4-level planet, Earth 2.
A dystopian, stylistic and action-packed sci-fi graphic novel.
DIGITALLY INTERACTIVE!
- GenresScience Fiction
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2020
3 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Fleischhacker
2 books40 followersDesigner. Author. Artist. Finding my way through life one creative piece at a time.
BEAR SERUM
(sci-fi graphic novel)
YouTube channel (sketch videos
Bear Serum videos)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMyI...
BEAR SERUM
(sci-fi graphic novel)
YouTube channel (sketch videos
Bear Serum videos)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMyI...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 14, 2024
This book was provided by the author. This does not, however, affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Doomed planet. Bloody conflict. Last hope.
Martians from the outer space are relentless and biologically superior and they kick humanity’s collective ass, and the situation looks bleak until General Pine gives the remnants of humanity an opportunity to even the scales, creating ‘super-soldiers’ who push the limits of human performance by injecting them with Bear Serum.
General Pine is then hailed as “humanity’s hero.”
But, as President Abraham Lincoln once said, “If you want to test a man’s character, give him power,” or words to that effect.
Science fiction writer and artist, K. Fleischacker presents a riveting tale of the unbelievable events surrounding Earth’s first contact with alien life, and newly-found home and local threats on Earth 2.
Fleischacker’s graphic novel revels in most of the fun bits of Sci-Fi: fights galore, interspecies romance, blood and gore, greed and power madness, and enough fresh ideas to make for a gripping read.
To immerse the reader into a full experience, this interesting, digitally interactive, comic book-style adventure adapts the unique graphic novel’s pages with QR codes that will lead them to color enhancement recordings, music and dramatic sound effects, all of which I enjoyed.
As far as art goes, it excels in its tactful line work and use of white space; even if you aren’t that interested in the narrative, just looking at the illustrations will carry you through the book!
Doomed planet. Bloody conflict. Last hope.
Martians from the outer space are relentless and biologically superior and they kick humanity’s collective ass, and the situation looks bleak until General Pine gives the remnants of humanity an opportunity to even the scales, creating ‘super-soldiers’ who push the limits of human performance by injecting them with Bear Serum.
General Pine is then hailed as “humanity’s hero.”
But, as President Abraham Lincoln once said, “If you want to test a man’s character, give him power,” or words to that effect.
Science fiction writer and artist, K. Fleischacker presents a riveting tale of the unbelievable events surrounding Earth’s first contact with alien life, and newly-found home and local threats on Earth 2.
Fleischacker’s graphic novel revels in most of the fun bits of Sci-Fi: fights galore, interspecies romance, blood and gore, greed and power madness, and enough fresh ideas to make for a gripping read.
To immerse the reader into a full experience, this interesting, digitally interactive, comic book-style adventure adapts the unique graphic novel’s pages with QR codes that will lead them to color enhancement recordings, music and dramatic sound effects, all of which I enjoyed.
As far as art goes, it excels in its tactful line work and use of white space; even if you aren’t that interested in the narrative, just looking at the illustrations will carry you through the book!
May 2, 2020
I received a free advance reader PDF copy of this graphic novel. My opinions are entirely my own and have not been influenced in any way, and I am posting this review on Goodreads by my own choice.
I enjoyed this book. I thought I wasn't going to because it is in black and white and I had a little bit of trouble following the story until I got used to the style of art and the style of writing. The characters don't leave much to love about themselves. Most of them are just plain old bad people and their choices while pursuing power negatively impact their whole society.
The main character isn't bad. But he isn't much of anything either. He just kind of waits for people to tell him what to do and as he goes from one situation to another we learn about the past and present of the human race and how they got to where they are now. The story has an interactive aspect with QR codes that lead to bonus features like additional artwork, videos, and more information about the story.
What I found so engrossing about this graphic novel was my curiosity of how humanity was going to fare. Driven from Earth by an alien invasion, making a new home on another planet by invading the lands of the indigenous alien population, on the brink of extinction, civil unrest and a populace filled with fear and uncertainty, and people were still bickering and jockeying over who was going to be in charge.
The end felt like it came suddenly and I had to go back a few pages to make sure I didn't miss anything. But no, I had read it correctly. I couldn't believe it had ended that way. As I thought about it more however, I realized the artist had been taking the story there from the start.
I enjoyed this book. I thought I wasn't going to because it is in black and white and I had a little bit of trouble following the story until I got used to the style of art and the style of writing. The characters don't leave much to love about themselves. Most of them are just plain old bad people and their choices while pursuing power negatively impact their whole society.
The main character isn't bad. But he isn't much of anything either. He just kind of waits for people to tell him what to do and as he goes from one situation to another we learn about the past and present of the human race and how they got to where they are now. The story has an interactive aspect with QR codes that lead to bonus features like additional artwork, videos, and more information about the story.
What I found so engrossing about this graphic novel was my curiosity of how humanity was going to fare. Driven from Earth by an alien invasion, making a new home on another planet by invading the lands of the indigenous alien population, on the brink of extinction, civil unrest and a populace filled with fear and uncertainty, and people were still bickering and jockeying over who was going to be in charge.
The end felt like it came suddenly and I had to go back a few pages to make sure I didn't miss anything. But no, I had read it correctly. I couldn't believe it had ended that way. As I thought about it more however, I realized the artist had been taking the story there from the start.
April 28, 2020
„With such changes to the core of humanity, we have to ask ourselves… what does it mean to be human?“
Difficult question to answer. Though Bear serum provides ultimate healing ability and enhancement of power, it comes with a great threat of losing the human side. Following a story of Earth 2 with its threats and various levels of humanity seems realistic, spiced with ol‘ good politics games. To cover your own fault, shape the public opinion as you need. Using the media to support the dirty games reminds us their unlimited powers over humanity. Some things with humans never change and even when people of Earth 2 accepted (to some extent) Jawtings, they were convinced that unity is impossible and roaming monsters cannot be friends. Not even talking about being allies to fight against Martians.
Character of General Pine was influenced by pushing his science experiments too far, up to point he lost it. It was interesting to watch his development from his start to... SPOILER, read the book and you will know what I mean. The concept of Bear serum as soldier's power enhancer brought a topic of unnecessary downgrade of humankind to brain chip-implanted puppets. Technology can be useful in its core but it's prone to be misused to sick experiments and to unnecessary war.
Beside the story, I enjoyed the graphics and font of text. Also, story offers interaction within the pages through QR codes. It's like a real life experience, you are more than little a part of the story itself. This option pushed my reading experience further than usual and I am thankful to being part of it.
Difficult question to answer. Though Bear serum provides ultimate healing ability and enhancement of power, it comes with a great threat of losing the human side. Following a story of Earth 2 with its threats and various levels of humanity seems realistic, spiced with ol‘ good politics games. To cover your own fault, shape the public opinion as you need. Using the media to support the dirty games reminds us their unlimited powers over humanity. Some things with humans never change and even when people of Earth 2 accepted (to some extent) Jawtings, they were convinced that unity is impossible and roaming monsters cannot be friends. Not even talking about being allies to fight against Martians.
Character of General Pine was influenced by pushing his science experiments too far, up to point he lost it. It was interesting to watch his development from his start to... SPOILER, read the book and you will know what I mean. The concept of Bear serum as soldier's power enhancer brought a topic of unnecessary downgrade of humankind to brain chip-implanted puppets. Technology can be useful in its core but it's prone to be misused to sick experiments and to unnecessary war.
Beside the story, I enjoyed the graphics and font of text. Also, story offers interaction within the pages through QR codes. It's like a real life experience, you are more than little a part of the story itself. This option pushed my reading experience further than usual and I am thankful to being part of it.
May 7, 2020
Sci-fi graphic novel BEAR SERUM, by the extraordinarily creative (and perhaps SLIGHTLY insane) Kyle Fleischhacker, is the product of a hyperactive yet meticulous imaginative force. Humans, after leaving behind the Martian-annihilated Earth for Earth 2, now strive to survive on a new "green rock" divided into four domains of varying shades of bleakness and conflict. Action packed and consistently singular, the graphic narrative has a fresh contemporary feel, and none of the artwork or text seems anything less than thoroughly thought through and executed. Add to that the politics, monsters, media, and plenty of humor, along with brilliant panel sequencing and perspective in all senses of the word, and you've got one helluvan entertaining ride. I really enjoyed it, and was impressed by how much hard work obviously went into the project. I've read only a couple dozen graphic novels, but BEAR SERUM belongs on my shelf alongside the few I'd reread.
Note: I received an advance PDF copy of BEAR SERUM from the author. I don't know him personally, nor do I automatically give high praise to anyone who sends me their book. The author took a chance, and I like his work.
Note: I received an advance PDF copy of BEAR SERUM from the author. I don't know him personally, nor do I automatically give high praise to anyone who sends me their book. The author took a chance, and I like his work.
May 10, 2020
This was my first go with a graphic novel. Before I say anything about the story, let me stop and address the artwork. OMG! It’s amazing! Such a talented artist. I realize that’s kind of the whole deal with a graphic novel, but the art truly makes this story. Phenomenal!
Since this was my first graphic novel, I had a bit of a learning curve. I actually had to start over and read from page 1 once I figured out what the different “boxes” meant. But, once I got it figured out, I was hooked.
Set some time in the future, the story takes place in Earth 2, a new planet humans were forced to find after Martians attack. Sadly, the politics of power didn’t change when they started over. The evil villain is still trying to take over the world. There is a good moral argument buried in the disguise of battle.
Drama, heroes, and . . . bears? It’s a fun read and you’ll enjoy it. (And you’ll love just looking at the pictures.)
Since this was my first graphic novel, I had a bit of a learning curve. I actually had to start over and read from page 1 once I figured out what the different “boxes” meant. But, once I got it figured out, I was hooked.
Set some time in the future, the story takes place in Earth 2, a new planet humans were forced to find after Martians attack. Sadly, the politics of power didn’t change when they started over. The evil villain is still trying to take over the world. There is a good moral argument buried in the disguise of battle.
Drama, heroes, and . . . bears? It’s a fun read and you’ll enjoy it. (And you’ll love just looking at the pictures.)
May 5, 2020
Quirky and stylish graphic novel with lots of meat and good-crazy ideas. Trippy street-style art and a burly butt-kicking bear.
Will be reading Old Man Odyssey next!
Will be reading Old Man Odyssey next!
March 27, 2022
Bear Serum by author/artist Kyle Fleischhacker is a surreal tale of interspecies war on a world "colonised" by refugees from Earth. Driven from their homeworld by aggressive Martians, the people of Earth settle on a planet they call 'Earth 2', building underground levels to live in, away from the hostile native atmosphere. Also hostile are the native inhabitants - the jawtings - who wage a mostly ineffective guerrilla warfare against the invaders.
Young soldier Taran arrives on the planet and soon finds that dodging jawting patrols is not the only threat to the fragile subterranean Utopia. His superior, General Pine, has an interest in unethical experimentation, his goal the creation of super soldiers. One such method is 'bear serum' which turns the human subject into a great hulking beast...
The style of Bear Serum is very much on the alternative side, the artwork sketchy and expressionistic, bordering on the abstract at times. The pages are monochrome and interspersed with QR codes that send the reader to short video clips that add a little colour and music to the main story.
If you're looking for a conventional comic, this is most definitely not it. This is, instead, an almost hallucinatory trip into ever deeper layers of the creator's imagination. Like Orpheus on his quest, the reader descends with Taran into mysterious depths, the nightmarish Level 4 with its monster denizens, in search of the missing major's daughter.
It's quite a ride and a times it can get a bit bewildering. It won't be to everyone's taste, but with so many new creators continually emulating the same elements and style as the mainstream, it is great to see someone doing something different. At 211 pages it will keep you diverted for quite a while, never knowing what is going to appear around the next corner.
The interactive elements are a nice touch, adding extra dimensions to the reader's experience... so if you are looking for something out of the ordinary, this is certainly it. Science fiction is the perfect genre for experimental approaches, so give this a look for a fresh take on a journey into the unknown.
Young soldier Taran arrives on the planet and soon finds that dodging jawting patrols is not the only threat to the fragile subterranean Utopia. His superior, General Pine, has an interest in unethical experimentation, his goal the creation of super soldiers. One such method is 'bear serum' which turns the human subject into a great hulking beast...
The style of Bear Serum is very much on the alternative side, the artwork sketchy and expressionistic, bordering on the abstract at times. The pages are monochrome and interspersed with QR codes that send the reader to short video clips that add a little colour and music to the main story.
If you're looking for a conventional comic, this is most definitely not it. This is, instead, an almost hallucinatory trip into ever deeper layers of the creator's imagination. Like Orpheus on his quest, the reader descends with Taran into mysterious depths, the nightmarish Level 4 with its monster denizens, in search of the missing major's daughter.
It's quite a ride and a times it can get a bit bewildering. It won't be to everyone's taste, but with so many new creators continually emulating the same elements and style as the mainstream, it is great to see someone doing something different. At 211 pages it will keep you diverted for quite a while, never knowing what is going to appear around the next corner.
The interactive elements are a nice touch, adding extra dimensions to the reader's experience... so if you are looking for something out of the ordinary, this is certainly it. Science fiction is the perfect genre for experimental approaches, so give this a look for a fresh take on a journey into the unknown.
July 4, 2020
A fun science fiction tale worthy of reading!
While I haven’t read any this year I really enjoy graphic novels and when Kyle reached out asking me to review his I was excited to do so. Overall this was a wonderful story and I really enjoyed reading it!
One of the best parts of this story is throughout the book Fleischhacker has included QR codes which the reader can scan for additional content. These codes will take the reader to playlists, color panels (the story is rendered in black and white) and more. I loved having this digital element but they are by no means necessary to understand and enjoy the story.
QR codes aside Fleischhacker weaves an interesting story about humans, aliens and the fight to co-exist when the men in power would rather wage war.
While I found the story interesting and engaging there were times I felt lost and wanted additional information. The lack of that information did not detract from the story, but I think it would have added some clarity too. It’s important to note here that I do often miss things in graphic novels especially do to my dyslexia and ADHD. I read through Bear Serum twice but I may still have missed the context I was looking for and again, it did not detract from the overall story.
The art is always important to graphic novels and I loved the art for this one. It really set the tone for the story and I hope one day Fleischhacker can publish the book in full color.
I would definitely recommend this to science fiction lovers and graphic novel enthusiasts!
While I haven’t read any this year I really enjoy graphic novels and when Kyle reached out asking me to review his I was excited to do so. Overall this was a wonderful story and I really enjoyed reading it!
One of the best parts of this story is throughout the book Fleischhacker has included QR codes which the reader can scan for additional content. These codes will take the reader to playlists, color panels (the story is rendered in black and white) and more. I loved having this digital element but they are by no means necessary to understand and enjoy the story.
QR codes aside Fleischhacker weaves an interesting story about humans, aliens and the fight to co-exist when the men in power would rather wage war.
While I found the story interesting and engaging there were times I felt lost and wanted additional information. The lack of that information did not detract from the story, but I think it would have added some clarity too. It’s important to note here that I do often miss things in graphic novels especially do to my dyslexia and ADHD. I read through Bear Serum twice but I may still have missed the context I was looking for and again, it did not detract from the overall story.
The art is always important to graphic novels and I loved the art for this one. It really set the tone for the story and I hope one day Fleischhacker can publish the book in full color.
I would definitely recommend this to science fiction lovers and graphic novel enthusiasts!
September 17, 2020
Great Graphic Novel
This book was amazing! With the art, the QR code’s, and the messages within the texts, I honestly can’t pick what my favorite aspect is!
The art is great, even in the black and white pages I read. I found myself searching the pages for hidden words and pictures. It was a style I am not used to in my Graphic Novels, and I loved following it across the story.
The writing style is unique, but not in a bad way. Sometimes the thoughts read more as a list, or poem even, broken up in odd ways as if they were not finished thoughts. I feel like it fit the characters and the story so well though.
I enjoyed all the characters, it’s hard to pick whom to root for in this story haha!! I think I was rooting for the last bear soldier the entire time.
I feel like you could read into the texts as many different warnings and messages for future use with technology. It also shows that even the end of the world won’t stop the evil of politics and greed.
All in all a wonderful read! 5 stars!
This book was amazing! With the art, the QR code’s, and the messages within the texts, I honestly can’t pick what my favorite aspect is!
The art is great, even in the black and white pages I read. I found myself searching the pages for hidden words and pictures. It was a style I am not used to in my Graphic Novels, and I loved following it across the story.
The writing style is unique, but not in a bad way. Sometimes the thoughts read more as a list, or poem even, broken up in odd ways as if they were not finished thoughts. I feel like it fit the characters and the story so well though.
I enjoyed all the characters, it’s hard to pick whom to root for in this story haha!! I think I was rooting for the last bear soldier the entire time.
I feel like you could read into the texts as many different warnings and messages for future use with technology. It also shows that even the end of the world won’t stop the evil of politics and greed.
All in all a wonderful read! 5 stars!
August 31, 2020
Bear Serum is a futuristic graphic sci-fi novel where aliens meet humans, made complete with politicians and soldiers. The plot is action-packed and supported with eye-catching artwork.
Characters in this story are transported to different levels of the planet, Earth 2. Instead of smart phones, humans have mental chips stored in their brain which also receive push notifications from the central authority which alters their chance of survival. A bear serum is also developed to strengthen the human species while there is a battle to co-exist with other inhabitants.
The written content is punchy and a has a flow of events that move rather swiftly. This graphic novel includes QR codes which enhance the effects of the story. Highly recommended for sci-fi and comic book fans.
Characters in this story are transported to different levels of the planet, Earth 2. Instead of smart phones, humans have mental chips stored in their brain which also receive push notifications from the central authority which alters their chance of survival. A bear serum is also developed to strengthen the human species while there is a battle to co-exist with other inhabitants.
The written content is punchy and a has a flow of events that move rather swiftly. This graphic novel includes QR codes which enhance the effects of the story. Highly recommended for sci-fi and comic book fans.
May 7, 2020
A very simple, easy read with great graphics! Entering a future world of where the human civilization has to move to a different planet. A new planet shared with unknowns pushes humans to start performing experiments to find successful genetic mutations in strengthening the human species. The Bear Serum was developed but what are the consequences… Find out for yourself!
September 5, 2020
The artwork is absolutely fantastic and stylized.
The story is fantastic, though a bit choppy in places. All in all, a great read.
The story is fantastic, though a bit choppy in places. All in all, a great read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews