Łukasz Majcher / Comic Artist

In the bear community it always shows what they like, a part likes bear parties, others like the geek universe and others like XXX videos between them. But let's just say that we rarely find some who are into "superhero comics", especially Americans. Before we didn't talk about a "hero bear" until a person arrived who gave an idea of making a character with the face of most bears that have a normal biotype.

Łukasz Majcher, creator of Power Bear , who recently released the second edition is our interviewee of the time. He currently resides in Berlin (capital of Germany), talks about this character to show the feelings not represented in the world of superheroes, especially those within the LGBTQIA+ community.

In the interview he will show some of his personal and professional life and other subjects about the bear community in Europe. In a world of muscular, statuesque heroes, Power Bear is bringing mental body positivity and health discussions to the queer community.

How did it inspire you to create a character as all-bear hero trait?

I've been a comic book fan since I learned to read. And then my attention was drawn to muscular heroes in tight costumes that emphasized their sexiest parts of the body. Unfortunately, there were hardly any bears in the comics. That's why I decided to create a character that I always wanted to see. However, Power Bear is not only a hairy guy with a beard in a shiny costume. His story is based on the experiences of my partner Stefan. Due to the fact that he is also a big bear, it was even more motivation to create a comic with such a hero.

Tell us a little more about your "Power Bear" project.

The main character is Max, an office worker from Berlin, who leads a not entirely happy life. He's attractive and has a nice boyfriend, but has been struggling with depression for a while. He sees himself as a loser. In addition, a new crisis appeared in the world: queer people began to gain superpowers, which many individuals, especially those with populist views, did not like. In the first issue we learned that Max also has superpowers. But to learn how it happened you have to read a second installment. I've always liked stories with a hint of mystery. I watched the series LOST passionately, and finding puzzles and possible scenario solutions was a lot of fun for me. Speaking of inspiration: Power Bear combines all my favorite genres like comedy, science fiction and superhero stuff.

Isn't your art erotic, knowing that most bears prefer to see pictures of naked bears, which led you to plan something different in the "Power Bear" project?

My hero shows up naked in a few pages. There is even a small sex scene in the second issue, which is, however, humorous in nature. That's why it's hard to call my comic erotic. There is enough of this type of content on the internet that I decided to create something else. I also wanted the comic to be liked not only by bears, but also by "regular readers". Power Bear is not all about action and explosions. Primarily, it's a story about trauma and depression, problems that not only queer people struggle with.

If the character were to fight in the war between Ukraine and Russia as a mercenary, which country would he fight and why?

First of all, I don't want my superhero to kill people who follow the orders of one insane person. Instead, Power Bear would go directly to those responsible for the war and use his powers to show them the suffering they have caused. Yes, Power Bear can do that.

We rarely see comic book projects in today's world (few we have seen is in the United States that has a passion for hero stories), how to assess people's worldwide interest in this comic universe?

It's not entirely true. There are tons of comic books that are not only entertaining but also considered works of literature. The comic is also an ideal forum for expressing feelings and opinions. Many queer people find their niche in this medium as well. I know, of course, many people who have never read a single comic in their lives, but nowadays interest in it has grown significantly

How was your coming to the city of Berlin?

I came to Berlin seven years ago and was living with my ex-partner. The beginnings were difficult. I didn't know the language very well and it was hard for me to find a good job. But at the same time, I rediscovered my passion for drawing. As a teenager, I wanted to study art but my plans failed and for a long time I believed that I was not talented enough. Berlin showed me that everything is possible and so I fulfilled my dream of creating comics. It is also thanks to my mother and Stefan, who constantly cheered me on.

You are not adept at showing yourself shirtless on your social media, do you think you are shy not to expose yourself sexually?

Well, I've never felt the need to show my body on the internet, which doesn't mean I deny such lifestyle. However, the reason for this is more complex. I don't like to mix the themes of my body and my work together. I want people to read my comic book because they like it... and not because they like me, haha.

Germany is more open to LGBTQIA+ public, how to live in a country where people have more freedom of expression?

I have been living here long enough that it is difficult for me to imagine a return to my homeland. In Germany, I feel free and can be myself. It was this country that gave me the courage to publish a comic book about a gay superhero. If I did it in Poland, I would have some concerns. Not out of fear for my life, because, contrary to popular opinion, Poland is more tolerant than the media say, but because it is still a big topic there. It's like having to come out again and again. Here you are gay and that's the end of the story.

The "Power Bear" edition is in its second edition, what's your perspective on this release!

In the second issue, I allowed myself to experiment more. The story is also much more compact. It seems to me that I managed to achieve a balance between the action and the drama. This time I also went deeper into Max's mind. This will give the people a better understanding of why Max has become the man he is now. I hope readers will appreciate my efforts to make a better comic book.

Currently some countries condemn homosexuality, what do you feel about discrimination?

I have always found it ridiculous to forbid something that has always been in nature. People who outlaw homosexuality will never win. People like us have been and will always be in society. I have a message for people who live in such a country: you are not alone.

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