The Story of Vivol & Moon Bear – part seven
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August 11th, 2010

The Story of Vivol & Moon Bear – part seven

I’m almost afraid to leave the comments open for this one…

134 Abominable Comments!

  1. BabyCharmander

    …So that’s why she doesn’t talk.

    Wow, this one honestly shocked me. Poor moonbear…

  2. ShadowClad

    oh!

    Kick me in the gut why don’t ya!!
    (still loved the art … despite the kicked gut part)

  3. bdust

    Wow, unexpected. You are a masterful storyteller, and that next-to-last panel confirms your “director’s skill” as well. Nice zoom on that horror-filled eye.

  4. Oscar

    Wow! Was not expecting this – with a few panels Karl you took us there ….where do we go from here?

  5. sara

    ;_;

  6. Zelmor

    Vonnegut said that no matter how sweet and innocent your characters are, make awful things happen to them so that the reader would get to see what the characters are made of. I say you’re doing fine so far.

  7. hardreturn

    ah poop

  8. TheVWS

    The Robots have taken me. Please send help.

  9. Tama

    Mr Kerschl, this just made me very sad.

    Oh, Moon Bear… ;_;

  10. Ruby

    D: That’s so sad!

  11. beans86

    Mr Kerschl you better draw someone hugging moon bear very soon.

  12. Allan Turner

    That’s a horrible thing to happen but not a horrible thing to happen to a story. You continue to inspire.

  13. Lynn

    :( (( Now *I* cry!

  14. kamuishirou
  15. Mendr

    Oh, my gosh. This brought tears to my eyes.

    Your story is incredible, mister.

  16. M Kitchen

    What a cruel thing for you to do to poor little bear cub. How could the creator of this universe allow for such horrible things to happen!?

    (great comic strip by the way).

  17. FifiBleu

    Oh no! Poor little guy! Makes me rather sad…but great story as always!

  18. feste

    oh, my…

    Your storytelling and artwork is beautiful…

    …which makes strips like this hit home all the harder.

  19. jonny the homicidal drummer

    you have such a cruel side

    now we are all sad until next week

    or when something else distracts us

  20. se@n

    nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

  21. arkady62

    I’m crying

  22. ayanna

    so after we cry our eyes out this week, we’ll see charles kicking butt next week right? or sissy skunk’s posse of enforcers? or the loverbunny? something cheerful?

    please?

  23. Amanda

    I’m really hoping that Vivol takes his revenge on the guy who cut out Moon Bears tongue! :[

  24. Scott King

    Heart wrenching.

  25. Doc

    That is so unbelievably sad. I’m a cold person, seen my share of depravity in life but this brought a tear to my eye and a shudder to my heart.

    Incredible storytelling, sir.

  26. Lingo

    Do you actually need a tongue to cry? Does a bear?

  27. as363

    The silence screamed !

  28. Townsen

    bring me back

  29. Jim

    I guess Vivol needn’t have said “Shh” after all. :-(

  30. V2Blast

    WHAT.

    :(

  31. Mary-Meegan

    oh my gosh! D: i want to give moonbear a great big hug

  32. musicalfingers

    It’s strips like these that make me realize how invested I am in your characters. I had the same look on my face as Vivol when I read it.

  33. i-hate-socks

    i feel like i have a broken heart.
    like vivol.
    like the rest of your readers.
    musicalfingers took the words from me.

  34. Maxine MagicFox

    ……… -_-

  35. E-rip-mave

    So sad. D:

    F**ING PEOPLE. F**K THEM ALL. VIVOL. USE FURY SWIPE.

  36. Spetchi

    That is so sad! And the sad thing is stuff like this has most likely happened in real life… You’re really tugging at our heart strings.

  37. Mirenheart

    Awww! You make me sadfish

    >

  38. Ponyhome

    And today, Vivol is alone, and does not want to talk about love. I think things get worse for Moon Bear.

  39. Orion Fury

    Can’t form words to express feelings for what I just read. So, good storytelling. Glad I came across this comic a few months ago.

  40. Ollie

    That makes all of the previous installments of Vivol & Moon bear so much sadder…beautiful, in such a tragic tragic way.

  41. TheBrigeedaRocks

    @Lingo: Even if you don’t need a tongue to cry (or cry out, as I’m assuming in this case), do YOU think you’d make another sound again if it meant getting something else chopped off?

    Keep up the good work Mr. Kerschl. I was as shocked as Vivol when I read this strip.

  42. Fenris_Lupin

    Thank you so much Mr.Kerschl this is the last thing I will see before I go to bed. That is if I can sleeep after seeing this. Why do you keep throwing us curve balls like that? The only thing that could make this any sadder would be Townsen coming to comfort her.
    (but this is a great comic. Never before has something so small like a web comic made me actually sit infront of my computer and weep.)

  43. Roa

    @Lingo: Haha, good point. Although, it was doubled as a punishment for crying and a deterrent for future wailing.

    Ah, but still. What a heartbreaking strip. Jeez. Karl is such a good storyteller.

  44. Razor

    Those wretches. I thought perhaps Moon Bear was silent out of emotional trauma…not this. I gasped aloud when I read this, prompting my husband to ask if I ws ok…

    Oh Vivol. What are you going to do?

  45. Mary Ellen

    Oh no no no no…

  46. jon

    What the …???? Jeezuz…

  47. Murgatroyd666

    Humans often are not particularly humane. Check out the Wikipedia article on bear-baiting — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_baiting

  48. snowgods

    if you’ll excuse my French… Bâtards

  49. MeisterJ

    Hmm, I just re-read all of the Vivol strips, this made much more sense. It’s all so sad. I’m interested in how Vivol gets out. I love this comic immensely and look forward to it every week.

    Thank you for making such an interesting and thought provoking comic.

  50. Oraxia

    That… that is abominable D:

    Even more so because I know that sort of thing actually does happen to animals in the real world T_T

  51. Elle

    Oh that’s so horrible!
    You’re going to make everyone cry Karl!
    You should definitely set up some kind of charity for the welfare of animals Karl, you’d gain so many followers instantly!

  52. Wood

    Oh no !

  53. Timothy

    T_T

  54. KJF

    Oh my god ! That’s awful !

  55. Jambe

    Great strip. You, sir, know how to twist the knife once it’s in there.

    tbh I read through the comments with much interest, hoping for some really great responses from people who blur the line between fantasy and reality a bit too much for their own good…

    A few delivered. I look forward to more gold.

  56. Queeny

    I love this comic. I religiously read it every week since I first discovered it. I’ve laughed out loud quite a few times… but this has made be cry a little. (Though I was very sad when Townsen died too). I don’t think any other comic has ever made me so emotional. You have a real gift.

  57. Lun

    So, you don’t want an italian translation for this? Oh well, as you wish!

  58. Molly

    I’m utterly heart broken and speachless right now. Karl, I want to smack you for doing that to Moonbear but I also want to cry on your shoulder.

  59. Ketira

    Oh
    ye
    gods…… that had me shocked too.

    And yet, similar cruelty still goes on in this world…. and not just to animals. I am glad that there are organizations that will help others instead of harm…. and again, I don’t mean just for animals.

    I agree with the others, Karl; you are a Master storyteller. You just use pictures as well as words when you “write”. May your deity Bless you….

  60. Usivius

    ditto.
    and ditto on the “moonbear hugging soon needed” thing…

  61. Usivius

    wait … omg .. can Cahrles be the one to change moonbear’s situation?…

  62. foducool

    this calls for revenge, ’cause in soviet russia, bears cut your tongue

  63. Rob T

    “…we must leave place in our hearts for revenge”

  64. Adam

    it’s a steep price, but how else are we gunna get bears in the circus?

    you are as always a great story teller, Karl. I am eager to see how it all culminates.

  65. Kobble

    Poor Moon Bear! That’s heartbreaking! *cries*

  66. PonderThis

    Dear Karl, you made me feel sad. :(

  67. Kar

    Oh geez Karl, I was so excited to get back to the story of Vivol and Moon Bear that I squealed. Then you sucker punched us. Poor, poor Moon Bear. I’m seeing a very disturbing trend here that’s going to lead to her being Vivol’s spirit guide in the woods.

    Oh, and here’s a recent article on Karl and our favorite sasquatch-skunk-bear-owl-townson-etc: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=27745

    BTW Karl, you were robbed!

  68. Jaya Lakshmi

    Wow- ditto on the sucker punch. But this is good storytelling. Thank you for giving me the courage to tackle some serious stories in my own webcomic when the time comes.

  69. Shok Xone Studios

    DAMN.

  70. corina

    *sniffle*

  71. Cesare

    7 panels of sheer artistry. Kudos Karl.

  72. Bat-Snake

    I guess we can all be thankful that circuses have heavily evolved since then. I really don’t buy PETA’S bull (lol) after what they’ve done.

  73. KS Claw

    *CRIES* poor little Moonbear ;A;

  74. Annie

    Don’t be afraid to leave open comments. The truth of the matter is that it just adds drama to the story. It’s not like you’re going around promoting that type of thing. If people can’t handle that then that’s their problem. Your comic strip has a great balance of funny and serious which is why so many people love it. You do a great job :)

  75. bethany

    I have come to realize the reason I love this strip is that I see a little bit of you in each character.

  76. AngryBuddhist

    Great story.

  77. Thomas

    Hello Karl, in addition to my “Bambi moment” and my “Townsen moment” I now suffer from a “Moon bear moment”.

    Please leave the comments open. I read many web comics, and some barely are commented on at all. The comments I’ve seen show that your story and your art touch a great number of people (none of which uses offensive language – may they all buy the book!)

    Reading TACC is sheer bliss, even if it is sometimes disturbing.

  78. Argent Stonecutter

  79. Taekwondodo

    Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…

  80. Dr. Pie

    When I hear about situations like this, when the human is the last thing we should be called and abuse of animals like this, I feel shame and anger. I saw some pics of some Chinese basterds taking the skin off some animals while they were still alive…

    I just read that in 2 cities of Spain the bullfighting is forbidden now. That’s what I call a good start.

    Charles, please save Moonbear!

  81. Perro Triste

    My God, this is wonderfully sad. Of course I shed a tear or two.

  82. Draco

    I really don’t know what to say..
    I can only eagerly wait to see where everything leads.

  83. PaleCorbie

    I fear for the wife.

  84. Jamie

    I know its not in keeping with the tone of the strip, but can we see Vivol go on a roaring rampage of revenge?

  85. Yu Huo

    This would be heartrending even without your beautiful artwork to grace it with expression like only you can do. This is powerful work, sir, with truth behind it.

  86. Lyon

    Visceral.

    Bravo.

  87. werepixi

    You are a master storyteller beyond compare Karl. Even if I am torn between the desire to cry or go on a murderess rampage of the circus people

  88. Ardid

    Wow… that’s what implacable means…

  89. Lurial

    ;_; Good lordy, you’re an amazing storyteller. I hope Vivol gets his vengeance!

  90. Mo

    Like all others, this really did hit
    I didn’t see this coming at all! You are an amazing storyteller!

  91. bownem42

    Poor moon bear, and Vivol, he loves her so much and now to learn that! I wholeheartedly agree with th 2nd to last panel

  92. bownem42

    Poor moon bear, and Vivol, he loves her so much and now to learn that! I wholeheartedly agree with the 2nd to last panel

  93. fishboy

    Wow. Chilling..

  94. Sean da Doc

    Remarkable. You are becoming a master storyteller before our eyes.

  95. preston

    hey Karl, nice job giving Vivol a new layer of character, this was a really great way to show why Vivol was so fearful of human’s way back towards the beginning of the series, can’t wait to see Charles show those nature-r*ping humans who’s boss!

  96. musicalfingers

    I remembered this strip…one of the first times we see Moon Bear:
    http://www.abominable.cc/2007/12/12/25/

    She is whole again even if she is a spirit.

  97. mmgood

    Oh, my, Karl. You really got me.

  98. Gabrek

    This explains… alot.
    Being a drunk, Russian animal lover, my feelings are rather torn at the moment.

  99. Rayna

    Is that the ringmaster? I look forward to the day he gets his reckoning. Until then, I’ll be dreaming sweet images of death for him.

  100. Vashra

    The person who says what he did to Moonbear – he dies whimpering in some future strip, right?…. right?

  101. karl

    Hi, everyone!
    I’m relieved that you guys liked this episode – I’ve had this backstory in mind for Vivol and Moon Bear for a while and didn’t know when to reveal this portion of it.
    @musicalfingers – good for you for spotting the early reference!!

    -karl

  102. Protelio

    great strorytelling! And now is time for the bears to strike back…. enough is enough…

  103. demonic.cheshire

    ;-;

  104. Chairman Now

    You made me cry. Really.

    Just amazing stuff.

  105. Gryphon

    AUGH! Yeah. Gutkick. Beautiful work, I really can’t describe how much I love this comic/story/series/creation.

  106. Argent Stonecutter

    This, unfortunately, really puts the comments from recent strips about “please don’t kill the smart-alec dog” into perspective. No matter what we’re afraid Karl will do to his characters, he can still top it.

  107. Tigerlady

    Wow! I have to say I was certainly not expecting this, but it makes sense. I felt sad, but at the same time it gave me the creeps to read that sentence and sent chills down my spine. I can’t say I like it, but I can’t say I dislike it, either. The emotion you portray in Vivol just makes it so much better. Now, I’m interested in seeing how they escape, and what happens next. Keep up the great work, Karl!

  108. kschenke

    The 2nd to last panel is simply heartbreaking. :(

  109. Barn0wl

    @musicalfingers – before I forget; thank you for the link to the earlier reference! It certainly sets up this weeks comic.

    Karl; My most favorite authors have the power to stir up the emotions. Real life is so complex that only some few authors and artists can really portray the depths involved. To be able to portray all of the joys as well as the sorrows and horrors of life takes someone special. I have to rank you with those very special people. You are a true artist when you can bring about such laughter and joy in our hearts, but still be able to reveal the dark side of life in this way.

    As I’m chiming in late to this discussion, many of the things I would’ve commented on have already been said. Still, I have to say that, like so many others, I shed some tears for Moonbear. I also felt the horror that Vivol feels (and I love the way you showed it to us). But I also love the look on Moonbear’s face, she appears to simply continue looking down, sad, even embarassed about Vivol hearing this?

    Yes, you are a master. Thank you.

  110. mmgood

    OMG, Karl! IN “HEAVEN”, SHE GETS HER TONGUE BACK. Wow….

  111. mrsirr

    Dr. Pie thats horrible!
    also
    I’m sad now D:
    moonbear vivol and I are very displeased ):I

  112. Chutkat

    Of all the things I was thinking, I never imagined this. Truly epic.

  113. Vashra

    Had to comment again after going to check musicalfingers’ link. Absolutely brilliant storytelling. I just realized that the referenced link is one comic after the one with Townsend rattling on at CC…just like the duckling will do later…..

  114. ultimatewolf

    I have followed comics, cartoon strips, animation of all kinds since I was a small boy. At 50 I don’t get easily impressed or suprised by much in the art world.
    I am impressed. I am plesantly suprised and I am a big fan of your work.
    I must say that I look forward to seeing a picture of Vivol’s eye, an angry eye with the reflection of a man in it. A man having one of “life’s problems”. A screaming, crying man. A man that Vivol has “a solution” for.

  115. Kronon

    What an absolutely heartbreaking, yet powerful insight.

  116. Barn0wl

    Oh no. . . I had a very small epiphany of sorts. Now I’m even sadder than before. MusicalFingers linked us to: http://www.abominable.cc/2007/12/12/25/

    It leads me to only one conclusion about Moonbear . . . She is whole now, but she is also on the other side.

  117. Sequential | Canadian Comics News & Culture

    [...] The Pointer Always Sniffs Twice – Karl Kerschl’s The Abominable Charles Christopher. I love drawing dogs.  This is from earlier in the month, the current strip is The Story of Vivol & Moon Bear – part seven. [...]

  118. Argent Stonecutter

    @BarnOwl: o_O

  119. Jimstick

    ಥ_ಥ

  120. Cosmic

    ….stop making me cry. D:
    But it’s kinda sad to think things like this are actually happening out there… *shakes head*

  121. enderAK

    I registered so I could post this comment: I went back through the archive and read every Vivol strip, and now I have tears streaming down my face. I haven’t cried in over 3 years, and that was when I lost my grandfather to leukemia. God damn you. I love you. Please let there be some justice in this world that you have created, my heart cannot take much more of this.

  122. Kabuki

    :-( Poor Moon Bear!

  123. WarPig

    Maybe this is where Vivol becomes enraged, breaks out of his cage, and disembowels the cruel humans, then setting Moon Bear free to go find her tribe.

  124. Yu Huo

    @musicalfingers: Oh. Oh oh oh. She has her tongue. She has her tongue.

  125. Rhio2k

    Oh…f*bleep*…THAT…sh*bleep*t! That dude would be on my “must maul” list.

  126. Matt

    sigh…

    http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/04/escaped-circus-bear-shot.php

  127. Cathy Shen

    Moonbear died didn’t she?
    ….
    That would explain how she could lick Vivol in a previous strip.
    ….
    :’(

  128. hclark

    …. good job – that got me in the heart

  129. ketsuo

    cut her tongue? poor thing =(

  130. Greg

    This strip sold me on your entire comic series. I was flipping through your archive after following a link from pvponline. When I read this comic, I had to find the rest.

    I did a search and read the whole Vivol and Moon Bear story arc. It touched me deeply — almost reducing me to tears. I went back and started reading your entire strip from the beginning and fell in love. I’ll be ordering the first volume here soon.

  131. free psychic reading for love

    Life begins at forty.

  132. Zusa

    I happened to stumble upon this webcomic (from para-ten I think?) and always thought Moon Bear would someday speak – but to know that she’s mute because they cut her tongue out? Shocking!

    Still, it makes me want to read on to see what happens next.

  133. butterflied412

    OMG!

  134. WhisperPntr

    I’m definitely a big fan and tbh, I’m not surprised at the acts of animal cruelty. It happens to every animal.

    One of my favorite animal web comics by far.

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