BRZRKR Vol. 1
- WRITER
- Matt Kindt, Keanu Reeves
- Artist
- Ron Garney
- Letterer
- Clem Robins
- Cover Artist
- Rafael Grampa
- Publisher
- BOOM! Studios
- Price
- 16.99
- Release Date
- 2021-09-29
- Colorist
- Bill Crabtree
It feels like Keanu Reeves is everywhere these days. As the face of the John Wick and Matrix film franchises, Reeves is one of the most in-demand actors on the planet. However, after lending his name and likeness to the scandalous Cyberpunk 2077, how would Reeves's first foray into comics go? As it turns out, quite well! BRZRKR is a fast-paced, action-packed series that shows the high cost of immortality. Reeves is joined by co-writer Matt Kindt and artist Ron Garney for a story that isn't afraid to show how deadly immortality can be. The first collection by BOOM! Studios contains the first four issues of the decade's best-selling comic and is tailor-made for fans looking for a thrill.
BRZRKR Vol. 1 focuses on Unute, an immortal warrior who works for the United States government. Unute was born 80,000 years ago into a tribe of nomadic people. One night, Unute's parents prayed to the gods for a weapon that they could use to survive against their enemies. The next day, Unute's mother became pregnant with him. As he grew up, Unute's family discovered that he had unique gifts and an intense bloodlust that he could channel in battle against others. But as Unute retells this story to his handler in the modern day, the only thing he wants is finally die.
While Reeves has been involved in film for decades, BRZRKR is the first time he has flexed his writing muscles. Kindt, his co-writer, is known for his work on Mind MGMT, Justice League of America and numerous Valiant titles. Together, the pair build a blood-soaked blockbuster as Unute reflects on his life's journey. The story of a weary warrior filled with regret is hardly revolutionary, but Reeves and Kindt shine a new light on this treasured trope. Unute is an engaging and sympathetic lead. His immortality is a curse that he never asked for and the weight of his past is slowly crushing him. The tragic reality that Unute will only be happy when he dies makes it so much more painful to watch him lose everything he holds dear. Though this is effectively Act One of the planned 12-issue run for BRZRKR, it's one hell of an opening.
Garney emulates Frank Miller's Sin City with rough, evocative linework that gives BRZRKR a carnal energy. Garney isn't afraid to get dark and violent with his art, with shocking displays of savagery. The series is filled with heart-stopping sequences, including a scene in the first issue where Unute literally stops a heart from beating.
Garney's art is substantially more powerful due to the immersive colors by Bill Crabtree. Crabtree often reduces to the action to two or three colors to make the moments more stylized. This creates a sensationalized perspective on the conflict and dramatically heightens the intensity of the violence without sacrificing Garney's detail. Crabtree is no stranger to gore and his work on some of Invincible's most brutal fights gave him the skills to master all the blood-splattered panels through this book.
After BRZRKR's sensational launch campaign, it should come as no surprise that the comic is already being adapted into both a movie and an anime series by Netflix. This works to the benefit of the comic, as it allows the creators to establish a world for others to play in and also showcases the unique strengths of this medium. They can manipulate and control things like pacing, lighting and empty space in ways that can't be found anywhere else.
BRZRKR Vol. 1 is a strong start to the biggest BOOM! Studios book to date. The work of Reeves, Kindt, Garney and the entire creative team is worth applauding and it will be fascinating to watch the absurd violence and inherent tragedy of the series unfold moving forward. While immortality may a curse for Unute, it is a blessing for fans who pick up BRZRKR.