BRZRKR #1
BOOM Studios
Written by: Keanu Reeves & Matt Kindt
Art by: Ron Garney
Colors by: Bill Crabtree
Following setbacks that led to the launch date being pushed back several months, BRZRKR #1 is finally upon us. The anticipation for Keanu Reeves’ first foray into comics has been extremely high, and BRZRKR #1 did not disappoint.
Co-written with Matt Kindt, BRZRKR #1 feels as though there is just one voice, with the story flowing seamlessly from panel to panel — which tells you something about the chemistry between Reeves and Kindt. While there was an artist change late in the process causing a lengthy delay, Ron Garney has stepped in and did a remarkable job illustrating the opening issue of this dark and gritty thriller.
BRZRKR #1 does it’s job perfectly, delivering an action-packed, blood-soaked story, while debuting a character that is compelling and mysterious, leaving the reader wanting more. Now, there’s still a lot to learn, but it feels as though BRZRKR is a cross between Jason Bourne and Wolverine — fearless, unbreakable, with a past that he can’t quite remember.
BRZRKR initially appears to be nothing more than a superhuman mercenary who will stop at nothing to complete his mission. However, hidden deep within lies a troubled soul trying to seek what it is that makes him human — something that seems to have been stolen from him by those needing his particular set of skills. Aside from being a mile-a-minute action thriller, Reeves and Kindt have created both a narrative and a character that goes beyond a simple badass mercenary story.
Overall BRZRKR #1 lives up to the hype and is more than just a celebrity slapping their name on a comic book to try and cash in on their brand recognition. This story has something for everyone between its viscous art and fantastic storytelling. It is going to be fascinating to see this story unfold and just where Reeves and Kindt take this character.