Title BRZRKR #1
Publisher BOOM!
Words Matt Kindt, Keanu Reeves
Art Ron Garney
Colors Bill Crabtree
Published March 3, 2021
Publisher’s Summary “The man known only as Berzerker is half-mortal and half-God, cursed and compelled to violence… even at the sacrifice of his sanity. But after wandering the world for centuries, Berzerker may have finally found a refuge — working for the U.S. government to fight the battles too violent and too dangerous for anyone else. In exchange, Berzerker will be granted the one thing he desires — the truth about his endless blood-soaked existence… and how to end it.”
Review
The voice over narrative of BRZRKR prompts his reflection and flashback as to what he is and what he wants. Not just a super-soldier and not really a god, he wants the seemingly impossible and remembers all too much. The story isn’t really about his missions (centuries of violence tend to bleed together into an unending conflict), but rather about his capacity for change.
BRZRKR is a brooding tale of the possible redemption of a god-like super-soldier whose strength relies on his all too human conscience. Matt Kindt and Keanu Reeves take the familiar archetype and add depth, making the Berzerker a sympathetic character despite his penchant for extreme violence. Additionally, the cinematic quality of the narrative shows Reeves has more input that just slapping his name on the cover, and it truly enhances the tale.
Ron Garney and Bill Crabtree take full advantage of the visual approach, telling a story that needs no words and yet is wholly blended with them in a superior collaborative effort.
The Bottom Line
BRZRKR is a violent tale of a god-like super-soldier who craves to be more human and, maybe, a release from his endless struggle. There is more than brutality to the story of this immortal. And yes, whoa, this is excellent.
