BRZRKR #1: I Guess It’s Dead This Time

The exciting debut of Keanu Reeves’ first comic book as a writer is here, thanks in no small part to veteran Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, Bill Crabtree and Clem Robins. After a Kickstarter campaign that rocked the comic world bringing Reeves’ star power to the industry for a total of over $1.4 million raised, the first issue has hit shelves and it is nothing short of explosive.

I hope you’re ready.

The story is rather straightforward. A man with no name, only known as Berzerker is working with the United States government as an immortal weapon, doing the dirty work that they either can’t or won’t do themselves. In this premise, Reeves and Kindt find a narrative that lets the action take the spotlight, delivering a thrilling reading experience that captures an intense blockbuster feel all the way through. The main character, no doubt based on the likeness of Reeves and his own most popular characters like John Wick and Neo, carries the issue almost singlehandedly on a violence-filled mission filled with gore, guns and relentless killing.

This isn’t a comic for the faint of heart because when the violence hits, it hits very hard. It feels like a natural culmination between Marvel’s Punisher and Valiant’s Bloodshot but with a slightly new approach to try and keep things fresh. Is it enough to differentiate it from what we’ve seen in comics before? That remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, this is an experience that feels catered to comics in specific and the first issue of BRZRKR is all the better for it. The edge-of-your-seat action and can’t-look-away brutality that now iconic franchises like John Wick brought fans is more apparent than ever in BRZRKR #1. It’s a nonstop high-octane experience that just doesn’t happen enough in comics.

While the plot might have some familiar undertones and lack specific pivotal twists in the first issue, there is no denying it is a strong setup to kick off the series. What is lost in narrative depth is more than made up with some truly spectacular visuals. Garney and Crabtree present a slew of savage panels you likely won’t be forgetting anytime soon. From the Berzerker’s mission with the U.S to the pill that wipes his memory and the traumatic experiences of his long-lasting life, the artwork carries the story with a strong understanding of what is needed from such a fast-paced story.

Though letterer Clem Robins doesn’t have a substantial amount of work in the letters, this issue is all about subtlety in the execution of small details so that the remarkably unsubtle overarching narrative packs an important punch. Robins helps readers navigate the intensity with decisive placement in the letters helping it to be a more enjoyable reading experience overall.

After such a powerful performance in the Kickstarter, I would by lying if I said the expectations for this book weren’t quite high. While expectations and execution are certainly separate, I was very pleased with what the first issue of BRZRKR #1 delivered. It isn’t exactly a story unlike anything we’ve ever seen in comics, but it checks all the right boxes for a high-octane experience with everything you want in a first issue.

BOOM! undoubtedly has a new hit on their hands with BRZRKR, the only question now is, where do we go next with this immortal warrior fighting back memories from ages ago that continue to haunt him? While so much remains to be seen, this is an issue that any fan will want to experience, whether it’s your first or thousandth comic so add BRZRKR to your pull list today and don’t miss out!