BRZRKR REVIEW

As the best-selling comic of the 2020s so far, with a staggering 600,000+ copies sold even before its official release date, BRZRKR Volume One was eagerly anticipated by fans. Co-written by Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt, with artwork by Ron Garney and colored by Bill Crabtree, this comic promises a unique blend of action, mythology, and intrigue.

The premise centers around B, a half-mortal, half-god killing machine who has existed for centuries. In exchange for cooperating with the U.S. government, B seeks the truth about how to end his own existence after a lifetime of carnage and bloodshed. Sounds intriguing, right? Reminds me of my favorite video game, Mortal Kobat.

However, despite the A-list names attached and the excellent premise, BRZRKR #1 falls slightly short of the hype. Here’s why:

1. Wolverine Vibes: In the opening pages, there are striking similarities between B (or “Berserker,” as he’s named) and Marvel’s claw-popping mutant. Both share a slightly shaggy appearance and a general sense of being outsiders. Berserker is portrayed as a nigh-unstoppable killing machine, much like Wolverine. Then, again Wolverine is Keanu's favorite comic book character. This may have been planned for reference to B's creation.

2. Violence and Detachment: Page after page, we witness Berserker mowing down enemies in creative ways. The violence is aggressive yet dispassionate, setting it apart from Wolverine’s more emotional approach. Garney’s artwork captures this detached brutality effectively. If this was a movie, it would put Wes Craven to shame.

3. Sparse Dialogue: BRZRKR One relies heavily on visual storytelling. Most of the “story” unfolds through artwork, with sporadic disembodied narration. While this approach adds to the comic’s unique style, it doesn’t offer much substance.

In summary, if I were to describe BRZRKR One in one impression, it would be “Wolverine with some Hollywood glam.” While it doesn’t shy away from violence, it maintains a certain hollowness that underscores the monstrous nature of its protagonist.So, if you’re a fan of action-packed comics and intrigued by the immortal warrior trope, give BRZRKR a shot. Just be prepared for a wild ride that leaves you questioning what it truly means to be a killing machine.