BRZRKR #3 Review
Writers: Keanu Reeves & Matt Kindt
Artist: Ron Garney
Colours: Bill Crabtree
Letters: Clem Robins
Now that we’ve been introduced to our Berserker, and learned where he came from, this third issue takes a good look at his youth. Fully grown after two seasons. An unstoppable killing machine. His father is using him to destroy neighbouring tribes, potential threats before they attack, and consolidating their position. This issue takes a good look at what shaped him into the character we’ve met today. Was he born like this? Or was he shaped into this killer. He may have been born with an almost unquenchable rage but does that define him? Or is it his upbringing? Could he have been more than just a killer? Is there a difference between a warrior defending his tribe, rather than actively seeking out potential threats?
The story works on several levels. While we’re learning more of his upbringing and past it’s also a learning curve for the scientists working on understanding him, who are also manipulating him for their own insidious devices. It’s hard not to feel sorry for our hero, who has been used since his birth, manipulated by people he trusts into destroying their enemies. He didn't ask to be brought into this world. It’s a dark, action packed story filled with over-the-top violence, but it contains a surprising amount of heart for a story which on the surface would appear to be a standard Keanu action movie.
Speaking of Keanu, it’s clear to see his involvement with the project, not just in his likeness but the way he holds himself. It’s difficult to imagine a better Reeves in comic form. But it’s not just the physical resemblance, it’s the dialogue. It’s not difficult to hear it spoken in Reeves' voice. This project is just demanding an adaptation at some point, and there is a rumoured Netflix series on the way.
Ron Garney doesn’t shy away from the over the top, brutal violence that the series is becoming renowned for. From the very first page there are bodies everywhere, blood and dismembered limbs, decapitated heads, and yet more blood. And at the bottom of the page we can see Reeves, sorry, BRZRKR, cutting a bloody swathe through his enemies. The violence doesn’t let up either, as we get to see him unleash his fury and smite those who oppose him. But it's the quieter moments that really shine as well. The innocence in the Berserkers blood soaked face. It's really well done and each page looks fantastic.
The colours are also well done, Bill Crabtree does a great job with them. Whether it’s the striking blue colour of the Berserkers eyes when he’s on a rampage, a sharp contrast from his normal browns, or whether it’s the bright red of arterial blood flying limbs are detached, or the contrast between the tribe in late evening and the fire lit interior of their huts afterwards, the colours look great throughout.
This is the kind of comic, with a name as big as Keanu Reeves, that has the potential to draw non comic readers in. And with the intriguing story and excellent art has the kind of pulling power to not only keep these non comic book readers, but also to open their eyes to other comics. Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt have crafted an excellent story here, where readers can’t help but sympathise for the Berserker, while worrying what is in store for his future. The art is fantastic throughout, there’s plenty to recommend about this comic.
Artist: Ron Garney
Colours: Bill Crabtree
Letters: Clem Robins
Now that we’ve been introduced to our Berserker, and learned where he came from, this third issue takes a good look at his youth. Fully grown after two seasons. An unstoppable killing machine. His father is using him to destroy neighbouring tribes, potential threats before they attack, and consolidating their position. This issue takes a good look at what shaped him into the character we’ve met today. Was he born like this? Or was he shaped into this killer. He may have been born with an almost unquenchable rage but does that define him? Or is it his upbringing? Could he have been more than just a killer? Is there a difference between a warrior defending his tribe, rather than actively seeking out potential threats?
The story works on several levels. While we’re learning more of his upbringing and past it’s also a learning curve for the scientists working on understanding him, who are also manipulating him for their own insidious devices. It’s hard not to feel sorry for our hero, who has been used since his birth, manipulated by people he trusts into destroying their enemies. He didn't ask to be brought into this world. It’s a dark, action packed story filled with over-the-top violence, but it contains a surprising amount of heart for a story which on the surface would appear to be a standard Keanu action movie.
Speaking of Keanu, it’s clear to see his involvement with the project, not just in his likeness but the way he holds himself. It’s difficult to imagine a better Reeves in comic form. But it’s not just the physical resemblance, it’s the dialogue. It’s not difficult to hear it spoken in Reeves' voice. This project is just demanding an adaptation at some point, and there is a rumoured Netflix series on the way.
Ron Garney doesn’t shy away from the over the top, brutal violence that the series is becoming renowned for. From the very first page there are bodies everywhere, blood and dismembered limbs, decapitated heads, and yet more blood. And at the bottom of the page we can see Reeves, sorry, BRZRKR, cutting a bloody swathe through his enemies. The violence doesn’t let up either, as we get to see him unleash his fury and smite those who oppose him. But it's the quieter moments that really shine as well. The innocence in the Berserkers blood soaked face. It's really well done and each page looks fantastic.
The colours are also well done, Bill Crabtree does a great job with them. Whether it’s the striking blue colour of the Berserkers eyes when he’s on a rampage, a sharp contrast from his normal browns, or whether it’s the bright red of arterial blood flying limbs are detached, or the contrast between the tribe in late evening and the fire lit interior of their huts afterwards, the colours look great throughout.
This is the kind of comic, with a name as big as Keanu Reeves, that has the potential to draw non comic readers in. And with the intriguing story and excellent art has the kind of pulling power to not only keep these non comic book readers, but also to open their eyes to other comics. Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt have crafted an excellent story here, where readers can’t help but sympathise for the Berserker, while worrying what is in store for his future. The art is fantastic throughout, there’s plenty to recommend about this comic.
A Look Inside
