BRZRKR #4 Review
Writers: Keanu Reeves & Matt Kindt
Artist: Ron Garney
Colours: Bill Crabtree
Letters: Clem Robins
The fourth issue of BRZRKR marks the end of the first story arc and it wraps up a number of threads as well as setting up the next storyline. A large part of this story has been introducing us to Unute, his current role with the U.S. Government, and his history through a series of flashbacks. It feels like the story of his unusual birth and upbringing has reached a natural conclusion by the end of this issue, and it frees the story up going forward to focus on current events. His story is more tragic than readers had realized prior to this, and it's no wonder that he has grown into the man he is today.
For a story about an immortal berserker this comic has a surprising amount of heart. Watching his parents argue over him. To his father he was nothing more than a weapon, a tool to protect their tribe. Only as time went on that changed, greed began to take over and Unute was being used for more than just defending his tribe. His mother could see the toll it was taking on him, and she worried as a mother would. Watching this play out, the two competing for the best way to raise him, with his innocence showing, a stark contrast to his violent tendencies.
It's interesting, watching our titular BRZRKR in the modern day story. He knows he's being used, that the government are only interested in him for the possible application to create an army of super soldiers. Yet despite this he continues to help them. Knowing what being an immortal soldier entails, he still continues to help for the possibility that they can help him and find a cure to his immortality. Before this issue not too much is revealed about Diana, the psychiatrist who has been trying to help him unlock his memories. It was apparent to the reader that she was manipulating him for her own gains, and that of her employer, but this issue shows there is more to her character than we previously realised. It'll be interesting to see what direction Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt take her story in the next arc.
It continues to be an over the top, super violent action thriller. Ron Garney is the perfect artist to bring that to life, and the ultra graphic violence contrasts nicely with the quieter scenes which bookend the story. There is a scene near the end of the flashback that is horrifying, not just for the brutality on the page but for the look in Unutes eyes as it happens. It's well done and an excellent storytelling beat from all of the creators involved.
It's clear that Keanu Reeves first foray into the world of comic books has created something special, and teaming with the talented Matt Kindt has created a story which at first glance is just an action filled comic, but on closer inspection is surprisingly nuanced and subtle. The art is fantastic and does a great job of capturing both the over the top brutality and the quieter moments as well.
Artist: Ron Garney
Colours: Bill Crabtree
Letters: Clem Robins
The fourth issue of BRZRKR marks the end of the first story arc and it wraps up a number of threads as well as setting up the next storyline. A large part of this story has been introducing us to Unute, his current role with the U.S. Government, and his history through a series of flashbacks. It feels like the story of his unusual birth and upbringing has reached a natural conclusion by the end of this issue, and it frees the story up going forward to focus on current events. His story is more tragic than readers had realized prior to this, and it's no wonder that he has grown into the man he is today.
For a story about an immortal berserker this comic has a surprising amount of heart. Watching his parents argue over him. To his father he was nothing more than a weapon, a tool to protect their tribe. Only as time went on that changed, greed began to take over and Unute was being used for more than just defending his tribe. His mother could see the toll it was taking on him, and she worried as a mother would. Watching this play out, the two competing for the best way to raise him, with his innocence showing, a stark contrast to his violent tendencies.
It's interesting, watching our titular BRZRKR in the modern day story. He knows he's being used, that the government are only interested in him for the possible application to create an army of super soldiers. Yet despite this he continues to help them. Knowing what being an immortal soldier entails, he still continues to help for the possibility that they can help him and find a cure to his immortality. Before this issue not too much is revealed about Diana, the psychiatrist who has been trying to help him unlock his memories. It was apparent to the reader that she was manipulating him for her own gains, and that of her employer, but this issue shows there is more to her character than we previously realised. It'll be interesting to see what direction Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt take her story in the next arc.
It continues to be an over the top, super violent action thriller. Ron Garney is the perfect artist to bring that to life, and the ultra graphic violence contrasts nicely with the quieter scenes which bookend the story. There is a scene near the end of the flashback that is horrifying, not just for the brutality on the page but for the look in Unutes eyes as it happens. It's well done and an excellent storytelling beat from all of the creators involved.
It's clear that Keanu Reeves first foray into the world of comic books has created something special, and teaming with the talented Matt Kindt has created a story which at first glance is just an action filled comic, but on closer inspection is surprisingly nuanced and subtle. The art is fantastic and does a great job of capturing both the over the top brutality and the quieter moments as well.
A Look Inside
