‘BRZRKR #1’ Review: Keanu Reeves Brings His Roles to the Page

Writers: Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt / Artist: Ron Garney / Boom! Studios One of the most highly anticipated comic titles of 2021, BRZRKR has captured many people’s attentions given that one of the writers is none other than the man, the myth, the legend himself: Keanu Reeves. This is a story from the star of John Wick, The Matrix, and many, many properties and you can immediately tell that all of his experiences as a action film star (and as a human) have come into play for this story. BRZRKR follows the exploits and endeavors of a half-mortal/half-God known only as Berzerker. The structure of the narrative shares some trope DNA with characters like Wolverine and stories like The Old Guard, which again makes perfect sense given the action-oriented premises. BRZRKR is a kinetic story that starts with Garney and Crabtree setting a somber tone with Berzerker sulking in the rain before flashing to the present with a high-octane, bloody action sequence that wouldn’t be out of place of in a typical Keanu Reeves vehicle. However, BRZRKR takes advantages of its fantastic artistry team to make iconic frames into iconic panels as well as capturing Reeves’ likeness perfectly. And yet even as the pages illustrate violent panels, there is a notable level of self-reflection and the monologue that co-writers Reeves and Kindt do speak to something a little more poignant. Without going into too much detail, Berzerker is a character driven and haunted by loss. This a character who has been aroun…