BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt (review)
Boom! Studios
Written by Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt
Illustrated by Ron Garney
Colored by Bill Crabtree
Lettered by Clem Robins
Cover by Rafael Grampa
Character Design by Rafael Grampa and Ron Garney
Designer Michelle Ankley
Assistant Editor Ramiro Portnoy
Editors Eric Harburn and Matt Gagnon
When I was first asked to review a book called Brzrkr, that it had ties to a celebrity, you can NOT imagine how excited I was to finally read the story about the band from “Clerks”. Truly one of the more memorable scenes in the movie, and I laugh every time I see it. Then it was explained that it had nothing to do with “Clerks”, and I was confused.
Then I found out it was the new book written by Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt (JLA, Spiderman, Rai). I was almost as excited for this. As an actor, I’ve enjoyed his movies, so perhaps he’d offer a fresh perspective in a new medium.
Matt Kindt is an award winning writer, has written series I’ve enjoyed, so the pairing would seem to be a great idea. And with huge presales, apparently I am not the only one who thought that.
The first issue was very minimalistic. They start out on a troop hauler, and narrator explains that it is the one year anniversary of the team. Then they discuss how being in a team has its plus and minuses, good and bad, emotional ties, etc. the whole time they are discussing this, Brzrkr is fighting his way through scores of guards/soldiers/mercenaries to his end goal. As you know, I’m not going to give it away, but he does survive the mission.
Then you cut to a facility, where he is being treated for his wounds, and he discusses his deal with his attache.
This initial book reminded me of egg drop soup. In my mind, it would be fleshy, and filled out, and delicious. Instead you got something a bit weak, but it made you want more, just to make sure you were right or wrong about it.
The last two pages of the books delivered enough, that I would want more. It delves into his past, how he came about, and from where it shows vaguely, that part will be right up my alley. (No, not westerns or vampires)
The pacing of the book was fine. I thought it moved through the story quickly, and really, was the perfect length. It ran fast, and then his recovery allowed you to catch your breath, but it also was enticing enough that you wanted to run with it again.
I thought the art was good. I don’t think that it really stands out, but for the book it’s excellent. The style used for faces reminds me of someone else, but I haven’t put my finger on it yet. Most importantly, the characters were proportionate, they weren’t overly jacked up with muscle, and looked like actual human beings. I’m happy they didn’t go for the overly cartoony look, but also kept the focus on the characters, and didn’t go overboard with the background. I thought it fit for this story, and I am very curious on how they will proceed.
Lettering was okay. I was reading it on a computer, so I could make it bigger and easier on my old eyes, but I’d have liked it a little more legible. Once again, this is a personal opinion, and for younger eyes, I am sure it is just fine.
Overall, it is a book that I will purchase when it comes out. I think the potential for really cool story arcs are there. I hope that they will give it the Godfather II treatment, and delve further into his past, and tie it with his present, and I am super excited for that.
I was at first worried that this would be a total vanity project, and be awful. I expected the worst. I’m very pleased that Mr Reeves surrounded himself with solid artists and writers, and came up with a very interesting premise. I am looking forward to Issue #2!
As always, you can find me on social media (SC, IG, Twitter) @jaycanchu. You’ll find some writing, some art, and a whole lot of nonsense that is probably not always kid friendly. You can also contact me at [email protected].
Go buy this!!!