Keanu Reeves, the acclaimed actor, director, and producer, is known for his exceptional acting skills and iconic roles in films such as The Matrix, John Wick, and Speed. However, in recent years, Reeves has added another feather to his cap by entering the world of comic book writing. His comic, BRZRKR, has been making waves in the industry since its release in March 2021. We’ll dive into the comic and analyze what sets it apart.
BRZRKR: the comic strip
BRZRKR is a twelve-issue comic book series written by Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt, with art by Ron Garney, color by Bill Crabtree, and lettering by Clem Robins. The story revolves around a character named Berzerker, who is immortal and has lived for over 80,000 years. He is a half-mortal, half-god warrior who has fought in every war and seen every tragedy in human history. The story is set in the present day, where Berzerker works for the US government to undertake dangerous missions in exchange for the truth of his existence.
The comic’s plot is action-packed, violent, and bloody, much like Reeves’ iconic roles in the movies. The story contains elements of science fiction, mythology, and history, making it a unique and intriguing read. Berzerker’s characterization is well written and readers can feel his pain, rage and exhaustion after living for so many years. The story is also peppered with flashbacks to Berzerker’s past, giving readers insight into his character and backstory.
Artwork and colors
BRZRKR’s artwork is exceptional, with Ron Garney doing an outstanding job of illustrating the story. The action scenes are dynamic and the characters are drawn with great attention to detail. Bill Crabtree’s coloring is also notable, with shades of red and black dominating the pages, giving the comic a dark, gritty feel.
One of the unique aspects of the comic is the use of a horizontal panel layout, which gives the story a cinematic feel. The panels are widescreen and the action scenes have plenty of room to unfold, making readers feel like they’re watching a movie.
Criticism and controversy
Despite BRZRKR’s popularity, the comic has been the subject of criticism and controversy. Some readers have criticized the story’s violence and gore, stating that it is excessive and unnecessary. The comic’s use of profanity has also been criticized, with some readers believing it to be forced and inappropriate.
Additionally, the comic has also been the subject of controversy due to its Kickstarter campaign. In 2020, Reeves and his team launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the comic, which raised over $1.4 million. However, some critics felt the campaign was unfair, as Reeves is a millionaire and the Kickstarter campaign was unnecessary. They argued that the funds raised could have been used for more important causes.
BRZRKR is a unique and exciting comic, with exceptional artwork and a well-written story. The collaboration between Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt resulted in a memorable character in Berzerker, which has the potential to become a fan favorite. Despite the reviews and controversy, the comic received positive reviews and was a commercial success.
Keanu Reeves has proven himself to be not just an actor, but a talented writer as well, and it will be interesting to see what he comes up with next. The comics industry has gained new talent in Reeves, and it will be exciting to see how he shapes the industry with his future projects. Reeves has expressed his passion for comic books, and it shows in the quality of BRZRKR. The comic has also garnered interest from Hollywood, with plans to adapt it into a film and TV series.
Overall, BRZRKR is a must-read for fans of action-packed, gritty stories. Reeves has proven that he’s not just a one-trick pony and has the potential to be a successful comic book writer. The comics industry is always in need of new and unique voices, and Reeves has certainly made his mark with BRZRKR.
As for the controversy surrounding the Kickstarter campaign, it’s important to note that the campaign was successful due to Reeves’ popularity and comic book appeal. It’s also worth mentioning that the campaign offered exclusive merchandise and behind-the-scenes access to the making of the comic, which added value to backers.
Keanu Reeves made a successful foray into the world of comic book writing with BRZRKR. The comic has outstanding artwork, a well-written story, and a unique Berzerker character. Despite criticism and controversy, the comic was a commercial success and attracted Hollywood interest. Reeves’ future endeavors in the comics industry will no doubt be eagerly awaited, and it will be exciting to see what he comes up with next.
