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“Reunited & it feels so good”
It’s a reaction that many fans are having concerning the return of a fast rising legendary character. The saga of a half man, half god, all killing machine has won fans over. Spawning into a live action & anime series, the adventures of B (aka Unute) continue to draw attention on a greater scale.
Heading back into the comic shops is a brand new story. It is even more special due to the fact that the original creative team have returned for this project. This is the first time since the conclusion of the original series in March of 2023.
BRZRKR: The Lost Book of B #1 by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, Bill Crabtree and Clem Robins (BOOM! Studios) focuses on a lost chapter in B’s legacy.
Knowing the hype surrounding this series, one review wouldn’t be enough. Teaming up for this review is Janelle from the N.I. Bullpen and Ken (ODPH Podcast/ Nerd Initiative EIC). Let’s see what they thought of the explosive first issue.
***POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
LET’S TALK STORY!
JANELLE: What becomes the most exciting story, BRZRKR is back with excitement. It seems there is a lot of world building, where it is explained that a war is coming. All of the armies are strategically getting their plans together. Genghis Khan is in charge, and he always has the upper hand in his army.
It seems that this first issue is deeply rooted in Egyptian, Indian, and Asian cultural themes. They blend very nicely, as the main character, B. is navigating this violent war. The soldiers that are around B. believe in war, food, and also liking the company of women. Which to their standards is having the “life.” B. wants more out of life, and he wants the war to end.
MORE FROM THE ADVENTURES OF B!
I really enjoy that the dialogue is short, and straight to the point. Each panel only has at least two dialogue bubbles. The only complaint I have is, that some of the world building is kind of hard to follow. It is not like how BRZRKR’s previous comic run was.
KEN: Kindt and Reeves blend the historic aspects of Genghis Khan into the unruly violence that follows B wherever he goes. Seeing the strategy used to recruit B plays well into the lore of the conquering dictator. Readers watch as the offer of power is great for some but what is it ultimately to a half god? It’s a question that applies some ethics in-between the many stages of brutality displayed.
There are some very creative devices planted firmly into this chapter. One that comes to mind involves a catapult. It ushers in a defining moment for B while mixing up the familiar formula of attack, destroy, repeat. Once events shift gears, pacing does move very rapidly. In a sense, the shift fully showcases how even power isn’t the most valuable asset to someone. The fallout from the closing act is as expected. It leaves things as mysterious as the lead character is. There is no doubt there are more chapters to be written on an already impactful legacy in the making.
HOW ABOUT THE ART!
JANELLE: I also love the art, it’s detailed during the action scenes. I can see exactly what is going on in each panel, and it’s unique in its’ own way. Most of the comic has action scenes, and it makes this first issue exciting. I am intrigued to see where they go during this comic run, and see where B. will end up at.
KEN: Garney and Crabtree return with the intense imagery this series is known for. The story doesn’t wait long to unleash B’s fury. A near half panel announces an angry Unute into action. Panels becomes consumed with the violence on hand. It is not one for the weak of heart. The views effect the savagery of barbaric times. This feels like a familiar realm for B with his untamed association with violence.
The “calmer” times let readers in on Khan’s over-confidence. The expressions being made show a man who thinks he’s in full control. As events unfold further, the blind confidence becomes oblivious to what’s on its way. Once the closing act kicks in, the art team goes bold to usher in the closing. From a close-up on B’s eyes to the pain he soon after inflicts, nothing escapes the reader as his pain is dished out on the masses. The closing pages set a more tame tone as this chapter closes. It’s a fitting end with a bird flying with a message. Readers will have much to divulge and enjoy with this return to form.
FINAL POINTS:
JANELLE: 8.5. I’ve been a big fan of this character and spin-offs so I was very excited to hear the originals team was back. My expectations were met. I am intrigued to see where they go during this comic run, and see where B. will end up at.
READ MORE COMIC REVIEWS FROM JANELLE!
KEN: 8.5. The latest trip into Unute’s trail of violence is flooded with familiar themes of redemption through pain. Kindt and Reeves construct a layered insight into the man behind the constant mayhem. Garney’s fierce visuals expose Unute at his purest nature. It’s a strong read that is a welcomed addition into the ever-growing legacy of a conflicted half man and half god.
