One of the best parts of the BRZRKR comic (aside from the buckets of blood and brutality spilled on its pages) is the sheer possibility offered by its concept. Since Unute – or “B” as he’s known these days – is immortal, creators have the opportunity to tell all kinds of stories. And so far, they’ve followed that impulse, delivering comics ranging from Lovecraftian horror stories to blood-soaked westerns.
Now with BRZRKR: The Lost Book of B #1, the clock is turned back to Unute’s time, when he fought against Genghis Khan and then for him. What Unute does not know is that a group of people passionately dedicated to recording his history set these events in motion… and what She What I don’t know is that it’s horrible to witness his anger.
The Lost Book of B. #1 religious zeal wasn’t on my bingo card, but then again, it wasn’t like Unute was literally battling Cthullhu. Co-writer/co-creator Keanu Reeves has put a lot of thought into what a real god among men would be like, and the answer is simple: everyone would want to take advantage. That advantage might be influencing the course of history or having a warrior with the power of a thousand armies, but the end goal remains the same. Reeves has been open about how his deep thoughts on life and death have shaped him. BRZRKRAnd The Lost Book of B. shows that he also directs his thoughts towards other things.
BOOM! Studios
The Lost Book of B. #1 is also notable because it reunites Reeves with the creative team behind the original BRZRKR Series: Co-author Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, Bill Crabtree and Clem Robins. Although about three years have passed since the original BRZRKR wrapped up, it’s like they were never gone. Kindt helps flesh out Reeves’ work by including some introspective moments where Unute reflects on how he is being used. It’s Garney’s artwork, however, that is the main attraction. When I read the original BRZRKR I was blown away by how he pushed the boundaries of bloodthirstiness, both in the way Unute delivered brutal blows to his enemies and in the way he fought through all kinds of wounds.
This can be clearly seen in The Lost Book of B.. Bodies explode like depth charges filled with flesh and blood on Unute’s fists. Garney also draws his body in various stages of regeneration, from bursting on rocks to scalding alive in boiling oil. Crabtree also deserves credit for his color work, as he often changes the hues depending on the scene. Yellow flames envelop a town as Unute charges through the flames. Snow covers one page in white as he drives a giant elephant through a blizzard. But the constants are red (because of the buckets of spilled blood) and blue (in Unute’s blazing eyes when he uses his godlike abilities).
BRZRKR: The Lost Book of B #1 not only unites the original creative team behind BRZRKRbut also contains some surprisingly deep thoughts about faith and the blood that is often shed in the name of faith. It is proof that the BRZRKR Comics remain a goldmine for BOOM! Studios and I hope they keep digging; the potential is literally limitless.
‘BRZRKR: The Lost Book of B’ #1 reunites the original BRZRKR team for a bloody meditation on faith
BRZRKR: The Lost Book of B #1
BRZRKR: The Lost Book of B #1 not only reunites the original creative team behind BRZRKR, but also contains some surprisingly profound thoughts on the subject of faith and the blood that is often shed in its name.
Brings the original creative team back together to wonderful effect.
Reeves and Kindt’s script contains many thoughts on faith and the terrible things someone can do in the name of faith.
Garney’s artwork is still gnarlier than ever, splattering blood and guts across the pages.
Bill Crabtree’s color scheme changes depending on the scene, but is always eye-catching.
