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BRZRKR
BRZRKR: Bloodlines, Vol. 1
Discover the brutal hidden history of Keanu Reeves’ record-shattering immortal warrior’s saga, soon to be adapted for Netflix!
Renowned filmmaker and record-shattering comic creator Keanu Reeves is joined by writer/artist Steve Skroce (The Matrix, Post Americana), screenwriter and director Mattson Tomlin (A Vicious Circle, The Batman Part II), and artist Rebekah Isaacs (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Money Shot) for a pair of self-contained stories set within the 80,000 year history of BRZRKR!
In Poetry of Madness, a sea of gore and devastation awaits as B., through a fateful chance encounter, safeguards the advanced and ancient realm of Atlantis as its unstoppable protector. But a sickly monarch serves as a symbol for the rot inside, as the security and bliss created through B.’s violence is shallow...the cracks created by a secret cult might spell a monstrous end for the legendary city, one beyond even B.’s ability to save.
In Fallen Empire, a former kingdom eradicated by the BRZRKR has a single living survivor. She and her people knew B. as the God King. In this tragic story of death and cataclysm, the survivor recounts a fable in which lost love, manipulation, and warring empires brought out the very worst of Unute... but is the fable’s narrator reliable? What might the survivor be hiding?
Collects Poetry of Madness #1 and Fallen Empire #1.
Renowned filmmaker and record-shattering comic creator Keanu Reeves is joined by writer/artist Steve Skroce (The Matrix, Post Americana), screenwriter and director Mattson Tomlin (A Vicious Circle, The Batman Part II), and artist Rebekah Isaacs (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Money Shot) for a pair of self-contained stories set within the 80,000 year history of BRZRKR!
In Poetry of Madness, a sea of gore and devastation awaits as B., through a fateful chance encounter, safeguards the advanced and ancient realm of Atlantis as its unstoppable protector. But a sickly monarch serves as a symbol for the rot inside, as the security and bliss created through B.’s violence is shallow...the cracks created by a secret cult might spell a monstrous end for the legendary city, one beyond even B.’s ability to save.
In Fallen Empire, a former kingdom eradicated by the BRZRKR has a single living survivor. She and her people knew B. as the God King. In this tragic story of death and cataclysm, the survivor recounts a fable in which lost love, manipulation, and warring empires brought out the very worst of Unute... but is the fable’s narrator reliable? What might the survivor be hiding?
Collects Poetry of Madness #1 and Fallen Empire #1.
112 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2024
28 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Keanu Reeves
71 books1,492 followersKeanu Charles Reeves is a Canadian actor. Born in Beirut and raised in Toronto, Reeves began acting in theatre productions and in television films before making his feature film debut in Youngblood (1986). He had his breakthrough role in the science fiction comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989), and he reprised his role in its sequels. He gained praise for playing a hustler in the independent drama My Own Private Idaho (1991) and established himself as an action hero with leading roles in Point Break (1991) and Speed (1994).
Following several box office failures, Reeves's performance in the horror film The Devil's Advocate (1997) was well received. Greater stardom came for playing Neo in the science fiction series The Matrix, beginning in 1999. He played John Constantine in Constantine (2005) and starred in the romantic drama The Lake House (2006), the science fiction thriller The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008), and the crime thriller Street Kings (2008). Following another commercially down period, Reeves made a successful comeback by playing the titular assassin in the John Wick film series, beginning in 2014.
In addition to acting, Reeves has directed the film Man of Tai Chi (2013). He has played bass guitar for the band Dogstar and pursued other endeavours such as writing and philanthropy.
Following several box office failures, Reeves's performance in the horror film The Devil's Advocate (1997) was well received. Greater stardom came for playing Neo in the science fiction series The Matrix, beginning in 1999. He played John Constantine in Constantine (2005) and starred in the romantic drama The Lake House (2006), the science fiction thriller The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008), and the crime thriller Street Kings (2008). Following another commercially down period, Reeves made a successful comeback by playing the titular assassin in the John Wick film series, beginning in 2014.
In addition to acting, Reeves has directed the film Man of Tai Chi (2013). He has played bass guitar for the band Dogstar and pursued other endeavours such as writing and philanthropy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
April 2, 2025
(B) 73% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: A total disparity, tonal polarity, a pair of one-shot tales, both ancient times (same paradigm), the first expressly pales.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Poetry of Madness ◦ Fallen Empire
Notes: A total disparity, tonal polarity, a pair of one-shot tales, both ancient times (same paradigm), the first expressly pales.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Poetry of Madness ◦ Fallen Empire
April 9, 2025
Ok.
So this is a thing, I guess?
It's not good. But you probably knew that already if you've read the main title. That was sketchy enough without trying to milk the storyline for prequels.
The problem with this is that there just isn't enough story. Or maybe it's that they aren't taking the time needed to set up anything in the story for you to care about it.
It is literally Great Value Keanu Reeves popping up at different times in the past, going on a BRZRKR rage, and killing everyone in sight.
And I completely missed this part of his "origin" in the first three volumes, but apparently he not only can't stop himself once he gets going, but he has some kind of an inner timer ticking down that makes him lose control after it goes ding! that can't be stopped, either.
I mean...what?
IF he can slaughter an entire kingdom in one rage?
And IF he's on some kind of a countdown as soon as he's done with said slaughter?
And IF that countdown is as fast as it appears in the second story (a month or so)?
Then there's no way humanity manages to survive to the present day. He's already killed everyone off long before the Dark Ages saw the Renaissance on the horizon.
Or.
Maybe I missed something.
But if you are willing to ignore the wonky bits and just dive in, this has a story about Unute's time in Atlantis & the time he fell in love with a king's wife.
Both end in about the same amount of disaster and carnage that you would imagine.
Hardcore fans only.
So this is a thing, I guess?
It's not good. But you probably knew that already if you've read the main title. That was sketchy enough without trying to milk the storyline for prequels.
The problem with this is that there just isn't enough story. Or maybe it's that they aren't taking the time needed to set up anything in the story for you to care about it.
It is literally Great Value Keanu Reeves popping up at different times in the past, going on a BRZRKR rage, and killing everyone in sight.
And I completely missed this part of his "origin" in the first three volumes, but apparently he not only can't stop himself once he gets going, but he has some kind of an inner timer ticking down that makes him lose control after it goes ding! that can't be stopped, either.
I mean...what?
IF he can slaughter an entire kingdom in one rage?
And IF he's on some kind of a countdown as soon as he's done with said slaughter?
And IF that countdown is as fast as it appears in the second story (a month or so)?
Then there's no way humanity manages to survive to the present day. He's already killed everyone off long before the Dark Ages saw the Renaissance on the horizon.
Or.
Maybe I missed something.
But if you are willing to ignore the wonky bits and just dive in, this has a story about Unute's time in Atlantis & the time he fell in love with a king's wife.
Both end in about the same amount of disaster and carnage that you would imagine.
Hardcore fans only.
February 10, 2024
First of all thanks to Steve Skroce and Mattson Tomlin and Rebekah Isaacs for this ARC.
This review feels weird for me, because not only is it the first ARC review i am thanking someone i am giving one star, but it's also the first review i am going to say some really mean stuff about the publisher of the Graphic Novel.
Boom studios are milking Keanu Reeves worse than what humans do to cows, Unless of course it's his request that his name be listed as a writer in a book he wrote not a single word of, in which case that would be really arrogant and an asshole thing to do.
I do know how big his name is, and that just putting his name first, gives all the writers and artists here more spotlight, people sell their souls for more Money, But i honestly think it's pretty disrespectful.
You could have listed him as creator, you could have said Keanu Reeves presents, you could have said from the mind of Keanu Reeves, and so on like so many way better way prominent comic writers before him, But no, He is listed first name on the cover, which probably forces librarians here on goodreads to put him first name on the book even though he wrote not a single word of this.
And btw i knew this reading the Graphic novel, because the credit page gives credit where credit is due, So this initial rant doesn't effect my rating for the stories in this volume.
Review for BRZRKR: Poetry of Madness #1 1/5 stars
Nothing is faster than reading modern comics, old comics drag on, but modern comics feel like they are paying by the word and they are still cheap and don't want to pay the writer too much, not saying that this is really what's happening anyway.
So finally i am here reading BRZRKR which is funny i was never going to buy this to read it, i have no faith in actors becoming writers and making something worth while, but people encourage them to do that regardless.
While Keanu Reeves didn't write this, it's his character, it's his world, it's his brand of action.
A character that's in desperate need for an actual personality.
Action scene that are in desperate need of fight dynamics, not just a man cutting everything with no push back, splatter the entire screen with blood so that the readers don't realize just how superficial this is in fact.
I liked the story of Atlantis the king the cult.
I liked the art of how the protagonist looks, how the non action scenes look it's a good artist just lacking fight scene imagination to direct the scene and make it interesting, i also liked how Cuthulhu looked even though there should be enough material to support drawing it.
Believe it or not even after all this review i don't feel sorry to have read this, it was a good idea but bad production.
Review for BRZRKR: Fallen Empire #1 4/5 stars
This was actually way way better than poetry of madness that i had to go back and give poetry of madness 1 star lol
For some reason both tales feel devoid of originality, i don't know why i am getting this feeling, but i read a few Conan stories, maybe because they give the same feeling?
Anyway the worst thing in this story was Keanu Reeves John Wick acting, MC is still in need of a personality, and he is never going to get it, it seems!
This story though was dramatic, the twist wasn't insane or anything, but it made the story more dramatic.
The art was really good here also way better than poetry of madness even though i liked the art not the direction of the art over there, there was actual action scenes, the fights conveyed what really happened, even though the story wasn't full on mayhem like Poetry of Madness.
Issue is where does it stop? because both stories pretty much have the same premise, Old civilizations destroyed by the immortal because he crossed paths with them, and they were assholes to him, you can make tons of these stories, Bring out your Ubar, Sodom and Gomorrah and so on, and put this guy smack dab in the middle of destruction.
Even though following friends reviews at the time, the ratings were higher for early BRZRKR and lower for the following volumes, i think maybe i want to give it a chance to see how Keanu is any better than these writers.
Overall rating 2.5/5 stars i was planning on rounding this up to 3, but after being pissed off on the entire Keanu Reeves being falsely credited on goodreads and the cover, i won't be doing that anymore.
This review feels weird for me, because not only is it the first ARC review i am thanking someone i am giving one star, but it's also the first review i am going to say some really mean stuff about the publisher of the Graphic Novel.
Boom studios are milking Keanu Reeves worse than what humans do to cows, Unless of course it's his request that his name be listed as a writer in a book he wrote not a single word of, in which case that would be really arrogant and an asshole thing to do.
I do know how big his name is, and that just putting his name first, gives all the writers and artists here more spotlight, people sell their souls for more Money, But i honestly think it's pretty disrespectful.
You could have listed him as creator, you could have said Keanu Reeves presents, you could have said from the mind of Keanu Reeves, and so on like so many way better way prominent comic writers before him, But no, He is listed first name on the cover, which probably forces librarians here on goodreads to put him first name on the book even though he wrote not a single word of this.
And btw i knew this reading the Graphic novel, because the credit page gives credit where credit is due, So this initial rant doesn't effect my rating for the stories in this volume.
Review for BRZRKR: Poetry of Madness #1 1/5 stars
Some wounds will never heal, Despite all the pain and suffering that he has endured, He still does not cry...
Nothing is faster than reading modern comics, old comics drag on, but modern comics feel like they are paying by the word and they are still cheap and don't want to pay the writer too much, not saying that this is really what's happening anyway.
So finally i am here reading BRZRKR which is funny i was never going to buy this to read it, i have no faith in actors becoming writers and making something worth while, but people encourage them to do that regardless.
While Keanu Reeves didn't write this, it's his character, it's his world, it's his brand of action.
A character that's in desperate need for an actual personality.
Action scene that are in desperate need of fight dynamics, not just a man cutting everything with no push back, splatter the entire screen with blood so that the readers don't realize just how superficial this is in fact.
I liked the story of Atlantis the king the cult.
I liked the art of how the protagonist looks, how the non action scenes look it's a good artist just lacking fight scene imagination to direct the scene and make it interesting, i also liked how Cuthulhu looked even though there should be enough material to support drawing it.
Believe it or not even after all this review i don't feel sorry to have read this, it was a good idea but bad production.
Review for BRZRKR: Fallen Empire #1 4/5 stars
This was actually way way better than poetry of madness that i had to go back and give poetry of madness 1 star lol
For some reason both tales feel devoid of originality, i don't know why i am getting this feeling, but i read a few Conan stories, maybe because they give the same feeling?
Anyway the worst thing in this story was Keanu Reeves John Wick acting, MC is still in need of a personality, and he is never going to get it, it seems!
This story though was dramatic, the twist wasn't insane or anything, but it made the story more dramatic.
The art was really good here also way better than poetry of madness even though i liked the art not the direction of the art over there, there was actual action scenes, the fights conveyed what really happened, even though the story wasn't full on mayhem like Poetry of Madness.
Issue is where does it stop? because both stories pretty much have the same premise, Old civilizations destroyed by the immortal because he crossed paths with them, and they were assholes to him, you can make tons of these stories, Bring out your Ubar, Sodom and Gomorrah and so on, and put this guy smack dab in the middle of destruction.
Even though following friends reviews at the time, the ratings were higher for early BRZRKR and lower for the following volumes, i think maybe i want to give it a chance to see how Keanu is any better than these writers.
Overall rating 2.5/5 stars i was planning on rounding this up to 3, but after being pissed off on the entire Keanu Reeves being falsely credited on goodreads and the cover, i won't be doing that anymore.
February 3, 2024
Writing stories about immortals is hard, because.. well, they're immortal, so the stakes sort of drop away. And what tends to happen then is that authors don't write stories that actually deal with the immortals as characters themselves, but they write stories surrounding the immortals. The immortal as tool, as weapon. And that's what happens here. Twice.
The first story is very violent, and silly. Nothing surprising happens. The only thing we learn about BRZRKRman himself is that he's a bit dim.
The second story fares better. It's basically about how BRZRKRman is a nuclear weapon. Use him, everyone loses. And also, he's a bit dim.
You'd think being immortal gives you a special kind of wisdom, some unique view on the human condition. Not in these stories, and not in the main series. And that's a bit dim.
(Picked up an ARC through NetGalley)
The first story is very violent, and silly. Nothing surprising happens. The only thing we learn about BRZRKRman himself is that he's a bit dim.
The second story fares better. It's basically about how BRZRKRman is a nuclear weapon. Use him, everyone loses. And also, he's a bit dim.
You'd think being immortal gives you a special kind of wisdom, some unique view on the human condition. Not in these stories, and not in the main series. And that's a bit dim.
(Picked up an ARC through NetGalley)
January 26, 2024
I would like to thank NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Poetry of Madness #1: 3⭐ Keanu vs Cthulhu...the monster meetcute I never knew I wanted 💀
Fallen Empire #1: 5⭐ ahhhhhh i really loved this one! loooooved the art, especially, but the story was pretty fun in that complete-annihilation-of-an-ancient-empire-at-the-hands-of-a-raging-immortal kinda way lmao!😅
Poetry of Madness #1: 3⭐ Keanu vs Cthulhu...the monster meetcute I never knew I wanted 💀
Fallen Empire #1: 5⭐ ahhhhhh i really loved this one! loooooved the art, especially, but the story was pretty fun in that complete-annihilation-of-an-ancient-empire-at-the-hands-of-a-raging-immortal kinda way lmao!😅
December 29, 2024
An immortal killing machine!
October 9, 2024
So I came to this double-issue comic of Unute, the immortal berserker with the face of Keanu Reeves, through the novel The Book of Elsewhere, which Reeves co-authored with China Miéville. I really enjoyed the weirdness of the novel. The comic version of two ancient stories of Unute - one set in Atlantis and featuring the Great Old One himself, the other a love and betrayal story set in a forgotten desert kingdom - was campy fun and extremely and violently graphic. There's no thoughtful graphic novel here - I think the first words that Unute says in the book is "fucking fuckers" as he cleaves some anonymous person's head in two like an overly juicy watermelon. Think Carrot Top, but more red, less orange.
Overall, a thumbs up from this jaded reader. It was a fun read.
Overall, a thumbs up from this jaded reader. It was a fun read.
July 9, 2024
Two side stories in the BRZRKR world. Besides for the premise, there's really not much to this. It's a cool idea to have an actor star in a comic, especially one as well liked as Keanu Reeves. Orson Welles stars in the comic book The Tower (1987 François Schuiten), so it's definitely not a new idea. Oh even Marvel did it with MCU Fury/Jackson. With the success of this comic, I wouldn't be surprised if we see a comic starring the Rock.
Poetry of Madness by Steve Skroce
-The reason I checked out this book. I always enjoy Skroce artwork. The story here is pretty simple. Keanu Reeves is an immortal warrior and is the King's right hand man in Atlantis. The king gets involved with some shady wizards and helps summon Cthulhu. Weak story that brings to mind better books like Hellboy/BPRD but gives Skroce lots of cool things to draw.
My biggest issue is the premise is just kind of silly. Keanu is an immortal warrior who just helps out all these people with no pay back. Apparently he's not in the history books because he ends up killing everyone (including his allies? Every time?).
Fallen Empire by Mattson Tomlin and Rebekah Isaacs
Nice artwork here as well. Probably a stronger story as we get told about a princess who tries to deceive Keanu into fighting her enemies. He kills them, then goes and kills the Queen's whole country. I liked the scene where a reborn Keanu is in chains in a prison, shows that he can be captured.
Poetry of Madness by Steve Skroce
-The reason I checked out this book. I always enjoy Skroce artwork. The story here is pretty simple. Keanu Reeves is an immortal warrior and is the King's right hand man in Atlantis. The king gets involved with some shady wizards and helps summon Cthulhu. Weak story that brings to mind better books like Hellboy/BPRD but gives Skroce lots of cool things to draw.
My biggest issue is the premise is just kind of silly. Keanu is an immortal warrior who just helps out all these people with no pay back. Apparently he's not in the history books because he ends up killing everyone (including his allies? Every time?).
Fallen Empire by Mattson Tomlin and Rebekah Isaacs
Nice artwork here as well. Probably a stronger story as we get told about a princess who tries to deceive Keanu into fighting her enemies. He kills them, then goes and kills the Queen's whole country. I liked the scene where a reborn Keanu is in chains in a prison, shows that he can be captured.
April 27, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Brzrkr: Bloodlines Vol 1 is the start of a new graphic novel series featuring an immortal character and a lot of violence and gore. I was expecting the violence and gore, but with Keanu Reeves' name on this series, I was also expecting...Well... more than I got.
I can't help feeling let down by this book and the start to this series. I didn't feel the story had much of a story to it and that the main character was quite cardboard within the mayhem around it. The illustrations are fantastic, but the story/plot itself just didn't do it justice, unfortunately.
Brzrkr: Bloodlines Vol 1 is the start of a new graphic novel series featuring an immortal character and a lot of violence and gore. I was expecting the violence and gore, but with Keanu Reeves' name on this series, I was also expecting...Well... more than I got.
I can't help feeling let down by this book and the start to this series. I didn't feel the story had much of a story to it and that the main character was quite cardboard within the mayhem around it. The illustrations are fantastic, but the story/plot itself just didn't do it justice, unfortunately.
October 31, 2024
"BRZKR: Bloodlines" continues the story of the immortal warrior known as Unute the Berserker, a.k.a. "B" in one-offs that highlight major events in B's 8,000 years of living on Earth. In one story, B is the King of Atlantis's main guardian. When the King is seduced by a cult that wants to resurrect one of the ancient gods, Cthullu, B goes into berserker mode. This story explains why the city of Atlantis no longer exists. In another story, a vengeful queen recruit's B to do her dirty work for her, only to find that one can't control a force of nature.
Apparently, Keanu Reeves, along with Netflix, is bringing this to life as a TV show. Anybody who has read the great graphic novel series or the novel, co-written with China Mieville, "The Book of Elsewhere", knew that it was just a matter of time...
Apparently, Keanu Reeves, along with Netflix, is bringing this to life as a TV show. Anybody who has read the great graphic novel series or the novel, co-written with China Mieville, "The Book of Elsewhere", knew that it was just a matter of time...
February 6, 2024
Poetry of Madness-2⭐️
A simple meet-cute story of a violent warrior immortal and a Lovecraftian creature from the deep.
Honestly, I couldn’t get past the feeling of there being an element of misogyny present with the only named female character being obviously sexualized window dressing who makes a crack about sleeping with Unute within the first scene. And the only other time any women show up in this story after that they are naked and in an orgy. I’m just so tired and so past this flavor of toxic male shit, it just feels lazy to me at this point.
Fallen Empire- 4⭐️
Gladiators and carnage.
This story was a significantly stronger showing than the first. I thought that this story had a lot of potential in its bones but that its short length really meant that none of the story, emotions or characters had an opportunity to develop and breathe to allow for some investment.
-
Firstly, reading this has made me realised that manga has spoiled me for story and quality of art work. This was fine but I wasn’t blown away and it certainly didn’t break any molds. I feel like it’s good quality for traditional style western comics.
Secondly, I love Keanu and will support anything that ray of sunshine wants to give a crack at. That being said this really does just feel like a storyboard draft for his next action movie blockbuster series.
You can really tell that there are no women in the writing team. I would say that this doesn’t pass the Bechdel test, but there’s never more than one female character in a story for a conversation to occur.
I would say that I’m not the target audience for this and maybe I just don’t get it, but honestly, even the target audience of young dudes out for blood and gore should probably demand more depth.
Thank you NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for the ARC. These thoughts are my own
A simple meet-cute story of a violent warrior immortal and a Lovecraftian creature from the deep.
Honestly, I couldn’t get past the feeling of there being an element of misogyny present with the only named female character being obviously sexualized window dressing who makes a crack about sleeping with Unute within the first scene. And the only other time any women show up in this story after that they are naked and in an orgy. I’m just so tired and so past this flavor of toxic male shit, it just feels lazy to me at this point.
Fallen Empire- 4⭐️
Gladiators and carnage.
This story was a significantly stronger showing than the first. I thought that this story had a lot of potential in its bones but that its short length really meant that none of the story, emotions or characters had an opportunity to develop and breathe to allow for some investment.
-
Firstly, reading this has made me realised that manga has spoiled me for story and quality of art work. This was fine but I wasn’t blown away and it certainly didn’t break any molds. I feel like it’s good quality for traditional style western comics.
Secondly, I love Keanu and will support anything that ray of sunshine wants to give a crack at. That being said this really does just feel like a storyboard draft for his next action movie blockbuster series.
You can really tell that there are no women in the writing team. I would say that this doesn’t pass the Bechdel test, but there’s never more than one female character in a story for a conversation to occur.
I would say that I’m not the target audience for this and maybe I just don’t get it, but honestly, even the target audience of young dudes out for blood and gore should probably demand more depth.
Thank you NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for the ARC. These thoughts are my own
July 22, 2024
Does this volume contain two great graphic novels? Not by a long shot! but to pass the time on a summer afternoon it was more than adequate with its Eternal Warrior/Conan-esque vibes.
Also, I wager Keanu has wanted to see himself kicking ass and taking names in that badass red-enameled armour since working on Bram Stoker's Dracula back in the day.
Also, I wager Keanu has wanted to see himself kicking ass and taking names in that badass red-enameled armour since working on Bram Stoker's Dracula back in the day.
October 14, 2024
Rather than a continuation of the BRZRKR storyline, which left a plethora of open material at its end, this spin-off series appears to be instead a series of vignettes from Unute's 80,000 year past. Two such tales are presented in this volume.
Oh, each mini-story is written and illustrated by different people, and Keanu Reeves had nothing to do with any of it beyond creating the source material? No thank you.
Oh, Unute fights Cthulhu? Double no thank you,
I'm cancelling my pre-emptive hold on volume two at the library.
Oh, each mini-story is written and illustrated by different people, and Keanu Reeves had nothing to do with any of it beyond creating the source material? No thank you.
Oh, Unute fights Cthulhu? Double no thank you,
I'm cancelling my pre-emptive hold on volume two at the library.
April 21, 2025
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Honestly, I was really excited for the intial volume of BRZRKR. How could I not be? Keanu Reeves is breathtaking and bloody, brutal, immortal John Wick is a great pitch, but I was rather disappointed. I had kinda checked out of the comic, but when I saw the cover for this with Fantasy John Wick in the 1992 Dracula armour and I couldn't not pick it up.
I wasn't disappointed.
This volume contains two stories of the ancient history of Fantasy John Wick.
In the first, FJW is the one man army and king's guard of Atlantis and singlehandedly defeats an entire army, before Lovecraftian cult results in him going mono a monster with Cthulu!
The second has the air of A Thousand Arabian Nights with the sole survivor of a recent epoch of FJW's bloody fury desperately tell the grizzly story. No longer a guard, FJN was captured and made an gladitoral champion, chained and unleashed for amusement, much like Angron, Lord of the Red Sands, of Warhammer 40K and the World Eaters fame. Through plotting and eventual romance he escapes, taking himself off to sate his regular periods of rage, which results in further intrigue and blood.
I had a lot more fun with these than the initial volume. There seems to be a better understanding of just how ridiculous and silly the concept is and the story and artwork captures and reflects this in a way that makes the whole thing all the more enjoyable.
It's still very much 'dudes rock the comic' with women sidelined, impressed and horny for, or betraying FJN and the other men in their lives, which isn't the best. There's a genuine attempt at inclusion with his squire in the first story and the fact the whole second story is framed by the telling by a woman, but this being the trope fest that it is (complimentary and derogatory) it's not the best.
It's also hard to get past the Last Samurai white saviour element with some of the depictions of other characters teetering on the line of possible racist caricature. I don't have enough knowledge or understanding to say too much on this though.
Ultimately, it's some very silly, extremely bloody fun and I genuinely had a good time with it and would be interested in carrying this series on.
Honestly, I was really excited for the intial volume of BRZRKR. How could I not be? Keanu Reeves is breathtaking and bloody, brutal, immortal John Wick is a great pitch, but I was rather disappointed. I had kinda checked out of the comic, but when I saw the cover for this with Fantasy John Wick in the 1992 Dracula armour and I couldn't not pick it up.
I wasn't disappointed.
This volume contains two stories of the ancient history of Fantasy John Wick.
In the first, FJW is the one man army and king's guard of Atlantis and singlehandedly defeats an entire army, before Lovecraftian cult results in him going mono a monster with Cthulu!
The second has the air of A Thousand Arabian Nights with the sole survivor of a recent epoch of FJW's bloody fury desperately tell the grizzly story. No longer a guard, FJN was captured and made an gladitoral champion, chained and unleashed for amusement, much like Angron, Lord of the Red Sands, of Warhammer 40K and the World Eaters fame. Through plotting and eventual romance he escapes, taking himself off to sate his regular periods of rage, which results in further intrigue and blood.
I had a lot more fun with these than the initial volume. There seems to be a better understanding of just how ridiculous and silly the concept is and the story and artwork captures and reflects this in a way that makes the whole thing all the more enjoyable.
It's still very much 'dudes rock the comic' with women sidelined, impressed and horny for, or betraying FJN and the other men in their lives, which isn't the best. There's a genuine attempt at inclusion with his squire in the first story and the fact the whole second story is framed by the telling by a woman, but this being the trope fest that it is (complimentary and derogatory) it's not the best.
It's also hard to get past the Last Samurai white saviour element with some of the depictions of other characters teetering on the line of possible racist caricature. I don't have enough knowledge or understanding to say too much on this though.
Ultimately, it's some very silly, extremely bloody fun and I genuinely had a good time with it and would be interested in carrying this series on.
September 25, 2024
─ 𝟒 ★ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 🕷️⚔️ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
✎ 𝙱𝚁𝚉𝚁𝙺𝚁: 𝙱𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜 delivers a thrilling blend of intense action and raw emotion, reminiscent of a supernatural John Wick. Volume One takes us through two distinct chapters of Unute the Berserker's life, showcasing betrayal, violence, and deeply personal moments. While the surface offers a blood-soaked adventure, where the unstoppable protagonist survives the impossible, the real draw is in the nuanced exploration of Unute's character, which hints at even deeper layers to be uncovered in future installments.
The visual artistry is another standout, with vivid color schemes, dynamic illustrations, and immersive layouts that pull the reader into the chaos. It’s rare to see a graphic novel this visually engaging, I loved everything about this gorgeous artwork, every single scene was a pleasure to see.
The only drawback was the lack of a strong connection between the two storylines. While both were compelling and thematically linked, a tighter narrative bridge between them would have elevated the experience for me. So, with thatsaid, it's a promising start, and I’m eager to see where the next volume takes us.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙈! 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣-𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚.
✎ 𝙱𝚁𝚉𝚁𝙺𝚁: 𝙱𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜 delivers a thrilling blend of intense action and raw emotion, reminiscent of a supernatural John Wick. Volume One takes us through two distinct chapters of Unute the Berserker's life, showcasing betrayal, violence, and deeply personal moments. While the surface offers a blood-soaked adventure, where the unstoppable protagonist survives the impossible, the real draw is in the nuanced exploration of Unute's character, which hints at even deeper layers to be uncovered in future installments.
The visual artistry is another standout, with vivid color schemes, dynamic illustrations, and immersive layouts that pull the reader into the chaos. It’s rare to see a graphic novel this visually engaging, I loved everything about this gorgeous artwork, every single scene was a pleasure to see.
The only drawback was the lack of a strong connection between the two storylines. While both were compelling and thematically linked, a tighter narrative bridge between them would have elevated the experience for me. So, with thatsaid, it's a promising start, and I’m eager to see where the next volume takes us.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙈! 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣-𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚.
July 9, 2024
‘BRZRKR: Bloodlines Vol. 1’ created by Keanu Reeves with story by Steve Skroce and Mattson Tomlin is a graphic novel that looks into the brutal past of the immortal warrior B., aka Berzerker.
This book consists of two stories. The first, Poetry of Madness, has B as the defender of Atlantis, fighting all single handedly who would try to destroy the city, both outside and inside. In Fallen Empire, a former kingdom destroyed by BRZRKR yields a sole female survivor who tells a different story of him than he recollects, but is she to be trusted?
It’s a highly visceral set of stories featuring a protagonist who revels in ending his foes in the most gory way possible. The stories are solid as is the art.
This book consists of two stories. The first, Poetry of Madness, has B as the defender of Atlantis, fighting all single handedly who would try to destroy the city, both outside and inside. In Fallen Empire, a former kingdom destroyed by BRZRKR yields a sole female survivor who tells a different story of him than he recollects, but is she to be trusted?
It’s a highly visceral set of stories featuring a protagonist who revels in ending his foes in the most gory way possible. The stories are solid as is the art.
November 17, 2024
Broooo - I guess Keanu went full beserker.
This is very bloody, kinda funny and a lil bit sexy.
Was entertaining.
This is very bloody, kinda funny and a lil bit sexy.
Was entertaining.
March 17, 2025
Všichni jsou mrtví Dejve...
July 14, 2025
This one is, obviously, for my violent blood & guts crowd. If that's you, and you haven't jumped on the BRZRKR train yet, what are you waiting for? If that is not you, then this is definitely not for you. Not my fave art style but I enjoyed the storylines. Some of the alternative covers are gorgeous. This one is a no-brainer for the right reader and an absolutely not for the wrong one. I trust you to know which you are. Thank you to everyone involved, the publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC.
June 25, 2025
As a fan of graphic novels, BRZRKR: Bloodlines Vol. 1 was an intriguing start to a new chapter within the BRZRKR universe. The illustrations are striking – atmospheric, dynamic, and filled with memorable details. I especially loved the red armor in the first story, which immediately reminded me of Dracula’s armor from the 1992 film – a fantastic visual touch that added depth to the tone of the story.
I also appreciated the use of classic fantasy elements in that first story, especially the presence of a creature reminiscent of Cthulhu. It gave the narrative a mythological, almost Lovecraftian vibe that really appealed to me.
The ideas throughout this volume are intriguing and suggest a wider universe waiting to be explored. However, the stories felt a bit too short – even by comic standards. Just as things were getting interesting, they would often end abruptly, which left me wanting more.
That said, Bloodlines Vol. 1 lays a solid foundation for further expansion of the BRZRKR world. If you're into darker action stories with mythological and historical influences, this is definitely worth checking out – and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I also appreciated the use of classic fantasy elements in that first story, especially the presence of a creature reminiscent of Cthulhu. It gave the narrative a mythological, almost Lovecraftian vibe that really appealed to me.
The ideas throughout this volume are intriguing and suggest a wider universe waiting to be explored. However, the stories felt a bit too short – even by comic standards. Just as things were getting interesting, they would often end abruptly, which left me wanting more.
That said, Bloodlines Vol. 1 lays a solid foundation for further expansion of the BRZRKR world. If you're into darker action stories with mythological and historical influences, this is definitely worth checking out – and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 13, 2024Ahead of the novel with China Mieville, and having wrapped up the main series, Keanu Reeves demonstrates that famed amiability and lets some other creative teams have a go on his toys, specifically Unute, the immortal killer with a distinct resemblance to his creator, and whose timeline would definitely accommodate John Wick as having represented a few quiet months. Steve Skroce was an obvious first choice for the gig - besides having long been a natural with scenes of epic carnage, storyboarding The Matrix demonstrates a track record of making the boss look good. And in Poetry Of Madness he excels himself, showing how the fall of Atlantis came down to - SPOILER - Cthulhu thinking he was hard enough to take Keanu. Schoolboy error. Loses points for spelling Aklo wrong, but otherwise, no notes.
Unfortunately, that's followed by Mattson Tomlin and Rebekah Isaacs with Fallen Empire. Wasn't the first story about a fallen empire? Yep. Specifically, a towering city which grew too arrogant behind its walls, with a foolish king, and a female narrator who was the sole survivor. And despite the character meaning you can go pretty much anywhere in or before recorded history, so is this one! The duplication can't necessarily be blamed on the creators, if they weren't gently steered elsewhere, but the comparative lack of wit and excitement can, likewise the two twists that are obvious from a mile off. About the only entertainment came with the keepers of the world's history being the scowling Acastan monks, meaning I of course translated them all into James Acaster having a big Taskmaster sulk. I didn't recognise Mattson Tomlin's name - and indeed would probably have guessed him to be a teammate of Bobson Dugnutt - but apparently he's doing the BRZRKR film, about which I am now appreciably less excited.
(Netgalley ARC)
Unfortunately, that's followed by Mattson Tomlin and Rebekah Isaacs with Fallen Empire. Wasn't the first story about a fallen empire? Yep. Specifically, a towering city which grew too arrogant behind its walls, with a foolish king, and a female narrator who was the sole survivor. And despite the character meaning you can go pretty much anywhere in or before recorded history, so is this one! The duplication can't necessarily be blamed on the creators, if they weren't gently steered elsewhere, but the comparative lack of wit and excitement can, likewise the two twists that are obvious from a mile off. About the only entertainment came with the keepers of the world's history being the scowling Acastan monks, meaning I of course translated them all into James Acaster having a big Taskmaster sulk. I didn't recognise Mattson Tomlin's name - and indeed would probably have guessed him to be a teammate of Bobson Dugnutt - but apparently he's doing the BRZRKR film, about which I am now appreciably less excited.
(Netgalley ARC)
February 3, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of BRZRKR: Bloodlines by Keanu Reeves; Mattson Tomlin in exchange for an honest review. This was a beautifully gory graphic novel. I enjoyed the storyline.
December 4, 2023
Keanu Reeves meets Cuthulhu
September 5, 2024
BRZRKR: Bloodlines is the fantastical John Wick I never knew I needed. Volume One follows Unute the Berserker through 2 different periods in his life full of emotion, betrayal, and (of course) bloodshed. On its face, BRZRKR: Bloodlines is a fun romp through blood-spattered artwork with the world's favorite boogeyman surviving anything thrown at him. However, the joy I found in this comic was in the places where we got to see the depths of Unute's character that I'm excited to explore in future volumes. The other highlight of BRZRKR: Bloodlines was the phenomenal artwork. I found myself mesmerized by the color palettes, the stylized drawing, and the layout that really sucks the reader into the story in a way I've seen many graphic novels miss.
The only thing that kept this volume from 5 stars for me was the disconnect between the two vignettes. While both stories shared similar themes and were equally interesting to explore, I craved a stronger narrative between them than the storyline allowed for.
(Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC)
#ARC #NetGalleyARC
The only thing that kept this volume from 5 stars for me was the disconnect between the two vignettes. While both stories shared similar themes and were equally interesting to explore, I craved a stronger narrative between them than the storyline allowed for.
(Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC)
#ARC #NetGalleyARC
March 25, 2024
For the fans of Graphic Novels is a quite exciting read (I've read it in one hour). I enjoyed both of the stories, with the second to be more complexed and have a great twist. Unute the Berseker is nuclear-raged bloodthirsty immortal war-machine who can't be stopped by anyone but yet he is betrayed by the people he meets in his life. Nice artwork, nice stories.. It has intrigued me to search and read the rest of the series.
Many thanks to Netgalley and BOOM! Studios for the ARC
Many thanks to Netgalley and BOOM! Studios for the ARC
July 22, 2024
In preparation for Book of Elsewhere, I decided to check out the remaining BRZRKR releases. This volume takes Unute out of modern times and injects him into legends, where he takes part in stories of lost civilizations
Still as hyperviolent as the initial series, but somewhat more action-packed. Although I didn't think the stories were great (they were what I expected, so this isn't negative commentary), I like the direction of reaching into his past life for adventures, making it more fantasy than super-antihero comic. It's a quick, fun read, but if the title isn't trigger warning enough and you're disturbed by blood and gore, "This won't end well for you."
Still as hyperviolent as the initial series, but somewhat more action-packed. Although I didn't think the stories were great (they were what I expected, so this isn't negative commentary), I like the direction of reaching into his past life for adventures, making it more fantasy than super-antihero comic. It's a quick, fun read, but if the title isn't trigger warning enough and you're disturbed by blood and gore, "This won't end well for you."
February 7, 2025
This is the first BRZRKR graphic novel I've read, but it's very accessible and by that I mean I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything by not reading the previous publications. You'll love this book if you enjoyed the dry humor in the John Wick movies and the world building of Constantine. I'm really looking forward to checking out other content in this series.
March 6, 2024
Netgalley Review
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
KEANU!!!!!! I really wanted to give this a 5 Star all because of Kenau, but I have to be honest with myself and give it 4 stars. It was a good read and was hard to put down, but the story was just thinner than I expected. The 2nd part definitely Had a great twist which I enjoyed, but overall i thought ot was slightly lacking to be 5 Star.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
KEANU!!!!!! I really wanted to give this a 5 Star all because of Kenau, but I have to be honest with myself and give it 4 stars. It was a good read and was hard to put down, but the story was just thinner than I expected. The 2nd part definitely Had a great twist which I enjoyed, but overall i thought ot was slightly lacking to be 5 Star.
August 10, 2024
"Fucking muckers."
August 5, 2025
I’m not a graphic novel person but I liked this. Yes lots of violence , but the story was well done and it’s Keanu, how can I not love it. 😂
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