Welcome back for an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary blog to the ODPH Podcast! On this edition, the latest issue of BRZRKR by BOOM! Studios is hitting comic book stores this week. The book by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt & Ron Garney has A LOT of hype behind it since it debuted. This series has generated so much buzz, Netflix has locked up the production rights & have plans in place to create more BRZRKR content to compliment the comic. Let’s see where the latest installment takes us, shall we?

BRZRKR #5 (BOOM! Studios) Creative Team: Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, Bill Crabtree, Clem Robins. Cover by Lee Garbett Credit: BOOM! Studios — BRZRKR #5 (BOOM! Studios)
Creative Team: Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, Bill Crabtree, Clem Robins. Cover by Lee Garbett
Credit: BOOM! Studios

*** POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING ***

The story is based around a character known as B. B is a mix of god, mortal & 100% Violence. After being around for hundreds of years, B has made a distinct mark on the world. He now uses his talents for the U.S. Government using his “skills” in dangerous missions. His reward: learning why he is how he is & how to end his life. The first four issues really set a high-action tempo for the story & is extremely violent. There is no doubt why B is every bit of a force of nature readers would think.

This issue focuses on B’s history of “what is Love” and a behind the scenes on his beginnings. It’s literally a trip through time. It shows great insight to what’s behind the storm of rage. However, the trip through memory lane shows possible signs that B might not be fully ready for the next mission. Also, it seems that the government might have more plans than just helping B find his form of peace.

Reeves & Kindt really deep dive into B’s past in this issue. The subtle conversation with Diana (a doctor working with B) starts the unveiling of who B really is. Readers get a very straight forward tale of how an “immortal” deals with love & lost all these years. The writers deliver on the emotional moments & drive it home throughout the issue.

Garney’s artwork brings this story to life perfectly. The panel set-ups showing how aging is seen thru B’s thoughts is very well done. Readers feel the gravity of B’s emotions on this saga. The action might be more spaced out here compared to previous issues, but the scenes come through when needed in the story.

Overall, BRZRKR comes back with an emotional punch that shouldn’t be missed. Make a point to hit up your LCS to grab this issue! Also, if you’re new to the series, the softcover TPB hits comic shops this week as well (book stores will have them the following week. Yet another reason to hit your LCS this week)!

Hit me up on Twitter & let me know what you think of BRZRKR #5. As always, thanks for reading!

BRZRKR #5 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

Ken M