Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we’re at the pen-ultimate issue of a series that has created some big hype heading into 2023. BRZRKR #11 by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, Ron Garney and Bill Crabtree for Boom Studios has been a violent voyage alongside B, the half man, half god, all destructive force. B’s quest to end his existence has taken many twists and turns since the book was announced on Kickstarter a few years ago, With more projects spawning out from this series over the next few years, there are quite a few eyes watching this book. Let’s take a deeper dive and see what is going on before next issue’s finale, shall we?

BRZRKR #11 - On Sale December 21st, 2022
Creative: Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, Ron Garney and Bill Crabtree
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story centers around B and his quest to end his immortal existence after decades of fighting. B sides with the government. Over the course of the series, B (aka Unute) has been handling dangerous missions under the eye of Dr. Caudwell and his only ally Diana who are trying to solve his mystery. After taking a trip through his own existence, Diana has now become connected to B via an energy blast. There’s little time to process this as B has been set up by Caudwell for his own nefarious ways. Caudwell is trying to take B’s powers for his own gains. B has now been led to a location where secrets of how to end his life may be held. After uncovering a bird that can take away his power, B faces his fate.

This issue opens up with Caudwell’s forces watching in awe of what is unfolding with B. Unexpectedly, they have some party crashes who make their way to the site. All the while, B is being tore apart by the bird, which is growing in size due to the energy it’s absorbing. Diana is talking with B telepathically trying to make some sense of all this but B is insistent on seeing this thru. Caudwell watches and locks himself in a chamber to avoid the situation and make his next move.

What unfolds next will be absolute chaos. Cult members square off with the military unit with B and Diana in the crossfire dealing with the bird draining the power. Readers bare witness to Caudwell making a play that changes everything. What does he do and how does B and Diana react? Is B still a faction after dealing with the leaching bird? There are many thoughts readers will be trying to process as the last panel sets up for what is sure to be a memorable ending.

Reeves and Kindt set up the finale with a fast moving plot. Seeing the buildup for B’s possible demise was presented well. The emphasis driving the panels was very clear. The moment felt huge and it reflected in the artwork. Seeing Caudwell’s plan unfold paid off as well. His defiance in the face of the attacks unfolding will stand out to readers. Pacing sped up at this stage as the first half of the issue was driven by the attention to B’s struggles. The repercussions from his plan looks to have all the makings for a noteworthy conclusion.

Garney creates brilliant imagery to exemplify B’s ordeal. There were a few full page panels showing the power running thru B as the bird was drawing the energy away. Diana and B crashing back to the ground from this also stood out. These moments felt huge as it carried the weight of the major plot point. Caudwell’s repercussions will also jump out to readers. Those panels feel manic and connect readers to the unstable environment now created. The final image will have readers amped up for what’s about to unfold in the final chapter.

FINAL POINT: The stage is set to close out B’s violent journey with an issue that conveys the enormous burden B has and what unfolds when tampered with. Reeves, Kindt, Garney and the team welcome readers to the end with strong storytelling and impactful artwork. Don’t miss this book at the local comic shop this week.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Brzrkr #11. Thanks for reading!

BRZRKR #11 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M