Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! For this edition, we’re nearing the end of a very intriguing series from Boom Studios. BRZRKR #9 by Keanu Reeves (yes, THAT Keanu Reeves), Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, Bill Crabtree and Clem Robins has been an exciting read into the life of B, a half man/half god and his search to find an end to his immortal life. The story has gone in a few different directions than one would expect but it’s been a solid read each time out. Let’s check out where the latest chapter is taking us this time, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Last issue showed how B went missing from the experiments of Dr. Caudwell, who revealed his evil mater plan. Where readers jump in, it appears as B has finally connected with his father on a whole other realm. However that reunion is cut short as B is pulled back to Earth without a ton of answers he was looking for. Is anyone really prepared for how B handles this moment? Meanwhile, Diana, B’s only “friend” in the government agency working with him is in a containment tank after being exposed to energy radiating from an explosion involving B.
Once B returns, readers get a very blunt, brutal, in your face look at what B is capable of. How do you stop an unstoppable force? That is the question to ask during these moments. This pleases Caudwell, who is watching all these events and enjoying what he’s seeing. However, an X factor is thrown into the mix that might derail everything. Readers are left with a very puzzling last panel to ponder over.
There’s much to talk about with this issue. Reeves & Kindt unleash B in one of the most primal and violent ways readers will ever see in a fight. To drive the point of how intensely important learning B’s secret to clone/adapt was well played. Readers fully get why Caudwell is happy to see the “progress” unfold in this issue. The short family reunion served its’ purpose to light the match known as B’s rage. Once B thinks he will finally get some answers, they are denied once again and he takes that out on anyone in sight. The biggest question is Diana’s involvement in this issue which readers will see that unfold next time.
Garney delivers some of the most violent action you will read in a comic within these pages. B unleashed is a terrifying image to witness and readers get a front row seat for that. There is nothing held back about it. An immortal killing machine unleashed. period. The conversation with ‘dad” worked well here as well, as it drove home B’s anger when he returned to Earth. That last sequence of events does raise some questions and Garney crafts those moments to really have readers talking.
Overall, BRZRKR #9 sets the final arc off with an intense kick in the teeth. The creative team show B is at his most brutal withan ending that draws up more questions than answers (and that’s not a bad thing). Make sure to check this series out at the LCS this week. Big things are happening towards the conclusion.
Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of BRZRKR #9. As always, Thanks for reading.