Keanu Reeves Joins the Comic Book World as a Writer
It’s been a minute since we’ve had any Keanu Reeves-related news, so we’re happy to share this nugget.
Once again, he’s flexing his chops with a new project, and although it’s not an announcement about him joining Marvel as a hero — or supervillain — it still involves an action feature. Reeves is bringing an immortal character to life in a different way.
Keanu Reeves is a comic book author
We know him as an actor and perhaps for his side hustle as a motorcycle expert, but Reeves can now add comic book author to his list of accomplishments.
This October, the John Wick star will make his official debut in the genre as co-writer of BRZRKR, a series that follows a demi-god warrior.
According to USA Today, Reeves partnered with Boom! Studios, author Matthew Kindt, and artist Alessandro Vitti to create the 12-issue series that will introduce Berzerker to the world.
Reeves told the outlet he first tossed the idea to Boom! sometime last year described him as “this character who was born 80,000 years ago, half man, his father’s a war god. It’s a little fantasy in reality.”
Reeves and co-writer says series is ‘violent’ but explores morals too
It is hard to separate Reeves from what he did with John Wick, and Berzerker is similar to the hitman in that he is a killer who sometimes does contract work. They all even look a little bit alike.
But Reeves explained to USA Today that this hero is torn between “his father’s compulsion to violence” and being “trapped and trying to figure it out.” He also said he’s warm and has a sense of humor.
On the Boom! Studios website, BRZRKR is described as:
The man known only as Berzerker is half-mortal and half-God, cursed and compelled to violence…even at the sacrifice of his sanity. But after wandering the world for centuries, Berzerker may have finally found a refuge – working for the U.S. government to fight the battles too violent and too dangerous for anyone else. In exchange, Berzerker will be granted the one thing he desires – the truth about his endless blood-soaked existence…and how to end it.
Kindt shared that he did watch John Wick for inspiration, but this joint venture with Reeves has deep roots and entails excited, detailed conversations. They use Skype while Reeves is away filming The Matrix 4.
In a company press release, he talked about how he and Reeves built the story:
The best collaborations have each partner bringing something unique to the table. Wth BRZRKR we mixed a potent cocktail of all the things that we love: the tale of an immortal warrior laced with history, conspiracies, spirituality, and a gigantic helping of bonkers action and violence — all with intense purpose and ultimately a heartbreaking discovery.
Where fans can buy the comic
The first issue of BRZRKR is set for an October release and will be available in print at select comic book shops. There will also be a digital version of the limited-edition series.
For those who want to experience a bit of the adventure early, you can check out the Boom Studios! panel at Comic-Con@Home.
The company plans to preview some of the comic’s masterful art and give inside details about the series. Check it out on July 26 at 11 a.m. PST.
