Comic Review: BRZRKR #2 (BOOM! Studios)

As B recuperates from the wounds of his previous mission, U.S. government Doctor Diana Ahuja aims to study more about B’s biological origins.

But what is she looking for in B’s past? What is her aim? Is she trying to aid B’s quest for mortality? Or is she trying to use him for a sinister purpose?

This issue focuses primarily on B’s origins and how he came to be, and it is definitely not entirely what I expected going into some degree. Kindt and Reeves add another supernatural element to Brzrkr as a character, showcasing how he developed his powers and honed his skills as a deadly killing machine. Given that it’s established that B (the titled protagonist) is essentially immortal, I figured it would be something scientific, but now, with this new element to the character, offers potential for the book and its character to go in places that readers may not expect. Despite being an issue that provides exposition to B’s origins, this issue is packed with vicious action and ruthless aggression.

Readers get to witness B’s youth as an uncontrollable child, to a very terrifying teenager that can and will cut through anyone and anything when under the savage influence of bloodlust. This issue was admittedly more fun to read as there is some back and forth between B and government scientist, Diana. Readers get to see a bit of dry banter and some humanity over the course of this issue, complimenting the adrenaline-fueled eviscerations that B is able to display from memory. Part of me would love to see how Kindt and Reeve’s put the script together for this series, simply because it reads as good as an action movie or series (which is currently in development). I wonder what kind of notes were exchanged, what were the writing duties from script to art etc.

While the writing of the book is great, the art is just as good, making this a visual delight to read through. If the first issue was bloody, then the second issue is gutsy. That is all due to Ron Garney’s ability as an illustrator to let loose with enough guts to go around. Much like the first issue, Garney’s layouts are raw and tastefully brutal as Kindt and Reeve’s writing. The colorwork by Bill Crabtree is solid, and Clem Robins lettering accomplishes the same, providing readers with a great reading experience. It’s safe to say that this was a great issue, giving readers a bit more and opening more avenues for even crazier story possibilities. Time will tell, but one thing is certain that this is a dope book and worth adding to your pull list for new comic book day.