BRZRKR Fallen Empire #1 is published by BOOM! Studios, created by Keanu Reeves, written by Mattson Tomlin, illustrated by Rebekah Isaacs and coloured by Dee Cunniffe.
Issue #1 is available 29th November 2023 either directly from BOOM! Studios online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
The lone survivor of Olos, a long-dead–once thriving–empire, tells a tale of B.’s distant past and the death and cataclysm he brought forth.
But what did B. find that could have driven him to such violent ends? The desires of the heart are as much a weapon as any in B.’s arsenal…
Review
This new series starts with a strange withered lady turning up out the blue at the door of the Acastan Monks claiming to be the last survivor of the Olos and bringing a tale that must be heard, the legacy of the Olos depends on it.
The tale goes back to the time when Olos was under the ruling of King Arnak, an evil ruler that had a thirst for violence using his enemies for blood sport. Using the weak to enhance fearsome reputation and boost his ego. But this one particular occasion a mysterious beaten man was brought into the arena, unbeknownst to Arnak the invincible being BRZRKR is in his midst.
At first this battered male refuses to engage in fight keeping his secret hidden for the safety of those around him, Arnak’s right hand man steps up and under Arnak’s instruction beheads this weak looking male to call time on this spectical, as his head roles across the floor you would think this is the end however as we know BRZRKR cannot be killed and Arnak is just about to find out, a fearsome and gruesome display sees BRZRKR come out on top standing tall in a see of blood and dismembered limbs Arnak sees an opportunity to enhance his power more by installing BRZRKR into his army, but BRZRKR works for no man.
This is where the story takes a dark turn as BRZRKR is imprisoned within the castle’s dungeon until he agrees to work alongside Arnak, the Queen of Olos breaks free BRZRKR claiming she wants to escape the tyrant’s grasp and return to the homeland she was forced to leave, but this Queen seems suspiciously helpful out of the blue claiming her innocence gets BRZRKR on her side but her intentions may well not be as they seem on the surface.
As the original main series BRZRKR is a gripping story that has the potential to keeping running for many series to come. The many layers of this mysterious character keeps a question mark what we know, what we do know is that he is a killing machine but what powers him? What fuels this rage? The story that Mattson Tomlin has put to paper had me entrapped from the first page, the story gripped me deep into the pages taking me on a wild action packed tornado type journey that you don’t know which way you are turning, that’s not in a bad way it’s just the story is so fast paced it literally sweeps you off your feet.
The incredible artwork from Rebekah Isaacs perfectly shows the blood thirsty nature of the character but also makes it all make sense, each panel gives the story more depth and meaningful impact as the story grips you with it’s intensity.
Keanu Reeves has created a character that could become one of the most important and iconic characters in comics.
Verdict
The Fallen Empire carries on from where the main story left off with it’s bloody intensity and deep story line that pulls you in with raw emotion. One of the best series and that’s only after the first issue.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
