Berserker #3 review
With only three issues into the series, Berserker is a blast of violent pleasure with deepening, intriguing plot. So often a new series with great promise begins to fizzle with lack of direction and staying power; Berserker is proving to be fun premise that is building a mature plotline. Like good cheese, this read is getting better with time.
Artist Jeremy Haun quickly set his signature mark on this series with his uber-violent gore fest of entrails and easy-to-tear appendages. Successfully conveying the berserkers’ brutality is essential for the success of this read and Haun bloody nails it.
Author Rick Loverd kicks the plot into high gear as he layers a deepening mystery atop of these blood stained pages. The berserkers Farris Jorn and Aaron Bural are quickly learning that they are not alone in their condition. Loverd gives the story a mature depth and leave you wanting more.
Loverd and Haun are the dynamic duo of mature gore and a wicked story. I am more impressed with each issue. This is one of the best new comics in a long time.
4.5 out of 5
Notice anything extremely cool about this ad for Top Cow’s Berserker that we found in Impaler #4?
Too many cool things to know for sure what we’re referring to? Here’s another hint:
Read Ray’s original Berserker #1 review here.
I have been looking forward to this start of this run since issue #0 released a few months ago. It was well worth the wait. What happens when two seemingly ordinary and unrelated guys periodically freak out and start ripping people’s limbs and heads off for no apparent reason? Pick up this issue and find out.
Aaron and Farris are having some problems. Both struggle with violent outbursts that momentarily transform them into berserking super-strong freaks. Unable to control their rage (even from their loved ones), they seek understanding to their eruptions. Adding to the mystery are two lurking figures that seem to know more about their condition and are following these men.
Rick Loverd writes a patiently balanced plot. Ample pages provide an understanding of these characters, while the action can be unleashed at a moment. Loverd effectively creates the panic and viciousness of the rage without relying just on gore to sell the book. This is a fun romp into madness written with poise and balls. Enough suspenseful elements are littered throughout the issue to give it an X-Files feel; a deep plot and mystery is waiting to unravel.
Jeremy Haun draws the limp-ripping-crap out of this book. The berserker outbursts are powerful and nasty. Haun shows his talents both in the horrific violence and the subtle character panels; it’s a strong work through and through.
Loverd and Haun have set the stage for a fun, smart, sick, and refreshing straightforward read. In just one issue, we get a clear plot, know the characters, vomit on ourselves, and are intrigued by the mystery lurking in the shadows. I like it!
4 out of 5
Left with an urgent mission from Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth as their surrogate father, the Outsiders are taking on a potent faction of immortals as the team is still trying to gel.
This story arc has depth and originality. The villains the Outsiders are facing have gravity to them; they are smart, powerful, organized, resourceful and determined. Lurking the shadows is a growing threat and converging of some DC bad-asses. Peter J. Tomasi is writing a tightly structured story and has effectively captured his teams’ personalities.
Pencillers Fernando Pasarin and Jeremy Haun have produced a gritty and detailed book. I really enjoyed the collateral damage on the streets during the scrap with Deathstroke. The gore was not overdone, yet suitable for the Outsider, who are the darker arm of Batman.
The Outsiders are actually important and this arc is shaping up to have some major ramifications for the DC universe. I hope this series keeps delivering.
3.5 out of 5
The title says it all. An American solider finds himself in a situation that pushes him over the edge. Once over the edge, he freaks out into an all-consuming rage that transforms him into an animalistic maniac.
The art captures the frantic rage and brutality. From panel to panel, the action is powerfully conveyed which will be essential to maintain throughout this title. This is a story driven by intense action and the realistic art portrays it with ferocity.
Quick warning, you might want to skip this issue and begin with Issue One in June. This issue is just a teaser and it’s not cheap at three bucks for eight pages of story. However, make sure you add this one to your pull list. Issue 0 felt like paying $10 for a Bud Lite at a hockey game; I liked it, but it wasn’t cheap and I wonder if it was worth it.
2 out of 5
