Berserker Unbound #1 // Review
Jeff Lemire and Mike Deodato Jr work together and bring to life their freshly created barbarian pastiche for the new age. Focusing more on the art than dialogue for this hulking 40-page giant debut issue proves to be the perfect kick-off for yet another creator-owned venture for Lemire. While Deodato just off of his Marvel exclusive contract now finds himself in all new territories but as for Jeff Lemire, it’s just another Wednesday.
As the Mongrel King makes his way back to his village, he is left to lament his existence of blood and violence. As he reaches home he is met with a familiar smell and horror, his wife and child lie dead in their home as with the rest of the village. Without a second to gather himself, the Mongrel King is met, but a whole hoard of wolf-themed adversaries. What King would he be? To fall before these men? The barbarian lays absolute waste to these unfortunate souls. Eventually outnumbered by the growing foes, the King makes his way through a cave and into a mysterious passage. Before the chapter ends, the Mongrel King finds himself being woken up by a homeless man in modern-day in what looks to be Central Park or some facsimile of sorts.
It cannot be stated enough at how masterful of an artist Deodato truly is. With his unmistakable style to his beautiful renderings using unorthodox techniques to add an extra layer of flair, Deodato is at the top of his game with this series. Whether tight close-up shots to get the raw emotions of this character across. To the sheer ability to layout these violent menageries in expected fashion, there was no other choice than Deodato for this project.
Lemire takes a break from his more dialogue-driven tales for this epic piece of eye candy, taking more of a backseat to the artwork. At times a few of the swear words can seem a bit forced or out of place, it’s genuinely the world-building left to be seen where Lemire will truly shine.
Although Deodato takes the spotlight with this exciting first issue, Lemire is sure to lay further more detailed groundwork. As this mini-series gets its footing and introductions out of the way. A far cry from other works out from Lemire, this seems to fit perfectly within the wheelhouse of Deodato. The two creatives work together and create a new and exciting look at an old comic trope.
