By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
IMG is getting into the comics business with a BOOM!, as it has been appointed licensing agency for the BRZRKR series from Keanu Reeves.
BRZRKR is a record breaking comic book series from BOOM! Studios that was created by actor Keanu Reeves and co-written with bestselling writer Matt Kindt.
IMG has now been appointed as the brand’s exclusive global licensing representative with the goal of developing new and engaging consumer products and experiences.
“The immortal universe of BRZRKR has captured the imaginations and flamed the passion of fandom around the world, and we’re only beginning to scratch the surface of the potential of this amazing franchise. We are thrilled to have IMG, the global leader in licensing consumer products, as our exclusive partner to unleash the full potential of Keanu Reeves’ visionary creation,” said Filip Sablik, BOOM! Studios’ President of Publishing & Marketing.
The ongoing comic book franchise evokes some ‘totally tubular’ themes and characters from some of Reeves’ fan-favorite films such as The Matrix, John Wick, and Bill & Ted.
The comic also includes the work of top illustrator Ron Garney, who is known for his work on top titles like Marvel’s The Amazing Spider-Man and Captain America, who breathes life into the Keanu Reeves lookalike character B.
The story revolves around B, or the BRZRKR, who is forced to go through a series of violent battles in his quest to discover the truth behind his cursed but immortal existence. The comic quickly found a huge audience of fans, as the first issue launched in 2021 and already sold roughly 615,000 copies. That makes it the second best-selling single issue for any comic, just after Star Wars #1 in 2015. It is also the highest selling launch of an original comic book, that’s not based on an existing brand, for almost 30 years.
The brand has also grown quickly, as there’s already an upcoming live-action film and a follow-up anime show in partnership with Netflix, and a new original novel to be published by Random House. One wonders, what actor could they possibly get to play the lead character?
The multi-year deal with leading licensing agency IMG is designed to greatly grow the footprint of the comic series and to develop a range of consumer products and experiences that will allow fans to engage with the series’ distinctive themes in new ways, including through apparel and accessories, collectables, toys, food and beverage, and location-based experiences.
“BRZRKR is the most exciting original comic book series launched in recent times,” said IMG VP of Licensing Gary Krakower. “With its team of talented celebrity creators, thought-provoking themes and gripping narrative, this series has all the ingredients to become the next big comic universe.”
We are delighted to come on board as BRZRKR’s global licensing representative and help grow its reach and awareness through targeted consumer offerings.”
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