Keanu Reeves Ventures into Novel Writing, Expanding the BRZRKR Comic Book Universe
Renowned actor Keanu Reeves, celebrated for his iconic roles in action films, has taken a bold step into the world of literature as he announces the release of his debut novel. Co-authored with British writer China Miéville, the novel, titled The Book of Elsewhere, is set to expand the universe of Reeves’ BRZRKR comic book series.
The narrative unfolds around Berzerker, a character torn between mortality and godhood, embarking on a quest to unravel the key to his immortality. Reeves, who played a pivotal role in creating this character through the 2021 comic book series, decided to delve deeper into the story through the medium of a novel. In a video shared on Good Morning America, he expressed his enthusiasm for exploring new dimensions within the universe he helped bring to life.
The Book of Elsewhere is scheduled for release on July 23, 2024, in hardcover, digital, and audiobook formats under Penguin Random House’s label, Del Rey Books. This expansion marks another chapter in Reeves’ artistic journey, complementing his earlier literary projects.
The BRZRKR comics, a collaborative effort with Matt Kindt, were illustrated by Ron Garney and published by Boom! Studios. Reeves has ambitious plans to further extend the BRZRKR series, not only through the novel but also by starring in a live-action film for Netflix and attaching his name to an animated spin-off series on the streaming platform.
This novel is not the actor’s first foray into the literary world. Reeves has actively participated as a publisher for Los Angeles-based indie press X Artist’s Books. This venture, undertaken with artist Alexandra Grant, designer Jessica Fleischmann, and editor Florence Grant, focuses on interdisciplinary artists’ books and collaborative projects. The actor has co-authored the art book Shadows with Grant, featuring her photographs capturing Reeves’ shadow alongside his poems.
Reeves’ artistic pursuits extend beyond literature. The actor and musician recently reunited with his grunge band, Dogstar, for their first album and tour in over two decades. The album, Somewhere Between the Palm Trees and Power Lines, released on October 6, 2023, and the band embarked on a fall tour with more than 25 dates, including a show in Toronto in December.
Dogstar, formed in 1994 with Reeves on bass, Bret Domrose as the guitarist-vocalist, and Rob Mailhouse on drums, initially released Happy Endings in 2000 before disbanding in 2002. The reunion and new album mark a significant moment in the actor’s musical journey.
Keanu Reeves continues to captivate audiences not only through his on-screen performances but also through his diverse and dynamic ventures across literature and music. As he expands the BRZRKR universe with The Book of Elsewhere, it becomes evident that Reeves is a true artist exploring the boundless realms of creativitycreativity.