Keanu Reeves, celebrated for his roles in blockbuster action films and more recently, video games, has ventured into a new arena: literature. His entry into the world of comics through the Kickstarter-funded series BRZRKR, created alongside Matt Kindt and Ron Garney, has now evolved into his first co-authored novel, “The Book of Elsewhere.”
“The Book of Elsewhere” isn’t just an extension of BRZRKR. While it shares similarities, it’s crafted to appeal not only to fans of the comic series but also to those who admire Reeves himself. The novel, which Reeves co-wrote, dives into the life of an immortal soldier grappling with existential questions. This blend of philosophy and violent thriller, crafted with an unexpected finesse, might seem like a departure for a pulp novel, but it gains depth and intrigue from Reeves’ collaboration with China Miéville, a pivotal figure in the “new weird” genre.
She said, We needed a tool. So I asked the gods.
The first book trailer for THE BOOK OF ELSEWHERE by Keanu Reeves and China Miévelle has arrived, starring the authors themselves! This genre-bending epic hits shelves on 7/23. Preorder your copy here: https://t.co/3leHJ07niP pic.twitter.com/b01WwvU9yF
— Del Rey Books (@DelReyBooks) May 28, 2024
China Miéville is renowned for his influential works in weird fiction, including “Perdido Street Station” and “The City & the City,” where he intertwines Lovecraftian cosmic horror with urban fantasy elements. His partnership with Reeves brings a rich, nuanced layer to the narrative of “The Book of Elsewhere,” making it an intriguing read even for those unfamiliar with BRZRKR.
BRZRKR itself is a vividly brutal comic series that follows Unute, or “B,” an immortal warrior with the power of a demigod who longs not for death, but the capability of it. To achieve this, he engages in perilous military operations in exchange for the U.S. government’s efforts to find a cure for his immortality, probing whether his extraordinary abilities can be replicated. The comic balances graphic intensity with a reflective narrative depth, setting the stage for its novelistic counterpart.
I only have a few slots available at the moment now,so start making your payment and orders for my new book guys.#keanureeves #johnwick #TheChase pic.twitter.com/yJ0fTF73WC
— Keanu Reeves (@_0KeanuReeve) May 29, 2024
“The Book of Elsewhere” translates these themes into a new medium, offering a distinct interpretation akin to different filmmakers tackling the same script. Under Miéville’s guidance, the novel shifts focus to the more enigmatic aspects of the immortal protagonist’s life, including a unique creature, a babirusa (or deer-pig), that shares Unute’s eternal life and mysteriously trails him through the ages.
This novel reimagines Unute’s immortality as part eco-horror, part conspiracy thriller, enriched with vignettes that explore his encounters through history, weaving a complex tapestry of cyclical violence and existential musings.
The unique narrative approach in “The Book of Elsewhere” demonstrates that being a fan of one adaptation of Unute’s story doesn’t guarantee affinity for the other. Each version stands alone, reflecting the distinct creative visions of its contributors. This dual exploration mirrors Reeves’ own cinematic journey, where his capacity to inspire creativity in others shines through, from “The Matrix” to “John Wick.”
Scheduled for release on July 23, “The Book of Elsewhere” promises to offer readers a fresh and thoughtful perspective on the themes familiar to followers of Reeves’ expanding artistic repertoire.
Major Points
- Keanu Reeves has expanded from acting and video games into literature with his novel “The Book of Elsewhere,” co-authored with China Miéville.
- The novel builds on themes from the BRZRKR comic series, exploring the existential dilemmas of an immortal soldier.
- China Miéville, known for his “new weird” fiction, brings a unique narrative style to the novel, emphasizing philosophical and cosmic horror elements.
- “The Book of Elsewhere” introduces a new character, a babirusa that shares the protagonist’s immortality, adding layers of eco-horror and conspiracy thriller to the story.
- The novel stands alone as a distinct work, reflective of Reeves’ influence in encouraging creative excellence, similar to his impact in films like “The Matrix” and “John Wick.”
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
