Berserk

I like to assign short messages that best describe the pieces of art I love most. Bojack Horseman? Redeem. Evangelion? Live. Metamorphosis? Beware. Berserk could have numerous meanings, but the one I've settled on is: ‘overcome’.

Across its five arcs, Berserk immerses the reader in a world so harrowingly nightmarish and gorgeously serene that nothing can compare. Its central characters are painful, often brutal reminders of the facets of the human condition, yet each one left a lasting impression on me. Above all, Kentaro Miura’s masterpiece ranks comfortably among the very best works of media of all time.

Black Swordsman:

Black Swordsman delivers a gut punch to introduce us to this borderline nihilistic, miserable world. It recounts the story of Guts, the Black Swordsman, as he seeks to take down the malevolent apostle known as The Count. Early on, stunning art and rich subtext can be seen, though it's somewhat overshadowed by later sections of the story. Despite this, it sets the stage brilliantly.

Notable Characters: Guts, Puck, The Count, and the five members of the Godhand (Void, Slan, Ubrik, Conrad, and Femto)

Rating:
3/3 in enjoyability
3/3 in objective quality
2/4 in artistic merit
8/10

Golden Age:

Golden Age truly lives up to its title; it’s far and away the best part of Berserk. It serves as an origin story for Guts, detailing how he came into a world already trying to destroy him. Along the way, we meet Casca and Griffith, two of the greatest characters in fiction. This arc provides some of the most tragic and awe-inspiring narratives ever written, set against breathtaking visuals and richly developed characters.

Notable Characters: Guts, Casca, Griffith, Judeau, Gambino, Rickert

Rating:
3/3
3/3
4/4
10/10

Conviction:

Broken into two parts, Conviction is an excellent follow-up to both Black Swordsman and Golden Age. The first part, Children of The Forest, shows Guts’ journey and introduces nuanced duality in supporting characters, along with some of the best conflict-based action in the series. Binding Chain builds on the world-building and lore, providing cathartic resolutions to earlier moments. While the comedic relief can be overbearing, it’s easily overlooked in favor of the arc’s strengths.

Notable Characters: Guts, Rosine, Farnese, Luca, Father Mozgus, Skull Knight

Rating:
3/3
3/3
3/4
9/10

Falcon of The Millennium Empire:

This arc has some repetitive elements, which is my main criticism. However, it introduces fascinating new ideas and offers some of the best action sequences and art direction in the manga. This arc is notable for the development of the dichotomy between Guts and Griffith, showcasing their gravitas and excellence. Despite its flaws, it remains superb.

Notable Characters: Guts, Shierke, Farnese, Griffith, Isidro, Nosferatu Zodd, Skull Knight

Rating:
2/3
2/3
4/4

Fantasia:

By the time we reach Fantasia, readers have experienced emotional highs and lows. Fantasia embodies the emotional heart and soul of Berserk, intensifying the emotive aspects. It strikes a balance between heart-warming and wrenching, concluding with spectacular moments. Almost every character reaches a definitive high point here, making it a fitting end if it is indeed the final piece of the saga.

Notable Characters: Guts, Casca, Griffith, Isma, Farnese, Shierke, Rickert, Chitch

Rating:
3/3
2/3
4/4
9/10

Final Thoughts:

Berserk distills the will to live against all odds into a masterful work of art, comparable to classics like In The Aeroplane Over The Sea or It’s Such A Beautiful Day. It takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster that is addictive, punishing, rewarding, and soul-destroying. It is undoubtedly one of the greatest works of art I’ve had the pleasure of indulging in.

Rating:
3/3
3/3
4/4
10/10

Berserk is a series primarily appreciated for its intense action sequences and the raw, brutal power of its villains. This visually stunning manga meticulously showcases the grotesque nature of its characters in vivid detail. If you can't appreciate this aspect, Berserk might not be for you. The manga is highly recommended over the anime adaptations, which significantly tone down the gore and omit much of the story content. In fact, one of the most memorable villains, Wyald, was entirely omitted from both anime versions due to his disturbingly violent nature.

The protagonist, Guts, is relatively generic for much of the series, with his character development mainly serving as motivation to continue battling the villains. These antagonists provide most of the unique abilities and characterization. The story's pivotal moment comes during the Eclipse Arc, which occurs about a third of the way through the series and dramatically alters Guts' world.

While the series could have been fantastic if it followed up on the villains introduced early on, many have barely appeared since, leading to their decline due to underuse. The only compelling reason to read past the Eclipse is Mozgus' arc, which concludes around the halfway point of the manga. Beyond that, no particularly interesting new villains are introduced, and the author frequently takes long hiatuses, famously keeping Guts stuck on a boat for an extended period.

The other protagonists become increasingly frustrating after the Eclipse, as they contribute little to helping Guts and mostly need saving repeatedly. It's puzzling why they continue to travel with him or why he bothers to save them. Some well-developed and capable allies before the Eclipse fade into obscurity, replaced by less engaging characters.

Despite these shortcomings that emerge after the Eclipse and Mozgus arcs, reading up to that point is highly worthwhile. Even with a noticeable gap between these arcs, the aftermath of the terrible events keeps readers engaged, eager to see how the story unfolds. After Mozgus, the series essentially reaches its peak, with subsequent content being less impactful.

Total masterpiece, a 10/10, a love letter to manga. If you've ventured into the manga community or the anime world in general, you've likely heard of Berserk. Like Jojo, Berserk is everywhere, with countless references in other series—from Kirito's infamous Black Swordsman moniker to the astonishing Dark Souls, which itself is a tribute to Berserk. It's no secret that Berserk has influenced the narrative of fantasy stories in the medium, and I have no doubts about why it has done so.

(** minor spoilers **)

The journey of Guts, the Black Swordsman, is a journey full of emotions and reflection, combining elements of a medieval fantasy world with a nightmarish hell of demons. This makes the world feel as real as reality itself, and there's even an entire arc set in a realistic medieval setting. Berserk evolves through its arcs; the first one, the Black Swordsman arc (which continues after the Golden Age), might feel somewhat outdated and rough. It moves slowly, and the art style is quite old-fashioned compared to recent chapters. However, it effectively introduces us to Guts and the world around him, providing a solid foundation for the story and characters.

After the Golden Age arc, considered the best arc of Berserk, you'll be mesmerized. At this point, you can't stop reading Berserk and craving more. What surprises me is that Miura improvised this entire arc, yet it features beautiful narratives and illustrations, along with compelling characters. You'll fall in love with them, especially Guts, Griffith, and Casca, who receive the most development. Even minor characters are charismatic and endearing. Prepare yourself for some sub-arcs and their conclusions.

Following the Golden Age, comes the Conviction Arc, also known as the Lost Children Arc, part of the Conviction Arc, considered the second-best arc of Berserk. Some people believe Berserk should have ended here, or that subsequent arcs aren't worthy. While the Golden Age was indeed an absolute beast and a great arc, I disagree that Berserk loses its magic by becoming less dark. The story shifts from being a dark and depressing tale to an epic adventure—an odyssey of our hero. This transition feels natural and appropriate for Guts' character, who is constantly evolving.

I believe the world starts to feel less dark because of the upcoming Fantasia Arc, but it doesn't mean it isn't dark anymore. This perception is just an illusion since we follow Guts, who now finds himself in a sort of paradise. Meanwhile, Griffith is in a similar situation, but the world remains dark, filled with disturbing and terrifying characters like Ganishka during the Millennium Falcon Arc. Apostles are still evil and grotesque creatures, though they must behave now. Humans outside Falconia are vulnerable to fantastic creatures like dragons, hydras, and mermaids. The perspective of torture diminishes after the Conviction Arc, making the story feel more relaxed, which isn't necessarily bad.

The characters are no exception; Gut’s party has interesting members who change and grow throughout the story, unlike Griffith’s party, where some characters become less important and more like filler. The Millennium Falcon Arc and subsequent arcs showcase this shift. Another issue is the Boat Arc—it's fine and entertaining, but it serves more as a demonstration of the Berserk armor's power and a filler chapter. Fans following the series find this arc annoying, but I didn't experience that personally. Still, it's a good chapter but works more like a filler.

The art is simply beautiful and constantly evolving, transitioning from an 80s old-fashioned style to a unique, modern one full of details and expression. Miura's art is expressive, showing emotions through images and sometimes conveying thoughts without words. Some panels are stunning enough for wallpapers or posters. There are minor mistakes in the art, but they're not distracting—once noticed, they’re hard to unsee (e.g., Guts’ left arm in the Eclipse scene).

Berserk isn't perfect, but it's a worthwhile read and a profound exploration. The story could even touch you on a personal level, explaining its inspiration for artists and developers. The concept of struggle and constant fight is motivational.

Overall, Berserk is an exceptional story, though I wouldn't recommend it for very sensitive readers due to its many "colorful moments." Still, it's worth reading.

Characters - A solid 10 if not for minor issues.

Story - 10, outstanding, for now.

Enjoyment - I thoroughly enjoyed it, or I wouldn’t be a Berserk fan.

Art - 10

Overall - Berserk could be a solid 9.8 up to 10.

(** minor note with spoiler **)

I wish there were news about Berserk. It's been three months since Miura-sensei's passing, and his assistants are struggling with whether to continue the story or leave it as it is. If they choose the latter, it's fine, as Berserk still feels complete despite unresolved mysteries. Both protagonists have what they want, and Miura wanted a happy ending for Guts. If his assistants continue the story, I hope they put as much passion and life into it as Miura did. Rest in peace, Miura-sensei, the struggle was worth it.

FAVORITE. MANGA. EVER.

I'll make my review a bit different from the others and just be completely honest about why this is my favorite:

I love Guts. So much.

He embodies what it means to be a man—tall, muscular, and incredibly strong. However, that's not what made me admire him. What truly captivated me is his ambition and skill, his unwavering loyalty, his fearless approach towards challenges—he literally runs towards them. He doesn't care about others' opinions. And most importantly, he loves one woman with true, unconditional devotion.

This isn't a romance story by any means, but if you're looking for something intellectually stimulating with a touch of heart, you will thoroughly enjoy Berserk.

A 10. One of the few mangas that truly deserves two numbers. Berserk narrates the story of a swordsman tormented by sorrow and misfortune. "Out of the frying pan into the fire" aptly describes this manga, as the protagonist, Gutts, constantly finds himself in increasingly dire situations.

The storyline is superb, weaving themes of money, love, betrayal, and death. These elements are omnipresent yet subtly integrated throughout the narrative. Though it starts off somewhat slowly, the plot soon accelerates, crafting an intricate and elaborate tale that will undoubtedly draw you in like a vacuum.

The artwork is remarkable, though occasionally confusing, which is common in action manga. The depictions of decapitations and maiming appear quite realistic relative to the weapon swings and impacts—a significant plus in my opinion.

The characters are all captivating in their unique ways. Some are large, some are young, but all are adventurous and brave enough to fit into such an epic story. Each character is introduced and later reintroduced with even more background information, enriching their depth.

Lastly, the mangaka takes a distinctive approach in this manga compared to others. This approach seems to be the "pragmatist point of view," the perspective any sensible person would adopt. This aspect thrilled me. If you're unsure what I mean, read it and discover for yourself.

Berserk has grown in popularity to become one of the most celebrated works within the manga medium, and for good reason. Its medieval setting, complex character development, philosophical themes such as Nietzsche's Übermensch, and top-tier artwork all contribute to its reputation as one of the greatest manga of all time.

However, labeling it as the absolute best is debatable when analyzing the series in depth. The Golden Age Arc, featuring Guts, Griffith, and Casca, stands out with its intricate character chemistry and moral complexity, much like in Game of Thrones where knights are far from virtuous. Yet, even this arc isn't flawless. The preceding Black Swordsman Arc spoils key outcomes for Guts and Griffith, and Guts' torment in this arc sometimes feels overly cruel and edgy, detracting from the overall quality.

Unfortunately, the writing quality declines after the Golden Age Arc. While the Lost Children and Tower Arcs still offer valuable character development for Guts and introduce excellent characters like Serpico, the returning cast becomes less engaging. New additions to Guts' group pale in comparison to the original Band of the Hawk. Casca's character development stagnates for years, and Griffith transforms into a one-dimensional villain. New characters like Farnese (a typical tsundere), Isidro (a child prodigy), Schierke (a plot device), and Puck (initially decent but becoming bland comic relief) fail to add much substance.

The overuse of comic relief in later arcs leads to tonal inconsistencies. A series set in a dark, depressing world filled with murderers, rapists, and demons shouldn't include chibi deformation gags. If you found Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's comedic scenes inconsistent, Berserk's later arcs will likely frustrate you further. Additionally, many action sequences and plot developments feel more like typical shonen fare rather than the mature arcs that preceded them, exemplified by the Berserker armor's lack of significant repercussions on Guts' allies.

Current events in the series suffer from a slow pace, with many chapters feeling unnecessary and plot points being dragged out unsatisfactorily. Despite these issues, Berserk boasts numerous merits. Characters like Guts and Griffith are some of the most interesting and well-developed in the medium, forming an effective duo. The dark fantasy elements remain compelling, and the explicit content balances gore with substance, avoiding gratuitous edge. Moreover, the art is uniquely detailed, with each panel brimming with intricacy and style, except for the occasional chibi scenes.

In conclusion, while Berserk may not live up to its "greatest manga" status due to declining quality post-Golden Age, it remains far from a bad series. What it does well, it does fantastically, making it arguably the best fantasy manga available. Though it has passed its peak and lost some consistency, its highlights make it a strong contender for top positions and a worthy addition to anyone's top 10.

Overall ranking - 8/10

There are countless detailed reviews available, so I'll keep this brief.

Yes, Berserk is truly exceptional. The artwork progresses from impressive to nothing short of a masterpiece. You'll find yourself pausing frequently to appreciate the finer details in the panels. The visual artistry alone makes Berserk worth reading.

The story is equally captivating: dark, intriguing, and populated with characters you'll genuinely care about. The tone shifts midway through, transitioning from an intensely brutal tragedy to a more classical and light-hearted adventure. I believe this shift is justified and doesn't detract from the overall experience.

The only downside is that the manga remains unfinished, with no clear indication of when it will be completed.

However, the current ending point is satisfying, so don't hesitate to dive in. You won't be left hanging in the middle of an arc or on a major cliffhanger. Enjoy your reading!

So, I am writing this review after just completing Berserk, and this is my first review on MyAnimeList. If there are any flaws in this review, please bear with it; I apologize in advance. Firstly, I want to address a common question: "Should I read Berserk or is it worth reading?" The answer is not whether Berserk is worth reading but whether you are worthy enough to read Berserk. Yes, it's that good. Story: 10 At first glance, Berserk's story may seem like a simple revenge tale. However, it is much more profound. Berserk is the story of a person who isn't fighting a powerful enemy or chasing a dream or life goal (unlike most anime/manga protagonists). Instead, he is battling his own FATE. His goals might appear strange compared to other characters, but his ultimate aim is simply to be HAPPY and live a peaceful life. The story is nearly perfect, filled with philosophy, polar opposite characters and their relationships, foreshadowing, references to ancient mythologies, and the clever reuse of earlier arc characters. No character feels wasted, making the story truly exceptional. Art: 10 Berserk boasts some of the best art in manga history. The mangaka and my role model, Kentaro Miura, paid such meticulous attention to detail that creating a perfect Berserk anime adaptation is impossible. It's important to note that Miura wasn't born with this talent (though he was destined to become a mangaka); he improved significantly over time. You can see the difference between Chapter 1 and the latest chapter. The art is an absolute pleasure to behold. Characters: 10 I cannot emphasize enough how well-written the characters are in Berserk. It's not just 2-3 characters that are well-written; the entire cast is superbly crafted. The standout characters are Guts and Griffith. Guts is the main protagonist, and trust me, you will never find a better protagonist or even a manga character better than Guts. Griffith, the main antagonist, is equally compelling. He is one of the greatest antagonists ever in manga. I won't spoil this great series for you, so I'll leave it at that. Overall: 10 In conclusion, Berserk is the best manga of all time, in my opinion. Thank you, Kentaro Miura, for creating this masterpiece for us. I will remember you until my last breath and be grateful forever. Rest in peace!

Berserk is one of those rare works where the characters don't speak like fictional beings but feel genuinely real. Unlike many other manga or anime, the characters in Berserk behave like actual people. The brilliant writing is just the tip of the iceberg for how remarkable Berserk truly is. Every panel from around the third volume onward could easily be displayed in an art museum. The way the story weaves together seamlessly without plot holes showcases the meticulous care taken to make Berserk a masterpiece. This praise barely scratches the surface of its greatness. RIP Kentaro Miura, thank you for creating one of the finest works of fiction ever made. I don't mind that it doesn't have a complete ending; the way it concluded in chapter 364 was perfect.

"If you meet God, tell him to just leave me alone." At first glance, it might sound like a quote from an edgy teenager, but Berserk takes this sentiment to a literal and profound level.

Short answer: It's a must-read. Extremely highly recommended.

Long answer: I'll describe every aspect of the manga from an objective perspective, sometimes adorned with my own subjective views on why I liked or disliked particular aspects.

STORY: 9/10

Berserk’s story has a single thematic meaning presented impeccably throughout its five pivotal arcs. The main theme is "Survival against fate." Miura presents this theme intricately in different manners, tones, and plots, making it astonishingly beautiful. Though the story occasionally touches on other themes, the central theme remains consistent and precise.

The story delves deeply into philosophical categories such as existentialism, totalitarianism, and antiestablishmentarianism, which are fascinating for philosophical enthusiasts.

The story remains consistent through the first three arcs, with slight fluctuations in the later ones, though these are insignificant. The five arcs are: The Black Swordsman, The Golden Age, The Conviction, The Millennium Falcon, and The Fantasia, chronologically.

Each arc represents its own insignia and corporeal themes, vastly different from one another. Some believe the quality deteriorates after the second arc, The Golden Age, but objectively, it doesn’t. The genres shift substantially each arc, often not aligning with what readers expect.

The first arc is somewhat pale compared to the rest, so Berserk starts out slightly above average. However, once you reach the second arc, it’s almost impossible not to be enthralled. The second and third arcs are widely appreciated by fans and critics alike. The fourth and fifth arcs bring substantial changes, with minor fluctuations in between.

Overall, despite erratic drops in quality, Berserk remains very consistent. My advice is to adapt yourself to different tones and themes to appreciate the manga fully.

WORLD EXPANSION: 8/10

Berserk may not excel in world-building compared to One Piece or Hunter x Hunter, but it’s still noteworthy. The world is divided into three macrocosmic trinities: Physical, Astral, and Idea worlds. While vast, the scarcity of details and ambiguity can make it uninteresting at times. The use of magic isn’t overly impressive either.

Set in a medieval age, Berserk features various nations akin to Eastern European and Indian cultures, with their own rulers and kingdoms. The world has a totalitarian hierarchy with an aristocratic society on top, typical of dark macabre fantasy settings. The world states are transient, changing significantly in each arc, introducing new and creative ideas.

PLOT: 9.5/10

Berserk is a character-driven manga, arguably one of the best in that regard. On the surface, it appears to be a revenge story, but the core theme is survival. The plot revolves around Guts, the black swordsman, struggling against his fate since birth. His suffering is immense, and it’s been two decades since he last smiled.

The plot is simple yet complex and perplexing. There are moments when moral compasses become ambiguous, and Guts portrays evil and destruction. Ultimately, the plot is about finding peace in a world that rejects him.

CHARACTERS: 10/10

The strongest aspect of Berserk, alongside the art. The most captivating part is the juxtaposition of the protagonist and antagonist, whose polar opposite stories are always interesting to follow.

Guts, one of the best manga protagonists ever, has psychological depth beyond imagination. He’s a flawed human fighting against his fate. As the story progresses, he confronts multiple contradictory feelings, making his journey captivating. He possesses all the redeemable qualities a protagonist should have: determination, will, motivation, something to look forward to, win, lose, and iconic traits.

The antagonist is also one of the best, but elaborating here would spoil the experience.

Berserk features a wide range of side characters, most with their own backstories. Characters like Caska and Rickert have emotions and dimensions, feeling genuinely human. Farnese, introduced in the third arc, undergoes phenomenal development. There are also less significant characters like Puck, Serpico, Ishidoro, and Isma, who promise potential growth. Characters like Zodd and Skull Knight hint at future revelations.

Berserk also has background characters like Luca and Nina, decently crafted despite their minimal roles. Their traits can make you biased, unbiased, or ambivalent towards them.

ART: 10/10

The early volumes of Berserk don’t shine as brightly in terms of art, but over time, Miura proved himself a genius. For now, Berserk’s artwork is stellar and intricate, accounting for every detail.

It’s hard to imagine how Berserk would look in color; black and white is perfect. Choreography is done so well it feels like watching an animation. Shadows and shading are extremely detailed, and the artworks of the apostles are creative.

ENJOYMENT: 10/10

Berserk is a slow burn with an overall decent pace, though it can feel dragged down at times. It balances fragments of solidarity and heartwarming wholesomeness with inhumane savagery and corruption. The fact that I keep returning to it, even months after finishing, shows how much I enjoyed it.

OVERALL: 9.5/10

Berserk is not a godsend or the perfect manga some claim it to be. Conversely, it’s not grotesquely overrated either. It has flaws and mistakes, but they are negligible. Overall, it stands as the best manga I’ve ever read (and I’ve read a lot).