Berserk

Mod Note: This review was initially posted for the one-shot, Berserk Prototype, and was subsequently merged into Berserk. I've only recently started reading Berserk, so I decided to check out the Prototype. Anyone who enjoys Berserk will likely find this interesting and worth reading. On its own, it doesn't stand out particularly; it looks like just another chapter of Berserk with some differences in the details of the story. (There are slight differences in terminology, and Guts is somewhat differently drawn.)

I found it worthwhile because it shows how a rough idea needs refinement and careful thought to become something as good as Berserk. I've read mangas that had great potential but seemed to lack the period of reflection that the author of Berserk took between the initial idea and its final realization.

If you like Berserk and are interested in the origins of the manga, you should definitely read the Prototype. It provides valuable insight into the development process behind this remarkable series.

Peak fiction 10/10

It's the highest-rated manga on MAL for a reason.

The story is one of the darkest out there, portraying the trauma and character growth that Guts experiences in a realistic manner.

Most of the supporting characters are memorable and possess unique personalities. The way they interact with each other isn't exaggerated.

I don't think I even need to mention how incredible the art is. The panels truly capture the dark and gritty nature of the Berserk world.

Although it's definitely not for everyone, as some people might be sensitive to gore, anyone who enjoys dark fantasy settings will love Berserk.

TLDR -> 7/10
It's really good, read it, cry about it, and become a fan.

ART - 10/10
Berserk is truly a masterpiece. I can't recall the last time I read something and genuinely thought, "Wow, this is amazing, this is so well-drawn." Berserk's art is stunning and sensational.

STORY - 7/10
Honestly, the story begins rather poorly. It’s not particularly engaging at first, with Guts smashing everything in his path, which isn’t very cool. However, when the Golden Age arc starts, it becomes incredible and amazing. Miura's writing shines here, crafting a wonderful story that feels almost perfect. Unfortunately, after this arc, the story seems somewhat generic.

CHARACTER: 7.5/10
Apart from the two main characters, Guts and Griffith, and the other key players during the Golden Age, none of the other characters in the series are particularly appealing to me. While they do have some development, none of them fully resonates with me.

ENJOYMENT: 6/10
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the Golden Age arc, I can't say the same for the other arcs. I had to take a break from reading for a few months after finishing the Golden Age. The problem is that while the Golden Age is a solid 10, the rest of the arcs feel more like a 4 or 5, which prevents me from giving a higher overall rating.

When the REAL "Black Swordsman" comes to play, you know it's serious business. And when I say "serious," I mean ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY MASTERPIECE. By "play," I mean "a story."

I don't think I need to explain how good Berserk is. Honestly, my opinion won't change anyone's mind, but this is my review, and I'll say it twice: BERSERK IS THE GOAT... (x2).

Want to know if the story is good? It's like Mario Puzo learning how to write screenplays. He bought a book on screenwriting, and on the first page, it said, "study The Godfather movies' script." Want to know if a story is well-written? Read Berserk and see a perfect plot.

Everyone knows Miura is just a god of drawings, so nothing more needs to be said about Berserk's art.

The core of any story that makes it feel real and deep is its characters—oops, almost wrote something else there. It's common knowledge that Berserk has astonishing character development, especially for Guts, Caska, and Griffith. They aren't your average stereotypical or exaggerated characters; they have their own reasons and ideals. They laugh, cry, and make hard choices like real humans do. Sure, Guts can swing a sword bigger than Yo Mama, but his thoughts are those of a person, not a superhuman-destroying-machine serving the plot or trying to look badass (though he does look very badass). Traumas affect them just like in real life. AND OF COURSE, I DID NOT TALK ABOUT GRIFFITH.

Even though Berserk seems like a psychological manga, it's still a dark fantasy story. And boy oh boy, it's dark! It's brutal, gory, and merciless, much like real life would be if trolls and killer elves roamed around. Despite all this, it's enjoyable as fuck. Miura's paneling makes you feel the weight in every hit of the Dragonslayer sword. It's like watching a motherfucking train off the rails, plowing through everything. Berserk has some of the best fights and an absolutely perfect pacing.

This review got longer than I thought it would, so I'll wrap it up before I write an entire essay. Berserk is a unique and masterfully made journey. If you've never read it, what are you waiting for? It's not every day you get to see a (spoiler) superhuman using a destructive demon-induced armor, wielding a 99kg spirit-killer sword, riding a one-horned winged minotaur-lion humanoid-demon apostle, passing through an electric giant god in the middle of the ocean. That pretty much sums it up.

(Don't watch the 2016 anime... please.)

Anyone who hates Griffith clearly hasn't read the same manga as I have. Throughout the series, he was wronged and had to make significant sacrifices. He sold his body to an old man in exchange for money while his comrades enjoyed themselves at parties with drinks and women. Not only that, but he endured prolonged torture trapped in a dungeon without sunlight, losing his enviable appearance, dignity, and even his independence.

The moment he was faced with the dilemma of choosing to become a member of the Hand of God or rejecting it, he was manipulated by another force, either through illusions or encouragement to accept. From that point on, Griffith was no longer the same. Now a shadow of his former self, despite his repulsive actions, these do not make the true Griffith a villain.

I believe there is something truly unique about Berserk. It portrays a tragedy that is both hopeful and brutal, cruel yet incredibly beautiful. Above all, it is unapologetic. The series presents you with a story and characters without trying to sway your opinions in any particular direction. Guts is a complex character who isn't purely good or evil but exists somewhere in between. He has human motives; he's confused, sad, angry, and envious. Like all real people, he is driven by emotions, which lends the story a sense of reality. I don't see Guts as a hero, nor do I view the antagonists as entirely evil. In Berserk, they are simply allowed to be, and we get to read their stories.

What can I say about this masterpiece, my favorite manga, which has an extremely well-crafted plot that not only takes place in one of the most fascinating periods of history but also includes numerous incredible references to events and influential personalities from that era? The characters are incredibly captivating, with special highlights for the protagonists Guts and Griffith, who have two of the best character arcs I've ever seen. The artwork is the second most beautiful and detailed I know, and despite all this complexity involving philosophy, politics, and wonderful reflections on life, this manga still manages to be simply perfect when it comes to action and violence, featuring fights and massacres that are ironically a feast for the eyes.

Before reading Berserk, I never imagined I'd find something even gorier than Hellsing. I feel a bit foolish now.

Story: 8/10
The story doesn't really kick off until a few volumes in, making the beginning quite slow. However, once it gets going, the storyline is incredible, and returning to the start later on with more context makes it even better.

Art: 10/10
The art is incredibly detailed without being overwhelming. If there's one thing that bothers me, it's how Puck is sometimes drawn in a weird style, which can be annoying.

Characters: 9/10
Rather than praising the character development, I'll mention what irks me: about a third of the characters just aren't likable to me.

Enjoyment: 8/10
After the amazing storyline mentioned earlier, the series remains fantastic for around 10 volumes before taking what I consider one of the biggest nosedives ever.

Overall: 9/10
If you're sensitive to gore or dislike depressing stories, steer clear of Berserk. Otherwise, give it a try.

Story: This is undoubtedly the best of its kind, and I absolutely loved it. People who only read the first 15-20 chapters and decided not to continue should reconsider. The Golden Age arc was phenomenal. The story developments are intriguing, and the buildup is excellent, with arcs paced well and filled with new information. Overall, it's one of the best, if not the best, stories out there, and it's both disturbing and dark.

Art: The first few chapters may seem choppy, but Kentarou Miura makes up for it with what I consider some of the best art you'll ever find. Compared to series like One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, and Fairy Tail, Berserk's combat scenes are clear and easy to follow. Every move is depicted perfectly. Overall, the art is VERY GOOD.

Character: The character development here is top-notch. While I love One Piece's character development, this manga sets a new standard. Farnese's character development was fantastic, and Guts and Griffith's arcs are beyond praise.

Enjoyment: Saying I enjoyed it would be an understatement. There were moments when I jumped with excitement or exclaimed due to sadness, epic dialogues, or other intense moments.

Overall: Having read many mangas, I can confidently say that this is simply THE BEST manga I have ever read. Fullmetal Alchemist doesn't even compare, and that says a lot. With extreme blood and gore, dark themes, lots of violence, and incest, it has everything a seinen manga should have. It took me 20 days to complete, and thanks to Miura's permanent hiatus, the story feels complete. Every adult should read this; it's that good. 10/10