Berserk

I found this series during the darkest period of my life. It felt like a waking death, with no path illuminated, not even by the faintest candlelight. I was turning into an old, weak, resentful, and rotten young man for reasons too numerous to count. This truly was the lowest point of my existence.

Then, I encountered this character. A man who didn't exist but could have. He endured Hell repeatedly—betrayal, horrific abuse, soul-crushing loss, and the absolute destruction of his ideals and identity. He was marked for unspeakable pain, alienation, and doom.

Yet he kept going. He struggled, fought, and killed. He stubbornly isolated himself from a world he deemed hopeless and unsafe, just as I did twice.

Then he met a single kind and persistent person in a sea of utter misery. He found more such people. He began to heal, to redeem himself, and to help others do the same. He started transforming his old toxic motivations into something more necessary and powerful. Once again, he allowed himself to feel among humans, walking with purpose and a more measured ferocity.

He would never be the same again, for better and worse.

Berserk is my modern myth. Whether it is "perfect" or complete doesn't matter. Today, the world has lost an incredibly ambitious artist and a profound storyteller who spoke truths about the human experience that resonate deeply.

Please read it.

This is my first review, so I apologize if it's not great.

I started reading Berserk because of the cliffhanger ending in the anime. Who could resist?

Story: 9

I gave the story a 9 because it's an interesting and original storyline that makes you want to keep reading. Usually, fantasy stories can go overboard, but Berserk strikes just the right balance of gore, supernatural elements, and war without being overwhelmed by them. I don't want to give any spoilers, but if you've seen the anime, the chapters where it leaves off become even more intriguing. The only reason I didn't give it a perfect score is that some parts drag on a bit during character development phases. There's a lot of nudity and sex scenes in this manga, but don't let that deter you if you're not into that sort of thing—it helps develop the story and characters.

Art: 10

I gave the art a 10 because every page in this manga is a work of art. Kentaro Miura's illustrations are outstanding, and if you're lucky enough to own a volume, you'll treasure it forever. The art is incredibly detailed and unique—no other manga compares.

Character: 9

The characters in Berserk are portrayed perfectly. Guts (or Gatts) goes through many hardships, and his personality reflects these struggles realistically. You can see the relationship between Guts and Griffith change and warp throughout the manga. Additionally, the relationship between Guts and Casca develops beautifully, with emotions portrayed perfectly.

Enjoyment: 9

I don't give tens easily, so I'm giving it a 9 for enjoyment. The art, characters, and storyline overall made it a very enjoyable manga, and I can't wait for a new chapter.

Overall: 9

As I mentioned, I don't give tens easily, and there are a few (very few) parts where the story can be a bit boring. However, the story is one of a kind, and anyone considering reading this manga should just go for it. It has everything—gore, war, huge swords, battles, nudity, witches, trolls, demons, gods, and touching relationships.

Berserk is one of my all-time favorite manga.

This review will contain mild spoilers for the general narrative structure and contents of Berserk. I will touch briefly on the plot without revealing too many pivotal moments, as it's best to experience this story with as little prior knowledge as possible.

I want to start by noting that Berserk thematically tells two distinct stories. Though these stories share many similarities, they explore different facets of the human psyche. This makes Berserk an appealing and holistic tale, as almost anyone can find something to appreciate. However, it can also be jarring for those who became invested in the first arc (Golden Age) and found that what initially made Berserk great gradually transforms into something else.

The first story is primarily a coming-of-age tale where Guts discovers what it means to live. Throughout this part, Guts clings to Griffith's dream of achieving kingship while neglecting to find his own purpose. Guts realizes that Griffith views friendship as "equality," which sparks Guts' journey to discover his reason for living. The Band of the Hawk, the mercenary band central to the story, is driven by the enormity of Griffith's dream, "the blazing inferno." Under Griffith's leadership, each member finds a divine sense of purpose, an unshakeable duty to their comrades, and an undying will to see Griffith's dream through. Guts is inspired by Griffith's lofty aspirations and seeks to find his own purpose and become the best version of himself for those he cares about. While Guts expresses discontent with merely being "only capable of swinging a sword" without a deeper drive, Griffith sees Guts' martial prowess as advantageous. After their first duel, Griffith acknowledges Guts' relentless combat style, calling it "undoubtedly courageous." This highlights Griffith's admiration for Guts' determination and courage in conflict. Both men take on responsibilities, but for different reasons: Guts is motivated by the thrill of combat, while Griffith aims for the splendor of a kingdom. Despite some similarities, they are fundamentally different.

The second story features a grueling, blood-curdling revenge narrative characterized by rage, resentment, and trauma. Here, Guts must decide whether he truly wants to forfeit his humanity in pursuit of vengeance. Although this part of the story felt weaker compared to the first, it offers profound wisdom about the human psyche. Guts endures an existential crisis, feeling his humanity slipping away and losing sight of what matters most. Amidst his anger and resentment, he develops a powerful distrust of strangers, even doubting himself at times. Yet, Guts slowly works through his trauma and emerges stronger. He remarks, "You’re right, we are mortal and fragile. But even if we are tortured or wounded, we’ll fight to survive. You should feel the pain we feel and understand. I am the messenger that will deliver you to that pain and understanding." Guts' perseverance showcases the unwavering tenacity of the human spirit. His suffering makes him a compelling character, yet despite everything, he becomes more empathetic and mature rather than consumed by hatred. Guts’ story exemplifies how no matter how far one has fallen, there is always a way back.

As mentioned earlier, these two stories share many themes. Ultimately, the narrative focuses on Guts' stoicism and his ability to reconcile his distrustful nature with the promise of companionship. In the "Lost Children" arc, Guts rescues a young girl named Jill from bandits. Like Guts, Jill endured an abusive childhood. Initially reserved, Guts eventually opens up to her, offering protection and kindness. He tells her, "There is no paradise for you to run away to," acknowledging the harshness of the world but providing temporary safety. Throughout the story, Guts tries to maintain his humanity, showing a very human struggle as he strives for the greater good. Even when estranged from his humanity during the Black Swordsman arc, Guts refuses to stoop to the level of a thief or bandit. Instead, he saves a woman in a bar early in the story. Guts constantly strives toward a higher ideal, which permeates the entire narrative. After the second duel between Guts and Griffith, Guts mutters, "You’re going to be alright… Your goal lies far beyond this, doesn’t it? You’ll walk again… soon." Despite having the upper hand, Guts extends a helping hand to his friend. Ironically, Griffith lacks the stoicism Guts possesses, influencing later events in Berserk.

Despite Berserk's flaws and inconsistent storytelling, I believe it is one of the most profound works of literature I have ever read. Guts embodies the quintessential stoic, marching forward to claim his rightful place and confront the demons within. Miura’s inability to finish Berserk is a testament to Guts’ stoicism, illustrating the endless nature of man's struggle but emphasizing that love and acceptance of one's circumstances make it all worthwhile. Miura's enduring cultural capital is a timeless piece of art that will never be forgotten.

Thank you, Miura.

Very few cultural staples evoke the kind of emotion you experience when reading Kentaro Miura's dark fantasy epic. We've all encountered similar themes like willpower, destiny, and betrayal before, yet no other title rivals Berserk in any of these aspects. Is true willpower embodied by a character with a bloody nose and perhaps a broken arm, still battling the villain until victory is achieved? Or maybe genuine resilience is exemplified when the universe itself seems determined to destroy you, stripping away everything you have. Indeed, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that nothing good has ever happened to you, yet you rise from the ground and defy the universe, carrying on solely for yourself and your friends. You become a blood-soaked beacon of light, raging against the darkness. That is the true essence of Berserk.

This review won't follow the usual formats, but I really need to express myself after Kentaro Miura's death and finishing the Manga, so here it goes:

Berserk absolutely marked my life.

I initially got into Berserk because, after watching most of the top anime out there, it became hard to find series that I could fully engage with. I got spoiled by great stories.

I ended up watching the 90s Kenpuu Denki Berserk anime and fell in love with it. But what hit me very unexpectedly was the need to take on the manga from there.

I'm not a manga person, and I'm not a very good reader either, so it was a shocking surprise to see that there was such a profound story that not only engaged me like no other, but was also never properly animated or honored on the small screen.

Berserk overperforms in everything: from storytelling, to character development, to world-building, to overall plot, the series is the perfect masterpiece.

I coincidentally finished reading the manga the day after the death of Kentaro Miura was announced.

I've never cried for the death of a celebrity, nor have I felt close to any of them, but I did (and still do) feel close to Guts, Casca, Griffith, the whole original band of the Hawk, Puck, and the others. And to each of their individual stories.

Guts is the most beautiful contradiction in Japanese storytelling. A strong, relentless, resilient, and hurt man with so many issues, yet he never gives up hope that the world can be better, that he can find new friends, trust new people, and that he is capable of finding gratitude and happiness even in a world as awful and chaotic as Berserk's.

His struggle with the outside world was the best, but his internal struggle was sublime.

I cried and was very proud to read Guts saying that after his journey, he learned how to rely on others and their strength, and that for that he was grateful. This coming from a man who was born from the hanging guts of his dead mother, sold and raped by his mercenary adoptive father, lost all his comrades to hell itself, and is cursed by his best friend's ambition, as well as losing the love of his life, meant so much more than words can describe.

I never write reviews either, but Berserk yet again has had that effect on me.

I can only say that even if the story didn't end, for me it had closure.

With Casca getting her (traumatized) mind back, with Guts releasing that coffin off him and finding new friends to rely on, and with all the others reaching the end of their journey, and even with the Skull Knight closing one of the final chapters in a very Berserk way by saying:

"You bear witness to the end of your journey. It is not always a happy thing."

Just like Guts, I can only say that I'm very much grateful to have witnessed that journey myself.

Thank you, and I will always keep you in my heart, with the same joyful sadness that characterized the series for me.

What can I say about the late Kentaro Miura's magnum opus, Berserk, that hasn't already been expressed by countless readers? The influence of this manga extends far beyond its own industry, permeating video games, music, fashion, and television. With arguably the finest artistry found in any manga, the saga of Guts, the Black Swordsman, stands as a timeless narrative destined to be remembered as one of fiction's greatest achievements. What elevates this story is its characters. The interplay between Guts and Griffith is one of the most masterful examples of character contrast and foil I've ever encountered. I'm particularly drawn to the symbolism of the dark, rugged protagonist versus the light, pure antagonist. Although the story may never reach its ultimate conclusion, it has reached a fitting endpoint, providing Guts with the closure he has sought throughout his life. This aligns with Miura's wish for Berserk to have a happy ending despite the series' notorious gore and death. The tale of Guts is inspirational, reminding readers to persist through their struggles.

The first time I read it, the initial art design somewhat deterred me. Not because it was poor—in fact, it's brilliant from the start and surpasses all expectations by the 7th volume—but because it can be as realistically grotesque as a medieval European setting should be.

However, once past that, the manga is a masterpiece overall, up to the currently last arc, Millennium Falcon, which unfortunately feels too mainstream, arbitrary, and normal.

But that's just one story arc. Every time I re-read a part of Berserk, my mind is blown away, and I hate myself for having temporarily rated Berserk down to "only" 8 because of disappointment with the latest arc. Before that, it delivered over 25 volumes (!) of pure awesomeness. Each time I re-read it, I feel compelled to mark every second page as a brilliant highlight of art and staging, knowing full well that the other 50% of pages will follow suit next time.

Moreover, each re-reading helps me understand more. Berserk cannot be considered a shallow story merely because it contains much action, gore, and doesn't shy away from displaying nudity. The story is deep, character developments are complex yet plausible and understandable, and the overall setting is more than epic.

Do you think these are too many superlatives for a potentially fair review? Dig through the first two or three volumes until Berserk catches you, and you won't be able to help but agree.

Few stories reach the emotional depth, narrative complexity, and artistic brilliance that Kentaro Miura's Berserk achieves. This dark epic transcends fantasy boundaries, delivering a visceral and unforgettable experience.

From the first volume, Miura's art is a showcase of breathtaking detail and stunning compositions. Each page is meticulously crafted, featuring intense battles, grotesque monsters, and contemplative moments that are as beautiful as they are haunting. Miura's artistic evolution throughout the series reflects his relentless pursuit of perfection.

At the core of the story is Guts, the Black Swordsman, whose journey of vengeance and redemption is both brutal and emotionally resonant. Berserk doesn't just explore themes of tragedy, betrayal, and suffering—it also offers glimpses of humanity and genuine connections between characters. The moral complexity of figures like Griffith adds layers of nuance, making it impossible to label any character as purely good or evil.

Berserk fearlessly delves into the darkest aspects of human nature, exploring themes such as ambition, sacrifice, freedom, and the cost of survival. Yet, amidst the darkness, there’s a persistent thread of hope that keeps readers engaged and emotionally invested.

The cultural impact of Berserk is undeniable. Miura redefined the dark fantasy genre, inspiring countless creators across various media, from video games like Dark Souls to other manga and anime.

Berserk is more than a dark fantasy story—it’s a transformative experience that challenges readers to confront the abyss within themselves and in the world around them. Despite the tragedy of Kentaro Miura's passing, his work remains eternal, with every page serving as a tribute to his genius.

If you haven’t read Berserk yet, you’re missing out on one of the greatest gems of contemporary literature. For those who have embarked on this journey, you know no rating is high enough to capture the greatness of this masterpiece.

-- Overall Impression --

This is an exceptionally gory work. Men are brutally slaughtered, guts spill everywhere, monsters appear, blood flows, torture is depicted, death looms large, and decay is ever-present. The artwork is so vivid that it can send shivers down your spine or make you feel slightly ill. However, as the story progresses in Berserk, where the world seems like an endless ocean of despair, you become desensitized to it. This makes the human elements—courage, love, sacrifice—stand out even more.

What I appreciated most about this manga is its realistic and often harsh portrayal of human emotions and thoughts. It prompts deep thinking about humanity and oneself. It’s not just another tale of a hero seeking revenge (though I did enjoy the side characters more). I recommend it only to those who can endure the graphic content; I avoided it for a long time due to the horror aspects. Nevertheless, it stands out as one of the best manga I’ve read, leaving a profound impression on me.

One troubling aspect is the recurring theme of rape whenever women are attacked. It seems almost inevitable that rape accompanies torture and death, which is deeply unsettling.

-- Characters and Story --

Characters: They fit seamlessly into the setting—a time of war, cruelty, and survival. Sometimes they surprise me by showing their humanity despite committing unimaginable crimes. For instance, I enjoyed the arc with the Count and also found Luka to be an interesting character, though she seems somewhat out of place.

Main Characters: I am eager to see what happens next. I hope the story doesn’t devolve into every female character having romantic feelings for Guts, which would be very frustrating. Griffith is a fascinating character, driven by his impatience to create a new world and his subsequent fall from grace. The plot twists are thrilling. Speaking of twists, Caska’s reaction after Griffith’s transformation was somewhat disappointing but served to keep the story moving forward. I look forward to seeing some sort of comeback or insight into her thoughts and feelings.

Story: At first glance, the plot might seem clichéd—a betrayal and a quest for revenge. However, it becomes more engaging due to the complexity of the characters and the fact that Guts’ perspective isn’t always straightforward. Since I’m unsure of how the story will end, I’m hesitant to fully commit to praising it yet. So far, it has been quite enjoyable, especially the time skip in the past.