Berserk

I'll start by stating that there is a reason why this manga holds the top rank and won the Award for Excellence. It is one of the greatest stories ever told, representing the pinnacle of fiction, literature, and art. Philosophically, it delves into profound questions about existence and the true nature of the universe. This is something you must experience for yourself. No review can do it justice; they can only honor the greatness that is Berserk and its creator, Kentarou Miura. It's one of those rare works that leaves you wondering how it even exists. Pure excellence. Pure genius. Tolkien wrote novels, Mozart composed music, Einstein was a physicist, and Miura was a mangaka.

Story - 10

Legendary. The story unfolds like a dream, presenting something we've never seen or experienced before. It's hard to imagine how one person could craft such a perfect narrative where every piece aligns flawlessly, creating a level of perfection, satisfaction, and excellence.

Art - 10

Absolutely phenomenal. The detail is extreme, and the art style evolves intentionally throughout the story. Starting off gritty yet highly detailed in the early volumes, it transforms into a feast for the eyes as you become absorbed in the narrative. The art alone touches the heart deeply, reflecting Miura's care and love. As you progress, the art evolves into something magical, culminating in pure wizardry by the middle and end of the manga. It's so beautiful it can make you cry, like gazing into the light of a beautiful angel.

Character - 10

This legend revolves around Guts and Griffith, two of the most complex and beautifully written characters in all of fiction. You'll experience their anger, pain, envy, lust, hatred, and love. Each character introduced has immense depth, carefully and beautifully crafted from name to design. Almost every character plays an important role in the greater picture and the unfolding of the story.

Enjoyment - 10

Berserk reaches the highest level of enjoyment that any piece of art can achieve. It's a pure joy to experience, becoming a part of you and something you'll never forget. A story you'll want to revisit for the rest of your life.

Overall - 10

Masterpiece. Berserk is a masterfully crafted experience. The story is so deep and majestic that you don't need to read a thousand philosophical or fantasy works to touch the deepest levels of the mind. Just open Berserk and read until the end. By then, you'll have explored the deepest facets and levels of existence. What Kentarou Miura achieved with Berserk deserves the utmost respect and admiration.

What I can't comprehend is how this manga continues to maintain such a high rating when it seems to get progressively worse. Here’s my take:

The Golden Age, as most would agree, was the pinnacle of the entire series – excellent characters, an engaging plot, and just about everything else. Nothing felt out of place. It was brilliant and refreshing compared to the typical cliché narratives we often encounter.

However, the quality takes a gradual nosedive from there – shifting from raw, gritty darkness to an increasingly annoying trickle of magical girls, Naruto-esque boys with magic fairy daggers, and other characters who barely leave an impact.

For the past few years, I've struggled to push through the newer content, reminiscing about when Berserk was truly Berserk. Now, it feels like Depresso in Candyland meets dystopia, where special needs characters undergo fairy therapy. All this wrapped up under the guise of magical girls and their friends.

It's clear that the current writer isn't the same person who penned the Golden Age. A significant character death now would be unthinkable and too edgy for him. Ultimately, all of this points to one conclusion: it might be better to put the series out of its misery rather than subject yourself to further disappointment.

I struggle to find the words to describe just how remarkable Berserk truly is. Despite my aversion to gore and violence in fiction—seeing people suffer for no reason doesn't sit well with me—I understand why Miura employs such intense portrayals in his work.

Berserk transcends mere violence; it delves into the depths of human depravity and wickedness. The world Guts inhabits is harsh and unforgiving, but it's also the reality he must navigate. He dreams of a better future, yet he’s already condemned. Guts doesn’t give up on surviving, but he places little value on his own life. His endless battles ultimately seem futile, existing solely for the sake of staying alive. It’s profoundly tragic, yet deeply meaningful.

Reading Berserk left me simultaneously repulsed and awestruck by human nature. While there is much evil, there are also glimmers of goodness. The occasional sparks of hope sprinkled throughout the manga kept me engaged. These moments remind you of the preciousness of life, relationships, and the sense of home and family they provide. Hope is scarce in Berserk, but its significance is immense.

Still working on this review!

Berserk is what happens when a series continually tries to outdo itself with each passing page, and when the writer promises more than he can deliver.

It starts off strong, with a bang. Guts, our scarred hero, battles monsters and creatures from another dimension with a sword almost as large as him. He alienates those around him, hurts them, but we soon learn that he is the one who suffers the most. Like a Byronic hero, he is menacing yet compelling. The first two volumes are a testament to great storytelling. Then, the flashback revealing Guts' past and his relationship with Griffith is epic storytelling at its finest. Up until volume 13 (or so), Berserk keeps building tension, raising the stakes, culminating in a horrific climax that earns the series its hype and praise. And then... it spirals into mediocrity.

The problem with Berserk is common in many fantasy series: the author doesn't know his own limits, nor those of his plot and characters. After a certain point, it becomes impossible to raise the stakes further. To compensate for a lack of ideas, the author introduces new villains, sidekicks, and subplots, making action scenes grander, more gruesome, and violent, but devoid of the emotional stakes that made the first third of the series so great. The result is a series that, while visually impressive, feels like a hack-and-slash RPG where the main character levels up, dons new armor, only to face bigger, stronger monsters. Guts, Griffith, Casca—all beloved or loathed by volume 13 (released in 1997)—are essentially unchanged in volume 40 (released in 2018). Mysteries introduced in 1995 remain unanswered in 2020.

Kentaro Miura, the mangaka, now 54, seems burnt out. He takes long hiatuses, designs mascots for vocaloid software, plays Idol-Master video games, and releases only 3-4 chapters a year. Only 40 chapters have been published in the last decade, with minimal plot advancement compared to the mid-1990s peak. While the art remains magnificent, each panel a sight to behold, manga should offer both art and plot. By volume 35, it's clear there's little plot left. Given Berserk’s slow production, it seems unlikely the series will ever finish or fulfill its initial promises.

Would I recommend this? If you enjoy something with great potential to devolve into brainless hack-and-slash, featuring side characters like a prepubescent elf and a loli-witch, go ahead. Otherwise, don’t believe the hype and give this a pass.

The reason I started Berserk was because it seemed to be considered the greatest manga ever written. People were constantly praising it as a brilliant showcase of human willpower. It has consistently ranked #1 on MAL's manga list and will likely remain there for a long time.

My advice? Wait another 40-60 years before diving into this series. The current arc is progressing very slowly, and with chapters coming out sporadically whenever the mangaka gets around to it, it doesn't make for the most stable reading experience. Berserk has been publishing for over 20 years and only has about 300 chapters, with no end in sight. This is one of those manga series I wish I had put on hold until it was finished—if it ever is.

That being said, Berserk isn't a terrible story. The thrill of "will Guts live or not" wasn't present during the Golden Age arc due to it being a flashback, but it was interesting to see Guts compared to Griffith. However, I do think that the human aspect of Guts was lost once he obtained the Berserk armor; the introduction of magic elements somewhat diminished the story for me. The art and characters are both well-done, very detailed, and easy to follow.

Honestly, Berserk is a manga worth reading. Just not now. Trust me, the wait between chapters will drive you crazy, especially when a chapter with minimal progression shows up as a teaser after five months.

If you take a glance at my anime or manga list, you'll quickly see that I'm a huge fan of Berserk. Simply put, I love this series. It is beautifully illustrated, written, and narrated. From the humble or ~edgy~ beginnings of the Black Swordsman Arc to the warmth of the Golden Age Arc, Berserk delivers a captivating story with characters that feel incredibly real, Guts being a prime example. He is one of the most well-developed characters to date. I could go on and on about Berserk for hours, but for the sake of time and your sanity, if you haven't read it yet, please do so. If you have read it, feel free to message me—I'm always happy to discuss it.

Berserk is a powerful manga, with its core appeal lying in its visual storytelling that evokes deep emotions. The author relies heavily on these visuals to narrate the story, often using sparse and impactful dialogue to convey profound meaning. While the writing is excellent, it's the manga's ability to balance minimal dialogue with striking imagery that makes Berserk stand out. This combination allows the story to be told effectively while drawing readers in through the emotional weight of the artwork.

The Main Character and the Story of Berserk:

Guts is a survivalist, not driven by a desire to be the strongest or reach the pinnacle of something like Ippo from Hajime no Ippo. He moves from one fight to another, scraping by on the earnings from his kills. Even as a child, he fought for pay and sought love and acceptance from his father.

To me, Guts is a badass because he embodies those who continue living despite being brutally violated—both emotionally and physically. However, Berserk doesn't shy away from portraying Guts' mistakes and flaws. His actions can be horrifying, such as using the birthing fluid of a pseudo-apostle pod to extinguish flames, smiling sadistically as he inflicts pain on his enemies. This reflects how the violence and betrayal he has endured have twisted him over time, transforming a frightened child into a man burdened by demons both literal and metaphorical.

Guts isn't necessarily an admirable character in the traditional sense. What makes him admirable is his effort to improve and take precautions to keep himself under control, forming a group that restrains him and protects those he cares about. Despite his tendency to prefer solitude, he understands the importance of companionship.

For the most part, I don't admire Guts as much as I relate to him. Throughout much of the story, he isn't an admirable person, reflecting the complexity of real human beings. No one in Berserk is entirely virtuous, which adds to the realism of Guts' character. You can't break him down into simple components; he's a mix of all his aspects, just like real people, with parts you may not always like.

I won't pretend that this is my favorite manga, but I do think it's important and deserves to be shared widely.

As I'm writing this, it has been a year since the official international release of Berserk Volume 41, and roughly a year and a half since Kentarou Miura's passing. Many reviews have praised Berserk, whether on platforms like MAL, YouTube video essays, or elsewhere. You won't lack for positive reviews of this series. I am no different in my admiration. Still, I wanted to share my own thoughts on this influential story.

I first read Berserk after Miura's passing. Upon starting Volume 1, I was surprised by the very first panel. Knowing the series' reputation as dark fantasy, I expected to see a tall, brooding swordsman clad in black. But Guts came across almost as vicious as the monsters he faces. Immediately, every time you see him, he seems... alone. Like he's by himself everywhere, no matter how many other people are in the room. It serves as such a good hook, and the first antagonist hasn't even been introduced yet, nor do we know anything about Guts' past. He's just a lone wolf, wandering, looking for something.

The artwork is amazing. Every page, every panel, every detail is perfect. The only complaints that could be made are comparing the earlier volumes to the later ones, but even then they still hold up beautifully. The fact that the art improves from Volume 1 onward is truly remarkable. My favorite panels are those where Guts looks up at the sky. There's the iconic image of him leaning against a tree stump, staring towards the sun, and another where he's bandaged up, sitting in a window frame with the night sky behind him. These scenes evoke a mix of emotions. I believe versions of the books could be released without dialogue, and the artwork would still convey everything that needs to be said.

But that would remove some of the beautiful conversations between characters and many great quotes. Whether from Guts, Griffith, Casca, a demon, or someone else, there are countless amazing lines that are just as effective as the art. So many lines hit home, whether they're threats in the midst of battle or quiet moments of reflection.

Even with all the serious moments, there is plenty of humor. Described as "mercilessly funny" in the series description, the comedic bits land as hard as the profound moments. Typically delegated to Puck and Isidro, there are many moments of one of the two doing something goofy. Puck's jokes especially land when he takes on the appearance of a wizened old master and scolds or offers advice to the young Isidro, sometimes parodying Jedi Master Yoda in his speech. There are also plenty of reactions where the art gets just a bit simpler as someone gets embarrassed or irritated at a companion. But the funniest moment, which made me burst out in laughter and nearly brought me to tears, was a scene where Guts makes a pun. That's right: Guts, the stoic wanderer with a constant scowl, makes a pun upon seeing a minor character return.

The humor doesn't compromise the dark and serious moments. Guts and his companions all go through some of the most difficult trials anyone can face. They constantly face monsters, both human and demonic, get torn to pieces, rarely get a good moment of rest, and even after all of it still have plenty to deal with mentally. All of it can be pretty depressing, and I'm thankful I read the series at a good time in my life. However, with all that hardship comes an inner beauty. Because the protagonists are all survivors. They take the punches and get pushed down hard, yet they still get back up. The images of Guts resting don't just exude the feeling that he's reflecting on life; they feel like moments of triumph as he gets to stop and take a breath. And even then, he looks down the path he's been set upon and pushes onward. If you scroll through the comment section of any video of Guts' theme, you'll find people recounting how they were inspired by Berserk to continue forward. Berserk is a story about how insane and impossible the world can be, yet the heroes still find a way, even if it's just by gritting their teeth and soldiering on. And in the later moments, when you see Guts finally open up to others after so long, it's one of the most satisfying experiences I've felt reading anything.

Of course, Berserk isn't for everyone. It more than earns the "Explicit Content" sticker with many images of blood, gore, and horror. One of its most iconic moments is a massacre involving sexual violence, and the rest of the series doesn't tone it down in any way. Even those who might consider themselves "made of stronger stuff" will find moments of this series difficult. But if you are willing to endure it, you'll be met with a beautiful story of pain and perseverance. Berserk is a masterpiece, and Miura deserves to go down in history alongside writers like Shakespeare and painters and illustrators like van Gogh and da Vinci.

I haven't been reading the newest chapters of Berserk as they've been published. While I enjoy the accessibility of digital manga and have read many series with it, I prefer to experience this one completely in physical format. Honestly, I may never finish it. I mean no disrespect to Miura's friend and team, and I believe they are continuing Berserk out of love and respect for him above anything else. But the way Volume 41 ends just feels right, somehow. There's an element of mystery and sadness in the way it finishes, yet it doesn't depress me knowing that it's technically the end. And if I do return to it, I think I might wait until the series is completely finished. In the same way that I was able to almost binge-read 41 beautiful volumes without then going online and getting spoiled on what would come next, I want to experience the end as free of others' thoughts as possible and forge my own opinion on it.

Thank you for stopping to read my review. I hope that you can continue on in your struggles, traveler.

"Have you ever hated someone so much that this feeling alone would drive you to do horrific and unimaginable things?
Have you ever hated someone so much that your entire life was focused on finding that person and tearing them apart?
Have you ever hated someone so much that you would forget your humanity, purge it all just to find enough power for one single moment, one chance to get your revenge...

What would your eyes look like in that very moment...? Insane? Terrified? Passionate? Happy? Or maybe... satisfied...

Look into his eyes, and find nothing there..."

When I first learned about the existence of Berserk manga, I was a bit surprised. That was around seven years ago, and I knew little about the relationship between anime and manga back then. Regardless, I took a chance and downloaded several initial volumes.
Imagine my surprise when I realized that the manga was vastly different from the anime, which had already made a significant impression on me. After struggling through the first few chapters, I moved on to subsequent volumes. The anime, despite its ingenuity, is only a small fraction of the whole manga—just a few volumes with some deleted scenes and a slightly altered ending. However, by the time I reached 'the anime plotline' in the manga (which is volume 3), I was already deeply interested in the manga itself.

There's no need to summarize the plot here; you can read it above. To avoid spoilers, I won't delve into specifics. What you should know is this: In terms of storyline and character development, Berserk manga is by far the best manga I've ever read—the most complete, multi-dimensional, and memorable one. Nowhere else will you encounter such blunt yet discreet storytelling about sub-characters that you won’t even notice at first. Nowhere else will you receive such a vast amount of information and still be able to comprehend it effortlessly. This is something extraordinary, and frankly, I doubt anyone will ever reach this level.

The characters are simply fantastic. On one hand, we have Guts and Griffith, representing black and white, fire and water. Despite their differences, neither can exist without the other. They're like Yin and Yang, two halves of the same coin—even in his darkest moments, Griffith still considers himself Guts' friend, although this friendship quickly turns into hatred and envy. Their story begins as great friends who would die for each other with a smile, but only one of them is truly committed.
Characters shine even more when considering other protagonists and antagonists. No character is left shallow or without a backstory. Miura-sensei explains everything succinctly enough to keep you engaged. Unlike other titles where antagonists merely serve as training fodder for the protagonist, here every demon has motives. Even the smallest monster is explained, making you empathize with even the most despicable characters.

The story itself is brutal, brooding, and sometimes chaotic. But you never lose track of it. You might have two mini-arcs within one major arc, but you'll always remember the team's ultimate goal. In this way, Miura-sensei makes it clear that Guts, though less passionately, follows his path and wouldn't falter or turn back even if he were destroyed. The same goes for Griffith, whose appearance belies his strong will and straightforwardness. Despite witnessing all the atrocities in Midland, you never see Griffith as the wrong one. He's not wrong; he's merely following his dream, a dream clouded by Guts' presence in his life.

The artwork is nothing short of a masterpiece. Detailed panels, hundreds of characters during hectic battles, highly textured monsters, and what I love the most—fluid, realistic, and clear fighting scenes. You don't need excessive ink to show Guts' speed despite the weight of his sword. Dynamic scenes are managed without losing quality. Facial expressions are another highlight. Even if you can't follow the plot for some reason, you can judge a character's nature just by looking at their face. These expressions are detailed and rich, ensuring you never get bored. You can feel the difference between Griffith's smooth, angelic appearance and Guts' rough yet kind rectangular face.

Miura-sensei puts considerable effort into shading and lighting in Berserk. This results in distinctive nights, sunshines, and sunsets, along with dynamic shadows that no anime director can replicate. It's sensational to look at and read these stories. It's evident that Miura-sensei aims to create a masterpiece in manga, and he's pretty close to achieving it.

However, there are some downsides. The manga isn't for everyone. I'd strictly add a parental advisory and an 18+ rating. Nowhere else will you see so much nudity, sex, and violence as in this manga. It's not hentai-like nudity and sex, though. Berserk portrays a violent world with all its aspects, making these parts as relevant as any other to make the story believable.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to read the manga. It's one of the best titles ever, if not the best so far. I sincerely hope that Miura-sensei lives up to expectations and concludes this story fittingly. Judging by his current work, it's more than possible.

Berserk is a manga series created by Kentaro Miura, often regarded as one of the finest manga works ever made. This acclaim is well-deserved, as Berserk excels in both narrative and artwork, presenting a dark, epic, and emotionally resonant story that profoundly affects its readers.

The plot centers on Guts, a solitary mercenary with a tragic history, navigating a brutal world rife with violence, betrayal, and supernatural terrors. The setting of Berserk is a medieval-inspired fantasy realm that feels both familiar and alien, enriched with a detailed mythology drawing from various cultural and historical influences. The narrative is segmented into several arcs, each focusing on distinct themes and storylines, yet all interconnected through Guts' ongoing quest for survival and redemption.

A standout aspect of Berserk is its intricate character development. Guts, a deeply flawed and scarred protagonist, undergoes significant growth and transformation throughout the series. His companions, such as the charismatic and enigmatic Griffith, are equally well-crafted, multi-dimensional characters with their own motivations and conflicts that propel the story forward. The antagonists are also compelling and frightening, featuring some of the most memorable and disturbing villains in manga.

The artwork in Berserk is another highlight, with Miura's meticulous and detailed linework bringing the story's world vividly to life. The action sequences are particularly impressive, capturing the intensity and brutality of battles with dynamic and fluid artistry. The horror and supernatural elements are rendered masterfully, creating truly terrifying and otherworldly creatures that linger in your memory long after reading.

However, it's important to note that Berserk is not for everyone. The series is known for its graphic violence, sexual content, and dark themes, which can be unsettling for some readers. Despite this, these mature themes are handled with nuance and sensitivity, never feeling gratuitous or exploitative.

In conclusion, Berserk stands as a masterpiece of manga, deserving of its reputation as one of the greatest series ever. It offers a dark, epic, and emotionally charged exploration of human nature and the consequences of violence and betrayal. With complex and well-developed characters, stunning artwork, and thought-provoking themes, Berserk is a must-read for any manga enthusiast who can handle its intense content.

Berserk is my favorite manga for several reasons.

First and foremost, the art is exceptional. The detailed illustrations are meticulously crafted to convey important story elements that might be missed on a first read-through.

Secondly, the characters Guts and Griffith stand out. They don't fit neatly into the categories of good or evil, making them more complex and realistic than typical anime characters. Their motivations are compelling and often in conflict, which adds depth to their personalities.

Thirdly, the themes explored in Berserk—overcoming trauma, self-destruction, companionship, the triumph of love, causality, fate, loneliness, ideological clashes, and struggles—are profound and thought-provoking.

My friend John rates it an 8 or 9 out of 10. Lincoln would give it a perfect 10. Jamie, however, rates it a 0. Peter gives it an 8/10.

I believe it deserves a high score. Thank you for reading my review.