Berserk

One of the greatest manga I have ever read.
It's so sad how infrequently the manga is released these days (we only get about one chapter a year).
This manga has a lot of great arcs and contains everything you'd want from a Seinen manga.
The changes in the story and style are something unique.
The art is legendary, filled with many details, and the action and fighting scenes are seriously intense—after reading it, you might feel disappointed by the fighting scenes in other manga.
The author has managed to create his own world, rich with secrets and cultures.

Perhaps the only questions I have now are: "Is he able to give this great manga a proper ending?" and "Will it happen soon?" The progress of the manga lately has been really slow, but I think there are still around 100 chapters or more needed for a proper conclusion.
Finally, I hope this manga returns to a regular schedule with a chapter each month or even each week, but I don't really think that will happen as the author hasn't shown much effort towards this manga lately.

Berserk: Is it the best manga of all time, or the GREATEST manga ever? This isn't up for debate; it's written in stone.

The story is incredible in every conceivable way. It begins with a few short arcs featuring the Black Swordsman, Guts, who hunts down demons known as Apostles. Initially, we aren't sure why he does this, but the mangaka, Miura, hints at a deep history between Guts and these Apostles. The setting starts as realistic fantasy, with dashes of supernatural and high-fantasy elements sprinkled throughout. At first, Guts doesn't seem like a very likable protagonist. He's rude, cynical, wooden, and somewhat insane. The only other definite character is his elf sidekick, Puck. There's a strong sense of mystery at the start, with Guts' motives hinted at subtly as he moves through self-contained arcs. There are no characters to truly connect with, and the tone is extremely bleak. Themes such as existentialism come up frequently as the audience wonders why Guts continues what seems to be a hopeless goal. Eventually, it's revealed that he has a personal vendetta against one of the God-Hands named Femto, one of the five deities of the Berserk universe.

Once this is revealed, the manga dives into a long flashback covering Guts' entire life up to the present. It explains how he joined a mercenary group called The Band of the Hawk and became friends with the leader, Griffith. We see that Guts enjoyed his life with the Band and was friends with many of the mercenaries. Themes such as camaraderie, identity, and love are explored, contrasting sharply with the themes in the present. While reading this, there's a nagging feeling that things can't last. Miura skillfully introduces elements into the story and brings them back much later. Everything is masterfully woven together, and as the past catches up with the present, you can't help but dread the outcome. When the Eclipse arrives, emotions like sorrow and anger surge. It all comes full circle when the audience realizes it was foreshadowed from day one. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what we call masterful storytelling, and the best part is that it's only one-third of the story. Truth be told, the manga could have ended after volume 13 and still been spectacular, but Miura goes several extra miles, turning Berserk into something legendary.

The characters in Berserk are phenomenal and expertly written. Many undergo vast changes, and it all feels natural, not forced. Despite their initial appearances, you can't help but grow fond of them, flaws and all. Guts becomes one of the best protagonists, a true tragic hero in every sense. It's a pleasure to see all the characters interact and observe their quirks. A chapter filled with nothing but dialogue and exposition can be just as interesting and compelling as action-packed chapters. The characters and story go hand in hand, products of their environment that fit perfectly with the setting. All the fantastical elements fit just as well, if not better. Berserk doesn't require much suspension of disbelief at first, but once you're immersed, it doesn't matter what it pulls off—it all seems possible, and the sky's the limit.

The art is easily some of the best I've ever seen in a manga. The level of detail in the drawings is absolutely insane; everything looks fantastic. Characters all look great and have their own style and flavor. Faces are never recycled, and even background characters have distinct looks. One of my favorite aspects of the drawings is the eyes—they're not overtly large like in most anime and manga but have a unique design that fits the characters well. It's not ultra-realistic like Vagabond or Blade of the Immortal, yet the art style is just as good, if not better.

Overall, Berserk is easily the best manga I have ever read. From its well-developed and written characters to its deep and intricate plot, there's loads of action, blood, gore, nudity, violence, horrific monster designs, and I love every bit of it. Honestly, all the extreme elements of this manga simply play second fiddle to the characters and story. There's no manga out there that has captivated me like Berserk; it has no equal. I don't even need to read every manga in existence to tell you that. You could take this as fanboy rambling, but I'm not kidding when I say Berserk is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. If you have the time to read this review, then you certainly have enough time to open a new tab and read the first few chapters of Berserk. You won't regret it!

This manga is incredibly amazing if you love action-packed dark fantasy with a mix of comedy and romance. You're on the right track.

Art (100/10)
This manga has stunning art that will blow you away with its incredible details.

Characters: For me, it's a solid 100 just for Guts.
Every character is good, but honestly, I only care about Guts, the ultimate struggler. He’s one of my biggest inspirations. I don't pay much attention to any other characters except Guts.
This guy is so fantastic; he’s like a Doom Slayer with a massive sword. He’s a true harbinger of death. If you don’t have the guts, don’t even bother reading this manga—just walk away.

Story
I wanted to fill my review so that I could give it a perfect ten.

I've been catching up on Berserk these past few weeks, only to learn last week of Miura's passing. This somewhat provoked me to finish up the series, perhaps as a way of mine to pay respects. I've been reading "Berserk" for about 6 years now, I believe. I think I was 15 when I began. I had my own hiatuses with reading it, not at all due to a lack of interest, but to a lack of planning. Throughout all these years, this has been one of the stories I always come back to looking for inspiration. Be it for my own creative endeavors or for life advice. As a matter of fact, I've been obsessed with this tale ever since I began my journey as a struggler. I would make all these connections during literature class to the manga. I would somehow be able to connect everything to Guts' story. Now it's been all the clearer to me when I put into perspective just how much of his life Miura dedicated to this masterpiece. While I wish he had not overworked himself as much and had remained to finish his magnum opus, I appreciate the sheer love he had for his story. A story that I have come to realize is my second favorite piece of fiction across the entire spectrum of arts. Too much here has touched me deeply and given me a nuanced view of life's complexities, especially when I was lost.

"Berserk" is the narrative of Guts, the Black Swordsman. At first, nothing more than your edgy badass main character. He's got it all - he's big, with a sword whose size matches his own stature; he's quiet, focusing his energy on slicing up demons; he's an asshole. Focus on the last part. Guts is not presented as a positive personality, and this is never glamorized. Instead, this is used as an incredible hook to one of the best storytelling arcs ever told, by making it clear that this man's past has defined his existence - the Golden Age. Much has been said about it, and many times has it been adapted across various media. For good reason - to this day, it still remains the best arc of the entire series, and that is not to beat down what follows it. But the consistent plot and character development, coupled with incredible action and gorgeous art turn this into a pinnacle for the genre of dark fantasy. The trio of Guts, Griffith, and Casca is filled with nuances and is a pinnacle in character writing. Complex philosophical introspection is the last fragment that makes this inarguably one of the most meaningful fables of the last few decades.

What is to say of the manga past the Golden Age? It is occasionally a contentious point amongst fans, as the tone changes gradually to reflect the development of our main character. I will say that while not as strong as the Golden Age, the rest of the manga's arcs are in no way weak. The Lost Children chapter was a perfect way to transition into what was next. In general, the Conviction arc introduced us to many new characters and showed us what depravities humanity would turn to when at their lowest. It's in the Falcon of the Millennium Empire and Fantasia (sadly unfinished) arcs that we get to see the true message of "Berserk". I will admit, occasionally, the story drags on, especially in the beginning of the most recent arc. The comedy is hit-or-miss for sure. The cast becomes bloated. But that simply cannot take away what is a perfect demonstration of internal struggle and recovery. I only feel Guts' pain more after I've had my own rough times in life, and seeing him slowly try to find meaning is poignant in a manner only the best of writers are able to accomplish. It is why it saddens me more that I had to wake up to such an abrupt ending, more so when the latest episodes had seen incredible plot developments and turned a new leaf for this series.

I did not mention the art. Miura's work is highly regarded among avid manga readers, and for good reason. His meticulous attention to detail is legendary and has resulted in many pages that are as good as paintings. Considering how "Berserk" numbers over 350 episodes, I'll leave it up to you to consider just how impressive this is when there is not a single page of poor quality. And every episode is bound to have at least one piece that can impress you. Please, if you do read this manga, don't rush through it. Stop to observe the art, for it is central to this tale. I'd say that the black-and-white aesthetics of manga only suit it further, bringing a grittiness and edge to the atmosphere. Some of the most beautiful visages are present here, as well as completely grotesque images that shock and disgust. Do not read this if you are sensitive to violence, especially sexual violence. "Berserk" aims to shock, yet it manages to almost always do so deftly and in a way that enhances the story. Miura walked on a very narrow ledge of nuance, using the artistic liberties of the seinen genre to explore human trauma in a disturbing, yet honest manner.

It's probably clear that I hold Miura's work in high regard. I felt lost at first when I heard the news of his passing. I do not exaggerate when I say that "Berserk" has been like a Bible to me. I've found many answers to my own life here, and I've seen this sentiment shared across the community. I do hope that Miura left some notes and his assistants decide to pick up his work, but that could be a pipe dream for all I know. What I am certain of is that the journey so far has been more than worth it, and the legendary mangaka left a work that only few can hope to compete with. As sentimental as I may sound, thank you, Miura, for the care and soul you put into "Berserk". I will keep coming back to it, no matter what its future might be.

Reader for a couple of years, volumes 01-41 review: a solid 5/5 up until the Fantasia Arc, where I change it to a 4.5/5.
So, Berserk. If you're here, you already have an idea of what it's about: a grueling tale of the unluckiest man ever, fighting with everything he has through most of his life to survive in this brutal fantasy world. It's compelling, painful, horrific, and beautiful.
It's also visually stunning. Miura provides page after page of intricately detailed battlefields and captivating landscapes, along with emotional character interactions and gruesome fights.
I also appreciate how the story opens with a sex scene, which clearly signals that "this isn't for little kids."

I have just finished half of the manga, and it's going unbelievably well for me because the storytelling and drawing style are awesome. The mangaka has created a superb manga, and if I had to point out a standout part, the Golden Age arc was fantastic. I've read many mangas, but nothing has made me feel this way before. I was very excited while reading. Even though there is significant character differentiation, we can find people from every type. I like Guts, the main character, and also the Skull Knight, who has been a good supporter so far. I haven't even mentioned Griffith yet—he's a superb villain. We saw his teenage years, his development, and how he became a villain. I haven't encountered an antagonist written this superbly before.

Story - 10/10
Art - 9.8/10
Characters - 9.8/10
Enjoyment - 10/10
Overall - 10/10

I've been contemplating how to write this review for some time, considering where I would rank it personally and where it stands on my "favorite manga" list. Today, I am certain and ready to share my thoughts.

Berserk is now my favorite manga of all time, previously tied with Oyasumi Punpun. Berserk epitomizes what a masterpiece truly is, leaving you craving more and eager to reread it again and again.

If asked why I love this manga, honestly, I couldn't fully explain. Despite my usual preference for modern romance or depressing stories, and my general disinterest in medieval or fantasy timelines—aside from exceptions like The Lord of the Rings—I found Berserk captivating. It has even changed my tastes, making me more open to other genres like Vinland Saga or One Piece, which I had previously avoided.

The characters are incredibly memorable, and you can't help but fall in love with many of them. The influence Berserk has had on various media, movies, games, and more is astounding. Initially, the art may seem messy to newcomers, as I initially thought when flipping through a volume before starting. However, once you delve into the story, the artwork comes alive, drawing you in and making you linger over the panels in a positive way—not in a confusing manner like Tokyo Ghoul, where deciphering the scenes becomes a chore.

There are no words to adequately describe how exceptional Berserk is. That said, it's not for everyone, especially those who cannot tolerate an incomplete story. Currently, Kentaro Miura is on hiatus after releasing 364 chapters (yes, including chapter 000a), and there's a possibility he may never finish it. While it's not certain like Vagabond, there is a risk. Miura started writing Berserk at 23 and is now 52 years old, reportedly only 60% done with the story. Unless he significantly increases his pace, I fear that by his 70s, the completion might become nearly impossible, akin to Vagabond. Nevertheless, I believe this story is too good to miss out on, even with the hiatus.

Definitely give Berserk a try, even if you're not typically interested in its timeline. Just dive in, as I did—you'll thank me later.