Berserk

The only reason I regret reading Berserk is because no other manga or anime compares to how good it is. It might not appeal to some younger viewers due to its intense violence, complex storyline, mature themes, and tragic elements.

Everything in this anime is perfect but may require a bit of effort to appreciate fully, especially considering its age. It's original, with amazing artwork, a tragic and superb storyline. It stands as the coolest and saddest thing you will ever read.

I can't understand how Miura was able to create something like this.

A beautiful art, an interesting story, incredible characters, and overall a work of such quality, I thought it was impossible to reach this level.

Great job, Miura. Take all the time you need to publish the chapters, you deserve it.

Guts is such a good protagonist, one of the best (if not the best) that I've seen in a work like this.

The same can be said about Griffith; the way Miura developed these two characters is simply spectacular. Their actions, interactions, and decisions throughout the story always have something backing them up, giving them weight and logic.

I don't have anything else to say; it would just be more praise. But one additional thing I really liked was the way he portrayed God or causality. Sublime, Miura, truly sublime.

STORY (9.4)

PROS: Miura excelled in almost every aspect, crafting a brilliant narrative of vengeance, love, loneliness, and self-discovery. The story is propelled by epic battles and introspective dialogues that continually enrich his intricate world, while also incorporating lighter, humorous moments.

The plot transitions seamlessly from Gothic Horror to High Fantasy with logical reasoning and smooth transitions.

CONS: At times, the storyline leans heavily on abstract concepts like fate and causality, which can be overwhelming. The latter part of the story loses some momentum as it focuses on less central events.

ART (9.5)

PROS: The panels are incredibly detailed, showcasing tremendous attention to detail, making even secondary characters easily recognizable. The monster designs are among the most original and captivating I've seen in any fictional work.

CONS: Due to the high level of detail, some fight scenes can become cluttered and slightly confusing at times.

CHARACTER (10)

PROS: In my opinion, the characters are the most impressive element. They are relatable, haunted by various personal conflicts both internal and external. The villains are often driven by understandable motivations, making each encounter fresh and exciting.

CONS: Occasionally, there are one-dimensional characters.

ENJOYMENT (10)

PROS: Everything about this manga is enjoyable. It's a fun, bloody, and satisfying read.

CONS: The frustrating hiatuses between new chapters due to Miura's untimely passing.

OVERALL (9.7)

If you enjoy reading manga or are intrigued by the idea of an incredibly mature and gory fantasy world filled with amazing warriors, monsters, and a vast array of interconnected stories featuring some of the best characters in this genre, Kentaro Miura's Berserk is an absolute must-read.

Berserk is undoubtedly one of the most shocking manga I've read in a while. However, I cannot recommend it to everyone, and here's why: intense rape and gore scenes, along with very dark world-building. Now that we've addressed that, let's discuss the actual qualities of the series itself.

Story: 10/10
The manga follows a boy named Guts from birth to adulthood, detailing his struggles in life. Saying more would risk huge spoilers.

Plot: 10/10
Everything that happens in Berserk matters; the development is incredible.

Characters: 9/10
This might be the weakest part of the series, especially since it focuses heavily on one protagonist, polishing him more than the side characters. However, the supporting characters are still amazing and receive a lot of development, just not as much as the protagonist (Guts).

World Building: 10/10
The world is vast and essential for both the story and the characters.

Art: 10/10
The art is very detailed, dark, and perfectly matches the world of the series.

Overall: 10/10

TL;DR:
This manga is amazing, but I cannot recommend it to everyone, especially because of its tendency to show the disgusting aspects of human nature.

Berserk, it's hard to put into words the greatest experience I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. I'll try to be somewhat brief.
Berserk is not just a medieval and violent manga; it's about feelings, human emotions. All of this is written and drawn in the most sublime and beautiful form possible. Kentaro Miura was able to transform everything grotesque, sordid, dirty, and rotten into art. In Berserk, we have very well-constructed characters, with their motivations, traumas, convictions, desires, ambitions, and DREAMS. Besides being a very well-crafted story, we are also in a fantastic universe where the author introduces us to magical and spiritual creatures, beings from other dimensions, with plenty of references to classics like HP Lovecraft, Norse mythology, Tolkien, Hellraiser.
Berserk is a manga that doesn't just enter the hall of the best mangas ever written; it is one of the best works ever created in the history of humanity. And it's my favorite.

Berserk. The number 1 manga on MyAnimeList, boasting a score of 9.44 at the time of writing this review. Unlike FMAB, Berserk genuinely earns its top spot. While FMAB is excellent, Berserk as a manga is simply phenomenal.

The story is outstanding, no doubt. The character development is on another level. It follows Guts, initially an innocent boy trying to impress his father, Gambino, evolving into a man who fights for the memories of his loved ones. The battles and drama are so captivating that they make me feel like I'm living inside the Berserk manga itself. Guts' adventures can be thrilling or heartbreaking, but they always keep me deeply engaged. Berserk never fails to immerse me in Guts' journey, allowing me to sympathize with his sorrows and celebrate his victories. It's truly an emotional rollercoaster and more than just your average dark fantasy manga; it excels in storytelling.

The art of Berserk is, in my opinion, its strongest aspect. Kentarou Miura's work is unparalleled. Though I’m no art expert, the artwork in Berserk draws you in like nothing else. At the beginning, the art is simpler with less shading, giving an innocent vibe. Despite Guts' tainted life, he’s experiencing the peak moments without realizing it. As the series progresses, the art becomes more mature and darker, signaling the turning point in Guts' life. The increased use of shading and darker tones reflect his growing violence and inner turmoil, almost mirroring his personality.

The characters in Berserk are great but not without flaws. I love Guts and Griffith as characters. Guts is such a well-written protagonist that I can always feel his emotions throughout the story, and I can hate Griffith because he’s such an effective antagonist. However, some side characters fall short. Zodd and Serpico are well-developed, but others, like Manifico from the Vandimion Family, annoy me. Manifico seems to exist solely to complain about monsters and act as comic relief, which feels out of place. Isidro also fails as comic relief; if he were written as a prominent fighter, the story would be more interesting and less irritating. Imagine having a cool flame dagger and only using it to kill one monster before crying about how scary everything is. Still, overall, the characters in Berserk are pretty solid.

I enjoyed Berserk immensely. I believe scientists claim sugar is the most addictive substance to distract everyone from the real truth: it’s actually the Berserk manga. I read Berserk every day, whether in school, on my way home, during breaks, or before bed. Whenever I had free time, you could find me engrossed in Berserk. It never felt boring or underwhelming. This masterpiece has enthralled me completely, even if it means potentially failing my studies.

In conclusion, Berserk is a masterpiece. Friends recommended it to me, and I’ve never felt the same way about any reading material since. Berserk is the best manga ever made.

I adore Berserk, from its characters to its world. However, I rated my enjoyment a 9 instead of a 10 because of the Black Swordsman arc, which I found to be slower compared to the other arcs I've read. This arc caused me to lose interest for a while, but I recently returned to reading it. The Conviction and Golden Age arcs are among my favorites, not just in manga and anime, but in all of fiction.

Griffith and Guts stand out as remarkable characters from the stellar cast throughout every arc that Berserk offers. Farnese is also an extremely interesting character, but my personal favorite is Serpico. I have no specific reason; I just love every moment he's in. I could talk about every character in Berserk for years, but I don't want this to get too long.

The art is amazing, with Miura's ability to make so many interesting details pop out of each panel. Berserk also has the best soundtrack of any manga, though I'll avoid the 2016 anime like the plague, even if I do enjoy the music.

I highly recommend Berserk for anyone who enjoys dark anime/manga with a strong focus on characters and brilliant art.

After the passing of Miura-sensei, I saw how tragic it was, but when it came to Berserk, I never really knew much about it. So, I decided to take the time to start Berserk.

I first watched the movie trilogy, but I felt that I wanted to know more about what happened. So, I decided to read the manga, and at first, it didn't make any sense. But after re-reading it a few times, I finally managed to enjoy it. Then, after spending a few months reading Berserk and watching the 2016 adaptation, which I didn't really enjoy, I read the last chapter ;-;.

Initially, I didn't like it. However, after watching videos about the ending and its meaning, I was finally able to complete Berserk. Looking back at it just made me cry even more. I loved how Miura-sensei drew each chapter panel and how much of a genius he was in creating Berserk. Here are some things I learned:

1. Berserk did not follow the typical manga formula: Instead of a hero saving the day, Berserk focused on an anti-hero protagonist who sought his own meaning in life while trying to survive in a cruel, brutal, insane, massacre of a dark-fantasy world where no one wanted him, all while pursuing his own goals.

2. The idea of struggling: Berserk did not focus on a hero developing to save more lives every day. Rather, it focused on the hardships and brutal struggles the protagonist had to endure. The concept of struggling is very relatable in life. We all struggle, but in the end, our struggles help us succeed.

3. To keep moving forward: This was something I admired the most while reading the chapters. When faced with struggles, the protagonist did not give up and die. Instead, he picked up his sword and kept fighting and struggling, ultimately succeeding in achieving his goals.

So, no matter how hard I try in life, I will always face setbacks. But that doesn't mean I should give up. Rather, I can pick up my giant sword and keep fighting and struggling. In the end, I will succeed. Don't worry; I just stepped on a rock. But hey, I will always pick myself up and keep moving forward in life.

Thank you, Miura-sensei, for giving the world the story of Berserk. Thank you for inspiring and helping others around the world. You will always remain in our hearts. *Guts' theme plays in the background*

STORY

When you read the story, it may initially feel repetitive, but trust me, once you start with the first chapter, you'll realize it's a unique work. Especially when you see the power of good and evil portrayed in a dramatic form, filled with events that will keep you on the edge of your seat from chapter to chapter. The story transports you into a world where humans are monsters and there are many strange creatures.

ART

I struggle to find words to describe the artistry in this masterpiece. Every page shows Miura's dedication, whether it's in character design, fight scenes, or depictions of nature. He masterfully conveys emotions like sadness, anger, and joy on the characters' faces.

CHARACTERS

All agree that the character development in Berserk is exceptional.

GUTS

Guts was born from his mother's corpse under a hanging tree, left to die alone in a blood-filled swamp. When he began to cry, a mercenary named Chisso took him in. Gambino allowed this out of pity, despite Guts' ominous birth being deemed unlucky by others. Three years later, Guts' adoptive mother died of the plague while he watched. This is just the beginning of the suffering Guts endures throughout his life.

GRIFFITH

Griffith always carried himself with nobility and grace, making it hard to believe in his humble origins. His intelligence and confidence leave people in awe. Those who meet him either admire him or feel threatened. His followers are often captivated by his ambition and conviction. Even as a child, Griffith's strong sense of self and ambition were evident. In his childhood city, he set his sights on building his own kingdom. His multifaceted demeanor attracts people from different walks of life to his band.

CASCA

Casca proves to be a resolute and capable leader within the Falcon Squad, earning the respect of her comrades. Her leadership rallied the squad during Griffith's imprisonment, preventing their annihilation. She boosts morale among the ranks, who affectionately call her "Big Sister." During the eclipse, Casca maintains order and contributes what she can. Her loyalty to Griffith is driven by her desire to serve as his mighty sword. Initially resentful of Guts, she eventually acknowledges her admiration for Griffith while developing feelings for Guts. When Griffith challenges Guts to a duel, Casca questions her leader's decision, showing her growing independence.

SKULL KNIGHT

The Skull Knight is an ancient, mysterious being with great awareness of causality and foresight. He possesses a brutally realistic view of the world, often citing determinism. Despite this, he has proven heroic, saving Guts and others multiple times. Flora questioned if his actions served his own agenda, but ultimately, he encourages Guts to defy fate and become a "fighter." He also warns Guts about Casca's true desires.

Berserk manga is unparalleled, deserving a perfect score of 10. I feel I could read it a fifth time because every reading reveals new philosophical secrets or overlooked events. I highly recommend everyone to read this manga, as it stands out in its generation.

Excuse the rave review in advance, but in this reviewer's humble opinion, Berserk deserves all the praise in the world. It’s the Sistine Chapel, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, the Iliad of the manga world. A dark fantasy masterpiece that explores themes from betrayal to destiny and delves into human nature.

Story: 10
The epic tale of Berserk unfolds across multiple arcs, each building upon the last to craft its world. So far, three distinct worlds or eras have been established, with cataclysmic tragedies marking the transitions between them. Most arcs deliver satisfying climaxes in terms of action and plot advancement, as well as character development. The setting draws inspiration from the legends and daily horrors of Europe's Dark Ages. Readers are exposed to nauseating violence that becomes numbing over time, showcasing humanity at its absolute worst. However, ultimately, it is a story about perseverance and the heroic spirit, perhaps highlighting the best of humanity.

Art: 10
The artwork improves significantly as the series progresses. The latest chapters are visually stunning. Early volumes may seem somewhat dated when revisited, carrying an "old school" feel, but they still hold their charm.

Character: 9
At first glance, the characters might appear somewhat flat, but most, especially the protagonist, possess considerable depth. Trauma is explored effectively without overshadowing the entire narrative, unlike many psychological mangas. Berserk strikes the right balance, making its hero both vulnerable and undeniably badass. The supporting cast ranges from intriguing to stereotypical, but they fulfill their roles well, supporting the protagonist's relentless quest for revenge against one of fiction's most detestable villains.

Enjoyment: 10
It’s the perfect blend of non-stop high-octane action coupled with just enough depth and philosophy to avoid becoming heavy-handed or pretentious.

However, Berserk frequently crosses "the line" with its extremity, making it hard to define any specific boundary within this work. It’s edgy beyond measure, filled with moments so intense they could serve as controversy magnets for entire series. Therefore, it’s challenging to recommend casually. That said, if you’re already intrigued, then dive into the twisted universe of the best dark fantasy manga around.