Berserk, is a disgusting story. It is a revolting story. However, above all, it is a human one.

Yes, the famed Berserk manga is a great one, with great moments and great characters; but one not for the faint of heart.

Story- 7

The concept is very simple at first glance. Big man wielding big ass sword, goes around hunting demons. Along with its medieval setting, the basic synopsis is your typical revenge story. However, when digging a bit deeper, the story becomes much deeper and more captivating. You can really get a sense of drama and turmoil when it is demanded; and what I mean by that, is that author Kentaro Miura can convey a perfect sense of nail-bitting tension that tortures you while you await each new chapter.

No where, is this more noticeable, than in the famed Golden Age Arc. The Golden Age Arc is my, as well as many other's, favourite arc of this entire series. Leading up to this arc, is a decent dose of character building, but when you get here, Miura's abilities as a writer is on display.


This arc is, in my view, a lot more positive and upbeat compared to the rest of the manga, but that isn't a high bar to set. Characters form new interesting relationships with each other, and it is these relationships that add to the story's build-up, leading to fantastic moments where the story can effectively display a real sense of friendship, played out on the backdrop of huge wars and climatic battles that the medieval-era setting fits well with. However, I must give a very large warning, to the amount of...'profanity' found in this manga. Miura, much like G.R.R Martin, conveys the most disgusting parts of medieval society, such as violence, torture, rape, gang raping, slow rapes, and child raping. I often find myself EXTREMELY uncomfortable during these moments, but this only added to my hate of specific characters which I'm sure Kentaro wanted me to hate, and easily baited me to do so.

Art-10

While at the beginning of the series, the art can be slightly awkward at times, the quality takes leaps and bounds every volume. Kentaro can draw huge bombastic battle scenes displaying both the glorious, badass and gruesome sides of war, while also being able to create surreal moments of silence, where a single panel can contain so much emotion for the characters.

Character-10

Ah, yes. Here we are. While the story was good on its own, the entire series would have fallen flat on its back if not for its art, and more importantly characters. The characters in Berserk are very deep, as even the supporting cast are unique, and never feels like they're cookie-cutter models or made for the specific purpose of being a side character. Everybody feels like they can be the protagonist of their own spin-off, which makes it all the more heart-wrenching when they are emotionally and physically tortured.

Of course, even though the supporting cast, like the Band of The Hawks, are great and all; nothing can compare to the two main characters: Griffith, and Guts. I wouldn't dare to spoil anything, but just know that their personalities are interesting and compelling on their own, but it is their relationship and way they work off each other, that I believe, is the centre of Berserk.

Enjoyment-8

My own personal enjoyment comes mostly from the outstanding art and character, for reasons that should be obvious for anybody who read up to this point. However, while my enjoyment would be higher, it is the previously mentioned scenes of grotesque horror that I gave this a lower score than I would. Please don't misunderstand; the scenes serve a purpose, and they serve it well, but that does not change the fact that I am utterly disgusted by it.

Overall-9

Overall, I recommend this to anybody who wishes to take a look at what great character and art can accomplish, but not to anybody who can't take some possibly very graphic panels/moments.

Cheers.