As many Anime series do, the first episode, 'the Black Swordsman,' is really from the middle of the story. Our first view of Guts, a hair-trigger killer with a sword the size of a sidewinder missile, is as he enters a town terrorized by a demonic overlord who feeds on human terror and misery. The town's garrison is compose of criminals who think nothing of torturing children, but the Black Swordsman steps in - to late to save the town, but in time to challenge the author of all the misery.

In the next four episodes, the story returns to its beginning, and we meet the young Guts and see him starting out as a foundling tagalong to a mercenary band. His childhood is every bit as grim as one might imagine, as he is force to kill his leader and then flees from on battle to the next. Finally, he comes against the Band of the Hawk and its leader Griffith, and for the first time in years is overmastered by a swordsman. Griffith sees the real value and strength hidden in the young warrior and is determined to add Guts to his troop rather than kill him.

Griffith's effeminate appearance hides a tough warrior and a proven battle master. When he finally penetrates through the layers of emotional protectiveness that Guts hides behind a strong and mutually agreeable relationship develops. Guts has troubles adjusting to this new, and disciplined, military unit, but he gradually earns the admiration of almost all of them, including the thorny Caska, a woman who is fiercely loyal to Griffith and his belief in destiny.

For all its violence, 'Berserk' strikes many sympathetic chords. It isn't mindless violence, there is an underlying plot, and the production values and artwork are excellent. Dialogue displays an unexpected complexity that signals almost from the beginning that this series is something special. Keep in mind that it deals with some controversial issues, and is aimed at a mature audience.


An excellent anime series, but not for kids.   December 9, 2002
dark54555 (Dallas, TX United States)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

I can best compare this series to Record of Lodoss War, but with much more violence and adult themes than Lodoss War had. This series is definately not for children. The story is of a mercenary named Guts and set in a world similar to Lodoss War, but with fewer fantastic creatures and different odd races (most all of the characters are human, with a few exceptions). Do not expect to see a bunch of elves and dwarves and dragons, the non-human characters are few and far between through the first 5 episodes.

One hilarious bonus feature on all of the Berserk DVDs is the Outtakes. Basically, it is a series of line reading errors placed over the same scene in the original anime scenes. Watch them after viewing all of the episodes on the DVD so that you understand the context, but they are truly hilarious. It's very different than those "outtakes" on other animated DVDs, which are actual added scenes.

This is an excelent series; any anime fan should buy it.


Entertaining, but...   May 5, 2002
46 out of 58 found this review helpful

Someone may find the subject matters in Berserk difficult (child abuse, rape, insanity, homosexuality, just to name a few), and someone may find that creater of the series has little to no affection toward the character; however, that does make Berserk one of the most mature fantasy series on the market.

Inevitably, there are some typical fantasy cliches in this series, yet those cliches are actually Western fantasy story cliches instead of those hyper anime kiddy fantasy show cliches (slayer series came to mind). There are absolutely no annoying magical creature in the show (not in the TV series anyway...) and important character(s) do die in the series. The animation of the show is nothing to write about, and there are quite a few still frames due to budgeting constraint. Nonetheless, it does get the job done and convey the story to its audiences.

Finally, the most important note of all... THE MANGA SERIES THAT THE SHOW BASED OFF OF IS NOT OVER YET. Since they did not animate the series past volumn 13 (there are 22 volumns so far) the end of the animated series is a giant cliffhanger. There are talks of making a new series (or actually, finishing making it), but there is nothing concrete about that rumor.

Not having a resolution is a horrible thing, because you do want to know what is going to happen to Gatts, Caska, and how big Gatts' sword will get eventually. But you wouldn't regret getting to know them.


Based on the continuing masterpiece of Kentarou Miura   April 8, 2002
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

This anime is based on the still ongoing manga works of Kentarou Miura. This anime series covers manga's 1 to the mid point of 13. That manga series that is still unfinished is actually up volume 22 at the moment. Hopefully after it's completion non japanese readers, will be able to see it's ending with a 2nd anime series.

This is one of the deeper anime's you will find. The story is very involved, the characters are well developed and the situations are very extreme. This is not a story that anyone would want spoiled for them before they saw it, so I will spare potential buyers from any dissapointment :). I will just say, after seeing animes like NGE, cowboy bebop, Trigun, Kenshin, Escalfowne, and many other well done shows, this anime took a huge jump to #1 on my list.

Just to add, this anime is not for the weak of heart, the hero of the story doesn't take prisoners, and the color red flows strong :) Enjoy.


Don't fret, it gets better...   January 30, 2003
C. Steil (MN)
32 out of 42 found this review helpful

This is one of my all-time favorite animes, but before I get into that, I'd like to address a few things here:

1) Griffith is NOT gay.

2) If you absolutely loved Record of Lodoss War, you probably won't like this. No inane love triangles, plot that drags ooon and ooon, or loads of magic. If you liked Army of Darkness, the video game version of this series, dark/mideval/character study stuff, and good 'ol fashioned booty kickin', you'll probably like this. I recommend this for anime fans who want a little more from their TV than just episodic bleh. And don't think this is a guy show either, I'm a girl and I love it!

3) If you don't like the first episodes, it gets better.

4) In my opinion, this series stands on its own. It surpasses sword-and-sorcery... it shouldn't be lumped together with others like that.

Berserk is not your average anime (no grotesquely huge eyes, cat girls, or perfect hero). Lots of carnagae, a little conspiracy, a big betrayal, a few monsters, and a sprinkle of romance focused on a main character that kicks a ...load of booty. Some people just don't like him, but he has to be my favorite male anime character. His struggle to find his own purpose in life, his own dream, is fascinating. The other characters in this series stay with you also. The overly ambitious Griffith. Casca, striving to find her place at Griffith's side. The kind-hearted Judeau, resentful Corkus, and all-around awesome Zodd.

In conclusion, I'd recommend this series to anyone who is not squeamish, likes mideval fantasy and/or character studies, and is over the age of sixteen.

Dude, just buy it.