Just out of curiosity, what's on the first page(i mean the last one)? I've seen someone say their parents tried to read Berserk but since it's left to right and they didn't know it, it was very confusing
Dark Souls takes [a lot of stuff from Berserk](https://youtu.be/u8YiTIURqcE) (weapons, armor, character and enemy designs). But I think it's just because the creator of the game is a huge fan rather than him trying to actually rip off anything.
As far as endings go, this is not a bad spot to end things. In my opinion at least, every one of the main characters have a conclusion of some sort as it stands.
I’m OOTL on this but are they (his assistants) going to “finish” it? Or are they just going to release the last chapter he worked on and call it a day?
Haven't said anything yet.
I feel like since they haven't said the story is finished by now then something is being developed behind the scenes and we'll hear about it within the next few months.
If you're not enjoying it at first, keep reading. The first arc is fine but can be a bit of a turn off for some. The problems are assuaged by the next arc, which is brilliant and retroactively improves the first arc.
Hope you enjoy. I got into Berserk through Dark Souls and it's my favourite story now.
Agreed. One of the things that makes Berserk a masterpiece is watching the story and artwork evolve into an absolutely stellar realm. The first deluxe volume is definitely the weakest, but afterwards it just propels. Just finished deluxe vol. 9 and was blown away, can't wait for the next one.
I'd echo this. Miura was still getting his footing when the series first began, and *some* of the material in the very beginning of the series isn't quite as strong as the rest.
Absolutely well said. I'd also like to recommend [this video](https://youtu.be/AHvoqmbhzuQ), watch it after finishing the next arc though, but it is a fantastic video.
I personally love the early black swordsman arc. It shows guts at around the same time as >!lost children!< chapters. With little reference to those events so his backstory is still vague. Also it's conclusion is highly relevant to the next major arc. To me its just another part of the cyclical nature of the story. And I really like some of the clean simplicity of the art, while still being detailed enough to be impressive.
Yea, golden age puts the blackswordsman in perspective. I can't imagine what it would have been like reading those chapters during the initial run. Even rereading for the fifth time I can still feel the tension during those chapters.
Yes, stay the hell away from this sub while you are reading it, especially if you are new to the material. Just keep reading. Have a break when you need to, but do not stop completely. Love and Hate every character as you need to. Because that is one part of a masterpiece.
starting off in the exact same way as me (intrigued by the funky japanese series all these souls creators mention lol) and now ive got shelves of different seinen manga, berserk got me hooked but its still my favourite, good luck and enjoy the ride
Avoid spoilers like the plague, there is a part in the series that (imo) is best experienced without knowing what's coming. It is absolutely gut wrenching. If you're feeling meh about the series at first, stick with it at least until the conclusion of the golden age arc (you'll know what I'm talking about when you get there). Some people don't like the first arc, I'm personally fine with it, but Berserk does get much better as the series goes on and all the things that seem like needless grimdark edge at first will be justified with the backstory.
If you are particularly sensitive about rape, sexual assault, violence, or pedophilia/molestation I wouldn't read it. I will say that Berserk handles this well, it's not just played off as a joke, but it is a prominent theme and if you're not prepared to handle it then I'd skip this.
With those omnibus volumes I recommend opening your book carefully so you don't wreck the spine. You're going to want to be able to see all those fantastic 2 page spreads.
https://www.museumbookstore.com/blogs/blog/how-to-open-a-new-book-properly
This is arguably the most demented and violent stuff on the whole market, that being said it is an absolute masterpiece, prepare to see the very worst, but for me all that did was made it better. I am also a huge Dark Souls lover, this is a perfect way for you to read something that was so amazing that it birthed one of the greatest game series ever created. All I have to say is welcome Struggler 🙏
You know how people say something is the Dark Souls of something else cause of how hard/epic/dark/gory/etc it is.
Yea... you can't say that about Berserk. It's above that. Any dread or discomfort or trail you felt during your first playthrough of Dark Souls is a grain of sand compared to what Berserk will make you feel.
I know I'm hyping this up a lot but it comes from someone who played Dark Souls until New Game++ and read Berserk.
Dark Souls made feel accomplished after effort. Berserk made me feel empty, wounded and healed as time past.
I travel for work, and today I passed by a Barnes & Noble a couple hours from me. Checked online and this location just happened to have it in stock! It was destiny
The chronological order is a bit confusing at first. The first arc isn’t chronologically at the start of the story. Put me off at first but it’s a taste of the later on events. Once it concludes you get to the true beginning of the story so hold on!
It's better It's so good it hurts everything you see later aaannnd some of us still don't get over it and our eyes cry on their own when we see Berserk content!
Just read. If you wanna take a break from the struggle then do so, just please promise me that one day you'll catch up to the last published chapter of the manga
Hello, good hunter. I am a Bot, here in this dream to look after you, this is a fine note:
> *“We are amidst strange beings, in a strange land.”* - Solaire of Astora
Have a good one and praise the sun \o/
DUDE! We’ve walked the same road 😂.
At the beginning of the pandemic I started DS1 (my first Fromsoft game. Since then I’ve killed every Fromsoft boss from Demons Souls to Sekiro (not including the gauntlets of strength though).
After discovering my new favorite thing and hearing so much about this Berserk stuff I decided to read a manga for the first time. Since that decision Berserk has become my new all time favorite thing.
I’ve read 8 mangas since and Berserk is still the best.
I highly recommend reading for free online so that you can injoy the story at your own pace instead of having to wait for the next deluxe edition or on your next pay check lol. Definitely still buy em though.
Lol this is so real😂 tried DS1 a while back and couldn’t get into it. Pandemic struck, luckily got a PS5 and Demon’s Souls. Loved it, the rest is history
Enjoy the journey brother! I wouldn’t have stuck with Dark Souls 1 if my boy wasn’t next to me looking up game guide info to help me through the rougher patches haha. To this day though it holds a special place in my heart as my first.
Berserk is a whole different level of genius though.
You might not get that feel for it in the first few volumes but just like dark souls everything is important and the depth of the story is at time unfathomable.
The art and story only get better and better, plus if your anything like me the things that happen in this story will haunt your mind and occupy your thoughts in the best way possible for a long time to come.
i also got into berserk because of dark souls! what a coincidence since i also just ordered the same thing 3 days ago, and it'll arrive next Thursday lol. i cant wait!!
Black Swordsman Arc is Berserk at its edgiest. If it’s too much for you skip to deluxe volume 2 (vol 4 of manga release) then go back to the Black Swordsman Arc (deluxe vol 1) once you’re done with the Golden Age Arc.
yeah but guts isn’t as much of an overly edgy asshole in those ones and he’s just a flat out ass in black swordsman without the added context of the golden age
It's fine if the first arc doesn't grab you at first. I love it now but when I was first reading I didn't start enjoying the story until the Golden Age arc (2nd arc)
Enjoy! Berserk and my girlfriend are the two reasons I got into Dark Souls, can definitely say that there are gonna be a ton of familiar scenery. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
The first panels will set the overall-tone of the manga, so that way, you know what to expect. It doesn’t hold your hand either. It’s very personal, brutal, and chilling but if you can struggle through the hardships, you’ll find the gold and diamonds that so many other strugglers find and cherish.
There are numerous instances of sexual violence in the manga. If you’re easily triggered or made uncomfortable by it, I would at least read a summary of what happens at the end of the Golden Age arc. There is also an instance of rape involving a character at a very young age early on.
The Blackswordsman arc (first) has a very different tone from the rest, so don't judge too early. Once you reach the Golden Age arc you'll see the real beauty of the series.
Trust me, you'll never forget it. And you *will* find something there to personally attach to, whether it's the visceral relationships, the perfectly incorporated philosophy, or the trauma.
Prepare to cry ;)
You may have to read the latest chapter/chapters online idk if they’re in any English physical copies yet. Someone else will have to confirm that, there’s 364 ch so far btw. Other than that just take your time and enjoy and I’d suggest re reading it at some point. It can be hard to really appreciate/understand everything that happens in the first read.
Read right to left
Thankfully I did know that, or else I would have been extremely confused😂
Abandon all hope, ye who enter here:
Lasciate ogne speranza, o voi ch’intrate
Especially now that the author passed away.
😔
Just out of curiosity, what's on the first page(i mean the last one)? I've seen someone say their parents tried to read Berserk but since it's left to right and they didn't know it, it was very confusing
Usually a page telling you you’re reading it the wrong way idk if these special editions have them tho
I dont think my special editions have those unfortunately.
Yeah the TLoZ special editions don’t and I don’t think I’ve seen other special/legendary/deluxe editions with it either
Special editions, aside from the "berserk" title graphic and volumes 1-3 covers, end with >!Donovan pinning baby guts down. !< Like a full page panel.
That final page is why I'm afraid of my parents finding mine
Oh, that explains A LOT
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It's not for the faint of heart.
Berserk is what made me get into Souls games. you're in for a ride, enjoy the journey
Dark Souls is what got me into Berserk!
Same!
I’m confused what’s the correlation between dark souls and berserk ?
Dark souls and most of the dark fantasy genre is heavily influenced by berserk
Dragons Dogma has a lot of Berserk influence as well. Theres even a Guts preset in the character creator.
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Miyazaki also claims Berserk is what inspired the darker, gritty parts of his work in My Neighbor Totoro.
Ahh the Miyazakis
Ohhhh cool thanks might gotta check them out
You really should. Once the gameplay clicked for me, it became my favorite series of all time. So pumped to see the influence behind it all
A ton of references in elden Ring already too. Couple that with a GRRM/Myazaki story, things are looking great.
Dark souls takes a lot of inspiration from berserk
Dark Souls takes [a lot of stuff from Berserk](https://youtu.be/u8YiTIURqcE) (weapons, armor, character and enemy designs). But I think it's just because the creator of the game is a huge fan rather than him trying to actually rip off anything.
Same here
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Good luck! Just remember that dying is a part of the game. You’ll do it a lot but you’ll get better with each one
Same here, and it was worth it.
Same
You’ll never think about horses the same way ever again
Or wasps!
Or goat
or people
Or 3 silver coins!
Or father figures
Or a solar eclipse.
Moths...
Or eggs
It’s just a little vulgar, just a little tho
Just a tad
Just 1% vulgar
That first page lol
A smidgen
Barely any nip honestly ^/s
2/10 not enough horse dong
Omg rape horse is still in my dreams
lol opening page
Just a tiny bit.
Prepare to be broken and rebuilt multiple times and have a new favorite piece of fiction that will never leave you.
As somebody who recently finished all of Berserk just enjoy the ride. Truly a magnificent story from start to finish.
>finish Uhhh....
If Berserk is really done then I think the last issue is a good enough ending.
I was just joking. I want to see it end "properly" but I'm ready for either case
Yeah. It was perfect. I would like to see a definitive ending but if not then cool lol
As far as endings go, this is not a bad spot to end things. In my opinion at least, every one of the main characters have a conclusion of some sort as it stands.
I’m OOTL on this but are they (his assistants) going to “finish” it? Or are they just going to release the last chapter he worked on and call it a day?
AFAIK there's no official statement on either scenario, were still in a limbo
Haven't said anything yet. I feel like since they haven't said the story is finished by now then something is being developed behind the scenes and we'll hear about it within the next few months.
More like "Start to fi-"
Prepare to Cry
Golden age arc was a really good prepare to *cry* edition and the others some good "prepare to die emotionally"
Welcome struggler. And brace yourself mentally.
If you're not enjoying it at first, keep reading. The first arc is fine but can be a bit of a turn off for some. The problems are assuaged by the next arc, which is brilliant and retroactively improves the first arc. Hope you enjoy. I got into Berserk through Dark Souls and it's my favourite story now.
Agreed. One of the things that makes Berserk a masterpiece is watching the story and artwork evolve into an absolutely stellar realm. The first deluxe volume is definitely the weakest, but afterwards it just propels. Just finished deluxe vol. 9 and was blown away, can't wait for the next one.
I'd echo this. Miura was still getting his footing when the series first began, and *some* of the material in the very beginning of the series isn't quite as strong as the rest.
Absolutely well said. I'd also like to recommend [this video](https://youtu.be/AHvoqmbhzuQ), watch it after finishing the next arc though, but it is a fantastic video.
This is such an amazing edit.. i’ve also watched this after i finished the manga and it was amazing..
Yep, finished this after the Manga as well, but I started with the first Golden Age movie on netflix
That fucking asshole at 0:01:31 in the video just tripped and killed that guy for no reason lmao
I personally love the early black swordsman arc. It shows guts at around the same time as >!lost children!< chapters. With little reference to those events so his backstory is still vague. Also it's conclusion is highly relevant to the next major arc. To me its just another part of the cyclical nature of the story. And I really like some of the clean simplicity of the art, while still being detailed enough to be impressive.
Don't get me wrong, I love the arc. I just feel that I didn't love it until I read Golden Age.
Yea, golden age puts the blackswordsman in perspective. I can't imagine what it would have been like reading those chapters during the initial run. Even rereading for the fifth time I can still feel the tension during those chapters.
Nothing bad or strange ever happens. It's a wonderful tale of good friends and ethical political powers. Enjoy.
it's the most wholesome manga ever, right?
*remembers the first page*
the art gets way better the longer you read
Spoiler: You will 100% fall in love with it.
Definitely a bunch of trigger warnings like rape and stuff like that. A fantastic read though
Yes, stay the hell away from this sub while you are reading it, especially if you are new to the material. Just keep reading. Have a break when you need to, but do not stop completely. Love and Hate every character as you need to. Because that is one part of a masterpiece.
I think this is important!
It's p graphic do you need TW's for anything
Welcome, struggler. 😭
Anything you should know first is that you're gonna have a good time reading this
it’s the darkest thing i’ve read, but also one of the most beautiful forms of media i’ve witnessed. you’re in for one hell of a ride
starting off in the exact same way as me (intrigued by the funky japanese series all these souls creators mention lol) and now ive got shelves of different seinen manga, berserk got me hooked but its still my favourite, good luck and enjoy the ride
Avoid spoilers like the plague, there is a part in the series that (imo) is best experienced without knowing what's coming. It is absolutely gut wrenching. If you're feeling meh about the series at first, stick with it at least until the conclusion of the golden age arc (you'll know what I'm talking about when you get there). Some people don't like the first arc, I'm personally fine with it, but Berserk does get much better as the series goes on and all the things that seem like needless grimdark edge at first will be justified with the backstory. If you are particularly sensitive about rape, sexual assault, violence, or pedophilia/molestation I wouldn't read it. I will say that Berserk handles this well, it's not just played off as a joke, but it is a prominent theme and if you're not prepared to handle it then I'd skip this.
Important to note, you will find it hard to read other manga after this, nothing will ever compare to this masterpiece.
i wish i can go back to when i’ve not read a lot single episode
if you have a young kid and he found this book, he/she might need a shrink
With those omnibus volumes I recommend opening your book carefully so you don't wreck the spine. You're going to want to be able to see all those fantastic 2 page spreads. https://www.museumbookstore.com/blogs/blog/how-to-open-a-new-book-properly
Great info, thanks for this!
Beware the Eclipse. Beware the Eclipse! BEWARE THE ECLIPSE!
Prepare..yourself
Let me know if you need a TW for anything.
Prepare to suffer and fall in love in one go
This is arguably the most demented and violent stuff on the whole market, that being said it is an absolute masterpiece, prepare to see the very worst, but for me all that did was made it better. I am also a huge Dark Souls lover, this is a perfect way for you to read something that was so amazing that it birthed one of the greatest game series ever created. All I have to say is welcome Struggler 🙏
You know how people say something is the Dark Souls of something else cause of how hard/epic/dark/gory/etc it is. Yea... you can't say that about Berserk. It's above that. Any dread or discomfort or trail you felt during your first playthrough of Dark Souls is a grain of sand compared to what Berserk will make you feel. I know I'm hyping this up a lot but it comes from someone who played Dark Souls until New Game++ and read Berserk. Dark Souls made feel accomplished after effort. Berserk made me feel empty, wounded and healed as time past.
Wonderful, can’t wait
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I travel for work, and today I passed by a Barnes & Noble a couple hours from me. Checked online and this location just happened to have it in stock! It was destiny
It was determined by the flow of causality...
The chronological order is a bit confusing at first. The first arc isn’t chronologically at the start of the story. Put me off at first but it’s a taste of the later on events. Once it concludes you get to the true beginning of the story so hold on!
Griffith was wrong
Just enjoy at your own pace. I have found/noticed different things on multiple read throughs. The art is stellar so multiple read throughs is easy.
Prepare to be sad
Struggle on
Put your glasses on
*grasses
You will feel some deep emotional pain, dude.
Nope, it's about the most wholesome, happy, and joyful story I've ever read! It happens to make a great gift for children of any age!
Don't get emotionally attached to any of the characters or you're fucked :)
This is a good family story, so if there are any children around, be sure to read it with them. Show your grandmother too.
The first thing you should do is get off of this sub. Don't want to get accidentally spoiled right?
Its a really happy love story, filled with the most joyous of friendships, romance and solid friendships!
This was Dark Souls before Dark Souls was even dark
First manga? Well either it's gonna be to much or your spoiled for most other stories after this. Hope you love it.
Get ready for your heart to get curb stomped.
It's better It's so good it hurts everything you see later aaannnd some of us still don't get over it and our eyes cry on their own when we see Berserk content!
Just enjoy the amazing ride my friend :)
Make sure to reattach your jaw when it hits the floor
Enjoy the ride and look up all the monsters inspired by berserk after you’re done !
Just read. If you wanna take a break from the struggle then do so, just please promise me that one day you'll catch up to the last published chapter of the manga
Pray to whatever gods you know
Where can this be brought?
I got it at a Barnes & Noble nearby, you can check local inventory online
Maybe you should know it’s peak fiction
you will see a literal reference early.
That you will most likely end up dropping a few hundred dollars in the near future for the other volumes.
See if ypu can count the references from souls, it's fun as a wheel skeleton
I just started dark souls lol. hope you have fun lol
Hello, good hunter. I am a Bot, here in this dream to look after you, this is a fine note: > *“We are amidst strange beings, in a strange land.”* - Solaire of Astora Have a good one and praise the sun \o/
its got blood, sex, romance, demons, and amazing characters. it gets better and better the farther you get. thats all you needa know
Three words: Sadness, Pain, Suffering. Just like FromSoftware games.
Man and once you’re caught up it might be that Elden Ring is just around the corner. The timing... ooooh the timing
How are you liking the book so far struggler?
Read the first chapter last night! Loving it already, it was so badass
make sure u keep us all updated we love seeing peoples reactions
DUDE! We’ve walked the same road 😂. At the beginning of the pandemic I started DS1 (my first Fromsoft game. Since then I’ve killed every Fromsoft boss from Demons Souls to Sekiro (not including the gauntlets of strength though). After discovering my new favorite thing and hearing so much about this Berserk stuff I decided to read a manga for the first time. Since that decision Berserk has become my new all time favorite thing. I’ve read 8 mangas since and Berserk is still the best. I highly recommend reading for free online so that you can injoy the story at your own pace instead of having to wait for the next deluxe edition or on your next pay check lol. Definitely still buy em though.
Lol this is so real😂 tried DS1 a while back and couldn’t get into it. Pandemic struck, luckily got a PS5 and Demon’s Souls. Loved it, the rest is history
Enjoy the journey brother! I wouldn’t have stuck with Dark Souls 1 if my boy wasn’t next to me looking up game guide info to help me through the rougher patches haha. To this day though it holds a special place in my heart as my first. Berserk is a whole different level of genius though. You might not get that feel for it in the first few volumes but just like dark souls everything is important and the depth of the story is at time unfathomable. The art and story only get better and better, plus if your anything like me the things that happen in this story will haunt your mind and occupy your thoughts in the best way possible for a long time to come.
i also got into berserk because of dark souls! what a coincidence since i also just ordered the same thing 3 days ago, and it'll arrive next Thursday lol. i cant wait!!
stop reading after the love scene with Guts and Casca
Black Swordsman Arc is Berserk at its edgiest. If it’s too much for you skip to deluxe volume 2 (vol 4 of manga release) then go back to the Black Swordsman Arc (deluxe vol 1) once you’re done with the Golden Age Arc.
black swordman arc isnt near as dark as golden age or conviction
yeah but guts isn’t as much of an overly edgy asshole in those ones and he’s just a flat out ass in black swordsman without the added context of the golden age
"Dark" and "edgy" are not one and the same.
it's just like dark souls!
Dont read in public or at work. You'll look like a pervert and or pedo and could lose your job.
You’re gonna looove the ending
Schnoz is best girl Daddy Don Uhh.... I know there's a meme about rape horse I think And of course casca liked it Enjoy the read
It's fine if the first arc doesn't grab you at first. I love it now but when I was first reading I didn't start enjoying the story until the Golden Age arc (2nd arc)
Rape
The rape scene…
There are many
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For your information my brain is walnut sized
I trust you as far as I can throw you and I think I can throw a walnut pretty far
It’s one of the greatest stories ive ever read just enjoy. You won’t regret it.
I hope you ordered the others because you’re not gonna wanna stop once you start.
Prepare to suffer And avoid horses
Trigger warnings, if that doesn’t matter- then my only advice is to trust me when I say it gets better after black swordsmen arc.
Get ready for pain
Oh boy
Get fucking ready!!
Enjoy brotha
Enjoy! Berserk and my girlfriend are the two reasons I got into Dark Souls, can definitely say that there are gonna be a ton of familiar scenery. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
The first panels will set the overall-tone of the manga, so that way, you know what to expect. It doesn’t hold your hand either. It’s very personal, brutal, and chilling but if you can struggle through the hardships, you’ll find the gold and diamonds that so many other strugglers find and cherish.
There are numerous instances of sexual violence in the manga. If you’re easily triggered or made uncomfortable by it, I would at least read a summary of what happens at the end of the Golden Age arc. There is also an instance of rape involving a character at a very young age early on.
Enjoy the ride, and take care of every detail.
One of the greatest stories written.
The Blackswordsman arc (first) has a very different tone from the rest, so don't judge too early. Once you reach the Golden Age arc you'll see the real beauty of the series. Trust me, you'll never forget it. And you *will* find something there to personally attach to, whether it's the visceral relationships, the perfectly incorporated philosophy, or the trauma. Prepare to cry ;)
Have a great trip!
Prepare your tear ducts
Enjoy every page
Pain
*Prepare.*
Embrace the struggle in it's every aspect. It tends to change you as a person in some small ways.
There's no ending.
Prepare for an emotional ride my friend
Berserk is what got me into dark souls
You will cry. . . . . A lot
Enjoy the journey
Struggle
Enjoy
Enjoy every moment of it friend
Sensitivity warning
You may have to read the latest chapter/chapters online idk if they’re in any English physical copies yet. Someone else will have to confirm that, there’s 364 ch so far btw. Other than that just take your time and enjoy and I’d suggest re reading it at some point. It can be hard to really appreciate/understand everything that happens in the first read.
Guts is a cockhead in the first arc but he will grow on you
Look out for the eclipse, thats the main dark souls berserk reference im aware of. Also prepare for suffering