Berserk Vol 1-3 First impressions | Black Swordsman Arc |

[@Omegateck16]

HOLY CRAP.. Ive never thought you would read beserk. Literally one of the best manga ever made. Please though for the love of god BEWARE the dark subject matter ahead, it's ok to take breaks if it gets to dark, but it's one of the best depictions of Trauma and how to deal with trauma ive ever seen! Enjoy!

[@booksandtropes]

everything you said are all my buzzwords when it comes to anime/manga 😬 I will take all the trauma!

[@SapphireArcana]

​@booksandtropes this isnt your standard anime trauma, this is some depressingly dark and real shit. Ive had a pretty traumatic life and the shit it deals with is brutal. But it also deals with it in such a real way that guts own journey has helped me personally heal. I fucking love berserk

[@Corredor1230]

I really really don't like Berserk but even in that case, I know it's one of the greats. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who's into manga. Even if you end up hating it like me, you need to give it a shot at some point.

[@Corredor1230]

@@Lumberyack105 I have several reasons. One is that I never liked Dark Souls-like medieval / fantasy aesthetics, which despite the several unique features, Berserk still very much falls under. I also don't like Miura's style in the slightest. I know he's arguably one of the most talented out there, but every single page feels incredibly cluttered, every texture has a thousand or more little lines that really aren't needed, and every single thing is so detailed, it's actually quite annoying to read. I very much prefer the clean style of Takehiko Inoue in Vagabond or Naoki Urasawa in 20th Century Boys or Inio Asano in Goodnight Pun Pun (all of which are mature masterpieces), than Miura's. Also, I think most of the supporting cast is weaker than you'd hope for a story of that scope. Griffith's team just wasn't all that interesting, which makes the following events fall a bit flat. I like the Hand of God and how absolutely vile they all are. I think the whole thing with Griffith and Casca works great for a series as incredibly dark and disturbing as Berserk. But I also think Casca's trauma is postponed for so long after the eclipse, it loses a lot of its impact by then, and the whole infantilisation of Casca plotline felt a bit cheap to me. Overall the whole look of the manga just seems dated, and its edginess in the story doesn't feel compensated enough by anything to balance it out. It's way too 90's in a way that I just don't think is cool at all. It reminds me too much of that overdone ultra cheesy American aesthetic from the 90's like Todd McFarlane's Spawn comics. So I can't say I enjoyed it in the slightest, no. But it's 100% a preference thing.

[@Corredor1230]

@@Lumberyack105 I think I managed to start the Millennium Falcon arc but didn't get too far before I just decided it wasn't worth it. The aesthetics really put me off, the characters didn't seem interesting enough, it's too edgy and I don't think the moments of humanity, compassion or kindness are effective enough when they should be, and it really felt a bit like it was going to take *forever* for any major developments to take place. I've kept reading spoilers, and I'm intrigued by Moonlight Boy because he's a character that seems to bring something new and interesting to the table, but ultimately I think I'm over giving it a shot. I read around 170 chapters before giving up altogether.

[@calvint01]

berserk really seems like only an action packed story at first but its actually a really complex character driven story

[@stevenburton7725]

The panel of Guts collapsing and crying after he saves Teresa is real. That one hits so much harder on the re-read

[@nyumartnyut5071]

Seeing your reactions from one piece to berserk and liking both fills my heart with enormous joy

[@kadeybaybe]

the golden age arc which is next is what really propels berserk to goat status alongside One Piece, you will experience a whole lot of emotions, just keep at it and you will see why

[@nightmarishcompositions4536]

Huge Berserk fan here. It only gets much better from here. It's a dark and brutal story, but it's also incredibly mature, emotional, introspective and empowering with great character writing and relationship dynamics. Hope you love it (:

[@badpiggy4177]

" Anger is the easiest to feel " Damn. That makes so much sense tbh. Especially for Berserk's story

[@john-up5nm]

I'm seeing a lot of people saying it can be a slow burn, however is was one of the fastest I've ever binged a series. Yes it felt too dark at times but the world and characters just draw you in, not to mention the art which is next level and gets better the more you read. After the first arc it's really hard to stop

[@toshinronin]

Your ass wasn’t reading

[@Kaibacorporate]

I wouldn't say it is a slow burn as much as it is that the 1st Arc is definitely the worst of the series and a bit stifling as far as getting a total grasp on what to expect. It is a little like getting thrown in the deep end and also the artworld improves a lot in the following arcs

[@Green-3c34y65vrbu]

i started this manga because i saw you were reading it! "well, if she's beginning, and it was inspired by my fave manga; Devilman, i don't see why i shouldn't too." i'm absolutely LOVING it so far. i'm 9 volumes in!

[@GolDFish-if1ov]

You are definitely from Zimbabwe 😂😂😂

[@Green-3c34y65vrbu]

@@GolDFish-if1ov surely..!

[@omg241]

Both One Piece and Berserk are my favorites manga, the yin and yang of manga if you ask me. If One Piece is yang/light with spots of darkness, then Berserk is yin/dark with spots of lightness. I'm really impressed that you liked Puck this early, a lot of people get annoyed by him pretty quickly but begin to love him in the middle of the story. I hope you enjoy the story and avoid all the spoilers, i don't recommend searching anything from berserk in youtube or tiktok, you'll see a lot of spoilers.

[@booksandtropes]

People don't like Puck at first ??? 😱 would die for this elf! I love him! I'm really surprised I don't see any berserk on tiktok at all, but I'll block the tag just incase :)

[@jmarti1997jm]

Wow that's a very good way of putting it

[@nickman287]

Puck was one third of the reason why I just stopped reading a few chapters in (the other two thirds being asshole characterization and violence/gore for violence's sake)

[@Kaibacorporate]

I feel the same way

[@arx5638]

@@booksandtropes Tiktok would have a mental breakdown if they hear about it. Not to mention Berserk has a lot of nuance and subtalty that the Tiktokers would ignore because any sort of layered discussion in any slightly disturbing topic result in everyone circle taggging eachother spending days on respond videos. Plus they don't actually have the attention spam to sit down and read it...

[@regentnemea6701]

Berserk probably has some of the most relatable and grounded depictions of trauma, abuse and recovery that I have ever seen; all wrapped up in a grimdark fantasy epic. I look forward to seeing you progress through the series and digest it.

[@mryourgurt4195]

Ive been slowly been reading through the series as well after hearing so much about it. The points you hit in your review are pretty close to my own thoughts, but can't help but feel that everyone hyping it up is going to put some unrealistic expectations, but definitely had a strong start and can't wait to see how it evolves from here.

[@scottgimple8107]

What vol u at? Everything past vol 3 of the single volumes is where it turns to masterpiece level for me. First 1-3 volumes only work on reread to notice the parreles between a certain character you’ll see

[@naughtykitty1232]

"Unrealistic expectations"... kek. If anything we're not setting them high enough.

[@macao4331]

Wow! I just finished Berserk yesterday lol. I binged it in like 4 days straight haha, I don't read a lot of mangas but this one really hooked me in especially the art which was breathtaking. Looking forward to hearing your review for this one !

[@gregperianayagam4522]

It should be mentioned that Kentaro Miura (Mangaka of Berserk) when starting Berserk was making it in the same vein as other manga like Fist of the North Start. It was a brutal world with a hero who was incredibly powerful with bulding muscles and a big weapon. Then come around the end of the Black Swordsman Arc he was approached by his publisher that they were shutting down, I believe. He had two choices given to him, continue Berserk on another publisher or work with the author of Fist of the North Star on another manga (arguably the biggest author at the time). The second option would almost be a surefire success, but he decided to stay with Berserk. But after he made that decision, he got together with one of his close Mangaka friends, and they spent a week working on the story of Berserk. It was after this that the story of Berserk moved in a different direction. I'll let you see how the story changes.

[@RoderickMufasa]

this is slightly wrong. muira didnt know where the story was going at the beginning of Black swordsman arc with the first page of guts being balls deep in a apostle to guts not liking being touched and to him killing the snake baron. He then came up with the entire story setting up the behelit, the brand of sacrifice, the god hand, and griffiths introduction leading into the Golden age and to what we know of berserk now.

[@crisisanagram3916]

It's nice to see you reading berserk! This is one of my three favorite manga of all time (along with Kengan Asura and Vagabond), so I hope you enjoy the journey! As many of the comments before have said, this manga goes to very dark places and has a lot of dark themes and thematics permeating it's pages. Read through it at your own pace and I hope you enjoy the journey Muira has created! (may he rest in peace)

[@DXDragon38]

Oh, this is gonna be fun! Didn't expect you to pick up Berserk. Looking forward to seeing your thoughts on later volumes as it evolves!

[@blobiel]

Hope you enjoy Berserk! It’s definitely a manga classic, but it’s a journey to go on. Good luck!

[@allmightykingrhythm9949]

This will turn into the best thing you've ever read I promise... especially if you already like it at black swordsmen

[@franciscobutte]

Glad you started Berserk. The only thing I will tell you is: You are not prepared.

[@percythecryptid]

i’m glad you made this because it’s probably the closest i’ll ever get to reading berserk

[@percythecryptid]

@@Lumberyack105 i don’t think i could deal with how graphic it is, honestly. i had someone show me a scene from the anime a couple years ago that made me very uncomfortable (can’t even remember what it was)

[@lumpyhead5024]

I bought 9 of those books about a year ago and only made it thru 6 , about to pick it back up and this is a great refresher, love your summaries ,also Puck rules!

[@oMalazartes]

Nice!! I start watching your videos when you were just starting out One Piece (which I love) and it was great watching you get invested and involved with the characters and plot, so I'll be watching just as closely as you read berserk, because it's an amazing journey with amazing development in characters and overall plot, it's an amazing journey. Unlike One Piece it gets super dark, like super disturbing stuff. Not all the time, but it can get disturbing. Those moments are somewhat uncommon though, so I really hope you don't get too put off by those because there's an amazing and intense work of art there, as a whole. And the artwork, which is already a amazing at the beginning will only get better and will reach some really incredible hights. Enjoy!

[@booksandtropes]

Dark and disturbing is what I’m here for! I’m very excited to see where the story goes :)

[@JC-hu6wg]

Volumes 3-14 The Golden Age Arc, for me is the best arc in all of fiction. Nothing has connected and affected me more than these volumes. It was life changing for me. Also, sometimes a page with no words, the art, gives me goosebumps. Please continue reading this.

[@GutsIsTheGoat]

omg you're reading Berserk!!! my favorite piece of fiction of all time, with one piece in second. absolutely cannot wait to see your journey with this. with the recent posts you've made about jjk (which i agree with) you're deff in for an amazingly told story with greatly written characters. i feel like a kid on christmas eve now waiting for your next review on it xD

[@ButtercoreFTW]

YES, finally Berserk. Black swordsman arc is not the easiest to get into, but very important for the following arc. and ive read it all online but yesterday i ordered the second and third deluxe volumes, got the first already. im excited to hear about your journey through it berserk is next to one piece my favorite manga, lots of people have the mark on guts's neck tattooed on various body parts, me included, got it on my arm :P When guts declines the Power the spirits offer him he is himself depicted already like a Demon himself. also when guts pulls theresa up with his sword, look at how he cradles his sword and then looks at his hand

[@beastialmoon2327]

funnily enough the deluxe editions was where I started reading Berserk as well. The first was so well made and crafted and just such a TOME of a book that I had to get the rest... and then read the rest of the story online while I waited for the other deluxe editions to come out every so often. Now all 14 sit on my bottom shelf as a testament to my bad financial decisions (:

[@silverblade43]

Berserk is absolutely my favorite series and Gut's is my favorite character ever by a mile. You are in for an absolute treat

[@Runningwritingreading]

!!! :O You are reading everything I read at 20-22 years old. Very cool I love that you are reading Berserk.

[@KurinKato1]

Oh my goodness not Berserk😭 it’s a masterpiece the only manga I have ahead of one piece I binged it in 3 days it is very very dark but man do u feel the pain of the MC can’t wait for this

[@Yo0264]

I shed tears for the future you

[@booksandtropes]

future me usually questions the decision of past me lol

[@Skyterian]

Beserk is quite a dark series but i still love it. Really hope you make it through it. Have enjoyed the past 3 vids since the jjk rant and love that youre also a OP fan. Would also like to see another rant if you ever get to one. I enjoy different opinions. ❤

[@tylerkulig6028]

Wish you the best. Cant wait to see your reaction to certain parts of this story. Beezerk is the only thing ive read where i physically said, yeaaaaa thats enough of this for the day

[@clff1342]

“Oh my God, it's happening! Everybody stav calm! Stav f*****g calm!!”

[@booksandtropes]

😂😂😂

[@kipwhitler6804]

just had my girlfriend read my first 5 deluxe editions (all the way from the start of the story through the beginning of the Lost Children) and she is hooked. hope you enjoy the major highs and lows this incredible story has given us fans for so many years

[@JaswiL-_51]

Ah my favorite manga of all time, im excited to hear your thoughts about this one!

[@schizoidahole]

Oh shit, this is what the world has been waiting for.

[@dimarazruv7032]

Looking forward for your reviews

[@walmartian422]

I actually think black swordsman arc should be read after golden age. The intensity and edginess of black swordsman turns alot of readers off of what is otherwise an extremely deep work but I’m really glad you liked it and the ultraviolence didn’t scare you off.

[@BtFML1]

what an unexpected surprise to see this, hope you enjoy your journey!!

[@emperorgodspellx7724]

Omg you started Berserk! Cant wait to see your thoughts

[@Sleepingdogs94]

I highly recommend if you ever continue reading berserk company it with guts theme ost.

[@santiagomartinezpadilla4880]

Nice video! I like that you say what you think, my only issue with Berserk was the early depiction of SA, being a victim of SA, felt like I was watching a Hentai, disgusting, overall really good manga, I like that Miura stopped depicting SA that way.

[@BluePhx17]

This is quite the journey you are embarking on, I hope you enjoy this masterpiece.

[@Ytinasniiable]

You have almost certainly been told both that Griffith did nothing wrong and everything wrong

[@booksandtropes]

I’m excited to learn what that means :)

[@_Ashin_]

​@@booksandtropes 😔

[@ryanross3824]

Hurray! Have fun!

[@Grimbear13]

Muira based the God Hand on the Cenobites from Hellraiser so good catch on that!

[@certbozo]

Will be keeping up to this series . Berserk made me want to go to church immediately after catching up

[@kneau]

I happen to think you've made a financially _good_ decision when it comes to reading Berserk this way.

[@booksandtropes]

you would think... but what happens when I want to start buying figures from this series lol

[@droid00]

@@booksandtropes buy a sword instead! they're cool and practical

[@booksandtropes]

@@droid00 I nearly bought law’s sword at comic con but I changed my mind at the last second Gut’s sword hanging on the wall would look awesome! Very practical!

[@chintastic_7503]

Imma be praying for you to get through this manga 😭 it’s hella dark but such a great manga

[@maxojavierrojasurzua5746]

Pain and suffering begin. But it's one that will help you move on in life. You died doing what you loved, I have no doubt that you were happy. Rest in peace, Miura - Sensei. 🔥🐐

[@Phlookem]

One of my favorite series .

[@Dranhore]

So glad you went into berserk it has such beautiful panels, incredible landscapes and depression hahaha its going to be such a journey

[@booksandtropes]

I love the art so far!

[@SJ-xd2bb]

waiting for review of vol 13

[@Twiska]

Kentaro Miura (RIP to the manga GOTA, by the way) said that he had to have a character like Puck, or not only would the story be too depressing to read, but it would also be too depressing to write.

[@MINICHE79]

you are going to melt in tears

[@booksandtropes]

that's what I'm hoping for! :)

[@hexxerman7656]

Yeah, the first bit of Berserk is rough to get through since there isn't a lot of context or character work right away. Once you get through those "foundation chapters" its a much better read.

[@pattybatters2816]

Watching people raw-dog Berserk is like my favorite genre of youtube

[@isaiascanete6651]

If you want some horror anime, Dark gathering is a good mix of horror, comedy and slice of life (with some Pokemon in the mix)

[@isaiascanete6651]

I wanted to comment something about Berserk but I couldn't edit: The first page is a good tone setter, but other than that, is better to ignore it hahaha

[@Nedded]

I was sad that you dropped JJK, but you enjoyed the first 3 volumes of peak seinen, hopefully you'll become a fellow struggler

[@Gus_Na]

Take a closer look when Guts is fighting the skeletons: The little girl getting possessed shocks Guts so much that he lets himself get stabbed by her, and then he vomits after he reflexively chops her in half. He definitely has a lot more going on under the surface. EDIT: Oh you talked about that part, oops.

[@SanOcelotl]

Berserk beast fantasy story ive ever read

[@TEG13]

In terms of trauma in this series, if you thought Kuma had it bad, let's just say Guts could laugh at his face if he told him. Not that he would or was actually able, of course.

[@dimarazruv7032]

Masterpiece.

[@justinhoskins2569]

Guts and the God hand give explanations for why the Brand bleeds and why evil spirits chase Guts.

[@puckeringpickletoe3459]

I JUMPED!! Yesss!!!!

[@gabriellbraga7732]

Peter Griffin is def the main bad guy,

[@monster-enthusiast]

I absolutely hate sad shit so I'd never read Berserk but I love watching people review it.

[@danielpinatecaballero2612]

This was unexpected but love it. I also bought those books😂😅

[@phantasm137]

"Something about a moon" oh....

[@issamshadyreda5616]

It gets better after black Swordsman

[@justicemann4895]

This first arc is considered the "worst" arc of the series and the next arc is considered by most to be the best arc (I personally think it only gets better after it) so you've made it to peak Berserk! Very excited to hear your thoughts on the rest of the series since Berserk is one of my favorite stories of all time.

[@booksandtropes]

This is great to know :) I definitely enjoyed the black swordsman arc but it was more 'i'm intrigued' rather then thinking it was great So it's good to know you feel the story continues to get better :)

[@a.N.....]

berserk is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@seanb390]

Well time to reread this for the 100th time. It can get very messed up, hope that doesn’t stop you.

[@OneOranges]

you're in for a treat :)

[@schizoidahole]

Yeah, I’m way too much of a fan and I don’t want to comment anything that’s even vaguely spoilerish. I will say that the fact you haven’t been spoiled on much is both incredibly shocking and fortunate. I can’t wait for your video when you’re done with The Golden Age.

[@davidlucas347]

Pay attention to these first demons he is killing, when the history reach it's turning point, it will make sense why is guts after them.

[@loki_l_1380]

Everyday Im at the bookstore I play a game of chicken with those collections of Berserk. They're so beautiful. But so expensiveeeee. 😢😢😢

[@toshinronin]

any plans on reading vagabond since you’ve started reading one of the big 3 of seinen?

[@booksandtropes]

it's on my list, but it is a little lower compared to other series... but I will get to it eventually

[@JaswiL-_51]

Berserk is the best manga up until Miura's unfortunate passing.

[@Flammewar]

I haven't watched the video yet because I might want to read it myself without spoilers. I already missed the OP hype here, so I want to at least jump on the bandwagon for Berserk if it's something for me xD I'm not sure if three volumes are enough to judge it, but I've seen Beserk compared as the ASOIAF of manga in terms of plot complexity, depth of characters, and world building. Would you agree with this, because I'm still looking for a good story that excels in these areas :D

[@booksandtropes]

Sadly it’s far to early for me to say, But the series has peaked my interest with its characters

[@Flammewar]

@@booksandtropes Thank you, then I will form my own opinion. I really don't want to sit it out. I already have so much FOMO because of OP. xD

[@Flammewar]

@@booksandtropes Ok, I'm hooked. xD I love the world building, the art style, and all the hints about Gust's past. Puck is also my favorite character and he is so important as a glimmer of hope in this gruesome world. I'm not completely sold on Gust, he's just too edgy, but it's clear there's more to his facade. I just hope it won't take 100 chapters before we see some character development. I didn't realize the manga could be so gritty and it's a nice change of pace. I'm not hyped yet, but it looks really promising. Thanks for the recommendation :D

[@booksandtropes]

@@Flammewar yea! I’m happy you started it! Yes I’m hoping Guys gets developed soon and from what it looks like he will be :)

[@TEG13]

​​​@@Flammewar, in terms of world building, without spoiling anything in particular, Berserk was the biggest inspiration to the Souls franchise. And if I say it inspired Dark Souls, I mean it's a carbon copy of the world, lore and all. Berserk singlehandedly became the prime groundwork for every modern dark fantasy without many authors writing in the genre even realizing.

[@Rumham729]

Dang I hope you enjoy heavy trauma. Kentaro miura says to oda, hold my beer.

[@booksandtropes]

Trauma is my favorite!

[@Rumham729]

@@booksandtropes graphic trauma lol. Oda gives us the blessing of not being graphic at least

[@booksandtropes]

@@Rumham729 All types of trauma! I'm in a constant struggle with myself whether I want to see the characters I love happy or to see them suffer lol

[@jorgejribarra]

The dark swordsman is kinda edgy but golden age is one of the goats

[@andrewthewisp]

So happy you're reading berserk! Any plans on reading aot or watching it?

[@booksandtropes]

watching it, I got to finish HxH, then I plan to watch mob psycho and AoT I have seen the first season (possibly 2 seasons) of AoT but when the next season wasn't uploaded to Netflix I fell behind and never picked it up again so I am excited to eventually continue :)

[@andrewthewisp]

THATS AWESOME! Im so excited to see you review the show because it sure is a masterpiece@@booksandtropes

[@jlassijlali290]

Berserk art is worth the money! but books don't give it justie because the double page

[@blindeyecreed]

Never thought you'd actually read Berserk!! It's going to be a rough journey. Also what happened to MONSTER? Never saw any news.

[@booksandtropes]

Oh I'm still reading that, I'm almost finished volume 3 and should have that video out in the next few days. but i've been in such a horror mood and nothing I've been watching is what I'm looking for. I watched the two terrifier movies, I started devilman crybaby,... we seen how well jjk worked for me I really just want to read/watch something horror/dark

[@zach.suth3]

I’d say the Black Swordsman arc is the weakest arc of the series, but it still has great moments. The Golden Age arc hooked me and got me emotionally invested in the series like no other series had done for me.

[@jmarti1997jm]

Not her favorite sword in anime... Yet

[@issamshadyreda5616]

His back story almost as tragic as kuma

[@afeathereddinosaur]

This isn't an easy read. I have a heavy heart, the type that can go through some horrendous stuff without being really moved at all but Berserk is one of those stories that gets me afflicted by what's happening. Edit: Also check out the soundtrack for the anime. It is ICONIC.

[@booksandtropes]

I cry very, very, easily so this is going to be fun 😬

[@HayabusaRyuu]

YASSSSSSZ!!!!

[@n64u54]

Nice car

[@syntheticvocalist-p472]

So to make it simple it’s pronounced (Bay-lit)

[@RedLineTheMov]

😁😁👍👍

[@LeGhostX]

:O great!

[@Gus_Na]

So I heard you like trauma... you should try Made in Abyss.

[@booksandtropes]

that is on my list :) I'm going to try squeezing it in between longer series :)

[@clashonyt24]

You have chosen depression 💀

[@melo774]

what ??? Dont think your innocent heart ready for it

[@booksandtropes]

oh trauma is my favorite the more soul crushing the better... and I cry very easily so this is going to be fun :)

[@melo774]

@@booksandtropes would be here for the ride just try to dodge spoilers like you do with Onepiece

[@hiimswiss2930]

Oh no. You've picked up one of the most traumatizing series in manga. Well... know that it's rewarding, but it's a harsh and long journey. I wouldn't have recommended it to you.

[@booksandtropes]

Really? because it sounds exactly like my vibe

[@yutikoo]

just get ready for the traumatic experience you gonna witness

[@booksandtropes]

I'm always looking for more trauma in anime/manga :)

[@yutikoo]

@@booksandtropesyou are built different for real haha

[@hiddenprankz09]

Plz review monster and kingdom. No one touches them and they are easily among the best the medium has to offer

[@booksandtropes]

I’ve started monster! Should have the next video for that one up soon But I am enjoying it :)