The appeal of deep darkness and fierce battles in the first season of Berserk: A thorough review

Berserk (first season) comprehensive review and recommendation

overview

"Berserk" is a TV anime series based on the dark fantasy manga by Kentaro Miura, and was broadcast on WOWOW, MBS, and other networks from July 1st to September 16th, 2016. It consists of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and was produced by GEMBA. Directed by Shin Itagaki, it is an animated version of the original work's deep worldview and spectacular storyline.

story

The story of "Berserk" revolves around a warrior named Guts. He has been at the mercy of a cruel fate since childhood, but continues to fight against powerful enemies. In the first season, Guts meets Griffith, the leader of the "Band of the Hawk," and as they fight together, he experiences friendship, betrayal, and the cruelty of fate. In particular, the "Eclipse" scene, in which Griffith sacrifices his comrades for his own ambition, left a strong impression on viewers.

character

Guts: The protagonist. A warrior who wields the giant sword "Dragon Slayer." He was abused from an early age and has a history of surviving in battle. Griffith: Leader of the Band of the Hawk. He is handsome and charismatic, but also ruthless, sacrificing his comrades for his ambition. Casca: Lieutenant of the Band of the Hawk. A female warrior whose heart is torn between Guts and Griffith. Judau: A member of the Band of the Hawk. He has a cheerful and humorous personality, but is calm in battle. Corcutt: A member of the Band of the Hawk. A large and powerful warrior, but also has a kind heart. Pippin: A member of the Band of the Hawk. A calm and collected warrior who fights to protect his comrades. Rickert: A member of the Band of the Hawk. A young boy with a talent for machines. Zod: A demon. A formidable opponent who fights against Guts many times, and also watches over Guts' growth.

Animation and visuals

The animation of "Berserk" uses a hybrid style that combines 3DCG and 2D animation. This technique was used to recreate the dark and heavy atmosphere of the original work. In particular, the battle scenes combine the realistic movements of 3DCG with the expressiveness of 2D to create a visual impact. However, some viewers have commented that they feel uncomfortable with the texture and movements of the 3DCG. Nevertheless, overall, it is clear that an effort has been made to faithfully recreate the worldview of the original work.

Music and Sound

The music was written by composer Sagisu Shiro. His grandiose, dark melodies bring out the tension and tragic feeling of the story. In particular, the powerful melody of the opening theme "Inferno" and the melancholy lyrics of the ending theme "Memento Mori" left a deep impression on viewers. The sound effects and background music in the battle scenes also play a role in further enhancing the visual impact.

Evaluation and response

While the first season of Berserk was well received by fans of the original work, there was also criticism of the use of 3DCG and the quality of some of the animation. However, the story development and character portrayal were well received by many viewers. In particular, Griffith's betrayal and the Eclipse scene were praised for successfully recreating the impact of the original work in the anime. Additionally, episodes depicting Guts' growth and the bonds with his companions also captured the hearts of viewers.

Recommended points

The first season of "Berserk" is a must-see for fans of dark fantasy. It carefully depicts the deep worldview of the original work and the emotions of the characters, and has the power to draw viewers into the story. Other highlights include the spectacular battle scenes and beautiful visuals. In particular, the episodes depicting Guts' growth and the bonds he forms with his comrades will surely touch viewers' hearts. Furthermore, the music and sound are also important elements that add excitement to the story, making this a work that boasts high quality overall.

Related works and recommendations

For those who enjoyed the first season of Berserk, we also recommend the following works:

• Berserk Season 2: A sequel to the first season, it depicts Guts' further adventures and battles.
• Berserk: The Golden Age Arc: A trilogy of films that is an animated adaptation of the original "Golden Age Arc." It is a prequel to the first season and tells the story from when Guts and Griffith first met until the Eclipse.
• "Berserk Memorial Edition": A special edition focusing on the Eclipse scene from the original work, it is perfect for revisiting the important episodes of the first season.
• Berserk manga: If you want to know the whole story, I recommend reading the entire manga. You can enjoy episodes that were not depicted in the anime and detailed portrayals of the characters' feelings.

summary

The first season of Berserk was well-received as an animated adaptation of the original dark fantasy world, but there was also criticism of the use of 3DCG and the quality of some of the animation. However, the story development and character portrayal were well received by many viewers. In particular, Griffith's betrayal and the Eclipse scene were praised for successfully recreating the impact of the original in the anime. Additionally, episodes depicting Guts' growth and the bonds he forms with his companions also captured the hearts of viewers. This is a must-see for fans of dark fantasy, and by enjoying the related works alongside it, you can experience the world of Berserk even more deeply.