Berserk, after nearly 20 years of being away from the Silver screen is finally returning. With the new series premiering on July first, now is the perfect time to take a quick look back. Let us begin-
The reward for ambition too great…
While Berserk manga is undeniably popular, the original anime series eclipses it with ease. While the series had its flaws and some missing content it was over all a faithful adaptation of the Golden Age Arc.
T
he series was harsh, dark and unlike many shows of the time or even today. Watching the show is a magnificent experience, it is intelligent but not trying hard to be so and does not soften the horrible events that have transpired within its world. Beyond this the show had a surprisingly charming cast that you grow very attached to.
The series also was able to move away from some of the mangas more polarizing moments. But sadly, it ended. It ended bad, Berserk is infamous for having one of the worst cliffhangers of all time. A reputation it rightfully earned.
A brief and strange return.
In 2012 Berserk returned, but to the dismay of many fans it was a retreading of the Golden Age Arc in film form. Beyond the retread the movies cut more content, glazed over character growth and changed many of the series events.
Outside of story, the films used a mixture of 3D animation and traditional 2D animation. This was nearly universally hated as it made many scenes in the films come off as awkward and on many occasion just strange. The films did add a slight bit to the end of the Golden Age Arc setting up coming events in the Berserk series. No other movies were announced leaving fans in a state of shock at being left at near the same part of the series with no hope.
A Spark of Hope
December 22nd, 2015 Young Animal announced that after nearly 20 years; Berserk would return. It was later found that the new adaptation would be a T’V series and would not be a retread again. Instantly fans grew excited.
Then came the first trailer, the trailer was a mixture of 3D and 2D animation, which instantly put off many. The came the second and third trailers, with these many fans came back and others affirmed their hatred of the 3D animation.
Now here we stand, one day from the release of the first episode of Berserk. Waiting in hope that the new series will fulfill our lustful want for a proper continuation. What do you think, will the new series be a a terrible mess with no understanding of the source material, or will it finally give us the sequel we have wanted all these years? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think!
No idea where to watch? Well all you need to do is stop by Crunchyroll to check it out on June 1st where it is available to stream, though in Japanese only.
“That night” comes once again… The night of battle where the “Black Swordsman” roars.
“Even if we painstakingly piece together something lost, it doesn’t mean things will ever go back to how they were”-Guts