Berserk, Berserk, Berserk

Berserk Berserk Berserk. Its not your normal kind of anime. Its totally different from one’s expectation. I must say again never judge a book by its cover. It’s the absolute thing you need if you crave for dark fantasy, gore and crazy stuffs. Even if you are not into that stuff Berserk will surely blow you off. Berserk may not be a very popular name in the world of anime but once you get a dose of Berserk you’ll seek more. There are many claims that the aime has not done the right justice to the manga, but it doesn’t matter until you watch the anime first like I did. (So, we’ll be discussing about anime series)

To start let me tell you that the story is set in the Medieval European era(probably in Britain). Now that makes it more interesting . We hardly find Japanese animes plotted in Europe and that too back in history. The writer, Kentaro Muira must be pretty daring. From the beginning of the anime we follow the protagonist “Gutts”(Gattsu in Japanese pronunciation) with his sword. His sword is something you’d be scared of. One phrase I always remember from the series is,”some one dies every time he swings his sword”. Gutts is not your normal wannabe friend kind of guy he’s more like seek and destroy guy. Gutts always has issues with his identity and fate. He may seem to be a character from Greek tragedies. An ominous guy right from his birth as he was born by dead mother. He is an ordinary kill and earn guy until he is found by the band of hawks and Griffith, the antagonist of the anime series. Griffith is a very ambitious man leading the Mercenaries group called "The band of Hawks" and possesses an evil thing called "Behelit". The rising gang of mercenaries include Gutts in their band after Gutts loses to Griffith. Griffith is another scary character destined to be devil king. Gutts’ and Griffith’s relation strengthens as the band of Hawks increase their popularity. In the series although you are going through a peaceful scene there always be a presence of hazard. Identity crisis continually haunts Gutts. The band of hawks is finally are hired in service of the king and Griffith is given the title of Lord. The story takes a new turn when Gutts leaves the band of hawks against Griffith ‘s will. Then starts the real story. I’ve mentioned too much for the hint. You’ll have to watch it for yourself. Satisfaction guaranteed.

But if you are more into manga anime will not suffice you. Anime is just a miniature of the manga and the 25 episode ends after Griffith takes over as the devil king where as the original manga goes way beyond that and is still on run(biannually).
There are also other characters who are preety significant.

Caska : The only female member of band of hawks who was rescued by Griffith from child abuse. Since then she has dedicated her life to Griffith.
Zodd: The god of fight whom Gutts and Griffith fight together. Zod was the first person who warned Gutts about Griffth. Zod throws his sword to Gutts when he is swordless in battlefield.
Judeau: A humble and down to earth member of the Hawks who was valued by Griffith.
And secretly in love with Caska.
Pippin: A very massive member of the hawks and ex- miner. Despite his appearance his nature was pretty calm and understanding.
Corkus: An ex-thief and irritating guy in the band of Hawks. Always having issues with Gutts who also finally dies in the eclipse.
The apostles who appear during the eclipse and annihilate the band of hawks.