Berserk

BERSERK
Licensed Dark Horse

Topic: Action
Warning: Full Nudity, Violence, Gore

Summary:
Gattsu is a "berserker," bringing forth swaths of destruction wherever he goes. He calls himself the "Black Swordsman" due to the huge black sword he weilds. The first few volumes tell of his story in the present, fighting off demonic creatues that have infested the world. However, unlike most protagonists, he does not care about collateral damage. If innocents are harmed in the process, so be it.

The next portion of the manga focuses on Gattsu's past, and his meeting with Griffith, the man who forever changed his life. Griffith was a chosen one, destined to become a demon king. In the process he condemned all his fellow soldiers (of whom Gattsu is a member), to become sacrifices. But Gattsu escaped, and began his battle for revenge.

Commentary:
This is one of the most boring mangas I've ever read. The story progresses very slowly, interspersed with long fight or sex sequences. The problem I found with it was that the primary selling point of this manga is it's pure unadultered violence, nudity, and general carnal desires. That's fine but after a certain point, it begins to get very old, very fast.

I think the author is trying to discuss humans purest desires, and the lengths at which people will go for love, revenge, and power. But somewhere along the line it seems he lost track of the message and the manga became one of pure twisted fanservice. I have nothing against fanservice, as long as it doesn't detract from the story progression, but this does.

If you absolutely must read this manga, I suggest reading it in small doses to keep from developing apathy towards the wanton destruction protrayed here.

Rating: 3.0/10.0