Each of these adaptations offers a unique perspective on the dark and complex world of “Berserk”, highlighting different aspects of the narrative. While the 1997 series focuses on the first few arcs, the film trilogy introduces crucial elements and character developments that are fundamental to understanding Guts and Griffith’s story. Check out each Berserk anime adaptation:
6 – Berserk (1997)
Initial Anime Adaptation
Berserk, under the direction of Naohito Takahashi and produced by Oriental Light and Magic, premiered on October 8, 1997, and continued until April 1, 1998. This anime features the Black Swordsman and Golden Age arcs of the manga, focusing on in the development of Guts’ relationship with the Band of the Hawk. The adaptation chose to exclude some characters from the manga, such as Puck and Donovan, leading to the creation of gaps in the narrative, notably the absence of the Skull Knight and the subsequent lack of explanation for Guts and Casca’s escape after the Eclipse. Despite diluting the violence and mature tone of the original manga, the series managed to maintain a dark atmosphere, culminating in a tragic ending. For a period, this adaptation remained relatively inaccessible, until Discotek announced its re-release on Blu-ray in 2024.
5 – Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I – The King’s Egg
The Film Trilogy Begins
Announced in 2010 and released on February 4, 2012, this first part of the film trilogy, produced by Studio 4°C, focuses on Griffith’s Crimson Beherit, a crucial element in the saga. In “The King’s Egg”, Guts meets and forms an alliance with Griffith after a humiliating defeat. This film explores Nosferatu Zodd’s warning to Guts about Griffith and his Beherit. The film ends with Guts blindly following Griffith’s orders, while Griffith secretly looks down on his gang members.
4 – Berserk: The Golden Age Arc II – The Battle for Doldrey
Conflicts and Revelations
Released on June 23, 2012, “The Battle for Doldrey” encompasses some of the most intense fight scenes from the original series. Here, Guts, after demonstrating his exceptional skills as a swordsman, decides to leave the Band of the Hawk to forge his own path. The narrative follows the Band executing a strategic attack on Doldrey Fortress, where Casca defeats General Adon Coborlwitz. Griffith’s achievement in the Hundred Years’ War is overshadowed by Guts’ unexpected decision to leave, an event that breaks Griffith’s heart and leads him to a reckless act with Princess Charlotte, culminating in his imprisonment in the Renaissance Tower. This film serves as a pivotal point in the plot of Berserk, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.
3 – Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III – The Advent
Rise and Fall in Berserk
Released on February 1, 2013, “The Advent” is recognized for taking the representation of brutality in the Berserk saga to a new level. Richard Eisenbeis, in his review for Kotaku, highlighted that this film surpasses even the original manga in emotional intensity and ultraviolence. This chapter in the trilogy focuses on Guts’ return to save Griffith, only to discover the extent of the damage caused by a year of torture. Griffith’s suicide attempt activates the Crimson Beherit, transporting him and his allies to a demonic dimension, where the God Hand demands a sacrifice in exchange for power. Griffith, transformed into Femto, commits atrocious acts, particularly against Casca, in one of the most impactful scenes in the anime. The film concludes with Guts and Casca being saved by the Skull Knight.
2 – Furious (2016)
Continuation and Expansion of the Berserk Universe
The 2016 anime “Berserk”, which began on July 1, 2016 and ended on June 23, 2017, serves as a continuation of the “The Golden Age Arc” trilogy. Spanning 24 episodes, the series follows the Conviction arc of the manga and introduces characters such as Puck, Serpico, Farnese, among others. Here, Guts, marked by the God Hand, seeks revenge against Griffith, facing Apostles and caring for Casca, now mentally shaken. The second season, released in 2017, adapts the “Hawk of the Millennium Empire” arc, introducing new characters and challenges for “Team Guts” or “Black Swordsman Party”. Compared to the 1997 adaptation, the 2016 series is more faithful to the manga in terms of violence and plot.
1 – Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition (2022)
Revision and Reinterpretation
Released between October 2 and December 25, 2022, the “Memorial Edition” of the “Berserk: The Golden Age Arc” films does not drastically alter the original story, but offers a remastered and reimagined experience for television. Directed by Yuta Sano, this 13-episode adaptation includes iconic elements, such as the “Bonfire of Dreams” sequence, reinforcing the change in Guts’ dynamic with the Band of the Hawk. Although it was well received by fans, many are looking forward to the animation of the “Fantasia” arc, not yet explored in the “Berserk” adaptations.
