Berserk anime watch order could be confusing recently when I was unknowingly watching the third part of Berserk Anime, I got really confused and then came to know that it has two more parts that are yet to be watched to understand the whole storyline.
If you are someone struggling with the same issues and finding it hard to understand the storyline of Berserk anime then, this could be the best page for you to get to know about the Berserk anime watch order.
Berserk, the dark fantasy epic created by Kentaro Miura, has captivated audiences with its complex characters, brutal battles, and dark themes. In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the mysteries surrounding the Berserk anime watch order, ensuring you get the most out of the incredible series.
Introduction to the Berserk Manga
The Berserk Manga, written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura, serves as the definitive source material for the entire series. It was just serialized in 1989 and continued until Kentaro Miura’s unfortunate passing in 2021. The Manga provides an in-depth exploration of the dark, medieval-inspired world of Berserk and delves into the intricate character development of its protagonist, Guts, and his relentless quest for revenge.
Importance of Reading the Manga
Reading the Manga of a series, including “Berserk”, holds significant importance for several reasons:
1.) The manga is the primary source material, and it contains the complete and abridged story. Reading the manga ensures you experience the full scope of the narrative.
2.) Manga allows for more extensive character development. In “Berserk”, the complexity and growth of characters like Guts, Griffith, and Casca are explored in greater detail.
3.) Reading the manga from the beginning allows you to witness the artist’s growth and mastery of his craft.
4.) Manga has no filler episodes which ensures a more streamlined and focused storytelling experience.
5.) Reading the manga allows you to find closure and discover how various storylines and mysteries are resolved.
Berserk Anime Watch Order
Berserk anime order could be confusing to learn if you are someone who just started watching anime I would suggest you add Berserk to your list to watch it after a while since it could take some work to get the right watch order of Berserk anime. When I started watching this anime, I was confused but then when I got the right watch order I was totally amazed by the animation and the storyline of this anime.
There are many arcs and different movies that you have to watch to fully understand the Berserk anime. If you are an experienced person and still finding it difficult to get the correct berserk anime watch order there is nothing to worry about we all have been there, just keep reading and I would suggest you note the serial in a notebook as well.
The Golden Age Arc Begins
The Golden Age Arc is the foundation of the Berserk anime watch order or Berserk storyline, focusing on Guts’ early life and his relationship with Griffith, the charismatic leader of the Band of the Hawk. To get a complete understanding of the Golden Age Arc, consider the following adaptations:
1.) Berserk (1997)
This anime adaptation, produced by OLM, follows the early part of the manga’s story. It offers a faithful adaptation of the Golden Age Arc, providing viewers with a solid introduction to the world of Berserk. However, it only covers a portion of the manga and leaves many plots unresolved.
2.) Berserk: The Golden Age Arc Movies (2012-2013)
A trilogy of movies, consisting of “The Egg of the King”, “The Battle for Doldrey”, and “The Advent”, provides a condensed retelling of the Golden Age Arc. While these movies capture the essence of the manga, they lack the depth and character development found in the source material.
Pros and Cons of Each Adaptation
The 1997 series offers a more detailed portrayal of the Golden Age Arc, while the movies provide a quicker overview.
Pros of the Adaptation:
1.) Both the 1997 anime series and the movie trilogy provide an excellent introduction to the world of “Berserk”.
2.) The adaptations faithfully recreate several iconic scenes including pivotal battles, emotional moments, and key plot twists.
3.) Viewers can witness the complex relationships and growth of the characters, especially during their time with the Band of the Hawk.
4.) Both the 1997 series and the movie trilogy are easily accessible to viewers who may not be familiar with the manga. They offer a more approachable way to experience this part of the story.
Cons of the Adaptation:
1.) The adaptations cover only a portion of the larger “Berserk” narrative, and they do not continue into the later story arcs.
2.) To fit the story into a limited number of episodes or movies, both adaptations omit significant portions of the manga. This results in the loss of some character development, subplots, and world-building details.
3.) The adaptations end at a critical point in the story, leaving viewers with unanswered questions and unresolved plotlines.
4.) The movie trilogy introduces a different visual style which is different from the preferred traditional 2D animation of the series.
The Conviction Arc
The Conviction Arc marks a significant turning point in the Berserk series, introducing themes of religion, corruption, and the supernatural. To explore the Conviction Arc, you will need to watch the following adaptations:
1.) Berserk (2016)
This adaptation, produced by GEMBA and Millepensee, marks the return of Berserk to the small screen after nearly two decades. It covers the Conviction Arc but is notable for its divisive 3D animation style, which received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike.
2.) Berserk (2017)
The 2017 adaptation continues where the 2016 series left off, covering the later portions of the Conviction Arc. It maintains the same 3D animation style. This arc delves deeper into the political intrigue and the rise of Griffith’s new Band of the Falcon.
Pros and Cons of Each Adaptation
The Conviction Arc is a significant story arc in the “Berserk” series, known for its darker and more supernatural themes. This arc was adapted into the 2016-2017 anime series. Here are the pros and cons of the adaptation of the “Conviction Arc”.
Pros of the Adaptation:
1.) This adaptation continues the narrative from the “Golden Age Arc”, providing viewers with a direct follow-up to the events of the previous adaptation.
2.) The adaptation retains the grim and atmospheric tone of the manga, creating a sense of tension and dread.
3.) The adaptation continues to develop the characters of Guts, Casca, and Farnese and introduces new characters such as Serpico and Isidro.
4.) The adaptation features intense and well-animated action sequences, particularly during encounters with supernatural entities.
Cons of the Adaptation:
1.) The adaptation struggles with pacing issues, which make it challenging for viewers to fully engage with the narrative.
2.) The adaptation is similar to the previous one and leaves viewers with unanswered questions and unresolved plotlines.
3.) Some appreciated its divisive 3D animation style while others found the 3D animation jarring and less aesthetically pleasing compared to traditional 2D animation.
4.) The adaptation toned down certain aspects of the story, particularly when compared to the manga’s more explicit and disturbing scenes.
The Millenium Falcon Arc
The Millenium Falcon Arc continues the story beyond the Conviction Arc and introduces new characters and challenges for Guts and his companions. To follow this arc, you should continue with the 2016-2017 adaptations:
Berserk (2016-2017) Continuation
Despite the animation style debate, these adaptations continue to delve deeper into the dark and complex world of Berserk. They are essential for understanding the ongoing initiative.
Understanding Plot Developments
The Millennium Falcon Arc introduces several new characters who play pivotal roles in the story. Notable additions include Schierke, an apprentice witch, and Isidro, a young thief who joins Guts’ party.
This arc delves deeper into the supernatural aspects of the “Berserk” world. Guts and his companions encounter a massive Spirit Tree known as the World Spiral Tree. This tree connects the astral and physical worlds and serves as a central element in the arc.
This arc explores the bonds forming among Guts’ party members. These relationships provide emotional depth to the story and highlight the theme of finding strength in companionship.
The Fantasia Arc
The Fantasia Arc is the most recent storyline in the Berserk manga, featuring a world transformed by fantastical elements and powerful adversaries. While there are no anime adaptations of this arc at the time of writing, fans eagerly await the possibility of future adaptations.
The Manga’s Ongoing Storyline
The “Berserk” manga continued its publication until Kentaro Miura’s passing in 2021. The story entered the “Fantasia Arc”, which expands upon the fantastical elements introduced in the “Millennium Falcon Arc”. This arc promises a further exploration of the intricacies of the “Berserk” world.
Supplementary Material
Let us talk about some supplementary material as well.
Berserk OVA (1997-1998)
In addition to the 1997 anime series, there is a series of Original Video Animations (OVAs) that cover specific arcs within the manga. These OVAs provide a different perspective on the “Berserk” story and are worth exploring for fans seeking alternative adaptations.
Berserk: The Prototype (1988)
This is a short, early work by Kentaro Miura that served as a precursor to the “Berserk” series. While not a direct adaptation, it offers insights into the development of the “Berserk” world and characters.
Berserk Spin-Offs and Side Stories
Here are some spin-offs and side stories of berserk anime.
Berserk: The Band of the Hawk (2016)
This video game adaptation offers a chance to experience the “Golden Age Arc” through the eyes of the Band of the Hawk members, providing a different perspective on key events.
Berserk: The Flame Dragon Knight (2019)
This light novel explores the backstory of Grunbeld, one of the Apostles in the “Berserk” universe. It offers insight into the world’s lore.
Berserk: The Black Swordsman (2009)
This video game adaptation follows Guts in his Black Swordsman persona, offering a different gameplay experience from “The Band of the Hawk”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions.
1.) Are the “Golden Age Arc” movies a suitable alternative to the 1997 anime?
The “Golden Age Arc” movies offer a condensed retelling of the arc and can serve as an alternative for those who prefer a quicker overview. However, they lack some of the depth and character development found in the original 1997 anime.
2.) Are the 2016 and 2017 TV series continuations of the 1997 series?
No, the 2016 and 2017 TV series are not direct continuations of the 1997 series. They adapt different arcs of the Berserk manga and have different animation styles.
3.) Can I skip the Golden Age Arc movies and start with the 1997 series?
While it is possible to start with the 1997 TV series, the Golden Age Arc movies provide a condensed retelling of the story and cover important events. It is recommended to watch them for a better understanding of the overall narrative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ideal Berserk anime watch order depends on your preferences and whether you wish to dive into the manga. For a more comprehensive experience, consider the following Berserk anime watch order:
1.) Read the “Berserk” manga from the beginning to experience the complete story.
2.) Watch the 1997 anime adaptation to explore the “Golden Age Arc”.
3.) Proceed to the 2016-2017 adaptations to cover the “Conviction” and “Millenium Falcon” arcs.
4.) Stay updated on potential future adaptations for the “Fantasia Arc”.
Ultimately, “Berserk” is a masterpiece that deserves to be experienced in its entirety. Whether you are a seasoned fan or a newcomer, delving into this dark and captivating world is an unforgettable journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Do not forget to bookmark this article because we will keep on updating the Berserk anime watch order list as soon as we get to know details about the upcoming seasons of the anime.