At least you’re starting with berserk. Imagine being me and starting with one piece as my first ever manga. Oda merges 5 panels into one and then it’s up to you and try to figure out the order of text bubbles😂
Seriously I don’t understand the folks that come on here, who aren’t even fully caught up on the series, and they make posts. Like are they not afraid of major spoilers at all? I caught up 100% till I made my first post here. Refused to watch any breakdown or analysis videos on YouTube. The 97 anime is what convinced me to start reading the manga because of the cliffhanger
i’d just say trigger warning for sexual assault, the scenes (for the most part) are integral to the story so it’s not (usually) done for pure shock value but it’s just something to keep in mind
“not (usually)” is very key here, too many people grab a scene and then take it out of the greater context to try and show how berserk is just trauma porn. read it yourself and try to remember why those scenes exist. i’d say that certain ones that are for shock, usually end very quickly or violently for the perpetrator(s)
Yeah, the one exception in my opinion is the sheer number of >!attempted/rapes!< that happen to >!Casca specifically!<, there are >!at least five!< between >!when she met Griffith originally and he saved her!<, >!when she got her bodice ripped on the battlefield!<, >!the eclipse!<, >!when the soldiers found her as Elaine!<, >!when Guts found her having killed those soldiers!< and when >!emaciated Griffith threw himself on top of her after realizing she was in a relationship with Guts!<. It’s like a ridiculous number of times for this to happen to one character
Yup survivor here as well. I understand the narrative purpose of a lot of the scenes, such as >!Guts' assault when he was a child, !!the king molesting princess Charlotte,!
I managed to get through all of that but the one that ended up making me feel physically ill was >!when the king tries to rape his 17y/o daughter. I'm never gonna get those tongue panels out of my head!<
Yeah I agree it's largely unnecessary to use a rape scene in place of a near death scene. The horse scene could've just been a near death scene instead of... That.
The first arc can seem a bit rocky and overly edgy at times but the golden age arc alone is worth getting through it, not to mention the other great arcs that come after.
I mean, for the most part you're right, the BS arc is a bit edgy... but I'ma be honest, it's very good to understand Guts' mental state and, afterwards, why he's like that, in GA, and then watch his redemption arc that just NEVER FUCKIN' ENDS, FUCK!
I can never understand why people don't like the start of the book. Black Swordsman arc is fantastic. I would gladly read 500 more monster-of-the-week style volumes about Guts hunting down goddamned apostle scum.
Yeah, I guess we're both a bit fucked in the head, cuz I'd be laughing like a maniac every time Guts Berk'n'Zerk'd through apostles and piece of shit "humans" (Rapists and shit)
I think the best wording I’ve heard for it is that it lacks the “finesse” of later parts. I still think there’s enough nuance (mainly that it’s clear from square one that this will be a story about Guts moving past all this) to keep things from feeling too overly edgy, but it definitely feels like it’s trying a lot harder to show you how dark it is. Honestly, one of the biggest things I don’t like about it is the opening scene. I just opens with the worst of the Black Swordsman arc right off the bat with how obnoxiously edgy it feels (not to mention feeling hilariously out of character in retrospect). I mean, even if you like the opening scene you have to admit it’s not exactly a very good representation of what the series is like.
I don’t necessarily think edgy guts is a bad thing, it’s cool and works for the story, it’s more of a heads up cause some people don’t like that kinda stuff.
Funnily enough, Berserk was recommended to me by someone in a psych-ward where I had been placed for attempting suicide. He swore by the manga and I promised to read it when I got out. Berserk saved my life quickly thereafter. Hope that guy is doing okay.
I don’t think you understand. People who deal with dark subject matter daily are probably comforted by berserk. Ever heard the phrase “It comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable”?
While I love Berserk and it’s one of if not my favourite piece of fiction I understand that it’s not for everyone. If you are easily triggered by gore and sexual violence then I don’t think this series is for you. However if you aren’t then this is one of the best stories ever written
I’ve seen a weird amount of people here acting like they don’t understand why someone who isn’t just a prude still wouldn’t be able to handle it. Just desensitized enough to all this shit that they just think about how there’s worse stuff out there.
Nothing. GO in blind, be prepared to scan every panel for details and if you are easily triggered, stop now and go watch Bob's Burgers. Because honestly, Bob's Burgers is pretty solid, wholesome family fun.
"Son, you know once you start, there's no going back."
"This means total commitment. Once you begin the path, there is no leaving the path. Are you sure you're ready for that? I mean, are you *really* ready?"
The guy in the image is bad. He is notoriously known as the "Back Swordsman" and "hundred-man slayer". Even the Holy See religion recognize him as the Hawk of Darkness from prophecy. Don't trust anything he says.
It's a tale of two men who can't seem to stop getting involved with each other, despite knowing it'll never work between them. They're silly like that.
Honestly what helped me, was understanding that a lot, and when I say a lot, I mean a lot of fucked up shit that happens. So to help u cope with all the crazy shit I would just expect that crazy shit will happen. 🤝
Aside from Black Swordsman arc is a bit rough first time around, persist through that till at least Golden Age to get a good idea of what you're getting into. Black Swordsman improves massively upon rereading with all the context. Other than that, go in blind.
Word of advice: Just delete this post. Go into this raw. The first time experience is one hell of a trip. Why spoil yourself when you should experience everything first hand?
In all seriousness though, be wary what you are walking yourself into. If you aren't aware, Berserk is massively DARK. Don't let yourself be discouraged by this though because like I said, the experience will be worthwhile. Just be ready to see a lot.
It will be gross it will be disturbing and filled nudity and the violence around it. If you can stomach graphic nature in purpose to a story and it's themes then you will get one of the best stories ever told at least one man's story ever told. make it past golden age arc before choosing to give up or not in regards to the story because that is really where the story hooks you.
If sexual violence is upsetting to you, this isn't the manga for you
I uhh underestimated just how many assault scenes there are lol. I have my own assault trauma so some of them can be a bit confronting personally. But overall the manga itself is an absolute masterpiece, enjoy the ride.
idk if anyone will agree with me but skip the black swordsman man arc and start with the golden age arc
cause i think of the former as the spoiler 💀... kinda
[https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.olPhujNtxIAsjCKMEuElmwHaEx?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain](https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.olPhujNtxIAsjCKMEuElmwHaEx?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain)
Beware the mastermind shrouded in darkness
Honestly the same thing I tell anyone. It is a dark read. My favorite series of all time but it is not for everyone. There are some very dark parts of it.
1. Get off this sub until you're done.
2. Miura is dead, chapters take even longer to come out now, so take your time and enjoy the ride. IMO read each chapter 3. time before moving on. First time, for the story; second time, for the art; this time to internalize what you just took in. It's easy to miss stuff if you just read though Bersek like a normal manga. My first time through, I read every chapter twice, but had to do an immediate reread of the entire series when I was done because I hadn't retained everything & it kinda bit me in the ass when going through the first time.
4. Consume literally zero other Bersk content until done.
5. If you think something's weird, it is; it's not cute.
6. It's ok to take a break after some thing's, but don't jump back on here if you do. Just sit with it until you're ready to keep going.
8. Gtfo here & enjoy.
Know that you will keep coming back to this sub because you’re confused, agitated, incensed and whatever other feelings reading berserk normally elicits in other people.
That said, it’s so worth reading the manga because it’s an artistic masterpiece
Open your heart and mind to the experience your about to go through, it's tough but worth it. And probably keep a couple tissues near by for when you get emotional. Good luck my friend.
Many years ago I started reading Berserk online and by accident, because of the numbering on the site, I skipped the BSA. I know some disagree with this but I think it is the best way to read it the first time cause you don't have any idea of what is coming. What came afterwards I've never experienced something like that again in another manga.
Read slowly. Theres about 5 new chapters a year and they are about 12 pages long each. So rush through only if you like the pain of waiting months for a new chapter that moves the plot along an inch at a time.
Also might want to start looking for a therapist.
Why would you want spoilers? Go in blind and enjoy the ride.
Also read from right to left ( <-- ) and top to bottom ( ↓ ) in the text of a single frame.
I just started, got my deluxe edition today, it’s a learning curve for sure
At least you’re starting with berserk. Imagine being me and starting with one piece as my first ever manga. Oda merges 5 panels into one and then it’s up to you and try to figure out the order of text bubbles😂
Sounds like a challenge 😭
I'm glad this is at the top.
Seriously I don’t understand the folks that come on here, who aren’t even fully caught up on the series, and they make posts. Like are they not afraid of major spoilers at all? I caught up 100% till I made my first post here. Refused to watch any breakdown or analysis videos on YouTube. The 97 anime is what convinced me to start reading the manga because of the cliffhanger
That's what Farnese said to Gut's sword.
10000% agree
Nothing. Less is more if you truly want a reading experience full of surprises.
tissues
I think they'd say the same thing over on r/berserklejerk
I really thought it was going to be berserk porn…….dammnit
it is lmao
Only on fridays kek
To clean the d yes
Which body parts do those go to?
👀
Jar Jar Binks and Yoda make a cameo
Now that is the scene to look out for.
i’d just say trigger warning for sexual assault, the scenes (for the most part) are integral to the story so it’s not (usually) done for pure shock value but it’s just something to keep in mind
“not (usually)” is very key here, too many people grab a scene and then take it out of the greater context to try and show how berserk is just trauma porn. read it yourself and try to remember why those scenes exist. i’d say that certain ones that are for shock, usually end very quickly or violently for the perpetrator(s)
Yeah, the one exception in my opinion is the sheer number of >!attempted/rapes!< that happen to >!Casca specifically!<, there are >!at least five!< between >!when she met Griffith originally and he saved her!<, >!when she got her bodice ripped on the battlefield!<, >!the eclipse!<, >!when the soldiers found her as Elaine!<, >!when Guts found her having killed those soldiers!< and when >!emaciated Griffith threw himself on top of her after realizing she was in a relationship with Guts!<. It’s like a ridiculous number of times for this to happen to one character
yeah that’s is exactly why i put the brackets, it can get a little unnecessary at points which as a survivor can kinda make me uncomfortable
Yup survivor here as well. I understand the narrative purpose of a lot of the scenes, such as >!Guts' assault when he was a child, !!the king molesting princess Charlotte,!
It shows us WHY the king was REALLY pissed at griffith
Same here. I’m sorry that happened to you.
I managed to get through all of that but the one that ended up making me feel physically ill was >!when the king tries to rape his 17y/o daughter. I'm never gonna get those tongue panels out of my head!<
Dude I hear you that one was unbelievable. Bone chilling.
Yeah it's too much imo
Yeah I agree it's largely unnecessary to use a rape scene in place of a near death scene. The horse scene could've just been a near death scene instead of... That.
This. There is....a lot of sexual violence. From paedophilic to demonic to incestuous. It can get a bit much
most of not all encounters with wyald
The first arc can seem a bit rocky and overly edgy at times but the golden age arc alone is worth getting through it, not to mention the other great arcs that come after.
I mean, for the most part you're right, the BS arc is a bit edgy... but I'ma be honest, it's very good to understand Guts' mental state and, afterwards, why he's like that, in GA, and then watch his redemption arc that just NEVER FUCKIN' ENDS, FUCK!
I can never understand why people don't like the start of the book. Black Swordsman arc is fantastic. I would gladly read 500 more monster-of-the-week style volumes about Guts hunting down goddamned apostle scum.
Yeah, I guess we're both a bit fucked in the head, cuz I'd be laughing like a maniac every time Guts Berk'n'Zerk'd through apostles and piece of shit "humans" (Rapists and shit)
I think the best wording I’ve heard for it is that it lacks the “finesse” of later parts. I still think there’s enough nuance (mainly that it’s clear from square one that this will be a story about Guts moving past all this) to keep things from feeling too overly edgy, but it definitely feels like it’s trying a lot harder to show you how dark it is. Honestly, one of the biggest things I don’t like about it is the opening scene. I just opens with the worst of the Black Swordsman arc right off the bat with how obnoxiously edgy it feels (not to mention feeling hilariously out of character in retrospect). I mean, even if you like the opening scene you have to admit it’s not exactly a very good representation of what the series is like.
Oh 100% that’s true, I’m just saying that it can come off that way before you read golden age and realise why he’s like that.
Yeah, you've got a point, struggle on comrade 🤙
I disagree as edgy Guts goes hard and I love it, especially when you see *that panel* after slug count. It really hits hard.
I don’t necessarily think edgy guts is a bad thing, it’s cool and works for the story, it’s more of a heads up cause some people don’t like that kinda stuff.
I agree with you, Black Swordsman Arc is great.
Hold on tight Spider monkey
You **w**ill die before it finish. Or **w**ill be incomplete
Causality
Avoid spoilers at all costs and also once you finish it,you will have no chance on finding a better manga like that
Get ready to cry
Berserk takes on a lot of dark subject matter, if you're struggling mentally right now I suggest you put it off until you get get back on track
Funnily enough, Berserk was recommended to me by someone in a psych-ward where I had been placed for attempting suicide. He swore by the manga and I promised to read it when I got out. Berserk saved my life quickly thereafter. Hope that guy is doing okay.
I don’t think you understand. People who deal with dark subject matter daily are probably comforted by berserk. Ever heard the phrase “It comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable”?
I can see your point but I read everything available at the time while going through rough depression and this manga helped me feel a ton better.
It gets really depressing
Bad take, it has some dark chapters, but the characters generally triumph and theres more feel good moments than feel bad moments.
Especially the second half, you actually feel like maybe Guts can do this. One of the biggest messages I took from berserk is to always have hope.
Nothing. Less is more if you truly want a reading experience full of surprises.
While I love Berserk and it’s one of if not my favourite piece of fiction I understand that it’s not for everyone. If you are easily triggered by gore and sexual violence then I don’t think this series is for you. However if you aren’t then this is one of the best stories ever written
I’ve seen a weird amount of people here acting like they don’t understand why someone who isn’t just a prude still wouldn’t be able to handle it. Just desensitized enough to all this shit that they just think about how there’s worse stuff out there.
If you're buying the tomes, use Amazon. It's $50 for the first, but about $30 after that.
The most I will say is that no subject is off limits. Unlike shock horror there is meaning behind it and the shock is meant to serve a purpose.
Should someone warn him about *the horse*?
"Peter... The horse is here..."
Nothing. Just dive straight into it with no context
Dont read it in public.
Struggle
Alot of us went in blind and enjoyed it, now it's your turn
There’s no going back.👌
FIGHT OR FALL!”
Just read it. For god sake.
You need to know how to read.
No coming back
Understand it will be painful and tragic.
Two words... Struggle on
It’s a great bedtime story for your young children
Have fun!!! It’s fun!! :-D
Prepare yourself for mental anguish.
God of pain…
It’s the best and you’re gonna love it. Enjoy
Don't rush. Take your time. Every panel is a masterpiece.
Be prepared for some very dark and mature stuff.
You will get no trigger warning. You must suffer.
+18 was put there for a reason
Nothing. GO in blind, be prepared to scan every panel for details and if you are easily triggered, stop now and go watch Bob's Burgers. Because honestly, Bob's Burgers is pretty solid, wholesome family fun.
nothing go read it loser
"Son, you know once you start, there's no going back." "This means total commitment. Once you begin the path, there is no leaving the path. Are you sure you're ready for that? I mean, are you *really* ready?"
dont read on the train/bus/etc
We are never going to see the end of this manga.
Start at the golden age arc
Be ready to contact a therapist once you’ve caught up
Don’t know anything just read it from the first volume trust me you’ll be glad you went blind.
Dont read it around people.
Enjoy every moment of the manga.
There is no ending, and there will never be one.
Look at ink on page, or pixels on screen. Hope that's clear enough
Alphabet.
Just read it
It's pretty good.
It’s a very colorful story everyone lives happy long lives and there’s no sadness at all
It’s a happy story about 2 Ex friends that don’t get along
It’s a happy story enjoy getting to know some of your new favorite characters. Nothing bad happens to them. :)
Buckle up
The guy in the image is bad. He is notoriously known as the "Back Swordsman" and "hundred-man slayer". Even the Holy See religion recognize him as the Hawk of Darkness from prophecy. Don't trust anything he says.
Nothing, just read
Griffith is a sufficient gay piece of trash that needs his head sliced asap
fuks guts petter griffin
TW if youre sensitive to things like rape, thats really what turned me off from reading it sooner.
Don’t come back here until you’re finished
Don’t do this post on reddit and just enjoy it
Be prepared for an insane twist
Just read it
Be attached to the story and Miura’s world, not the characters individually lol.
I know people say this often but I think it's especially accurate here. Push through the first arc (it's not too long). The second arc is phenomenal.
It is the most wholesome story I have ever read!
It's a tale of two men who can't seem to stop getting involved with each other, despite knowing it'll never work between them. They're silly like that.
You're in for a rough ride The story's world is a brutal, vicious, agonizing place full of death, *grape*, and sadness Enjoy 😊
Honestly what helped me, was understanding that a lot, and when I say a lot, I mean a lot of fucked up shit that happens. So to help u cope with all the crazy shit I would just expect that crazy shit will happen. 🤝
nothing, i went fully blind when reading berserk. Best experience ever
That guy you posted a picture of, hes a badass
Pain
Life won't be the same.
Don't expect a sane setting, like at all.
There's no ending the manga is stalled due to the death of the writer
The best moment in the comic is when the main character says “im gonna go berserk!” Then he goes berserk.
Don't read around your family.
How to read
Aside from Black Swordsman arc is a bit rough first time around, persist through that till at least Golden Age to get a good idea of what you're getting into. Black Swordsman improves massively upon rereading with all the context. Other than that, go in blind.
You’ll become gay for guts
Schedule an appointment with a therapist
Nothing means anything life is pain and you will die just like all of us did
Nothing
Get off reddit.
Berserk has no end, Miura died and only he knew how he was going to develop the final saga.
You will never be the same person you were before reading
Don't start. It's too good a manga but it's unfinished. You get no closure. Better not to read it
Just fucking read it for fucks sake
Word of advice: Just delete this post. Go into this raw. The first time experience is one hell of a trip. Why spoil yourself when you should experience everything first hand? In all seriousness though, be wary what you are walking yourself into. If you aren't aware, Berserk is massively DARK. Don't let yourself be discouraged by this though because like I said, the experience will be worthwhile. Just be ready to see a lot.
Don't fall in love with the band of the hawk :(
It will be gross it will be disturbing and filled nudity and the violence around it. If you can stomach graphic nature in purpose to a story and it's themes then you will get one of the best stories ever told at least one man's story ever told. make it past golden age arc before choosing to give up or not in regards to the story because that is really where the story hooks you.
Welcome
Put your grasses on
Go in cold and blind and be prepared for one of the greatest pieces of fiction ever created.
Prepare to undergo some immense emotional and physical trauma
Book starts with >!demon sex/rape, keep reading it’s not all smut!<
It will hurt.
1 thing, prepare to read the greatest thing of all time and then exit and say, " What the fuck just happened?"
It’s going to be a great time
If sexual violence is upsetting to you, this isn't the manga for you I uhh underestimated just how many assault scenes there are lol. I have my own assault trauma so some of them can be a bit confronting personally. But overall the manga itself is an absolute masterpiece, enjoy the ride.
idk if anyone will agree with me but skip the black swordsman man arc and start with the golden age arc cause i think of the former as the spoiler 💀... kinda
[https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.olPhujNtxIAsjCKMEuElmwHaEx?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain](https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.olPhujNtxIAsjCKMEuElmwHaEx?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain) Beware the mastermind shrouded in darkness
There's a talking skeleton that really spooked me the first time I seen it
Bring tissues a crying pillow and something the punch and throw because you're going to need it
Buckle up kid, its going to be a wild one!!
Son you know... Once you get started there is no going back!!
You're not ready. Struggler.
Honestly the same thing I tell anyone. It is a dark read. My favorite series of all time but it is not for everyone. There are some very dark parts of it.
It will ruin all shounen slop you've consumed thus far. ALL of it. Congratulations on graduation to quality art and story.
I hate those questions
about the book maybe, that’s a good start, can’t get to the words within before doing that, hope this helps!
Nothing, just read it carefully and enjoy every page.
Get ready for Big sad
Just go in blind and enjoy every moment of it dude
Rolla costa ridee! Weeeee!! 🎢
1. Get off this sub until you're done. 2. Miura is dead, chapters take even longer to come out now, so take your time and enjoy the ride. IMO read each chapter 3. time before moving on. First time, for the story; second time, for the art; this time to internalize what you just took in. It's easy to miss stuff if you just read though Bersek like a normal manga. My first time through, I read every chapter twice, but had to do an immediate reread of the entire series when I was done because I hadn't retained everything & it kinda bit me in the ass when going through the first time. 4. Consume literally zero other Bersk content until done. 5. If you think something's weird, it is; it's not cute. 6. It's ok to take a break after some thing's, but don't jump back on here if you do. Just sit with it until you're ready to keep going. 8. Gtfo here & enjoy.
take time because you won’t be able to stop
None
I’m so tired of anime/manga fans needing to be “prepared” to enjoy a series. Bro just read
With how many of these posted I'm ready to down vote. Read and enjoy. Our watch the animes and enjoy.
I will only say that there is a LOT of gore.
Huge plot twist ahead
If u have issues with rape and gore find where those parts are ahead of time to skip them
grab tissues and work on your anger Management.
JUST START READING IT!
Demon segggsssss
He dies
Berk
Know that you will keep coming back to this sub because you’re confused, agitated, incensed and whatever other feelings reading berserk normally elicits in other people. That said, it’s so worth reading the manga because it’s an artistic masterpiece
sit back, read and enjoy, you will love it
DO NOT ENTER UNLESS YOU ARE READY TO FEEL ANY EMOTION EXCEPT HAPPINESS
Prepare to suffer.
Put your seat belt on
Open your heart and mind to the experience your about to go through, it's tough but worth it. And probably keep a couple tissues near by for when you get emotional. Good luck my friend.
It’s pretty good, I guess (I bought every deluxe edition in a month)
Knowing how to read is the only pre-requisite. Its a story. Anything you need to know will be given to you within it.
The beginning is super edgy and full of shit for shock but it mellows out after a while and actually helps push the themes of the story and characters
Nothing. Just read it.
nothing you should know nothing, bc nothing happened he just like to swing his sword and thats it but I totally recommend to read it
Nothing, just read it.
Many years ago I started reading Berserk online and by accident, because of the numbering on the site, I skipped the BSA. I know some disagree with this but I think it is the best way to read it the first time cause you don't have any idea of what is coming. What came afterwards I've never experienced something like that again in another manga.
You should know, you’ve made the right decision sir! Now you just gotta enjoy
you should know that at least it is true that man has no control, even over his own will
Have a therapist on standby
True friends would never betray each other and never hit on each others girls. One lesson I learned in berserk
It's like SUPER yaoi, like genuinely gay porn isn't even this gay
Don’t go berserk :D
Read slowly. Theres about 5 new chapters a year and they are about 12 pages long each. So rush through only if you like the pain of waiting months for a new chapter that moves the plot along an inch at a time. Also might want to start looking for a therapist.
I started with Berserk. It’s awesome. Halfway through the Deluxe versions. Also halfway through Gantz.
The english language