Art - 9.8/10
Characters - 9.8/10
Enjoyment - 10/10
Overall - 10/10
I've been thinking of how to write this review... Of what I rank it in my personal opinion, and where I put it at in my "favorite manga" list. Today I'm finally certain; and I'm ready to write this review.
Berserk is now my favorite manga of all-time, previously tied with Oyasumi Punpun for me. Berserk is the true definition of a Masterpiece. Leaves you wanting more, and wanting to re-read it again... and again and again.
If I had to explain WHY I love this manga, I honestly couldn't tell you. Besides a few exceptions like LotR; I'm not interested in this timeline at all. I don't like medieval, fantasy, stories. I'm more interested in modern time romance/depressing stories, and that's one reason why I haven't read series like Vinland Saga, or One Piece which are 2 critically claimed masterpieces themselves. Though I think Berserk has since changed my interest in what I like.
The amount of characters that you just fall in-love with are so memorable. The amount of influence this game has had on media, movies, games, etc. is just insane. The art may come off to new-comers as messy, and I can speak for this because whenever I flipped through a volume before actually starting it that's what I thought. But you're very wrong. Once you get into it, it all just pops out at you, and you find yourself staring at the panels for longer than usual, in a very good way. Not in a Tokyo Ghoul way, where you're spending the entire time figuring out what's going on.
There truly is no word to describe how good Berserk is, but with that said, it's also NOT for everyone. Especially those who can't stand an incomplete story. Right now, Kentaro Miura is on hiatus with 364 chapters released (yes I'm counting 000a as chapter 1) and it is a possibility he may never finish this story. It's not certain like Vagabond; but it's a possibility. He started when he was 23, and he's now 52 years old as the time of posting this and apparently only 60% done with the story. Unless he really picks up the pace, once he hits his 70's I fear this will reach Vagabond status in meaning the chances of completion are near impossible. With that said, I personally think this is a story too good to pass on, even with the hiatus.
Definitely check out Berserk, even if you're not interested in the timeline. Just give it a try, like I did. You'll thank me later.
