Berserk: The Black Swordsman Teaser: Studio Eclypse has released the first main trailer for Berserk: The Black Swordsman to a positive fan reception. The trailer showcases the iconic character Guts, along with Casca, Puck, and Griffith, and hints at a summer 2025 release for the anime. On May 17, 2024, Studio Eclypse premiered the first main trailer for Berserk: The Black Swordsman. The trailer was shared on their official X (formerly Twitter) account and YouTube channel, quickly gaining widespread positive reception from fans around the world. The series follows the dark and intense journey of Guts, a formidable swordsman navigating a world filled with supernatural horrors and human treachery.
Berserk: The Black Swordsman
Berserk: The Black Swordsman
Overview of Berserk
Berserk (Japanese: ベルセルク, Hepburn: Beruseruku) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura. Set in a medieval Europe-inspired dark fantasy world, the story centres on Guts, a lone swordsman, and Griffith, the leader of a mercenary band called the “Band of the Hawk”. The narrative follows Guts’ journey seeking revenge on Griffith, who betrayed him and sacrificed his comrades to become a powerful demonic being. The series is known for its mature themes, intricate storytelling, and detailed artwork.
Publication History
Kentaro Miura premiered a prototype of Berserk in 1988. The series began serialization in 1989 in Hakusensha’s manga magazine Monthly Animal House, which was replaced by the semimonthly magazine Young Animal in 1992. Following Miura’s death in May 2021, the final chapter he worked on was published posthumously in September of the same year. The series resumed in June 2022 under the supervision of Miura’s close friend Kouji Mori and his group of assistants from Studio Gaga. By September 2023, the manga had over 60 million copies in circulation, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time.
Adaptations
Berserk has been adapted into various media formats. The first adaptation was a 25-episode anime television series by OLM, which covered the Golden Age arc and aired from October 1997 to March 1998. The Golden Age arc was also adapted into a trilogy of theatrical anime films, with the first two films premiering in 2012 and the third in 2013. A second anime television series adaptation, consisting of 24 episodes, was broadcast in 2016 and 2017. These adaptations have contributed to the series’ enduring popularity.
Plot Summary
The plot of Berserk is set in an alternate medieval world and follows Guts, a mercenary who was born from a hanged corpse and raised by an abusive father figure. After a series of traumatic events, Guts joins the Band of the Hawk, led by Griffith. The kingdom of Midland hires the Band to aid in their war against the Chuder Empire. Guts’ journey takes a dark turn when Griffith sacrifices his comrades to become a member of the Godhand, transforming into the demonic Femto. Guts and Casca, the only survivors of the massacre, are left scarred and hunted by demonic forces. Guts embarks on a quest for revenge and protection for Casca, encountering allies and enemies along the way.
Production and Development
Kentaro Miura’s journey with Berserk began when he was working as an assistant to George Morikawa. Miura had developed the concept of Guts, a dark warrior with a gigantic sword, which became the foundation of the series. After publishing a prototype in Gekkan ComiComi in 1988, Miura began serialization in Monthly Animal House in 1989. Despite initial challenges and minimal editorial criticism, Miura’s vision for Berserk continued to evolve, leading to the complex and richly detailed world that has captivated readers for decades. The series’ development was marked by Miura’s dedication to intricate storytelling and high-quality artwork, establishing Berserk as a cornerstone of dark fantasy manga.
What is Berserk: The Black Swordsman?
Berserk: The Black Swordsman is an anime project by Studio Eclypse, based on the popular manga series Berserk by Kentaro Miura. The story follows Guts, a powerful swordsman on a quest for vengeance and survival in a dark fantasy world.
When was the first trailer released?
The first main trailer was released on May 17, 2024.
Has Berserk been adapted into other media?
, Berserk has been adapted into various media, including a 25-episode anime television series by OLM that aired from 1997 to 1998. The Golden Age arc was also adapted into a trilogy of theatrical anime films released in 2012 and 2013. A second anime television series adaptation, consisting of 24 episodes, aired in 2016 and 2017.
What awards has Berserk won?
Berserk received the Award for Excellence at the sixth instalment of the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2002. The series is widely acclaimed for its dark setting, storytelling, characters, and Miura’s detailed artwork.
