Genre:	Horror/Fantasy
Creator:	Kentaro Miura
Manga/Anime/Both	Both
Seasons:	1 Season, so far 25 volumes of manga

Adoogen's Rating		4.5 out of 5 Trigun Kitties
Gammler's Rating		4 out of 5 Trigun Kitties
OneWingedAngel's Rating		4 out of 5 Trigun Kitties

Summary: The story centers around Guts/Gatts, a young man who we learn about as the series progresses. His fate is a harsh and unforgiving one that he meets head on, bravely and like no other man. The anime is based off the manga and is very close to the original story. It covers volumes 3-13 of the manga. However the manga is Miura's view of the series the way it should be. The series is set in a medieval europe. It is however like no other fantasy. It has a very serious aspect. The series is very different from other fantasy series such as Slayers and the Lodoss War. It is far more graphic and intense, probably the most morbid manga I've ever read too. That's what keeps me interested, it breaks the usual stereotypes. Also to take into note, the series is very serious. Few manga's, much less anime's are as serious as this one, but at a point even the manga gets so dark that comic relief is added in the form of a fairie named Puk/Pak. He doesn't feel forced, and the comic relief is not only really needed, but it's funny too.

Explanation for Rating: Adoogen: I give it a 4.5 because while it is an amazing manga, I think there are some parts I just really didn't like. The whole volume about the evil-demented-fairies I didn't enjoy much. But overall I must read, this is definitely not a series for the weak in heart and I'm actually surprised it's not more popular in America. Gammler: I only gave this 4/5, even though I've only read up to Volume 15 of the Manga (I've seen the entire series). The Anime itself wasn't bad, but I wasn't too fond of the ending. The end of Manga Volume 15 (the Fairies Adoogen mentioned) is a pretty crappy cliffhanger. It's worth seeing, but not for all ages (but that won't stop me from showing it to a group of 10 year olds at the next Anime Video Room I run). OneWingedAngel: Berserk is a truly great series, though it still has its fair share of flaws. The animation could be labeled as Average. The battles had the same overused battle animation which started to get repetitive seeing as how there was a battle in almost every episode. Berserk was pretty violent compared to most of the majority of anime, still the blood looked rather fake in terms of anime and the mindless swordbashing was overused. Still, it was quite enjoyable to see the Band of the Hawk fight battle after battle with numerous casualties.. There were a few still frame shots that I found annoying, and the backgrounds were rather drawn badly when it came to some of the forests. Still, you should take into consideration that all anime have a strict budget (except for some occasions). The characters I found quite interesting. Berserk also suffered from an awful beginning, making most characters seem detestable. I didn't take much liking toward Guts (Gaats..) and Caska in the beginning, though as the series progressed they grew into a likeable bunch. Judeau was probably one of the coolest characters ever in my opnion. The Band of the hawk was rather realistic and proved for a rather captivating mercenary group... As the series progressed, it grew better and better. Having some of the most enjoyable episodes in the middle of the series, it's best to stick with it..the plot was pretty good. With talks of Dreams and Destiny, it took quite a number of unexpected turns which left me overwhelmed. There was quite a lot of character developement, changing a couple of people.. After you watch the last episode, it would be best to watch the first episode. In ways, Berserk seemed incomplete, though the manga makes up for it, I guess. It had a couple of mature themes set into the slew of coolness..this show might not appeal to all audiences but it should definitely be worth a look from fans of adventure, action and that of the like who can take something such as Hellsing. You'll be offered to quite a treat despite the flaws. After all, nothing's perfect (At least thats what they say). Give this a look, forgive the pathetic beginning and stick with it... 4 out of 5 Trigun Kitties!!!!

Other animes with similarties (we think) Record of Lodoss War Bastard!!