Berserk, Volume 22

Again, two story volume.

In first, we follow Guts and Casca as they go back to old smith's home, only to find that he died very soon after Guts left searching for Casca. But to make things worse, Erica points Guts to Sword Hill, where Rickerty is talking with the old friend from mercenary days - none other than Griffith.

What follows is epic fight between Guts and Zodd, that gets interrupted by Griffith growing impatient and angry because he could not get Guts to his side.

I have to admit that character of Griffith is very well written - he is not wasting time nor words trying to persuade Guts. He sees that Guts will never forgive him, but he does not see him as anything but annoyance (after all Griffith is ascended one). He is just show more disappointed that Guts does not see him for what he was, is and will remain - ambitious man wanting to rule kingdom of his own. It is strange that god-like being is still obsessed with something like this (should be childish, funny thing even to remember as a goal), but then when one considers how Dark Five relishes in human emotions and suffering it does not come as a surprise. It is not like they recruit serious personas, almost all of them are picked up because of grudges, dreams of power, always reacting out of pettiness, jealousy or deep hatred (how else to explain what happened to Casca than Griffith's revenge on Guts, for even attempting to become Casca's lover).

As I said before this entire universe is so much W40K, I definitely expect Guts to become Emperor at some point :)

Second story is origin story of Serpico and Farnese. Very emotional story, at the end of which Farnese comes to light as a very disturbed person. Maybe her quest with Guts will help her become human and sane after all. Serpico has definitely become one of the great characters in the book.

Highly recommended. show less

This is the 22nd volume in the Berserk series. In this volume Griffith returns as the Hawk of Light. He has Zodd the Immortal at his side and, while Guts is not quite a match for Zodd, he makes a good showing of it and Griffith leaves. Ends up Griffith has his eye on another kingdom that he is determined to make his own. This part of the story introduces a whole new cast of characters; all of them are very interesting.

After the initial encounter with Griffith, Guts and Casca start on a long journey to Puck’s homeland in an effort to seek refuge from the demons that haunt them.

We also get to see some of Lady Farnese’s back story and find out how Serpico came to serve her.

Overall I really enjoyed this volume and enjoy where the story show more is going. I love some of the new characters we meet here and am eager to see where things go in the next volume. I would recommend to mature readers who enjoy fantasy horror manga. show less