The anime series Berserk is a dark fantasy show based on the manga by Kentaro Miura. There are several versions of it: the original in 1997, the Golden Age Arc movies in 2012 and 2013, and the CGI series in 2016.
The story of Guts, a skilled warrior who wants revenge, is told in different ways in each version. This guide helps both old and new fans of the Berserk anime figure out the different versions, the best way to watch them, and where to find them.
Is Berserk 1997 and 2016 the Same?
Photo Credit: Nippon TV
Key Differences in Animation and Storytelling
Several anime versions of Berserk have been made, but the 1997 and 2016 versions are the most well-known. The first anime, which aired on Nippon TV, was mostly about the Golden Age Arc and Guts’s early adventures as a wandering mercenary.
People like this version because it uses a classic 2D animation style and stays true to Kentaro Miura’s art, which brings the dark and gritty world to life. The 2016 version, which was made by a different animation studio, tried to cover more of the manga’s story, such as the Black Swordsman Arc and some of the Millennium Empire Arc. Fans, on the other hand, said that the 2016 series’ use of CGI didn’t capture the essence of Miura’s art.
- 1997 Anime: Focuses on the Golden Age Arc, traditional 2D animation, aired on Nippon TV.
- 2016 Anime: Covers Black Swordsman Arc, Millennium Empire Arc, and beyond; uses CGI animation.
Fan Reception and Criticism
Fans love the 1997 anime series Berserk because it has great storylines and well-developed characters that stay true to the show’s themes of betrayal, ambition, and survival. Because it ends on a cliffhanger, a lot of fans have turned to the manga to see what happens next.
The 2016 movie, on the other hand, added to the story but got bad reviews for the way it was animated and how fast it moved. Fans of the original anime had a hard time with this one, even though it covered more of the manga, like the Falcon of the Millennium Empire Arc and the Conviction Arc.
- 1997 Series: Praised for emotional depth and classic animation.
- 2016 Series: Criticized for CGI and pacing, despite covering more content.
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In What Order Do You Watch Berserk?
Photo Credit: Nippon TV
Recommended Viewing Order by Release
If you’re new to the Berserk anime, it’s usually best to watch it in the order that it came out. This order lets viewers experience the story the way it was first shown to them. Start with the anime from 1997 to learn the basics of the Golden Age Arc.
Then, for a more cinematic experience of the same arc, watch the Golden Age Arc film trilogy from 2012 to 2013. Lastly, you can watch the 2016 series to learn more about the story after the first arc. It includes the Conviction Arc and the start of the Millennium Empire Arc.
- Step-by-Step Viewing:
- 1997 Anime (Golden Age Arc)
- Golden Age Arc Films (2012-2013)
- 2016 Anime (Black Swordsman Arc, Millennium Empire Arc)
Chronological Order for Manga Purists
If you like to read manga stories in the order they happen, you should start with the Golden Age Arc films. These movies tell the story in a more modern way, with new animation and scenes that weren’t in the 1997 series.
If you want to learn more about the early storylines, watch the 1997 anime after the movies. Finish the 2016 version, which includes the later arcs like the Conviction Arc in the manga and parts of the Millennium Empire Arc.
- Chronological Viewing Order:
- Golden Age Arc Films (2012-2013)
- 1997 Anime
- 2016 Anime
Why is Berserk Only 25 Episodes?
Photo Credit: Nippon TV
Production Challenges and Budget Constraints
The first Berserk anime, which came out in 1997, could only have 25 episodes because of money and production problems. The animation studio tried to show what Miura’s Golden Age Arc was all about, but they had to cut down on a lot of the details.
The Television series didn’t go into as much detail about some parts of the manga because of this, like the characters’ deeper backstories and more complicated plots. The dramatic Eclipse event marks the abrupt end of the series, leaving viewers with many unanswered questions.
- Episode Limitation: 25 episodes due to budget and production constraints.
- Focus: Golden Age Arc with condensed storytelling.
Impact on Storytelling and Viewer Experience
Because the 1997 anime only had a few episodes, important parts of the manga were left out or rushed, like the Skull Knight’s role or Guts’ journey as the Black Swordsman. Because of this, a lot of fans have turned to the manga, which was first published in Young Animal and then by Dark Horse in English, to get the full story.
But the short length of the series also helped make it fast-paced and emotionally powerful, which is often given as a reason for its long-lasting appeal.
- Viewer Impact: The Cliffhanger ending led to increased interest in the manga.
- Missed Content: Omission of arcs like the Black Swordsman and Millennium Empire Arc.
Should I Watch 1997 Berserk First?
Photo Credit: Nippon TV
The Case for Starting with the 1997 Anime Adaptation
Fans who are new to Berserk should start with the anime version from 1997. Many people think this version is the best because it really captures the spirit of Kentaro Miura’s original manga. It’s mostly about the Golden Age Arc and Guts’ early life as wandering mercenaries. It also shows his journey with Griffith, who wants to build his own kingdom.
The animated show from Oriental Light and Magic has a strong story that focuses on character growth and dramatic storytelling, especially in how it shows the Eclipse event. The English dub also makes it easier for people who don’t speak Japanese to watch.
- Why Watch First: Captures the heart of the manga’s Golden Age Arc.
- Key Focus: Guts’ backstory, Griffith’s ambition for his own kingdom, and the rise and fall of the Band of the Hawk.
Comparing with Other Anime Adaptations
Many people like the anime version that came out in 1997, but it’s also important to look at the other versions. The 2012–2013 film trilogy went back to the Golden Age Arc and gave it a more modern look with better animation. The 2016 version, on the other hand, covers the Falcon of the Millennium Empire Arc and parts of the Conviction Arc.
Some people didn’t like the CGI in this version, but it has storylines that weren’t in the anime, and characters like the Skull Knight give the story more depth.
- Alternative Options: Golden Age Arc films for modern visuals; 2016 series for extended storyline.
- Additional Content: Covers later arcs, including the manga’s Falcon and interactions with the Skull Knight.
Where Can I Watch 1997 Berserk?
Streaming Platforms and Purchase Options
The 1997 anime series Berserk is easy for fans to get to because it’s available on many streaming services. The show can be watched on services like Crunchyroll and Hulu in both subbed and English dub versions.
The anime can also be bought on services like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes for people who would rather have a copy. This makes it possible for both new and longtime fans to watch the series whenever they want.
- Streaming Options: Crunchyroll, Hulu (subbed and English dub).
- Purchase Options: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, DVD collections.
Availability of Other Anime Adaptations
You can also watch other adaptations, like the Golden Age Arc movies and the 2016 series, on a number of streaming services. A memorial edition of the Golden Age Arc movies has been released. It has more scenes and better animation.
On the other hand, you can stream the 2016 anime version on sites like Netflix and Funimation. It covers the first half of the Millennium Empire Arc and adds new content for fans of the original series.
- Golden Age Arc Films: Available on Netflix, Funimation (memorial edition included).
- 2016 Series: Accessible on Netflix, Funimation; covers beyond the first half of the manga’s Conviction Arc.
Final Thoughts on Berserk Anime
There have been many anime adaptations of Kentaro Miura’s dark fantasy world, and the series is still very interesting. From the original 1997 movie to the more recent CGI ones, each tells the story of Guts, the wandering mercenary, in a different way.
There is something for every fan in these adaptations, which cover different story arcs like the Golden Age, the Millennium Empire, and the Conviction Arc in the manga. The series keeps growing with the latest book coming out from Dark Horse and more to come in Young Animal.
Miura’s group and Studio Gaga are in charge of it. Berserk is still a powerful experience, whether you watch the memorial edition or any other version.
FAQs About Berserk Anime
What is the best order to watch Berserk anime adaptations?
Start with the 1997 series, then watch the Golden Age Arc films, and finish with the second season of the 2016 anime.
Does Berserk anime cover the Millennium Empire Arc?
Yes, the 2016 anime adaptations partially cover the Millennium Empire Arc along with the manga’s Conviction Arc.
Who continues the manga after Kentaro Miura’s death?
Miura’s group, in collaboration with Studio Gaga, continues the manga, which is still serialized in Young Animal and published by Dark Horse.
Why is Guts called the Black Swordsman?
Guts is known as the Black Swordsman because of his dark armor and relentless fight against demons as a wandering mercenary.
Is there a memorial edition of the Berserk anime?
Yes, the Golden Age Arc films have a memorial edition with additional scenes and enhanced animation.