Exploring The Enigmatic First Page Of Berserk

Many fans, after finishing the entire saga, actually go back to these first pages and question what they represent, especially with all the knowledge gained from later volumes. This revisiting often leads to a deeper appreciation, or perhaps a different kind of curiosity, about how the story began and how it, sort of, found its footing. It's a fascinating aspect of the Berserk experience, seeing where it all, basically, started.

For fans of dark fantasy and deeply emotional storytelling, the first page of Berserk isn't just the beginning of a manga; it is, quite literally, the gateway to an epic journey. It draws you in, promising a world of struggle and intense emotion, and, in a way, it delivers on that promise from the very start, even if its initial purpose was, arguably, a little different from what it became.

• What Does Yeet Mean
• Highest Block Blast Score
• How To Cook Scallops
• How Do You Spell
• Drew Pritchard Divorce

Table of Contents

• The Early Days and Influences
• The Black Swordsman Arc: A True Beginning
• Guts and His Vengeance on the First Page
• The Canon Question and Miura's Thoughts
• Publication Changes and Numbering
• The Fan Community's Perspective
• Physical Editions and the First Page
• Frequently Asked Questions About Berserk's First Page

The Early Days and Influences

Berserk, as a series, actually began its life with some very interesting origins, something many readers might not, you know, fully realize at first glance. It was, in fact, initially conceived as a way to capitalize on the widespread popularity of Fist of the North Star, a rather big hit at the time. Kentaro Miura, the creator, was, in some respects, still figuring out exactly what he wanted to do with his own series, exploring different ideas and directions.

This early phase wasn't, as some might think, a deeply planned developmental aspect of the story's grand design. Instead, it was more of a creative exploration, a time when Miura was, basically, trying out different concepts and seeing what would stick. The very first pages reflect this period of, well, experimentation, before the story, arguably, found its true voice and direction.

The influence of other popular works of the era is, therefore, quite apparent in these initial moments. It shows a creator who was, in a way, learning and adapting, taking inspiration from what was popular while slowly, but surely, building his own unique vision. This makes the first page, in particular, a fascinating piece of history for the series, a snapshot of its very beginnings, so to speak.

• What Is A Golden Birthday
• Is A Fish An Animal
• How To Erase Gel Nail Polish
• Whispers Of Manifestation On Borlest
• Mid Taper Textured Fringe

The Black Swordsman Arc: A True Beginning

Most fans and even the creator himself often point to the Black Swordsman arc as where the story of Berserk truly begins, properly, you know. It is here that the narrative takes on the form and tone that readers have come to love and recognize. The first page of this specific arc is, many would agree, pure genius in its execution and impact, setting a clear precedent for what's to come.

This arc, in essence, establishes the core themes and the overall mood of the series, moving past the earlier, more experimental phases. It introduces Guts, the protagonist, in a way that truly defines his character and his path, something that, arguably, wasn't fully formed in the very first pages of the publication. The story, therefore, gains a certain gravity and purpose from this point onward.

When Berserk was serialized in Young Animal, the numbering of episodes, you know, reset back to one, which further emphasizes this point of a new beginning. This re-numbering, in a way, acts as an official marker for where the story, as we know it, really starts to unfold. It's a detail that, frankly, helps to clarify the publication's somewhat complex history.

Guts and His Vengeance on the First Page

The first page of the Black Swordsman arc, not the absolute first page ever published, depicts Guts in a state of full commitment to his vengeance. This is, you know, a very important distinction to make. His goal, his burning desire for retribution, is absolutely central to his character after the devastating events of the Eclipse, a turning point that, in a way, shapes his entire being.

This portrayal of Guts is, in some respects, very similar to how Griffith dedicated himself to his own goal, a parallel that, arguably, highlights the intense drive both characters possess. Both are willing to go to extreme lengths for what they believe in, a characteristic that defines much of their respective journeys. It's a powerful thematic link, actually, that runs through the series.

On this page, Guts is not just a character; he is, basically, a force of nature, driven by an unyielding purpose. This immediate sense of his commitment is what makes the Black Swordsman arc's opening so impactful, and why many consider it the true beginning. It shows him, quite literally, ready to face whatever comes, with a resolve that, you know, feels completely unshakable.

The Canon Question and Miura's Thoughts

A point of discussion that often comes up among fans is whether those very first two pages of Berserk, the ones published before the Black Swordsman arc, are considered canon. In short, Miura hadn't really fleshed out Guts' character at that time, so these initial pages are, more or less, considered non-canon by many, as they hold very little bearing on the rest of the plot, you know.

This doesn't mean they are without value, of course, but their narrative weight within the larger story is, arguably, quite minimal. Miura himself has, you know, stated things about his early work, and there are accounts of him regretting how he, sort of, started the series. This regret is a sentiment that, frankly, many creators can relate to when looking back at their initial efforts.

Despite this, does anybody really have a problem with the first page of the story, knowing everything we know now? Honest opinion, many fans, myself included, love it, actually, knowing all the context that came later. It's a unique piece of history, a glimpse into the creative process, and, in a way, it adds another layer to the appreciation of the series' development, so it's almost a part of the story's story.

Publication Changes and Numbering

Berserk went through some rather unusual changes in its publication history back in the day, something that, you know, can make understanding the numbering of episodes a little off for new readers. This is a common point of confusion, especially when trying to follow the story chronologically or understanding its initial release format.

As mentioned, the story begins properly at the Black Swordsman arc, but the initial releases had a different numbering scheme. Later, when Berserk was serialized in Young Animal, the numbering of episodes, as a matter of fact, reset back to 1. This was a significant shift, marking a new phase for the manga and its serialization.

Then, in volume 14, after the Golden Age arc, Miura began his current nomenclature, where an episode is, typically, a 20-page installment. This consistent structure helped to standardize the release format and made it, arguably, much easier for readers to follow the ongoing story. It shows a progression in how the series was managed and presented over its long run.

The Fan Community's Perspective

The Berserk community is, you know, a very active and passionate group, with over 530,000 subscribers in the Berserk community alone. For fans of the manga Berserk and its adaptations, discussions about the first page, its meaning, and its place in the overall narrative are, in fact, quite common. It's a topic that, honestly, sparks a lot of interesting conversations.

People often share their honest opinions, like how they love it knowing everything they know now about it. This shared experience of revisiting the beginning after completing the story is, in a way, a bonding point for many fans. It allows for a deeper appreciation of Miura's work and the journey the series took, from its early ideas to its eventual grand scale.

There are also, you know, many creative expressions related to these early pages, such as a TikTok video from crumb (@crumbean) titled “replying to @romerojason13 deluxe edition berserk 1st page #berserk #spice #berserkdeluxe #manga #ttsacl”. This shows how the first page, even with its complex history, remains a significant and celebrated part of the Berserk legacy, actively discussed and enjoyed by the community.

Physical Editions and the First Page

If you intend to read the manga in physical form, whether it's the tankobon volumes, of which there are 41 at the moment, or the deluxe edition volumes, with 12 of them out as of yet, and 14 in total planned, you'll, you know, encounter these first pages. The way they are presented can vary slightly between editions, but the content remains the same.

The deluxe editions, in particular, offer a very grand way to experience the series, with their larger format and high-quality printing. Seeing the first page in such detail, you know, truly enhances the impact of Miura's artwork. It makes the initial introduction to the world of Berserk even more striking, pulling readers into its dark atmosphere right from the start.

Even with the knowledge of its origins and the discussions about its canon status, the first page of Berserk is, arguably, a powerful piece of art. It sets a tone, introduces a character, and, in a way, prepares the reader for the intense story that will unfold. It is, basically, a crucial part of the physical experience for anyone picking up the manga, a moment of introduction that, you know, leaves a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions About Berserk's First Page

Is the very first page of Berserk considered canon?

The initial pages of Berserk, published before the Black Swordsman arc, are, more or less, considered non-canon by many fans and even by Miura himself, you know. This is because Miura hadn't fully developed Guts' character at that point, and these pages hold very little direct bearing on the main plot that follows.

Where does the Berserk story truly begin?

The story of Berserk, as most readers know it, truly begins with the Black Swordsman arc. This is where the narrative establishes its core themes, characters, and overall tone, which, you know, continues through the rest of the series. The numbering of episodes also reset to 1 when it was serialized in Young Animal, marking this as a proper start.

Why did Kentaro Miura regret the early pages of Berserk?

Kentaro Miura, you know, expressed some regret about how he started Berserk because it was initially a cash-in on the popularity of Fist of the North Star, and he was still figuring out what he wanted to do with the series. This period was more of an exploratory phase, and he later developed a much clearer vision for the story and its characters. Learn more about Kentaro Miura on our site.

To see more discussions about manga history, link to this page .