Berserk Volume 3: A Reasonable End and Intense Beginning

So, we have arrived at volume three. It’s clear, from the first couple of pages, Miura has grown as an artist, significantly.

The shading, the coloring, the sword—utterly ingenious. You can tell Miura is refining his own style and removing himself from the Fist of the North Star comparisons. If you see this, all you can see is Miura.

As with the plot, volume three finishes the Count off in dark fantasy style, meaning portals to Stephen King nightmares and grotesque creatures. Did I say the art dazzles?

As mentioned in my previous review, the Count decides to save his daughter and everything goes back to normal for Berserk, which is not normal. Theresia is left broken and discontent with a hunger for vengeance for our favorite struggler. As with this conclusion, what can I say, it’s brilliant! The art sparkles with range, precise realism yet a distinct style, and this writing is what makes Berserk so memorable.

The Count is a tragic and cruel figure, and Miura lets both situations exist but makes it clear he’s become evil. He is an unforgiving monster who you can understand but hope Guts kicks his butt. That subtlety is what defines Berserk. People are shades of many things, good and bad, but it’s the choices they lean into that ultimately define or defeat them. The Count chose selfishness and paid the price but still has love in his heart till the end. Which leads to Theresia stating outright she will kill Guts. Which, as we read along, mirrors Guts decision to kill Griffith. And the brilliant thing is, he knows that. This is why I agree with every Berserk fan who urges you to re-read those early volumes since so many moments like this take on different meanings. He has chosen to be her Griffith so, like him, she can find meaning in what they have come to find a meaningless existence. And it hurts so bad, which is why Guts cries. That is Berserk. Full of people trying to find hope in a vicious abyss.

After this gem, we arrive at the first chapter of the Golden Age arc. As it is only one chapter, I would prefer to discuss it for the next volume. But to say the least, Berserk doesn’t hesitate to show you why Guts is Guts. And the art is getting better.