Berserk, Twelve Kingdoms

[ohtori_akio]

Here's my top 10 favourite anime:

1. Utena
2. Rose of Versailles
3. Saint Seiya
4. Sailor Moon
5. Now and Then Here and There
6. Escaflowne
7. X TV
8. Princess Tutu
9. Scrapped Princess
10. Magic Users Club

From this list do you think I would enjoy Berserk and Twelve Kingdoms? Now I know they both have a fair bit a blood in them (Berserk more than the other) and that's not really a problem. If the blood actually means something (Saint Seiya, Escaflowne, Now and Then) rather than just being there for its own sake (Elfen Lied, Gantz); it will most probably be something I'll enjoy. Thanks for your help guys. /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[roastedpekingduck]

Hell yes. Berserk and Twelve Kingdoms are one of the best anime period. Berserk has themes about dreams, power, ambition, betrayal, and man against his destiny. It presents a really medieval view of life not commonly seen today. Twelve Kingdoms has similiar themes, also involving fate, although its messages are much more optimistic than that of Berserk. Anyways, both are great material, and cheap as well.

[SnowfairyX]

I'm only 2 episodes into Twelve Kingdoms and really liking it so far but you should check out this thread (http://forums.animeondvd.com/showflat.php?Cat=1&Board=recommend&Number=1238172& page=3&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1) for more informed opinions. I think there's a strong possibility that you'll like it based on your list and the fact that I haven't really heard anybody say anything bad about it. I'm going to be watching episode 3 in a few minutes /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif.

[Sekiraku Bunchou]

With Twelve Kingdoms I would say a definite yes based on your list there. It's a magical girl type fantasy, yet set in a very serious and detailed world full of social and political complexities. One of my personal favorites.

Beserk though I don't know. Haven't seen any of it.

[DanielJr]

Both are quality "A" series. Get ready for Berserk though, judging from that list, I think you're in for a different sort of experience.

[2old2care]

Just by looking at your list, I'd be shocked *Shocked* if you didn't like 12K. Berserk's a tougher call. I'm in the 'Berserk's crap ending ruined the whole show' camp.

[itsuka]

12 Kingdoms should almost certain be a potential top 10 candidate for you. It has great plot, great characters, an epic setup and a really beautifully detailed setting. The only element that's not very pronounced is romance, though there is certainly room for deep feelings of friendship (so many fans have no trouble seeing more than friendship in various corners).

Berserk is darker than anything on your list, except for maybe X TV. It's grittier, deadlier and more pessimistic. But it's also a great series with really interesting characters. Other than Gantz for instance I had no trouble liking the protagonists, Berserk isn't as nihilistic as Gantz started out as (haven't seen the rest of Gantz, so I should stop comparisons there).

[Njr Scrawl]

How does Bastard compare with Beserk?

[Dragon_Shiryu]

I think you definitely will like them. I know you have a similar taste to mine, and look for similar things in series. Berserk is dark and bloody, but the characters are fantastic. And if you read the manga, you'll see a few Saint Seiya nods the author gave it (and definitely not subtle ones, since Puck cosplays as Seiya and shouts "Burn my cosmos!", to Guts getting an armor in the vein of StS).

As for 12 Kingdoms, you'll enjoy the rich setting and mood. Strong storytelling, loveable art and great music. Go for them.

As a reference, here's my top 25 series:
Saint Seiya (series + ova)
Berserk
Now and Then, Here and There
Twelve Kingdoms
Rurouni Kenshin Tsukiohen (add in the Kyoto arc of the anime as well)
Gungrave
Rose of Versailles
Kare Kano
Gankutsuou
Hajime no Ippo
Slam Dunk
Urusei Yatsura
Crest/Banner of the Stars series
Marmalade Boy
Princess Tutu
Fruits Basket
Evangelion
Giant Robo
Monster
GTO
Kino's Journey
Infinite Ryvius
Trigun
Goldenboy
Ranma 1/2

[Chacranajxy]

I haven't seen Twelve Kingdoms yet (though I will based on the sheer amount of recommendations I've gotten for it), but Berserk is awesome. Probably my favorite anime series. For a show about some guy who has a giant sword and kills people, the show has a ridiculously good storyline, characters, and a lot of depth. Essentially, if you don't like Berserk, you probably shouldn't bother with anime.

[ QUOTE ]
Chacranajxy said:Essentially, if you don't like Berserk, you probably shouldn't bother with anime.

[/ QUOTE ]
I have hundreds of anime DVDs that I really enjoy. Watching them makes me happy.
Why should I deny myself that pleasure simply because I do not like Berserk?

[itsuka]

[ QUOTE ]
Wrath of the Njr said:
How does Bastard compare with Beserk?

[/ QUOTE ]

Bastard has a lot more humor in it and was written by a Heavy Metal fan. While the music isn't so much in it, many names of town, people and spells were derived from the Heavy Metal scene. While it sometimes has darker moments, and great character moments, Bastard somehow feels lighter even if the world is going to hell in a handbasket. Just because the main character, Dark Schneider, is such an arrogant, sexy guy you can't see how the bad guys could possibly win. Too bad they only animated 6 episodes, the manga is much longer. So, it doesn't have much of an ending, but I still like it very much - just don't take it very seriously.

Berserk in contrast is very serious, en is basically the reverse: even in its lighter moments (if it has any), you always feel the all-invading darkness that surrounds it. You know it's going to end badly (and if you didn't, the first episode is there to remind you). Berserk is deeper and the characterization goes a lot further.

I like both of them, but they are totally different.

[Judeau]

Even my friends that rarely watch any anime enjoyed Berserk. Definitely pick that up. I haven't seen 12K yet. It's on my list.

I had one friend I tried to show Berserk and he wasn't impressed with the animation. Of course, he also has the attention span of a fly on shit, so maybe that was the problem.

I'd recommend Berserk to most anyone. It's more about the relationships than the blood and guts (IMHO).

Twelve Kingdoms is a wonderful series. go buy the two high quality premium boxsets. the beginning is ok but it just gets better and better. the third arc is AMAZING so stick with it. wish they would continue with the story.

[Chacranajxy]

[ QUOTE ]
Touma said:
[ QUOTE ]
Chacranajxy said:Essentially, if you don't like Berserk, you probably shouldn't bother with anime.

[/ QUOTE ]
I have hundreds of anime DVDs that I really enjoy. Watching them makes me happy.
Why should I deny myself that pleasure simply because I do not like Berserk?

[/ QUOTE ]

Because it's better than all of those.

[darkhunter]

[ QUOTE ]
Chacranajxy said:
[ QUOTE ]
Touma said:
[ QUOTE ]
Chacranajxy said:Essentially, if you don't like Berserk, you probably shouldn't bother with anime.

[/ QUOTE ]
I have hundreds of anime DVDs that I really enjoy. Watching them makes me happy.
Why should I deny myself that pleasure simply because I do not like Berserk?

[/ QUOTE ]

Because it's better than all of those.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well that's just your opinion, not a fact.

But I would say skip both title and pick up Gankutsuou -The Count of Monte Cristo (http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/4393.php), which takes fantasy into another level- artistically

[balthier2012]

Well I LOVE about 50% of the titles in your favorite list. I'm pretty sure you will see the greater intelligence behind both Twelve Kingdoms and Berserk which is what offers such overwhelming enjoyment that can only be found in a select few of anime.

EDIT:
This is a little off topic but I noticed Utena is your favorite show of all time, have you seen Melody of Oblivion? Not that I have but I've heard it's very similar just a male lead instead.

[nakimushi]

[ QUOTE ]
Balthier said:

EDIT:
This is a little off topic but I noticed Utena is your favorite show of all time, have you seen Melody of Oblivion? Not that I have but I've heard it's very similar just a male lead instead.

[/ QUOTE ]


I have seen a few comments like this and I just can't understand them. /images/graemlins/stunned0.gif

In this case, I actually can understand because you haven't seen it.

That being said, Melody of Oblivion is not even close to being in the same league as Utena.

Melody of Oblivion isn't even good, let alone great (IMHO).


Back on topic:

From your the top ten shows that you (the original poster) listed, you will like both Twelve Kingdoms and Berserk. They both have interesting stories, fully realized worlds, and great character development.

With both shows though, I would recommend not making up your mind after their first episodes though.

After the first episode of Berserk, I thought it was just going to be a mindless hack and slash fest - the story really starts in the second episode, and it just gets better from there.

Twelve Kingdoms is a little slow to start, mainly because the world is very detailed, and there is a lot to explain about it, but the narrative pace does pick up, and the stories are great.

[balthier2012]

I was just stating what I read from dozens of other posters at AoD, and what I was told about the show when I asked about it to see if I would like it. You are the first in like 20 to say it's not like Utena. Maybe you could explain the difference to clarify?

[nakimushi]

Sorry, this only my opinion.

Utena, is an interesting character, who develops as a character as the show progresses. Bocca, is a boring character who doesn't develop at all.

Utena's writing is witty, and intelligent. MOO's writing tries to be and fails.

Utena can be very funny. MOO is only funny unintentionally, and even then not that funny.

Utena has great moments of dramatic tension. MOO has monsters like a bus with steer horns.

Utena has interesting plot twists and a genuine mystery. MOO falls into the "mistaking obscurity for depth school of anime writing" trap.


I apologize in advance if MOO is someone's favorite show of all time, but I just couldn't stand it.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone who really liked both Utena and MOO.

I have a suspicion, (which may be completely unjust) that the people who are making the comparison are basing it on the fact that both shows are both at times surreal, highly stylized and manneristic in appearance, and have not really watched Utena in its entirety, and as a result, missed a lot.

I suspect that, because as much as I think Utena is a great show, I also don't think it has universal appeal and I have talked to other anime fans who stopped watching Utena because it wasn't their type of show.

[itsuka]

I sort of agree. I'm a great Utena fan, but the first episode of Melody of Oblivion left me very cold and I never pursued it further. For me, Melody seemed like a show that was going for weird without much depth. Now, I know one episode isn't much to make up your mind, but it just felt very wrong to me, from that one episode. The comparisons between Melody and Utena seem to be made on the fact that both shows are weird, but there are vast differences between one kind of weird and another kind to me.

[shokoti]

[ QUOTE ]
nakidasu said:
I would be interested in hearing from anyone who really liked both Utena and MOO.

[/ QUOTE ]
I'm only really posting because you said this, but Utena is one of my top 10 series, and I like MoO a lot too. That said, while I can understand the superficial comparisons, I do think they are very different shows. But I like a lot of what MoO has to offer, I find it genuinely funny and well-written at times, though it does sometimes get obsucre for the sake of it. It's interesting and fun though.

[nakimushi]

[ QUOTE ]
shokoti said:
[ QUOTE ]
nakidasu said:
I would be interested in hearing from anyone who really liked both Utena and MOO.

[/ QUOTE ]
I'm only really posting because you said this, but Utena is one of my top 10 series, and I like MoO a lot too. That said, while I can understand the superficial comparisons, I do think they are very different shows. But I like a lot of what MoO has to offer, I find it genuinely funny and well-written at times, though it does sometimes get obsucre for the sake of it. It's interesting and fun though.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for replying. I was combining two points when I wrote that post, the first being that Utena was different from MOO, the second being that while I really enjoyed Utena, I did not like MOO. Perhaps I should have kept them separate for clarity's sake.

Your reply is helpful because you actually seen and liked both shows, so you can just state that they are very different, without getting into why you think one show is better than the other.

Separating my personal preference, I would say the biggest difference between the two shows is that Utena is a shoujo series, while MOO is a shounen series.

For a quick example of how this makes the shows different:

As a shoujo series, Utena's female characters have complex personalities, conflicted motivations, and painful pasts.

As a shonen series, MOO's female characters have large breasts.

Fundamentally the shows are different because they were written for different audiences.

On a more personal preference note, I thought that Utena had a complex yet coherent ending, while MOO's ending lacked coherence.

[dulrik]

[ QUOTE ]
Itsuka said:
I sort of agree. I'm a great Utena fan, but the first episode of Melody of Oblivion left me very cold and I never pursued it further. For me, Melody seemed like a show that was going for weird without much depth. Now, I know one episode isn't much to make up your mind, but it just felt very wrong to me, from that one episode.

[/ QUOTE ]

Haven't seen MOO, but I find the statement ironic, given the thread and your positive opinion of 12K. Lots of people have said that if they'd only watched the first episode of 12 Kingdoms, they wouldn't have thought the show was good.

That being said, make sure you watch at least 2 discs of 12K before giving it any negative opinions. /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

[itsuka]

[ QUOTE ]
Initial T said:
[ QUOTE ]
Itsuka said:
I sort of agree. I'm a great Utena fan, but the first episode of Melody of Oblivion left me very cold and I never pursued it further. For me, Melody seemed like a show that was going for weird without much depth. Now, I know one episode isn't much to make up your mind, but it just felt very wrong to me, from that one episode.

[/ QUOTE ]

Haven't seen MOO, but I find the statement ironic, given the thread and your positive opinion of 12K. Lots of people have said that if they'd only watched the first episode of 12 Kingdoms, they wouldn't have thought the show was good.


[/ QUOTE ]

I know, I always give the same warning myself with 12K (though personally I liked it after 5 minutes) /images/graemlins/happy.gif. I agree there are some shows people generally can't get a good feeling for by watching the first episode only, like 12K, Gungrave and Berserk. However, most good shows grab me in 5 minutes. I guess my anime instincts are as developed as they are going to get. One a first episode basis, there is always the risk of a false positive (shows I liked on basis of the first episode and turned out bad, like Abenobashi or E's Otherwise) or false negative (shows I skipped because of the first episode, but turned out great when I gave them a full disc try later, like Get Backers). This forum and Chris tend to keep me on my toes. If I skip a show due to a bad first episode, I list it as 'probably not'. If I see reviews listing elements I greatly adore later on, I'll give it a retry. Otherwise, no harem show would ever make my collection, but I've managed to overcome my dislike in a few cases, like Mahoromatic /images/graemlins/happy.gif So far, Melody of Oblivion reviews haven't given me any indication I was too hasty, but I'll keep an eye open to Chris' final conclusion when the series is finished.

[DeVeliCious]

I always give shows up till 7 episodes! Thats my motto!

[itsuka]

[ QUOTE ]
DeVeliCious said:
I always give shows up till 7 episodes! Thats my motto!

[/ QUOTE ]

Shudder... there is too many bad anime entirely not to my taste out there to attempt that. Some shows are so incredibly not my taste I can't even stand them for 7 minutes, not to mention 7 episodes. A vague promise "but it really gets better in episode X" still isn't going to make up for that. So, too bad for Kiddy Grade and Divergence Eve... But I'm aware I'm throwing out some good stuff with the trash, so I always am prepared to reconsider, given enough pressure.

I guess at some point in my life, time became a precious commodity (for some reason, people only give me lots of money if I spend my most of my hours working instead of watching anime) /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[AmericanBeauty]

I give a show until the halfway point to impress me. 26-episode shows have 13 episodes to do that, 13-episodes have 6 or 7, etc.

[ohtori_akio]

Thanks for your help everyone. I have just made a purchase of the Berserk Boxset as it was more economical than getting the whole of 12 Kingdoms at present. 12 Kingdoms remains a series I will definitely be picking up too as I saw the first episode a couple of nights ago and was blown away by it.

For anyone who's interested in purchasing Berserk and does not want to get the brick. This (http://www.empiredvd.com.au/buy_dvd_info.asp?iid=10048) is the most economical place to get the regular boxset. It is also Region 4 so check your players before you get it.

[Elendil]

[ QUOTE ]
Air Of Benevolence said:
I give a show until the halfway point to impress me. 26-episode shows have 13 episodes to do that, 13-episodes have 6 or 7, etc.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a problem in which I have to watch every show I start through to the end, unless its really really really bad. I always have that "it could get better" voice at the back of my head. Usually they dont.

On topic, I loved 12 Kingdoms and I can't wait to get back to the US to buy them on DVD and *attempt* to get my mom to watch them with me (she liked GitS:SAC, so maybe....) /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

Nikki

[scorsesefan]

Ok, so just wanna jump in here real quick. First off, is Revolutionary Girl Utena something I should invest in based off the fact that I enjoy a well done drama above needless fan service, and two, does Berserk and 12K have a good score. It's not the end all be all of an anime, but I feel that if a show/OVA/feature has a good score, it can make a great anime that much better. Such as the Samurai X OVAs, which in my opinion, all of them as one piece had one of the best scores in anime ever. Period.

[scorsesefan]

[ QUOTE ]
Itsuka said:I guess at some point in my life, time became a precious commodity (for some reason, people only give me lots of money if I spend my most of my hours working instead of watching anime) /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Ain't it a bitch? /images/graemlins/cry00000.gif

[CrazyAsano]

Twelve Kingdoms has awesome music. I don't really remember Berserk's music, but it wasn't offensive. Some people hate the opening for some reason. If they'd just put their damn grasses on, nothing would be wrong.

[itsuka]

[ QUOTE ]
SkullLeaderOne said:
Ok, so just wanna jump in here real quick. First off, is Revolutionary Girl Utena something I should invest in based off the fact that I enjoy a well done drama above needless fan service, and two, does Berserk and 12K have a good score. It's not the end all be all of an anime, but I feel that if a show/OVA/feature has a good score, it can make a great anime that much better. Such as the Samurai X OVAs, which in my opinion, all of them as one piece had one of the best scores in anime ever. Period.

[/ QUOTE ]

12 Kingdoms has a great score. Berserk is so-so. I like the Behelith theme, for instance, but the rest didn't impress me much.

Utena is a great show, but it's not easily compared to anything else. Important elements: It's very shoujo. Which means in this case lots of romance, bishonen, pastel colours and emotions on the surface. If you look beneath the surface, there is weirdness, characterisation, mystery and some neat twists. No fanservice aimed at guys (but a little of it aimed at girls). If you start to look at Utena, start with the TV series, but I recommend not to watch the movie before you've seen the TV series. The movie is a retelling with some alternate ways of dealing with matters, but it's very confusing for people unfamiliar with the material.

[chotto]

[ QUOTE ]
SkullLeaderOne said:does Berserk and 12K have a good score

[/ QUOTE ]

In Berserk, the background music that is played during dramatic parts is one of my favorites and really stood out to me. I haven't seen 12K yet, but I also wanted to throw my support behind Berserk in this thread. It is one of the best shows I have ever seen. Also, with the first episode being the ending, then I think it has a pretty decent one. Certainly it doesn't wrap everything up you would want to know, but it does provide some closure.

[jejune]

[ QUOTE ]
SkullLeaderOne said:
does Berserk and 12K have a good score.

[/ QUOTE ]

Berserk's dramatic music was really good, but the song 'Forces' is my favorite. They have a full music video of it on the last disk, and I used to just play it over and over again - one of my favorite anime songs ever. In fact, anyone know if there is a soundtrack out there that has the full version of Forces on it?

EDIT: Oh, and anyone who watches the Berserk anime should pick up a cheap Dreamcast somewhere and the game Sword of the Berserk: Gut's Rage It has a great story that's set a while after the end of the series, so you can get a few hints as to how things go. The cut scenes add up to over an hour (several hours?), so it's like another mini-series. Very, very recommended.

[scorsesefan]

Again, a swift response. Nice to see a forum where people actually post. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

Anyways, since one poster pointed out a more economical way to buy Berserk, I'd thought I'd point out a deal even better. Not to rub salt in an open wound for the guy who already paid a little over a $100, but here it is in a nice LOTR:EE style digipak for $80.

Berserk for Cheap (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0003JAK6C/qid=1138191120/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/104-3953985-3426325?s=dvd&v=glance&n=130)

P.S. I still say that Samurai X's "In Memories - KO-TO-WA-RI" is the best piece of music ever written for an animated, well, anything. I will challenge any man or woman who says differently to a Thunderdome style deathmatch!

[aquapermanence]

[ QUOTE ]
SkullLeaderOne said:
Not to rub salt in an open wound for the guy who already paid a little over a $100, but here it is in a nice LOTR:EE style digipak for $80.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is actually a 6-disc case with 2 discs on each side and a 2-disc flipper hinge, similar to Media Blasters' other economy collections. There's also a collection that includes all of the singles and the "Box of War" box.

The Twelve Kingdoms sets are Lord of the Rings style digipaks, however. Very handsome and sturdy.

[ohtori_akio]

[ QUOTE ]
SkullLeaderOne said:
Anyways, since one poster pointed out a more economical way to buy Berserk, I'd thought I'd point out a deal even better. Not to rub salt in an open wound for the guy who already paid a little over a $100, but here it is in a nice LOTR:EE style digipak for $80.

Berserk for Cheap (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0003JAK6C/qid=1138191120/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/104-3953985-3426325?s=dvd&v=glance&n=130)


[/ QUOTE ]

The over $100 price is actually in Australian Dollars. So if you change the currency to American it is about $81 I believe. Besides, since it ships within Australian for just $2, it was definitely the cheapest deal for me /images/graemlins/happy.gif. Also I think the link you've included is for the "brick" version and I was after the singles in a box set which is what I got with the Madman release.

Thanks for posting a link that could end up being a little more useless for users of the United States. I'm sure they'll appreciate /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[EWD]

[ QUOTE ]
Itsuka said:
[ QUOTE ]
Initial T said:
[ QUOTE ]
Itsuka said:
.... Now, I know one episode isn't much to make up your mind, but it just felt very wrong to me, from that one episode.

[/ QUOTE ]

Haven't seen MOO, but I find the statement ironic, given the thread and your positive opinion of 12K. Lots of people have said that if they'd only watched the first episode of 12 Kingdoms, they wouldn't have thought the show was good.


[/ QUOTE ]

I know, I always give the same warning myself with 12K (though personally I liked it after 5 minutes) /images/graemlins/happy.gif. I agree there are some shows people generally can't get a good feeling for by watching the first episode only, like 12K, Gungrave and Berserk. However, most good shows grab me in 5 minutes.

[/ QUOTE ]

I also have posted here saying to give 12K at least until episode 6. However, I have to say that 12K seemed interesting to me from the first episode. Or perhaps I should say potentially interesting. The first disk made me want to see more, but I wasn't sure I'd like it. I thought they might do something stupid with the story and I'd end up hating it. It wasn't until the second disk that I decided I really liked the series, and now I rate it as my favorite anime series.

With MOO, I also have seen one episode, and what I saw didn't make me want to see more. If lots of people say nice things about it and an inexpensive set becomes available, I might check it out again, but the first episode seemed very much all style and no substance, and not even my style at that.

With Berserk, I haven't seen it yet. For several years I stayed clear of it, despite all the raves, because it just didn't sound like my kind of show. However, I did recently pick up the brick in a sale, so I will be checking it out when I have the time. I also didn't think I'd like Now and Then, Here and There, but, while gut-wrenching, it was good. I'll also have to see how I feel about the end of Berserk. I see a lot of complaints about the ending and I do think it is possible for a crappy ending to ruin a series - I enjoyed Last Exile up until the end, for example, but the ending left me with a bad feeling about the series.

[krelyan]

I think the main reason the ending is so disappointing in Berserk is because the rest of the series is just that good. It does leave you hanging and there definately is more to the story, but the story it does tell - it does a fantastic job with. And I agree, the BG music is great, though the opening theme is terrible.

[scorsesefan]

[ QUOTE ]
shounen kakumei akio said:
[ QUOTE ]
SkullLeaderOne said:
Anyways, since one poster pointed out a more economical way to buy Berserk, I'd thought I'd point out a deal even better. Not to rub salt in an open wound for the guy who already paid a little over a $100, but here it is in a nice LOTR:EE style digipak for $80.

Berserk for Cheap (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0003JAK6C/qid=1138191120/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/104-3953985-3426325?s=dvd&v=glance&n=130)


[/ QUOTE ]

The over $100 price is actually in Australian Dollars. So if you change the currency to American it is about $81 I believe. Besides, since it ships within Australian for just $2, it was definitely the cheapest deal for me /images/graemlins/happy.gif. Also I think the link you've included is for the "brick" version and I was after the singles in a box set which is what I got with the Madman release.

Thanks for posting a link that could end up being a little more useless for users of the United States. I'm sure they'll appreciate /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, so I totally didn't check your location. Hmmm...retreating to a dark corner now....

[scorsesefan]

Not that anyone really gives a damn, but I recieved my Berserk collection in the mail the other day and have three discs left as of this point. Here's what I think, a bit of a mid-way review if you will. Completely un-lyrical and lacking of eloquence.

Berserk makes my penis erect. It's so primal and male. The only thing I can imagine better than watching Berserk, would be to watch Berserk with Charles Bronson and Johnny Cash while eating a medium rare steak and washing it all down with a nice, thick glass of Guinness. Guts is the man, and Griffith actually makes me shudder at the evil dripping off of him. I don't care how much you could justify his actions, the man is Satan incarnate. Handsome, articulate, kind, charming, but completely manipulative. Right now Berserk would sit pretty as my second favorite anime of all time, but it threatens to knock Macross off it's throne. Rick Hunter better watch his ass. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[balthier2012]

Hell yea, good way to describe it /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

LOL just great. You arent a REAL MAN if you dont watch BERSERK! /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif Reading the manga adds to the manliness even more!

[DanielJr]

[ QUOTE ]
SkullLeaderOne said:
Not that anyone really gives a damn, but I recieved my Berserk collection in the mail the other day and have three discs left as of this point. Here's what I think, a bit of a mid-way review if you will. Completely un-lyrical and lacking of eloquence.

Berserk makes my penis erect. It's so primal and male. The only thing I can imagine better than watching Berserk, would be to watch Berserk with Charles Bronson and Johnny Cash while eating a medium rare steak and washing it all down with a nice, thick glass of Guinness. Guts is the man, and Griffith actually makes me shudder at the evil dripping off of him. I don't care how much you could justify his actions, the man is Satan incarnate. Handsome, articulate, kind, charming, but completely manipulative. Right now Berserk would sit pretty as my second favorite anime of all time, but it threatens to knock Macross off it's throne. Rick Hunter better watch his ass. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

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LMAO!!

I'd like to officially welcome you to the Berserk Clan. Enjoy the rest of the show, and make sure to tell us what you thought of the ending of the anime.

/images/graemlins/happy.gif

[scorsesefan]

Hell yeah I'll be adding a few more punches on my Man Card by checking out the manga! I don't think I physically, emotionally, or mentally have a choice in the matter, to be quite honest. Oh, and I am quite happy to be a member of something called the Berserk Clan. You will all fight for my dreams, and die......hmmmm....maybe I shouldn't have opened up right away like that. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

I think that Berserk is one of the strongest stories to ever be told in any medium. Period. I loved the entire series. And I only use the word love because I can't think of a stronger one at the moment. As for the ending, yes, it's quite possibly the most aggravating last episode of any series I've seen so far. I was frantically hitting the skip chapter button, hoping that there was some sort of hidden bonus episode. Of course there wasn't. But I immediately went back and watched the first one again, so that kinda helped. But looking back on it as of this post, I can say that while aggravated, I was also 100 percent satisfied. It was a very Cronenberg style move to end everything right at the peak of emotions. I don't fault him for doing that, so I can't fault Berserk either. But I can fault them for making me smoke an entire pack of cigarettes due to the intensity of that final struggle. Must....read....manga....

P.S. DanielJr, checked out your DVD collection there, and Jesus H. Christ dude. Are you independently wealthy or something? I mean...damn..

P.S.S. I just read something online and wondered if you guys have heard anything about this. Seems there willing to do a second season of Berserk once there's enough material to work from in the manga series. I guess they don't think there's enough at the current moment.

[Chacranajxy]

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SkullLeaderOne said:


P.S. DanielJr, checked out your DVD collection there, and Jesus H. Christ dude. Are you independently wealthy or something? I mean...damn..

P.S.S. I just read something online and wondered if you guys have heard anything about this. Seems there willing to do a second season of Berserk once there's enough material to work from in the manga series. I guess they don't think there's enough at the current moment.

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1. You will find that 500 is average on this site. People are crazy here. It's to the point where my sub-100 DVD collection is kinda ghetto.

2. Second season isn't happening. It just isn't.

[CrazyAsano]

Always the optimist, eh, Chacranajxy?

[roastedpekingduck]

Actually, I remember that Miura said more Berserk was also a possibility, just that he needed to get a lot more done of the manga.

[DanielJr]

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SkullLeaderOne said:
Hell yeah I'll be adding a few more punches on my Man Card by checking out the manga! I don't think I physically, emotionally, or mentally have a choice in the matter, to be quite honest. Oh, and I am quite happy to be a member of something called the Berserk Clan. You will all fight for my dreams, and die......hmmmm....maybe I shouldn't have opened up right away like that. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

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Heh heh. We're not an official clan, but you'll definitely find a few devoted Berserk fans around these parts, and like you, us fanboys will definitely agree this is the epitome of good story telling. For you see, there are Berserk fans, and then there are the Berserk fanboys. /images/graemlins/happy.gif You should see a board I frequent, bad talk of Berserk is officially taboo. >=)



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P.S. DanielJr, checked out your DVD collection there, and Jesus H. Christ dude. Are you independently wealthy or something? I mean...damn..

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Haha! Nah, I've been collecting anime for a little over 8 years now (got into DVD about 6 years ago), and I share the bill with my two brothers. That's just the product of our hobby over the years. /images/graemlins/happy.gif




[ QUOTE ]
P.S.S. I just read something online and wondered if you guys have heard anything about this. Seems there willing to do a second season of Berserk once there's enough material to work from in the manga series. I guess they don't think there's enough at the current moment.

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Well, a second season to the TV series is highly unlikely at this point. However, once the manga is finished (if it's finished --there's always the chance of the manga-ka going through a tragedy and is unable to complete the story --I hope I don't jinx him /images/graemlins/tongue.gif), then we can start wishing for a second season. Personally, I'm dreaming of a remake ala Hellsing Ultimate (another series where a sequel was highly doubted).

[scorsesefan]

Damn, and here I was getting my hopes up for some more animated Berserk action. Shit. Oh well, I guess there will always be the manga, right? But the writer (not even gonna take a stab at spelling his name) did say he's currently interested, just wants to finish his manga first. Which, the damn thing is already at issue 29 or something in Japan. And I think issue 11 or 12 is where the series left off. So if he had already released past those issues, and that was enough for a first season, I think they're just being cock teases because in my mind 17 issues of a manga would be more than enough for a season of television. If they could cram 12 issues into 25 episodes, they could certainly make one and a half if not two seasons out of 17 issues. Oh well, what the hell do I know? I guess that's why I'm a fanboy, not a producer. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

And Daniel, that makes more sense knowing that you share the price tags with two other people. Though, my 133 DVDs seem so small now.....and only 15 of them are anime... /images/graemlins/cry00000.gif

And by the way, I hereby will hew any man (yes, I just used the word hew) in half who dares speak badly of Berserk. Sorry if there's no cat-girls or cutesy pink haired adolescent heart on their sleeves orphans. *silently slides his To Buy List with Sailor Moon on it under his chair, puts on homemade Rick Hunter costume* I'm late for my date with Minmay! *runs out the door, sits on porch, and crys*

[aquapermanence]

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SkullLeaderOne said:
But the writer (not even gonna take a stab at spelling his name) did say he's currently interested, just wants to finish his manga first. Which, the damn thing is already at issue 29 or something in Japan. And I think issue 11 or 12 is where the series left off.

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Since volume 12, two more story arcs have been completed. Combined these would make an excellent 2nd season, or even a long OVA set.

Thing is, it's going to take Miura another 40 years to finish the manga (at his current pace and estimated progress), so I think we can count ourselves lucky if we get another TV season before the 10th anniversary of the first.

[scorsesefan]

Then I will just have to find more broken hearted girls in order to fuel my Genesis Machine with their tears....

Yes, my Genesis Machine will be able to produce a perfect Second Season of Berserk.....DO NOT QUESTION THE ALL KNOWING GENESIS MACHINE!!

[ohtori_akio]

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DanielJr said:
I'd like to officially welcome you to the Berserk Clan. Enjoy the rest of the show, and make sure to tell us what you thought of the ending of the anime.

/images/graemlins/happy.gif

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I wish I could join the Berserk clan but my devotion to the Utena clan might not allow it, maybe I could be a member of both /images/graemlins/noseblef.gif

I just finished the series today and I must say WOW!!!!! This was really worth EVERY cent. The build up, the characterisation, the story, the atmosphere, the score... They were all to die for. It played like a shounen Rose of Versailles with added Utena symbolism/metaphors (mostly towards the end or in the next episode previews) and Saint Seiya hades Chapter atmosphere.
Now, a show that reminds you of your top 3 anime is always gonna kick ass!

I must be one of the few who actually enjoyed the ending of the anime. I thought it was excellent in literally demonstrating the emotions that made the series. I also like the open-endedness to a degree as there is no end to those emotions...
Not quite sure if a second series could be anywhere near as good as this is though, so if they don't make one that would still be fine with me for what they have already is so great.

[Dragon_Shiryu]

While I prefer the Hawks era, the manga continues with what happens afterwards. It's something in the vein of what you saw in the first episode. But <span style='color:#dddddd;background:#dddddd'>You see Guts go alone for a while, in a darker mood than ever, now always fighting apostles. But as the manga continues, the Godhand start getting active, and Guts is getting new friends as well, and is slowly recovering his human side. </span>

But Miura should delve himself into finishing Berserk. It's been going for too long, and the apostles are getting tiresome to me. I hope that someday the rest will be animated. Don't get your hopes down! Fans around the worlkd thought the same thing for Saint Seiya, and 13 years after the end of the TV series, an OVA was released continuing it. I understand Berserk doesn't have the same worldwide impact, but it's not entirely impossible.

I'm glad you liked it Akio. You really have similar tastes to mine.

[Dragon_Shiryu]

Oh, Akio, now go and watch 12 Kingdoms. After that, watch Gankutsuou - The Count of Montecristo /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[ohtori_akio]

Already in the process of finishing the fantastic Gankutsuou and Twelve Kingdoms is next on my list!! /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[scorsesefan]

BERSERK IS THE BEST ANIME EVER!

That is all....