Berserk Volume 8

This is one of the critical books of the Berserk series, and sets up what is to come later in the series. Those who have watched the anime, will deffinitly find some new content here related to the backstory of the queen of midland which was not thuroughly explained in the anime. Aside from that there is some great artwork and action in this books which makes this a must get novel of the series(not like any of the book are not "must get" books. lol). Buy it and enjoy, I thuroughly did.

At this point I am sure that I will never find a manga that can compete with Berserk for the top spot on my list. This manga has it all, breathtaking art, a mesmerizing and complex plot, multiple themes intertwined in the story, and a great dose of violence, gore and sensuality. But above all, it has a character that fans love and can empathize with. The transformation Guts has suffered throughout this series is mindboggling, and it feels like this volume is a crucial one in this evolution, kind of like a fork in the road. At the end of the previous volume the Hawks were still fighting to capture the strategically important Doldorey castle, and both Guts and Casca were in deep trouble. Guts had a broken sword and was facing the fiercest soldier in the Chudan army and Casca was in dire straits once more, against the "immortal" Adon. On top of all this, the duke in charge of the castle is the one that got Griffith to sleep with him years ago in exchange for money for the Hawks, and now the duke wants another taste. In this setting, an interesting character from Guts' past reappears and has, once more, a considerable impact on Guts' destiny. Fans of the series will love this. Politics are still an important part of the story, as Griffith and the Hawks continue to make enemies among the nobles and royal family. The conspiracies abound, and the Machiavellian Minister Foss is still an instrumental part in the plotting of the nobles. He is the brain and puppet master behind the whole operation. But also, in the previous volume we saw a hint of romance appear in the story, and this is augmented now, especially with the relationship between Griffith and Charlotte. This multiplicity of themes keep the interest level high and prevent us from getting bored from seeing the same thing over and over, which is a problem for many mangas. We have seen Guts say that he will leave the Hawks after this campaign is over. The question is if he will change his mind or not, especially now that he is starting to develop a friendship with Casca. Witnessing the evolution of this plot line is one of the most attractive aspects of this volume, but there is also the fight that ends this installment. Although it is really short, this confrontation ranks among the best in the series due to its level of emotion and what it means for the future. Hope other fans enjoy it as much as I did.

The band of the hawks are in for some crazy stuff. The story only gets more twisted and awsome as it progresses.

This is the best Manga out there. It gets interesting with each volume. And in this volume on, the story begins to differ than its animation counter part. So for those of you who saw the anime and didnt read the comic, I sugget you start reading from here because there are important characters and events that were cut from the animation.

Berserk is probably my favorite Japanese-imported fantasy series. Set in the feudal era where destiny seemed so ingrained, one man bravely swung his sword to ensure his own freedom. Guts is the one man with enough power and determination to challenge the transcendental entities, the Godhand, that impose their sordid sick will on humanity. Never have I so desperately cheered on a protagonist as he took on insurmountable odds with the careless, berserking rage that carried the weight of an entire era. In vol. 8, a Guts much reformed by the heat of battle again challenges Griffith, this time for his freedom from the Hawks. Despite the successes of the Hawks and Griffith's seemingly unstoppable campaign to the Midland throne, Guts wants to swing his sword freely. The life of a mercernary is all he has ever known. Life as a noble simply could not fulfill his own dreams and sense of purpose. Also, Guts can no longer stand being the subordinate of Griffith, Guts battles to claim equality with Griffith, the man ordained by the Behelit (The Egg of the one who would be king). In a discussion with his closest companion Judeau, he realizes that he must become his own man. Judeau, seeing that he might attain this dream, does not attempt to convince him to stay. However, Judeau does warn Guts that Caska, the woman he respects and probably loves, would not leave the Hawks. Guts revealed that in her eyes, he cannot compare with Griffith. However, if he were to make a name for himself, maybe she would look his way. Either way, it is time for Guts to leave the Hawks. "Berserk" is the proof positive that the comic book is one of the greatest products of the arts, combining two mediums: drawing and storytelling. I await the next volume with great anticipation, and even more so the one after that in which Guts pursues the demonized Griffith. If you like anime or manga, do not pass this by!