It really hits at the core theme of Berserk: that everyone has a battlefield in their own way. The war and demons in Berserk are metaphors for trauma, and so is battling them. Though it isn't very subtle, it's still powerful. But just because it is metaphorical doesn't mean the art, action, lore and characters aren't badass. Especially the lore about demons being people who sacrificed what is most precious to them for power. Badass lore for demons but also a commentary that people have to sacrifice those that they love (be it literally or their relationships) and give up their humanity to acheive great power.
The “Blue Sky Elf” chapter is probably one of my favourite in Berserk. Even though Guts tells Jill, as he’s leaving, to go home and return to your battlefield, this isn’t a separation of two distinct paths and realities. They are both the same. Both are fighting against this cruel world. However, their battles are different. Great video!
The panels when Guts tells Jill to look around him and then he embraces her and has a talk with her are to this day one of my favorite panel sequence/scene in all of Berserk.
I just love the panel when Guts is surrounding Jill in how darkness, with a halo of light around his head. It makes him look holy in that moment like a depiction of Jesus. Jill is terrified, Guts looks exhausted, maybe almost on the verge of tears. Without spoiling anything, the whole Black Swordsman saga, including this arc, is the lowest point in Guts' life, and this panel alone depicts his hopelessness.
This story arc is so full of symbolism, and I genuinely think this is Miura's most ambitious story arc. Just as an example, Jill has pretty much the same roots as Guts in that they both have abusive fathers with broken legs and sold them out to an abusive friend. More importantly, they both have a friend who sacrificed their family to pursue a dream and become an apostle. Now Jill is actually on the same path as Guts after the eclipse and on her way to becoming a monster herself. You pretty much nailed the gist of this story arc at the end, which a lot of people don't seem to get the first time they read it. This story arc is about the question of whether Guts is truly lost in his quest for revenge, and him not killing Jill but saving her is pretty much the answer we're looking for. Like you said, there is hope for him, especially considering the parallels between him and Jill, who was able to retain her humanity, and if you had read just one more chapter, you would have gotten even more confirmation for your conclusions :D
Lost Children is my favorite arc (mini-arc) in Berserk. The story, the art, the battles, the unflinching horror, the courage, the disturbing, the satisfying catharsis, everything in this arc is spectacular. It pulls no punches and hits the heart and mind for maximum impact.
The story of Peekaf and how it tied into Rosines arc was a brilliant parallel, and in the end when she was dying and the narration goes back to Peekaf being alone and out of time... I cried. It gets me every time
One of the most beautiful panel I've seen, is when Jill sees the sky with no clouds, fog or anything, and realises that no matter how dark things can get, there is always a point in time where You can take a break and see how beautiful life is, I cried
While Lost Children doesn't connect with me as much as it does for others, it's really not hard to see what's so great about it, and I think is a great introduction to what Berserk will be known for, the themes of struggling through life and finding hope within the darkness. I personally suffer from some sort of depression, but it's relatively mild. It prevents me for doing certain things, like getting out of bed or just generally taking care of myself, but I'm a pretty happy dude despite it. I know many people going through way worse than me have cited Berserk, and Lost Children specifically, for helping them overcome their depression. Berserk's graphic depictions of SA is one of its biggest criticisms, but you'll read plenty of people who've gone through that experience say Berserk has helped them immensely with dealing with their trauma. Because Berserk isn't just dark and cruel, it's hopeful, comedic and wholesome. Which is why I'll never understand why so many people dislike this arc. What 👏were 👏they 👏reading👏
Many Berserk fans love the golden age arc and overlook the other arcs because the eclipse is a standout moment in the whole story. But when you break the Conviction arc and FOTME arc into mini arcs. The golden age arc may only be the 5th best arc in berserk. As Miura got older and develop a better grasp of his story, the plot, characters and world development, the story got better, more expansive and intriguing. For many people in the fandom the lost children is considered the best mini arc, even if fans don’t agree on where to place it in ranking, the arc is very important. The better a reader understands this mini arc the better you can understand the character and story moving forward, it also hints at and foreshadows future events in the story. The entire of the conviction arc is misunderstood by the fanbase because some readers focus on the revenge plot and not the deep themes and character development within the story.
this arc is one of my favorites cause it dives into a side of guts we haven't really seen yet. Excited to hear your thoughts on the next arc Conviction!!
You're spot on about the scene with the demonic fairy kids play a game of "war". It is a very disturbing, dark and gruesome reveal of their nature or maybe even human nature itself. P.S. YT recommend just dropped a gem. Apparently someone voice acted this arc with actual professional voice actors. It's not an anime but a reading of the manga arc and it's very well done. "Berserk Lost Children Motion Comic Movie" th-cam.com/video/2OCjKZTG1JM/w-d-xo.html
At the end of the fight, Guts was no different to a monster himself panting like a beast, looking even more terrifying than one. Yet he was still able to soften up to Jill as he put his cloak over her and encourage her to go on with a warm and sad look on his face giving her security and strength even if for a very short moment. This duality of Guts is one of the best qualities of his character to me
im glad you really liked the arc. its my favourite and by far, maybe because its the only self contained one apart from the first. i totally agree with your thoughts and wish that one day it will be adapted into anime
" Go home, to your battlefield "
Still one of my favourite moments in any comic ever. Manga or otherwise
Agreed!
It really hits at the core theme of Berserk: that everyone has a battlefield in their own way. The war and demons in Berserk are metaphors for trauma, and so is battling them. Though it isn't very subtle, it's still powerful. But just because it is metaphorical doesn't mean the art, action, lore and characters aren't badass. Especially the lore about demons being people who sacrificed what is most precious to them for power. Badass lore for demons but also a commentary that people have to sacrifice those that they love (be it literally or their relationships) and give up their humanity to acheive great power.
The “Blue Sky Elf” chapter is probably one of my favourite in Berserk. Even though Guts tells Jill, as he’s leaving, to go home and return to your battlefield, this isn’t a separation of two distinct paths and realities. They are both the same. Both are fighting against this cruel world. However, their battles are different. Great video!
The panels when Guts tells Jill to look around him and then he embraces her and has a talk with her are to this day one of my favorite panel sequence/scene in all of Berserk.
Same 😢
I just love the panel when Guts is surrounding Jill in how darkness, with a halo of light around his head. It makes him look holy in that moment like a depiction of Jesus. Jill is terrified, Guts looks exhausted, maybe almost on the verge of tears. Without spoiling anything, the whole Black Swordsman saga, including this arc, is the lowest point in Guts' life, and this panel alone depicts his hopelessness.
So many great Arcs in Berserk, but this is one I always remember.
This story arc is so full of symbolism, and I genuinely think this is Miura's most ambitious story arc. Just as an example, Jill has pretty much the same roots as Guts in that they both have abusive fathers with broken legs and sold them out to an abusive friend. More importantly, they both have a friend who sacrificed their family to pursue a dream and become an apostle. Now Jill is actually on the same path as Guts after the eclipse and on her way to becoming a monster herself.
You pretty much nailed the gist of this story arc at the end, which a lot of people don't seem to get the first time they read it. This story arc is about the question of whether Guts is truly lost in his quest for revenge, and him not killing Jill but saving her is pretty much the answer we're looking for. Like you said, there is hope for him, especially considering the parallels between him and Jill, who was able to retain her humanity, and if you had read just one more chapter, you would have gotten even more confirmation for your conclusions :D
its basically a better version of black swordsman arc
Some of the best characters in the series incoming. Berserk is the gift that just does not stop giving
Lost Children is my favorite arc (mini-arc) in Berserk.
The story, the art, the battles, the unflinching horror, the courage, the disturbing, the satisfying catharsis, everything in this arc is spectacular. It pulls no punches and hits the heart and mind for maximum impact.
The story of Peekaf and how it tied into Rosines arc was a brilliant parallel, and in the end when she was dying and the narration goes back to Peekaf being alone and out of time... I cried. It gets me every time
One of the most beautiful panel I've seen, is when Jill sees the sky with no clouds, fog or anything, and realises that no matter how dark things can get, there is always a point in time where You can take a break and see how beautiful life is, I cried
Im glad you enjoyed it , i also love this arc👌
While Lost Children doesn't connect with me as much as it does for others, it's really not hard to see what's so great about it, and I think is a great introduction to what Berserk will be known for, the themes of struggling through life and finding hope within the darkness.
I personally suffer from some sort of depression, but it's relatively mild. It prevents me for doing certain things, like getting out of bed or just generally taking care of myself, but I'm a pretty happy dude despite it. I know many people going through way worse than me have cited Berserk, and Lost Children specifically, for helping them overcome their depression. Berserk's graphic depictions of SA is one of its biggest criticisms, but you'll read plenty of people who've gone through that experience say Berserk has helped them immensely with dealing with their trauma. Because Berserk isn't just dark and cruel, it's hopeful, comedic and wholesome.
Which is why I'll never understand why so many people dislike this arc. What 👏were 👏they 👏reading👏
berserk not everyone has to like all of the arcs you 👏 forgot 👏 what 👏 an 👏 opinion 👏 is 👏
Hype! I’m so glad you’re loving Berserk so much.
Many Berserk fans love the golden age arc and overlook the other arcs because the eclipse is a standout moment in the whole story. But when you break the Conviction arc and FOTME arc into mini arcs. The golden age arc may only be the 5th best arc in berserk. As Miura got older and develop a better grasp of his story, the plot, characters and world development, the story got better, more expansive and intriguing. For many people in the fandom the lost children is considered the best mini arc, even if fans don’t agree on where to place it in ranking, the arc is very important. The better a reader understands this mini arc the better you can understand the character and story moving forward, it also hints at and foreshadows future events in the story. The entire of the conviction arc is misunderstood by the fanbase because some readers focus on the revenge plot and not the deep themes and character development within the story.
When Guts is draped in the bile and entrails of the dead child surrounded by fire? Holy shit that's like one of my favorite panels of all time
this arc is one of my favorites cause it dives into a side of guts we haven't really seen yet. Excited to hear your thoughts on the next arc Conviction!!
Welcome to true peak Berserk it gets better 🔥
You're spot on about the scene with the demonic fairy kids play a game of "war". It is a very disturbing, dark and gruesome reveal of their nature or maybe even human nature itself.
P.S. YT recommend just dropped a gem. Apparently someone voice acted this arc with actual professional voice actors. It's not an anime but a reading of the manga arc and it's very well done.
"Berserk Lost Children Motion Comic Movie"
th-cam.com/video/2OCjKZTG1JM/w-d-xo.html
At the end of the fight, Guts was no different to a monster himself panting like a beast, looking even more terrifying than one. Yet he was still able to soften up to Jill as he put his cloak over her and encourage her to go on with a warm and sad look on his face giving her security and strength even if for a very short moment. This duality of Guts is one of the best qualities of his character to me
I love your description of Puck being used like a salt shaker. 🧂
im glad you really liked the arc. its my favourite and by far, maybe because its the only self contained one apart from the first. i totally agree with your thoughts and wish that one day it will be adapted into anime
"There is no paradise for you to escape to"
Back into the darkness we go!
There were some really talented adaptions to this scene people have animated in the last year or so. Check it out!
plenty of great arc's to come 😁😁
The sky is blue...
In my opinion Rosine is a good antagonist and certainly 2nd or 3rd best Antagonist in the manga
Art in BERSERK, It's like you don't want to look at the monsters because it's disgusting and disturbing but.. But you can't for some reason.. 😅
Were so back
I finished it today!
Haha get rect “lost children arc is filler” people
I bet it's fight-loving powerscaler-ass americans who hate the Lost Children Arc lmao. "not enough punching!!".