Berserk, Vol. 18 (v. 18) [Paperback]

Kentaro Miura (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 7, 2007

Hell has broken loose in the kingdom of Midland. On the death of Midland's king comes invasion, demonic forces seem to be on the rise, underground pagan cults are running wild, and the church is busily rounding up and teaching heretics the errors of their ways. While, Guts is busy testing out his newly repaired sword on the invaders, his former captain and lover, Casca, her mind wrecked by her unholy tryst with the demon lord, has fallen in with a rough crowd who don't exactly wish her well. But she, like Guts, is marked with the Brand of Sacrifice, and her abusers may soon find themselves face-to-face with the unholy abominations that are inexorably drawn to the Brand!

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Dark Horse Books/Digital Manga Publishing (August 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593077432
• ISBN-13: 978-1593077433
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The journey to the Tower of Rebirth continues..., August 15, 2007

By 

N. S. Michael (New Mexico) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Berserk, Vol. 18 (v. 18) (Paperback)

...though none of our characters is aware of the ramifications to come.

As Guts continues his long hike to the Tower in search of Casca, Farnese and the Holy Chain Knights are exposed to the High Inquisitor's methods even further as the depths to his fanatical devotion to his faith are highlighted in acts of charity and bloody deeds. Elsewhere, among the refugees, individuals are growing more desperate by the minute and the mob more violent... someone is killing priests, and that someone must be found before everyone is put to the Question.

Many new characters are introduced this volume, and several that we met last volume are given further characterization (such as the Inquisitor's torture crew, who are given a backstory). The main newcomers to pay attention to for this story arc are Isidoro, a young punk making his way through the world on his wit, and the ladies of ill repute among the refugees (Luca and Nina being the most important) who are taking care of Casca. Farnese's background is given another brief look as her attraction to pain and her history with Serpico is hinted at.

**Fair warning** Lots of nudity in this volume as there's a pagan sex cult on the loose, and Farnese can't think of fire without going damp between her legs. Girl's got problems... but, hey, don't we all.

The art is standard Miura goodness with lots of detail in both the beautiful and the repulsive. Like I said above, this is probably not a book you want to be reading in public due to it's graphic detail in sex and violence (instead of just the regular violence... heh).

All in all, another strong volume about the human world, showing more on the undercurrents of mundane society, with only a little spirit world action for Guts to beat down on. Time marches on and medievil society is still visibly breaking down... what's that line? "The center cannot hold?" I definitely recommend a buy, with my standard caveat to read all which came before it.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Volume of the Best Manga Ever, August 26, 2007

By 

JAS "fantasy freak" (dreamland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Berserk, Vol. 18 (v. 18) (Paperback)

Berserk is a very adult manga in a great fantasy setting. With Medieval battles and relationships it deals with philosophical issues and the challenges of controlling your own will and desires. This volume focuses a lot on Farnese and her personal issues. Casca is also followed as she stays with a cult. Guts sets out to rescue Casca and after visiting Godo for the first time in two years. I would disagree with another reviewer and say that many key events happen or are introduced in this volume. It is a great read and a great volume of the story. To all those 18 and older, Berserk 18 (and all the other volumes) are highly recommended.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars interesting, December 5, 2009

By 

winged orange angel "orangeluvor" (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Berserk, Vol. 18 (v. 18) (Paperback)

I like this series a lot, but it is starting to take to long to get to any climax in the books. The story line is interesting, but as most books do, it portrays the main female as helpless and completely dependent. At first she was amazing, independant and strong (also a b-otch) but now, as usuall, she is no longer. I find that aspect frustrating. There are a lot of monsters, esexual oddities, and magic through out the series. But the books can drag at times. maybe I am just inpatient. Still fun to read.