Customer Reviews

Berserk, Vol. 18 (v. 18)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

...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.

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.

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.

Keep in mind I'm reviewing the product, not shipper. This company has never let me down in the past, and everything I've ordered from them has arrived very quickly. This book however, in comparison to all the others... WAS HORRIBLE. All they did in this episode was A BUNCH caractor building and introduction (THE WHOLE BOOK). It was the equivelent of a DBZ episode where they did nothing but talk about how much the badguy sucks... Sure there were a couple action sequinces but they were out of the blue and pointless you could honestly skip this book and miss nothing.