The very first chapter of Berserk does something bold.
It doesn’t start with hope.
It doesn’t start with friendship.
It starts with darkness.
Chapter 1 introduces us to a version of Guts that feels brutal, cold, and almost villainous.
And that’s intentional.
Let’s break it down properly.
1. The Tavern Scene – A Dangerous Introduction
The chapter opens in a rough tavern filled with criminals and mercenaries.
A mysterious man in black armor sits quietly.
Huge sword.
Massive presence.
No emotion.
This is our first look at Guts — the Black Swordsman.
Immediately, we see:
- He’s not friendly.
- He doesn’t fear anyone.
- He seems detached from normal human behavior.
When thugs try to intimidate him, he doesn’t hesitate.
Violence is instant.
Efficient.
Brutal.
This tells readers one thing:
This is not a typical hero.
2. The Apostle Reveal – Horror Begins
The chapter escalates quickly.
We discover a nobleman is secretly an Apostle — a human who sacrificed others for demonic power.
His transformation scene is disturbing.
Limbs stretch.
Skin tears.
A monstrous snake-like creature emerges.
This moment establishes Berserk’s core genre:
Dark fantasy horror.
Not just action.
Not just violence.
But grotesque, supernatural terror.
3. Guts’ Hidden Weapons – More Than a Swordsman
When the Apostle attacks, we see something shocking.
Guts doesn’t just use a sword.
He has:
- A mechanical arm with a hidden cannon.
- Explosive bolts.
- Tactical awareness beyond human level.
This is when readers realize:
He hunts these creatures.
This isn’t random violence.
It’s personal.
4. The Brand of Sacrifice – A Mystery Begins
During the fight, the Apostle recognizes something.
The Brand on Guts’ neck.
It bleeds.
It reacts.
The Apostle calls him a “sacrifice.”
That single word sets up the biggest mystery of early Berserk:
Why is Guts marked?
Who sacrificed him?
What happened before this chapter?
Chapter 1 doesn’t explain.
It makes you need answers.
5. The Final Moment – Cold Satisfaction
After defeating the Apostle, Guts smiles.
Not happily.
Not heroically.
But with bitterness.
He mocks the dying monster.
There is no mercy.
No relief.
Just hatred.
And that’s important.
Because this Guts is consumed by revenge.
We don’t know why yet.
But we feel it.
Why Chapter 1 Is So Powerful
Most stories introduce heroes as noble.
Berserk introduces Guts as:
- Violent
- Emotionally scarred
- Almost cruel
And that creates curiosity.
We don’t start by loving him.
We start by questioning him.
Later arcs (Golden Age especially) will completely change how we see this version of Guts.
But Chapter 1 shows us the end result first.
A broken man.
Hunting demons.
Themes Introduced in Chapter 1
Even in this early chapter, major themes appear:
- Revenge
- Humanity vs monstrosity
- Survival
- Hidden past trauma
- The cost of power
The tone is unapologetically dark.
And that’s what made Berserk different from other manga at the time.
Final Thoughts on Chapter 1
Berserk Chapter 1 doesn’t ease you into the story.
It throws you into blood and shadow.
But that’s genius.
Because when you later see Guts laughing with the Band of the Hawk…
You remember this version.
And you realize something terrible must have happened.
Chapter 1 isn’t just an introduction.
It’s a warning.
