Explore the brutal and unforgettable opening of Berserk in Chapter 1. Discover how Guts makes his shocking debut and sets the tone for one of manga’s darkest stories.
Introduction:
When it comes to unforgettable openings in manga, Berserk Chapter 1 hits harder than most. Right from the first panel, readers are plunged into a world soaked in darkness, rage, and twisted destiny. This chapter introduces Guts—the Black Swordsman—not as a typical hero, but as a brutal, mysterious figure with a massive sword and an even bigger grudg
The World of Darkness Unfolds
The tone is set within the very first few pages: a cursed brand, demonic enemies, and a city ruled by cruelty. Berserk doesn’t wait to show its teeth. The setting feels medieval yet decaying—filled with corruption, superstition, and danger. This world isn’t just dark—it’s hostile to hope.
The art immediately stands out. Kentaro Miura’s signature detailed linework captures everything from crumbling architecture to grotesque demons. Every frame screams “this is not your typical manga.”
Guts: Not Your Average Protagonist
Guts is introduced in brutal fashion. His first real scene? He beds a woman—who turns out to be a demon—and kills her without hesitation. Cold, brutal, efficient. He’s not the friendly hero most readers expect. Instead, Guts is rage in human form—armed with a colossal Dragonslayer sword and an iron arm-cannon.
He carries a mysterious mark on his neck—the Brand of Sacrifice—which bleeds in the presence of demonic forces. We don’t know why he fights, but it’s clear he’s doing it alone… and with purpose.
Puck: Light in the Darkness
As the chapter progresses, readers are introduced to Puck, the small, mischievous elf who serves as a foil to Guts’ grim demeanor. Puck is curious and empathetic—providing both comic relief and a humanizing counterbalance to the unrelenting violence.
The dynamic between the two—especially in later chapters—adds layers to Guts’ personality. But even here, in the very beginning, we see Guts reject companionship. He’s on a mission, and there’s no space for weakness.
Themes Already Taking Shape
Even in just this first chapter, Berserk lays the groundwork for its core themes:
- Revenge and rage: Guts’ eyes burn with hatred. We don’t know why, but the weight of betrayal is palpable.
- Isolation: He walks alone, fights alone, suffers alone. This isn’t a team story—it’s a personal war.
- Good vs. Evil… blurred: The so-called “bad guys” are demons, but Guts is hardly a saint. Violence begets violence.
Setting the Stage for the Epic to Come
This chapter ends with a demon king named the Snake Baron emerging, giving readers their first look at what Guts is truly up against. It’s not just about bandits and soldiers—there are forces of pure evil manipulating this world from the shadows.
The question is: Why is Guts hunting them? That mystery becomes the hook that drags readers deeper into the spiral of violence, suffering, and redemption that defines Berserk.
Conclusion
Berserk Chapter 1 doesn’t waste time. In under 50 pages, it introduces a powerful protagonist, an unforgiving world, and stakes that feel cosmic. It’s not an easy read—but that’s the point. Berserk doesn’t comfort, it confronts.