Highlights
- Berserk's unique combination of a medieval setting, captivating plot, well-developed characters, and intense emotions make it one of the best seinen manga and anime franchises.
- If Guts had chosen to stay with the Band of the Falcon, the story would have taken a different direction, with his combat skills and strategic acumen bolstering the band's strength and impacting their successes.
- Guts' continued presence could have influenced Griffith, potentially leading him away from his ambitious and catastrophic path. However, his departure was necessary for his own personal journey and growth.
Even though genres of manga, such as seinen, are starting to get their flowers from the audience with the huge global popularity that manga and anime have received in recent years, there are only a few seinen manga and anime franchises that can go toe to toe with other comparatively more popular genres, such as shōnen. One of these few seinen is Kentaro Miura's iconic manga series, Berserk, which is a saga brimming with dark fantasy, intense character arcs, and a harrowing narrative that captivates audiences worldwide.
A medieval sort of background, enchanting plot, amazing set of characters, and pretty good use of intense emotions in the story are what make Berserk one of the best seinen manga and anime franchises out there. Central to this gripping tale is Guts, a formidable swordsman who was a solo mercenary but had to eventually join a band of mercenaries headed by Griffith after losing a duel. Guts' gradual departure from the Band of the Falcon marked a pivotal juncture in the storyline. However, let's explore the hypothetical possibility of what would have happened had Guts decided to remain within the Band of the Falcon, which offers a fascinating journey into uncharted territories of possibility.
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An Alternate Reality
At the core of Berserk's plot lies the Band of the Falcon, led by the charismatic but deep down cynical Griffith, whose ambition knew no bounds. Guts, a crucial member of this mercenary band, played a significant role in the group's dynamics. His departure, spurred by his own quest for vengeance against Griffith, set the stage for a tumultuous series of events. Had Guts chosen to remain with the Band of the Falcon, the landscape of the story might have undergone significant alterations. Firstly, his steadfast combat prowess and unyielding determination could have served as an unshakable pillar, further fortifying the Band's strength during their conquests and battles. Guts' strategic acumen and combat skills were unmatched, potentially impacting the Band's successes in numerous engagements.
The interpersonal dynamics within the Band of the Falcon would undoubtedly have undergone a transformation with Guts' continued presence. His relationship with Casca, in particular, held a profound significance. Guts' decision to leave deeply affected Casca, leaving her torn between her loyalty to Griffith and her feelings for Guts. Had he stayed, their relationship might have evolved differently, possibly offering a more stabilizing influence amidst the band's chaos.
The Guts and Griffith Dynamic
Moreover, Guts' presence might have significantly influenced Griffith, the leader whose ambitious aspirations led to catastrophic consequences. Guts' unwavering determination and resilience could have potentially acted as a moral compass for Griffith, offering counsel that might have steered Griffith away from the fateful path that led to the catastrophic Eclipse. The departure of Guts from the Band of the Falcon served as the catalyst for his personal journey, leading him on a path fraught with trials and growth. However, his continued presence might have hindered his individual growth and self-discovery. Remaining within the Band could have limited his exploration of self and purpose beyond his pursuit of vengeance.
Nevertheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that Berserk's narrative thrives on the intricacies of tragedy and resilience. Guts' departure was a critical turning point that not only shaped his destiny but also dictated the fate of those he left behind, setting in motion a chain of events that defined the narrative's tragic essence.
The hypothetical scenario of Guts choosing to remain within the Band of the Falcon offers an enticing glimpse into a parallel narrative, shedding light on the various permutations that could have altered the course of Berserk's storyline. While the departure of Guts fueled the tragic essence of the tale, his potential presence within the Band might have unveiled a distinct series of events, showcasing the compelling unpredictability within the world of Berserk.
In this alternate reality, the Band of the Falcon might have experienced a different trajectory, possibly steering the narrative away from the heartbreaking events that unfolded following Guts' departure. Nonetheless, the absence of Guts could have led to equally riveting yet divergent storylines, reinforcing the inevitable and fateful nature inherent within Berserk's world. Guts' departure was a significant moment that irrevocably altered the course of Berserk. However, exploring the hypothetical scenario where he chose to remain within the Band of the Falcon opens a realm of possibilities and speculation, enriching the complexity and depth of this legendary franchise. But this just remains a mere alternate reality, since Guts leaving the Band of Falcon is crucial for the real plot of Berserk, as that is the only and best way that the franchise could move forward with the story without making it a cliché or an old wine served in a new bottle. It is quite a relief that Miura did not go for a traditional approach with the plot of the franchise and instead went full throttle with it, which is why Berserk has gained the status of being a legendary seinen franchise and a classic among manga and anime fans worldwide.
Berserk is available to stream on Netflix.
