A Bond is Forever Formed
Episode 3 of Berserk starts with ferocity as Guts and Griffith clash swords, their brute force and delicate styles entwining them in an intense battle of will. Our first dive to the charismatic leader that is Griffith comes by way of his mid battle monologue. He effortlessly dances around Guts murderous swings before declaring his victory. Fresh off of their battle, Griffith declares his ownership of Guts: entering him into the Band of the Hawk.
The First Mission
Casca is the first to notice Griffith’s favoritism of Guts however that would be put at the forefront during their first raid as a new team. Griffith names Guts as rear guard, much to the Hawk’s surprise. During the explosive raid, Guts is awed by the Band of the Hawk’s precision. They work like seasoned professionals until it’s almost too late.
As the Hawk retreats from their attack, they are pursued by hundreds of enemy soldiers. Guts, as rear guard, sends the Hawk forward and leads the soldiers off in another direction. The rest of the Hawk is safe, but Guts is alone and severely outnumbered. That is, until Griffith leads a rescue party. He finds Guts and successfully leads the enemies into a surprise attack, furthering their victory.
Friendly Faces and Bloodied Noses
After the raid, the Band of the Hawk begins to realize Guts’ value as a solider. They carry him against his will to the celebration bonfire, and for the first time Rickert, Corkus, Pippen, and the rest of the Hawk anoint him as friend. Can Guts really coexist with these guys? If this is the past, then how the hell does he turn into the Black Swordsmen? Find out that and more in the coming synopsis and review of Berserk!
Weeb Rankings
- Narrative: 5/5 – This is one of the most important episodes in the entire series and for good reason. We get a ton of information about the dynamics of this rag tag band of mercenaries and their morality. Guts is dumbfounded at the camaraderie for good reason, and Griffith…more on that later.
- Animation: 5/5 – If you’ve seen ANY pictures of a full color Griffith, they’re from this episode. It’s full of iconic shots of the charismatic leader before succumbing to fate.
- Level of Intensity: 5/5 – Guts vs Griffith round 2 comes to a screeching halt by way of Guts rotator cuff and the action only intensifies from there. Griffith’s battle tactics are on full display when they outsmart the fortress’s soldiers.
- Overall – 5/5 – What an episode! Griffith’s iconic monologue will forever be etched into my brain and to follow it with THE scene of Berserk is amazing. This is where Berserk becomes more than the typical seinen, and evolves into a tortured story of love, purpose, and destiny. Where will these points meet? Find out in the next review of Berserk!