We pick up with a masterclass on using the environment to set the tone for this chapter of Berserk. During a dark and stormy raid, Griffith receives word that Gut’s crew is struggling against a mythical beast, Nosferatu Zodd. Rickert and Casca take heed to the mere mention of his name, before we flash to Gaston (recognize his extremely popular VA?) holding Guts back from rushing in on his own. Guts finally enters the battle after one of his men whispers Zodd’s name before succumbing to his injuries, and the scales of causality that envelop Berserk are brought to light.
The Beast is Revealed
Guts enters to a litany of his men strewn about, broken and bloodied like human toys in the result of a monster’s rampage. He’s silent as he first lays eyes on Zodd, meeting his demonic red eyes with a fierce rage. The difference in strength is palpable at this point as Zodd gifts Guts a compliment before furiously attacking him with his own giant sword. Guts is pushed to his limits immediately as Griffith decides to enter the cave to assist his newest lieutenant. Meanwhile, Zodd sees thorough Guts brazen attack and meets his blade in a clash!
History is Made
Guts successfully shatters Zodd’s weapon and pierces his chest with the blade, causing Zodd to confess that it took 300 years for him to get wounded by a human, and then it gets real. He transforms from the towering man to a huge beast, fully embracing his demonic form and showing Guts just how far away actual power is. With no choice but to defend himself, Guts dodges Zodd’s attacks with impressive efficiency before ultimately losing this brutal game of cat and mouse. All hope seems lost as Zodd attempts to pull his body apart, just as Griffith enters with a team of archers.
Griffith’s Fortitude
Griffith’s intensity does not falter after Zodd tanks every arrow from the archer’s volley, nor does he flinch as he orders the archers to retreat. Griffith bravely makes it to Guts and enacts a complex plan of attack, successfully doubling the amount of damage Zodd has taken in the last 300 years. All is not well however, as Griffith is thrown against a wall and Zodd takes his time getting ready to claim his victory.
The Crimson Behelit…Saves the Day?
A blessing in disguise? Zodd stops in his tracks after seeing the Egg of the King, and gives us a brutal foreshadowing. Remember these words: “If you think this man your friend, then know this: when you regard one another as brother, and this man’s ambition crumbles, it is your destiny to face your death. You cannot escape your fate.” With that, Zodd flies through the roof and the rest of the Hawk quickly enters to observe the carnage. The episode ends with an unconscious Griffith getting attended to by an emotional Casca who lashes out at Guts for failing to protect Griffith and we are left with more questions than answers. Just what the hell is Nosferatu Zodd and where did he come from? Why did he stop his rampage at the sight of a mere Behelit? Are Griffith and Guts going to make a full recovery? Find out that and more in the coming synopsis and review of Berserk!
Weeb Rankings
- Narrative: 5/5 – What an episode! Until now there have just been glimpses and tidbits about the true nature of Midland and the reality that our protagonists, the Band of the Hawk, reside in but it’s impossible to miss a demon like Zodd. He effortlessly slays 500 men before bringing the beast that is Guts to his knees. How does that Crimson Behelit protect Griffith, and what the hell was that advice to Guts? I’ll give you a hint: stay tuned and you’ll find out just how lucky they got.
- Animation: 5/5 – I mean this episode deserves a 5 off of the eyes alone. Griffith’s mesmerizing blue, Zodd’s menacing red and black dilation, and Casca’s emerald irises shimmering with tears and fear. Guts and Griffith’s battle against Zodd is a top 5 fight in the anime entirely (check out the last post for a complete list!) and it brings a fantastical feel to this grim picture.
- Level of Intensity: 5/5 – The first truly unstoppable force that we see and it leaves Guts, for the first time that we see, afraid. He freezes at the mere sight of Zodd and that’s before he transforms into a horned beast. Griffith lays it all on the line to save the man that has tried to kill him multiple times, and the rest of the Hawk realizes that they may be in trouble. I won’t blame you if you want to watch this one back a few times, I know I have!
- Overall – 5/5 – The landscape of the series has forever changed. No longer is Guts one of the strongest soldiers in Midland, hell he may not even be close with likes of Nosferatu Zodd walking around out there. Griffith’s Egg of the King managed to save them this time, but what are they to do if they encounter another beast? And how the hell did a gross little egg save them in the first place? Check out the next synopsis and review of Berserk to find out!