Comparing Berserk 1997 and 2016: Exploring the Differences Between the Anime Adaptations

The anime series Berserk 1997 and Berserk 2016 differ in various aspects, including animation style, fidelity in adaptation, sound design, and fan response. Berserk 1997 focuses on the Golden Age arc of the manga and is widely praised and acclaimed. On the other hand, the 2012–2013 film trilogy revamped the 1997 anime with improved visuals and more faithful content, leading to the creation of the 2016 anime.

Kentaro Miura's dark fantasy manga series, Berserk, has been featured in Young Animal magazine since 1989. Miura both wrote and illustrated the series, which revolves around the character Guts, a mercenary warrior navigating a world plagued by demons, conflict, and betrayal, all while wielding an enormous sword.

Berserk has been adapted into numerous media, like novels, video games, anime, and movies. However, not all of them have been faithful or well-received by fans.

Berserk 1997 hailed as the best adaptation of the series

The 1997 anime adaptation of Berserk delves into the origins and interconnections of the main characters, captivating audiences despite its limited budget and nostalgic aesthetics. Esteemed for its engaging storyline, mature thematic elements, evocative soundtrack, and visually expressive animation, the 1997 Berserk anime has amassed a devoted following, with many considering it to be the definitive adaptation of the series.

However, fans have raised concerns about the 1997 anime, noting various flaws. One major issue is the omission of important moments and characters from the manga, which are crucial for setting the storyline and atmosphere of the novel. Key elements like the God Hand, the Black Swordsman arc, and the Skull Knight are absent. Furthermore, the anime ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving viewers unsatisfied and curious about what happens next.

Moreover, fans outside of Japan may encounter difficulties in acquiring the Berserk 1997 anime legally. This is because it has not been officially licensed or released internationally.

On the other hand, the 2016 anime series is considered by many to be among the worst anime overall and among the worst Berserk adaptations.

The 2012–2013 film trilogy, which featured enhanced visuals and a more faithful storyline compared to the 1997 anime, is followed by the 2016 anime. Berserk 2016 encompasses the Conviction and Falcon of the Millennium Empire manga arcs, which continue the narrative from the Golden Age storyline.

The animation in the 2016 anime incorporates a combination of 2D drawings and 3D computer graphics, resulting in a jarring, inconsistent, and unappealing visual style. This aspect of the series received criticism from both manga enthusiasts and fans of the 1997 anime. The voice acting, music, direction, and sound effects in the 2016 anime are also lacking in quality, diminishing the intensity and immersion of the scenes.

A number of significant manga chapters, such as the Berserker Armor, the Moonlight Boy, and the Lost Children chapter, have been either omitted or changed in the 2016 anime adaptation. As a result, the character arc and narrative development of the story are affected. The 2016 anime concludes contentiously by introducing a new character without providing any explanation or hints, deviating from the original manga.

Result:

Consequently, Berserk 1997 and Berserk 2016 exhibit considerable disparities in terms of reception, quality, and content. The 2016 anime is widely regarded as a catastrophic failure and a dishonorable representation of the Berserk franchise, while the Berserk 1997 anime stands as a timeless and faithful adaptation of the manga.

Fans of Berserk have the option to delve into the manga, which is hailed as the superior and authentic narrative, or indulge in the movies, a revered and contemporary rendition of the Golden Age arc.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the Berserk series, I have mixed feelings about the 1997 and 2016 anime adaptations. While both adaptations have their strengths and weaknesses, I believe that the 1997 anime is the superior of the two.

The 1997 anime does an excellent job of capturing the dark and gritty atmosphere of the manga, and the animation, while dated by today's standards, still holds up well. The voice acting is also top-notch, and the soundtrack is one of the best in anime history. However, the anime does suffer from some pacing issues, and it can be difficult for newcomers to the series to follow. Additionally, the anime only covers the Golden Age arc of the manga, leaving out a significant portion of the story.

The 2016 anime, on the other hand, is a complete disaster. The animation is atrocious, the voice acting is terrible, and the soundtrack is forgettable. The story is also a mess, and it is clear that the production team did not have a clear vision for the series. The 2016 anime is a prime example of how not to adapt a manga series, and it is a shame that it exists.

Overall, I believe that the 1997 anime is the best adaptation of the Berserk manga. While it is not perfect, it is a faithful adaptation that captures the spirit of the original work. The 2016 anime, on the other hand, is a complete failure and should be avoided at all costs.