For fans of dark fantasy and deeply emotional storytelling, the first page of Berserk isn't just the beginning of a manga — it's the gateway to an epic journey. Originally created as a way for Kentaro Miura to enter the competitive manga scene, the first pages of Berserk reflect a time when the creator was still discovering his voice. While some fans debate its relevance today, there's no denying that the initial pages set the tone for the raw intensity, tragic themes, and existential depth that would become the hallmark of the series.

So, if you're new to Berserk or coming back after years of reading, you might wonder: why does the first page matter? How did it shape what Berserk became? And what did Miura himself think about those early moments? Let's dive into the history, significance, and ongoing conversation around the first pages of Berserk.

The beginning of any story matters, but in the case of Berserk, the first pages are especially interesting due to the series' complicated publishing history and the creator's evolving vision. If you’ve ever flipped through volume one and felt like something was off, you're not alone. Many readers revisit the start after finishing the series and realize how much the tone and direction shifted over time.

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Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Is Berserk and Why Does the First Page Matter?
• The Early Development of Berserk
• The Black Swordsman Arc and the Real Beginning
• What Kentaro Miura Said About the First Pages
• How to Read Berserk: Volumes, Editions, and Page Numbering
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Berserk and Why Does the First Page Matter?

The first page of Berserk can feel a little jarring to modern readers, especially those familiar with the emotional weight and artistic mastery of later arcs. So, why does this matter? Well, in a way, it’s like watching the early episodes of a TV show that hadn’t quite found its footing yet. The opening pages reflect the moment when Kentaro Miura was still figuring out how to tell Guts' story.

At the time, Berserk was partly inspired by the popularity of other action-heavy series like Fist of the North Star. Miura was trying to get his foot in the door of the manga industry, and that early version of Berserk leaned more into the brutal action and post-apocalyptic vibes that were trending back then. But as the series evolved, so did the storytelling, the characters, and the overall tone.

If you're curious about how Berserk became the deeply emotional, philosophical, and visually stunning series it is today, the first page is a starting point worth exploring. It’s like looking at the first sketch of a masterpiece — it doesn’t look like the final product, but it shows where the journey began.

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The Early Development of Berserk

When Berserk first began, it was a one-shot project for Miura. He was still figuring out what kind of story he wanted to tell. The original version of the first pages was published in 1988, but the series didn’t officially start its serialization until 1989. In those early days, the tone was more straightforward: a lot of violence, a lone warrior, and a sense of chaos.

Over time, Miura refined the narrative and introduced the deeper themes that would make Berserk stand out — things like fate, free will, the cost of ambition, and the horrors of war. The original first pages, while technically part of the series, are often considered non-canon or at least disconnected from the main story that follows. They're more like a foundation that Miura eventually built over, rather than a part of the final structure.

One interesting thing to note is how the series was renumbered when it moved to Young Animal magazine. The episode count started over at 1, which can be confusing for new readers. So if you're reading digitally or in volume form, you might notice some numbering inconsistencies — especially when you reach Volume 14, where Miura decided to renumber everything again to align with the Golden Age arc.

The Black Swordsman Arc and the Real Beginning

So where does Berserk truly begin? For many fans, the real story starts with the Black Swordsman arc. This is where Guts, freshly marked with the Brand of Sacrifice, sets off on his quest for revenge after the horrific Eclipse. The first page of this arc is widely regarded as one of the most powerful in the entire series.

It’s in this moment that Guts fully commits to his vengeance in a way that mirrors Griffith’s dedication to his own goals. This thematic parallel is one of the things that makes Berserk so compelling — it’s not just about a lone warrior fighting monsters, it’s about how people respond to trauma, betrayal, and loss.

Comparing the original first pages with the Black Swordsman arc is like comparing night and day. The later work is more refined, emotionally resonant, and artistically mature. That’s not to say the original pages are bad — they’re just a different version of the same story, one that helped Miura figure out what Berserk could become.

What Kentaro Miura Said About the First Pages

There have been several interviews where Miura reflected on the early parts of Berserk. He was known to be quite self-critical, and he admitted that the first pages didn’t fully capture what he wanted the series to be. In a way, they were more of an experiment — a way to get into the manga world while figuring out his own voice as a creator.

He once mentioned that he regretted how certain elements were handled in those early pages, especially in terms of Guts’ character development. At the time, Guts wasn’t fully fleshed out, and those initial pages didn’t quite match the emotional depth that would come later. That’s why many fans consider the first two pages more of a footnote than a core part of the story.

Still, these early moments are important for understanding Miura’s growth as an artist and writer. They show how even the most iconic stories can start with humble, imperfect beginnings. And for readers who’ve followed Berserk through its many twists and turns, revisiting those early pages can offer a unique perspective on the journey that followed.

How to Read Berserk: Volumes, Editions, and Page Numbering

If you're planning to read Berserk in print, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The series is currently available in two main formats: the standard tankobon volumes (there are 41 of them so far) and the Deluxe Editions, which collect multiple volumes into larger, higher-quality books. As of now, there are 12 Deluxe Editions, with more planned.

One thing that can be confusing for new readers is the way the episodes are numbered. Because of the series' long history and multiple renumberings, some volumes start at episode 1 again. For example, when Berserk moved to Young Animal, the count reset, which can make tracking your progress a bit tricky.

For a smoother reading experience, many fans recommend starting from the Black Swordsman arc rather than the original first pages. This ensures you jump straight into the version of Berserk that most people are familiar with — the one with Guts, the Brand, and the Eclipse. If you're curious about the early parts, they’re still worth checking out, but don’t worry if they feel a bit disconnected from the rest of the story.

If you're reading digitally, it’s a good idea to check which version you’re getting — some platforms include the original first pages, while others start from the Black Swordsman arc. Either way, you're in for an unforgettable experience once you dive into the world of Berserk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the first pages of Berserk considered canon?

Most fans and even Kentaro Miura himself considered the original first pages of Berserk as non-canon or at least not integral to the main story. These early pages were more of an experiment for Miura and don’t reflect the depth of the narrative that came later.

Where should I start reading Berserk?

For a more cohesive reading experience, many fans recommend starting with the Black Swordsman arc. This is where the story truly begins in terms of tone, character development, and plot progression. The original first pages are interesting but not necessary for understanding the main story.

Why does the episode numbering reset in Berserk?

Berserk went through several publication changes over the years, which affected the numbering of episodes. When the series moved to Young Animal, the count was reset to 1. Later, in Volume 14, Miura changed the numbering again to align with the Golden Age arc.

Learn more about Berserk's publication history on our site.