Manga Review – Berserk Vol 7 by Kentaro Miura (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Fantasy/Manga
Length: 240 pages
Publisher: Dark Horse Manga
Release Date: February 1, 2005
ISBN-13: 978-1593072520
Stand Alone or Series: 7th volume in the Berserk series
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

“Two feudal kingdoms, Midland and Chuder, battle for supremacy in what will become the final clash in a century-long struggle. Spearheading the Midland forces is the Band of the Hawk, a legendary cadre of elite mercenaries led by the charismatic Griffith and with the fearless Guts as its berserker champion.

The Hawks’ ferocity, courage, and fearsome skills – not to mention Guts’ enormous broadsword – are just what Midland needs to turn the bloody tide, but during the fray, Guts and Griffith’s most trusted lieutenant, Casca, fall together from a cliff into a raging river. Miraculously, both barely survive, and Guts tends to Casca’s wounds as she tells of having her life saved by Griffith, her induction into the Band of the Hawk, and her deep feelings toward Griffith.

She even seems to finally be warming up to the grim Guts. But this greeting-card moment won’t last long, for Chuder warriors are on the prowl, and the only greetings they carry are on the points of their spears!”

This is the seventh volume in the Berserk manga series and it was another wonderful addition to this series. This story continues right after Guts and Casca fall off the cliff into a river together.

We learn a lot more about both Casca’s and Griffith’s past in this volume. It was interesting to see Casca’s background and where she came from. We also learn some about what Griffith has done to get to where he is today.

Casca and Guts seem to be forming a partnership of sorts. However, they are ambushed by Chuder forces and forced to fight for their lives. Guts kills 100 men and makes a decision about his life path. Meanwhile Griffith signs up the Band of the Hawk to take on their toughest battle yet.

The illustration continues to be top notch and I really enjoy how much story we get in each volume. I can’t wait to read the next volume in the series!!

Overall a wonderful continuation of this action packed and brutal series. There is a lot of story in here, the characters are engaging and interesting, and the action is non-stop! Definitely recommended to mature readers who love seinen and enjoy fantasy horror with a lot of action!

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Mount TBR Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– Flights of Fantasy Reading Challenge