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THE FACTS
26 ep. TV series
Genres: Fantasy, action, horror
Warnings: Extreme violence, mature situations, adult themes
Comments: It isn't all blood and guts - tackles complex issues of identity and personal destiny to produce one fine anime.

One of the most controversial, disturbing series ever to air on television (albeit on a very late time slot), Berserk is a gripping, epic tale set in Medieval times, with several fantasy elements thrown in. The hero, or rather, anti-hero, of the saga is Gatts, a wandering warrior for hire who doesn’t shy away from killing when needed. Early on, he is coerced into joining the Band of the Hawk, a mercenary group, when he loses in battle against its mysterious leader, Griffith. Eventually, Gatts and the shrewd, disarming Griffith forge a close friendship. This simple alliance inadvertently evolves along with the characters as the series progresses.

Despite the many violent battle scenes that are liberally distributed throughout the episodes, Berserk is a very intelligent, mature anime that’s not afraid to delve into unsavory issues like child abuse, torture, rape, and prostitution. This is not a show for the young or faint of heart. However, the viewer willing to look past the unpleasant details will find a truly fascinating story with involving, complex characters. By the last heart-wrenching episode, one realizes just how much he/she has grown to care about Gatts and his comrades.

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Artbooks, Calendars, Posters/Wall Scrolls, Music CDs, Videos, Lighters, Belt Buckles, Mousepads