Manga has the incredible ability to captivate readers right from the start. One of the most legendary series, Berserk, created by Kentaro Miura, is mainly known for its gripping and intense opening page. This article will compare the first page of Berserk to the openings of other famous manga like One Piece, Naruto, and Attack on Titan and explore how these initial impressions shape the lasting legacy of these series.
The first page of Berserk: A dark introduction
The first page of Berserk opens with an ominous tone, setting the stage for a rather graphic and often brutal world that readers will soon explore. It first introduces Guts, the story’s protagonist, in an explicit, grim encounter with a female demon.
While the initial image is indeed startling and visually intense, it is also thematically rich. It abruptly pulls readers into a character already steeped in violence and struggle. The explicit nature of the scene pulls no punches, upfront telling readers that Berserk is not for the faint-hearted.
What makes the first page of Berserk particularly striking and compelling is its immediate thrust into action. Even if there’s no slow buildup or backstory provided, readers are thrust into the chaos. The visual style showcased using dense linework and shadowing that emphasizes the grittiness of Guts’ world, reinforcing the bleak and violent atmosphere.
So, compared to many other manga openings, Berserk stands out for its mature and raw opening, leaving readers with little to imagine about the nature of the journey they are embarking on.
Naruto: A hero’s humble beginning
In contrast to Berserk’s intense opening, Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto starts with a lighter yet still significant tone. The first page introduces the protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, as he plays a prank on his village by vandalizing a monument. This humorous and lighthearted moment shows Naruto’s mischievous side while hinting at the more profound loneliness and desire for acknowledgement that will define his character arc.
While Berserk opens with graphic violence, Naruto introduces readers to a fun, rebellious character in a way that appeals to younger audiences. The focus is on building Naruto’s character, as readers are invited to sympathize with him being ostracized by his village due to a dark secret. The tone remains optimistic despite the serious backstory that underpins the series.
The contrast between the first page of Berserk and Naruto couldn’t be more different, but both openings succeed in engaging readers, each in its unique way. Where Berserk shocks, Naruto endears.
One Piece: Adventure awaits
Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece starts with the execution of Gold Roger, the Pirate King, whose last words ignite the search for the One Piece treasure, capable of making the finder the new Pirate King. This sets the stage for a thrilling adventure.
Unlike Berserk, which starts with a dark and personal moment, One Piece immediately introduces a world of treasure, pirates, and boundless adventure. It exudes excitement and invites readers to explore a vast, unknown world full of mysteries.
The difference between the first pages of Berserk and One Piece lies in their moods and themes. While Berserk focuses on individual struggle and brutality, One Piece embraces exploration and freedom. Both captivate audiences through contrasting approaches, one focusing on personal violence, the other on world-building and grand ambitions.
Attack on Titan: Tension and mystery
Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan begins in a way that echoes some of the intensity seen in the first page of Berserk. The opening page of Attack on Titan sets a tense and mysterious tone, featuring towering walls protecting humanity from the enigmatic Titans. The looming threat of the Titans is immediately established, creating a palpable sense of tension.
Similar to Berserk, Attack on Titan quickly plunges readers into a dangerous world. The atmosphere is grim and oppressive, with the constant shadow of the Titans. While Berserk focuses on Guts’ individual struggle, Attack on Titan emphasizes the collective fear of humanity and the danger of their existence within the walls.
Both Berserk and Attack on Titan focus on survival in hostile environments, but they approach the theme differently in their opening pages. The first page of Berserk introduces readers to one man’s violent battle against demonic forces. At the same time, Attack on Titan presents a society on the brink of collapse, facing an external threat that promises disaster.
The importance of first impressions in Manga
The first page of a manga has a critical role to play as it sets the tone for the whole series. In Berserk, the first page immediately draws readers into Guts’ world of violence, despair, and vengeance, resonating with mature audiences.
On the other hand, series like Naruto, One Piece, and Attack on Titan take different approaches in their introductions, successfully creating compelling first impressions. Naruto uses humour and relatability, One Piece capitalizes on adventure, and Attack on Titan builds suspense and tension.
While the first page of Berserk might shock new readers, it also promises an epic, dark journey ahead. It combines graphic imagery with deep storytelling, making it one of the most iconic manga of all time.
Analysis of reader reactions
Some fans like how Berserk’s first page boldly introduces an antiheroic figure, while others find it jarring compared to more conventional series. This can spark discussions about morality and redemption, which are central themes in Miura’s work.
Conversely, series like One Piece or Naruto use straightforward introductions to emphasize hope and camaraderie, creating immediate emotional connections with their protagonists.
To wind up
Berserk’s introduction is one of the most memorable yet dark entry in manga history, standing out as a bold and courageous beginning to an unforgettable story. When compared to the openings of other iconic manga like Naruto, One Piece, and Attack on Titan, it’s clear that each series has its unique approach to grabbing readers’ attention. Whether through shock, humour, adventure, or suspense, these legendary mangas prove that first impressions are indeed lasting ones in the world of storytelling.
