Berserk 2017 Season 2: Release Date & What To Expect

Hey, fellow anime fans! Let's dive into the grim and dark world of Berserk, specifically talking about the much-anticipated Berserk 2017 season 2. If you're anything like me, you've been eagerly waiting for more of Guts' brutal journey. The 2016 season, while divisive for some due to its CGI, definitely left us on a cliffhanger, and the desire for season 2 is palpable. So, what's the deal? When can we expect to see our favorite Black Swordsman back in action, and what kind of horrors await him? Let's break it down.

The Waiting Game: When Will Berserk 2017 Season 2 Arrive?

The biggest question on everyone's mind is, of course, when is Berserk 2017 season 2 coming out? The initial run of the Berserk anime adaptation in 2016 was split into two cours, with the second cour airing in the latter half of 2016. This led many to believe that a continuation, effectively a "season 2" for 2017, was practically guaranteed. However, official announcements have been a bit more elusive than we'd like. As of now, there hasn't been a concrete release date confirmed by LIDEN FILMS or any associated studios. This lack of official word can be frustrating, especially when you're jonesing for more of Guts' epic struggle. Keep in mind that anime production schedules can be notoriously complex. Factors like animation quality, voice actor availability, and the sheer amount of source material to adapt all play a role. While we don't have a release date, fans are speculating that if a season 2 were to happen, we might be looking at a release sometime in late 2017 or perhaps early 2018. It's a long shot, but the demand is certainly there. We'll just have to keep our eyes peeled for any official news dropping.

What to Expect: Continuing Guts' Gruesome Journey

If Berserk 2017 season 2 does get the green light, you can bet your last gold coin it's going to pick up right where the first season left off. We last saw Guts and his companions, including the charmingly optimistic Puck and the ever-skeptical Isidro, making their way towards Elfhelm. This mythical island is their goal because of Casca's deteriorating mental state. Remember, after the horrifying events of the Eclipse, Casca was left mentally shattered. The hope is that Elfhelm holds the key to restoring her sanity. This quest is not just about healing; it's deeply personal for Guts. His drive to protect Casca, despite his own inner demons and the constant threat of apostles and other demonic entities, is the core of his character. Expect the journey to be as perilous as ever. The Band of the Hawk, or what's left of it in Guts' tortured mind, will undoubtedly continue to haunt him. Griffith, the charismatic and now God Hand member, remains the ultimate antagonist, and his shadow looms large over Guts' path. We might also see further exploration of the new characters introduced, like Farnese and Serpico, as they navigate their own pasts and find their place within Guts' ragtag group. Their developing relationships and internal struggles will add another layer to the narrative. The source material from Kentaro Miura's manga is incredibly rich, so there's no shortage of content for the anime to draw from. The arcs following the Conviction Arc, which the first season heavily adapted, are filled with intense action, psychological horror, and profound character development. Prepare yourselves, guys, because if season 2 happens, it's going to be a wild, bloody ride. We're talking about the Fantasia Arc and potentially parts of the Idols Arc, which introduce even more fantastical elements and challenges.

The CGI Debate: Will It Improve?

One of the most discussed aspects of the 2016 Berserk anime was its heavy reliance on CGI. For many fans, especially those deeply invested in the original manga's detailed artwork, the shift to computer-generated imagery was jarring. While CGI can offer fluidity and dynamic camera angles, the execution in the 2016 season sometimes felt stiff and out of place, particularly when compared to the hand-drawn aesthetic of the manga and previous anime adaptations. Berserk 2017 season 2 presents an opportunity for LIDEN FILMS to address these criticisms. Will they stick with the same CGI approach, perhaps refining it to be more seamless and aesthetically pleasing? Or might they consider integrating more traditional 2D animation to blend better with the CGI elements? It's a tough balancing act. The goal is to capture the raw, visceral energy of Miura's art while also leveraging the capabilities of modern animation technology. Many hope for a middle ground, where CGI is used strategically for complex sequences or backgrounds, but character models and key animation retain a more hand-drawn feel. The fan base is passionate, and the visual presentation is a huge part of the Berserk experience. Improving the CGI or finding a better balance would undoubtedly be a major plus for the reception of season 2. We've seen other anime successfully integrate CGI over the years, so it's not impossible. Let's hope they listen to the feedback and deliver a visual experience that does justice to the epic story.

The Future of Berserk: Beyond Season 2

Looking beyond the immediate prospects of Berserk 2017 season 2, the Berserk franchise has a massive amount of potential. Kentaro Miura's manga is still ongoing, and each new chapter adds more depth and complexity to Guts' saga. If the anime adaptation manages to capture the spirit and quality of the manga, there's a real possibility for continued seasons or even a series of movies. The Berserk universe is vast, filled with intricate lore, morally ambiguous characters, and breathtaking battles. Adapting even a fraction of the remaining manga material would provide years of content. The success of previous adaptations, like the '97 anime and the Golden Age Arc movie trilogy, shows that there's a dedicated audience hungry for more. The challenge, as always, lies in finding a studio and a production team that can truly do justice to Miura's masterpiece. The visual style, the emotional weight, and the sheer epic scale of Berserk are incredibly difficult to replicate. However, the passion from fans worldwide is undeniable. If LIDEN FILMS or another studio can deliver a high-quality season 2, it could pave the way for future installments, potentially adapting arcs like the Conviction Arc more thoroughly or even venturing into the later, highly anticipated parts of the story. The dream scenario for many fans is a faithful adaptation that spans the entire manga, but that's a monumental undertaking. For now, our focus remains on the possibility of season 2, but it's exciting to think about the long-term future of Berserk on screen. Let's keep the faith, guys!

Conclusion: Hope for More Guts

So, to wrap things up, the wait for Berserk 2017 season 2 continues. While official news is scarce, the demand from the fanbase is stronger than ever. We're all hoping for a continuation that delivers the dark fantasy, brutal action, and emotional depth that Berserk is known for. The journey to Elfhelm promises more trials for Guts and his companions, and the hope of Casca's recovery fuels the narrative. The CGI debate is a valid one, and many are eager to see if the animation quality can be improved. Ultimately, Berserk is a story that deserves a faithful and visually stunning adaptation. We'll be keeping a close watch for any updates regarding season 2. Until then, revisiting the manga or the older anime might just have to suffice. Stay strong, and may the God Hand never find you!