Words cannot describe how I'm feeling right now.......
Berserk is special to me. It is without question my favorite manga of all time, and simply one of my all time favorite pieces of media, period. It has inspired me in so many ways, and has truly touched my soul with its brilliant, well realized, and truly human characters.
This brilliant work of art has been the culmination of this man's hard work, experience, emotions, and personal growth over the course of 30 odd years, and we've been privileged enough to witness the development of the characters, and the man behind them, before our very eyes.
To call Berserk a masterpiece probably would not do it justice, or reveal all the intricacies that truly make it so special. It's definitely in the grotesque violence, cruel setting, sense of hopelessness, and epic battles; however, the true spirit of this man lies within the surreal sense of hope and the struggle to protect those you hold dear, and to never give up on a better future.
Many think of Berserk as a revenge story, with cool art and epic violence. It's not. Berserk is the story of a man bearing the harsh world he was born into, struggling to find his place in it, trying to find his purpose in life, learning to value those close to him, getting over and overcoming his personal demons, dealing with grief and depression, and trying to find peace. Berserk is the story of you, me, and all of us struggling through this world; trying to survive, thrive, and achieve our dreams. It's life.
I am truly heartbroken that I will never see all of this conclude, but more than anything, I am sad that the man will not get the chance to see his vision through to the end, and complete his Magnum Opus.
I at least take solace in the fact that perhaps Guts' character development is some form of reflection of Miura's own. In which case, perhaps he also found peace in valuing and loving those close to him, and what better ending could there be, eh?
May this legend rest in peace. Gone, but most certainly NEVER to be forgotten.
Thank you, Miura. Thank you for everything.