Visions in hypnagogic states, deep introspection, and the ouroboros of prophecy vs. causality abound in these chapters as we learn more about Farnesse’s religiously driven sexual repression, Zodd’s first interaction with his new and future master, and Guts getting an emotional truth-bomb dropped on his face for leaving Casca and Rickert alone for two years so he could selfishly focus on revenge. Miura never lets you feel exactly the same about characters for very long…even the ones we’re supposed to love. It’s part of his mastery, and part of what makes Berserk so damn compelling chapter after chapter.

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The Holy Iron Chain chapters of the Conviction Arc present some really cool dynamics into the characters, story, and world building of Berserk - namely the almost “anti-Casca” that is Farnesse. We also get the juxtaposition of the Holy See’s perceived religious mythology with Guts and Puck’s very much lived experiences. Faith vs. Horror, Light is Dark, Dark is light, etc. Very rich stuff here. Ooooooooooh…and we get the infamous FARNESSE HORSE SCENE!!! Honestly that’s all you needed to know to listen.

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Check out Steve and Joey’s other podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/probing-ancient-aliens/id1321801647

https://open.spotify.com/show/3aREEXpe4DE37LsNkUxntW

Check out Steve and Joey’s Patreon for that other podcast:

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Rosine bears down on Guts at supersonic speeds (literally) and their final showdown begins! These chapters (that were too long to list in the title of the podcast: A BLOODY NIGHT SKY, THE SPACE BETWEEN DEMON AND MAN, FIREFLY, THE WAY HOME, BLUE SKY ELF, THE BEAST OF DARKNESS), cover Guts' triumph over Rosine, Jill's triumph over her fears of living in her abusive home/town...and the Beast of Darkness' triumph over Guts very soul. From here on out, Guts will have to contend with his own literal inner demon, built and fueled by the hatred and murderous intent of ever kill he's ever made...and ever will make.

The battle against Rosine (and her child-elf minions) continues, with Puck trying to convince Jill to not succumb to Rosine’s fanciful temptations…and Guts just killing more and more children with murderous glee. We get some of the raddest and goriest scenes thus far, plus the appearance of Guts’ signature Super Cannon Sword Whirlwind Attack to deal with those Ugly Buglies once and for all. Enjoy!

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Check out Steve and Joey’s other podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/probing-ancient-aliens/id1321801647

https://open.spotify.com/show/3aREEXpe4DE37LsNkUxntW

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Boy have we got some sceeeeeenes with Queeeeeeen Rosiiiiiiiine! Rosine full reveals herself (and it’s definitely disturbing) to Guts, Jill and Puck, and she’s pretty ticked off that Guts has been killing her little “Ugly Buglies,” as we have dubbed them. The horrific realization that the Ugly Buglies might be (now former) “Kuddly Kiddos” is a shock to Guts, for sure…but does that stop further child-killing in these chapters? Listen up to our next intrepid episode, gumshoes!

Follow No Guts, No Glory on Instagram:

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Check out Steve and Joey’s other podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/probing-ancient-aliens/id1321801647

https://open.spotify.com/show/3aREEXpe4DE37LsNkUxntW

Check out Steve and Joey’s Patreon for that other podcast:

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The Conviction Arc begins!!! We have finally struggled through the Eclipse and the world-establishing epilogue immediately after, and now we are back to Black Swordsman Guts wrecking shop with the dragon slayer! Puck and his beautiful butt cheeks are back, as well as his cheeky comic relief, as Guts faces off with the fairy-like denizens of The Misty Valley, where helps an abused girl named Jill. Also, special first appearance by Farnesse, Serpico, and Azan of the Holy Iron Chain Knights!

In the aftermath of The Eclipse, Guts must choose how to move forward with new limitations and truths. These chapters are exposition-heavy, but fascinating in how they establish the “new normal” of Berserk from here on out. The Golden Age Arc is the most well-known arc for sure, and the story becomes much more dynamic as new challenges and characters are introduced into Guts’ merry band of travelers. But let’s not put the cart before the proverbial Farnesse-horse! In this episode we get the first (chronologically) appearance of Guts black armor, his throwing knives, his metal cannon arm, and, of course, The Dragon Slayer. We also get a deeper artistic focus on the natural world as opposed to the technological wonders of man, further showcasing the shift in Guts and Casca’s existence. Enjoy!

Follow No Guts, No Glory on Instagram:

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Check out Steve and Joey’s other podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/probing-ancient-aliens/id1321801647

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(COVERS THESE CHAPTERS: STORM OF DEATH, GOD OF THE ABYSS, LIFEBLOOD, QUICKENING, BIRTH, AFTERGLOW OF THE RIGHT EYE, ESCAPE)

We have arrived. The "main events" of the Eclipse transpire during this episode, and we basically go page by page and find (in our humble opinion) a ton of nuance that tends to be missed because these sections tend to be...read "quickly" for lack of a better term, and for obvious reasons. There is so much rich existentialism here in the writing/characters despite the horrific (and literal) existential crisis that's happening in the plot, and we feel that this episode does the late Miura-san justice in what The Eclipse is supposed to represent in the series. Or at least, our personal takes on what he might be representing. Enjoy! ...as much as you can, anyway.

(COVERS THESE CHAPTERS: The Promised Time, Advent, The Inhuman Host, The Castle, Parting, The Feast)

We’re in the thick of it now ladies and gents: these chapters ultimately form the first half of the events of The Eclipse in all it’s betrayal and blood filled glory. This chunk of chapters focuses on the reveal of the Godhand, the lore of The Eclipse and the Crimson Behelit, and ultimately Griffith’s inner struggle to keep alive the parts of him that love Guts and the people that got him the successes he’s won, or letting his love, loyalty, and empathy burn to become the Femto he is destined to be. Enjoy!

Follow No Guts, No Glory on Instagram:

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Check out Steve and Joey’s other podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/probing-ancient-aliens/id1321801647

https://open.spotify.com/show/3aREEXpe4DE37LsNkUxntW

Check out Steve and Joey’s Patreon for that other podcast:

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Sorry there's no new episode this week! It was Memorial Day here in the states and we tried to record over the long weekend but our schedules just couldn't line up. Sorry for the delay, but we'll be back this Monday to dive deep into the Eclipse proper - Love you, and struggle on!