4/5 Dark Fantasy Part 2
  by Antonio D. Paolucci (Beaver Falls, PA)
In the first volume of Berserk, we are given a glimpse of what's to come in the series, and just how dark Berserk is as a fantasy anime. The second volume kicks off in much the same way, with an episode dealing with the darker, more mysterious side to come, and after that the episodes get lighter and less constricting again.

In the very first episode of volume two, Guts faces off with a demonically imbued man named Zodd, a man-beast known for having a murderous history dating back a hundred years and more. As a fighter in the opposing army, Guts can't help but fight the beast, and does a fair job at it, considering all those that have fought and died before his encounter with the beast. Still, it isn't until Griffith comes into it that they are able to at least repel the beast, and Zodd escapes, leaving behind a few words about the mysterious charm Griffith always wears, and the charm worn around the neck of the demon in the very first episode of volume one.

Soon after recovering from his injuries, and after proving himself a worthy addition to the king's army, Griffith is knighted by the king of Midland, effectively making him an official in the king's court, which angers the nobility. In the meantime, Guts sits back and watches Griffith's rise to power while being the obedient soldier and friend, and he himself earns a certain degree of respect and hatred from the nobility of the king's court. During this volume, some of the infighting between the soldiers of the Band of the Hawk, especially between Caska and Guts, is lessened somewhat as the two begin to respect each others' positions in the band.

Though still not as dark as the beginning of the series promises, this volume takes the steps needed to get to that point. If you've already started the series, I wouldn't recommend missing this volume, as it does show the key elements to the future of the anime. Also, if you're tired of watching the same comedic fantasy anime (Slayers, Sorcerer Hunters) then Berserk is a good one to pick up.

5/5 Truly fine specimen.
  by D. B. Downey (Edgewood Texas)
This one is one of the best chapters of the greatest animated epic of our time. It starts off with the poetic battle with Nosferatu Zodd. It has one of my absolute favorite outtakes with the actor playing Griffith singing another ballad. There's an epic battle, assassination and counter-assassination planning and execution. Finally leaves you on the edge of your seat with Guts exploring Griffith's sideways language luring him to the threshold of equality. Which, of coarse, ultimately drives the series home.

5/5 Just as good as WARCRY, but better
  by Robert evans (USA)
So far I this series is shaping up to be an awesome series.
It's already my all time favorite anime series.

The character development has improved off of War Cry.
Theres not enough action in this one but still manages to hold
it's prime. I really enjoyed this volume....

Though there was a few flaws I thought It still did well..
I am right now on the third dvd and so far it hasn't dissapointed.

Get IMMORTAL SOLDIER.

It's just as good as WARCRY....
We also see more development with Gutts And Griffith....

Overall this is a great vol of Berserk to have....

Later...

5/5 The plot thickens and the quality improves
  by Sebastian Fernandez (Tampa, Florida United States)
The first five episodes in the series were enjoyable and promising, showing a glimpse of the story to come and with only a few hints on what the big picture was. In this second installment, we find ourselves immersed deeper into the conflict between Midland and Chuder, in which the Band of Hawks plays a pivotal role. The relationships among the main characters become more complex and juicy and there are clear signs of involvement by non-human creatures.

In the first episode of this disc, sixth overall, the Band of Hawks face Zodd the Immortal, a mercenary monster who has the reputation of being invincible. Guts, our hero and main character, honors his name and is willing to face Zodd, even against the advice of everyone else. Right from the beginning, the importance and power of the Eye of the King becomes apparent. This is a piece of "jewelry" that hangs around the neck of Sir Griffith, the leader of the Band of Hawks. The message that is repeated in the introduction of each chapter regarding the destiny of mankind becomes clearer and clearer.

In terms of the relationship between the characters, Guts starts to wonder why Griffith is so willing to get in harms way in order to defend him. Caska still has trouble coping with Guts' presence and position as one of the commanders of the Hawks. In the meantime, Griffith becomes involved in games of power with other members of the court, even though he is unaware of this fact for a while.

The quality of this series has been steadily increasing throughout the first ten episodes, so I cannot wait to watch the next installment. At this point I can say with certainty that anyone that enjoys anime and epic fantasy will have a great time watching this production.

5/5 AWESOME!!!
  by Luna
The storyline of this anime just keeps getting better and better. this dvd starts off with the band of the hawk facing Zodd the Immortal, and its the best battle so far in the series. a lot of dark hints of what is fated to happen later on in the series are given, mostly from Zodd.
as usual, plently of battles and bloodshed, but also a slight piece of romance when princess charlotte first appears. the last episode on this dvd is a total cliffhanger.
also, dont forget to check out the outtakes at the end! beserk has some of the funniest outtakes ive ever seen in an anime.