Episode 173: Main Cause (Vol 40-1)

[Covering Episodes 351-353 of Berserk Volume 40] The trauma Casca endured at the eclipse manifests itself as horrifying phallic monsters, who attempt to stop Farnese and Schierke from coming closer to the main cause, atop the mountain on the horizon.

While exploring deep within Casca's unconscious mind, Farnese and Schierke discover what Guts and Griffith meant to her, while their final destination looms menacingly on the horizon.

Just when you and your drugged out girlfriend think you're safe in your big falcon castle... the god hand ghoulies strike! We review the past two episodes of the Berserk Continuation, including our stupafied reaction to Guts punching his way out of the stupa, and the sudden and comedic appearance of the God Hand in Falconia to tease their kindred softboy, Griffith.

Guts has been a very special boy since birth. And that means...?

Danan reveals herself as the ruler of elves, and helps the group dive into Casca's dreams to restore her mind. We discuss Danan's form, the parade of elves, baryutes, and how some of these things reveal a little about the God Hand and how some future events may have played out.

We finally make it to Skellig, after trekking across the world for more than 1/3 of the series. This first part of the re-read takes us from the wicker man fight to the discussion with the great gurus.

With the incomplete story of Duranki now behind us, we leave Usum behind and are introduced to their prototype, Subaru—the main character in Amazones, the original story Miura had planned for what became Duranki. Amazones is a unique look into one of Miura's draft ideas, and Duranki shows us how he finalizing it. It also gives Duranki readers a sense of closure, because we get to see what may have been ahead for the rest of the series with a surprise conclusion that culminates in The Trojan War.

We wrap up the chapters of Duranki and end with speculative talk about what we think would have happened next, not only with Tasi Village, but also with Usum's life, and also about whether or not Studio Gaga should have continued the work.

Our review of Kentarou Miura's final new series, the short-lived Duranki.

Rakshas gets Home Alone'd by Rickert, Silat and the Tapasa. What could go wrong?