Some Berserk fans are wary of Studio Eclypse's fan-made production and for good reason

Studio Eclypse, a fan-run animation group, has garnered attention for remaking the late Kentaro Miura’s Berserk. Hakusensha, the official publisher of the series, released a statement, clearly identifying Studio Eclypse's fan-made anime adaption, 'The Black Swordsman,' as unauthorized.

Although there has been a great deal of excitement surrounding this project, it has also sparked controversy and concern among dedicated fans. Here are some grounds for why fans of Berserk ought to think twice before endorsing this project.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the views and opinions of the author.

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Why supporting Studio Eclypse’s Berserk could undermine Miura’s masterpiece

Guts as seen in Berserk 2016 anime (Image via Millipensee, Gemba)

One of the most significant concerns is the legal aspect. The production by Studio Eclypse has been clearly marked as unauthorized by Hakusensha.

Any content based on the franchise cannot be produced or distributed by the studio. Supporting this project could be seen as endorsing copyright infringement, which undermines the legal protections creators rely on to safeguard their work.

Copyright laws are in place to safeguard artists' intellectual property and guarantee that they are acknowledged and paid for their contributions. Fans may unintentionally contribute to a culture that disregards these legal protections by endorsing an unofficial adaptation.

Statement from Hakusensha and its translation (Image via X)

To finance their project, Studio Eclypse has been taking donations on Patreon. While funding is frequently needed for fan projects, accepting money for an unauthorized adaptation raises ethical questions. Enthusiastic fans will be ready enough to fund a dedicated project, but without the proper authorization, the project could get scrapped anytime.

Studio Eclypse previously announced plans to create a remake of AOT, titled Attack on Titan: Requiem, but has not produced any significant results. That raises concerns about their ability to deliver on their promises since there can't be a guarantee of actual rights being bought from the owners.

Donors of this project may think that they are contributing to a sincere attempt to preserve Miura's legacy. However, without official authorization, there's no guarantee that the funds are being used appropriately. Also, it creates a moral dilemma for fans who want to support the show but also want to ensure their contributions are used ethically.

Fans were quite hopeful for Studio Eclypse's Berserk project since the trailers and clips they had till now put out stood true to the style of Kentaro Miura. Some even went as far as to say that they were better versions than the ones produced by the official studio.

The loss of Kentaro Miura had a significant effect on the anime and manga community. Endorsing unauthorized adaptations could be seen as an undermining of Miura's legacy and the work of Studio Gaga, the team he worked with. Fans should honor Miura’s memory by supporting official releases that have the blessing of his estate and collaborators.

It's a masterpiece that stands out for its unique blend of dark fantasy, intricate character development, and philosophical depth. Miura's narrative skillfully interweaves intricate themes of struggle, sacrifice, and the human condition into an engaging and thought-provoking story.

However, there remains the fact that there has yet to be an anime that satisfies the fans fully. Although incomplete, the manga has enough content to churn out plenty of seasons. Unauthorized adaptations run the risk of falling into legal trouble and getting canceled altogether. But it might be sensible for the official studio to enlist the help of dedicated fans who simply want to honor the legacy of Miura.

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Conclusion

Although it makes sense to be excited about a new anime adaptation, fans ought to think about the larger implications of endorsing Studio Eclypse's unauthorized project. By prioritizing legal, ethical, and quality considerations, fans can help ensure that Berserk’s legacy is preserved and respected.

Encouraging official releases not only pays tribute to Miura's legacy but also pushes studios and publishers to make high-quality adaptations that are faithful to the original work. By making informed choices, fans can help create a culture that honors and respects the artistic contributions of artists like Kentaro Miura.

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UPDATE: The anime project by Studio Eclypse was called out by Hakusensha for using Berserk for unauthorized animation projects. At the time of writing this article, Studio Taka announced the cancellation of its fan anime project, stating they wanted to respect the authority of the rights holder, i.e., Studio Gaga.

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Related links:

• How to watch Berserk in order?
• Berserk: Every anime adaptation made to date
• Who are Berserk characters?