Berserk Analysis - Why Corkus Matters 

Is it really fair to call him a Coward for running from things that could rip him apart in mere seconds?

>try to steal some kid's money >cause the eclipse What a twist

I never really hated Corkus. I mean its pretty understandable why he is the way he is. And I always found his antagonism towards Guts pretty amusing, especially cause Guts never reacted to him in anger (even when he tried to kill him lol). Guts was the only thing that actually pissed Corkus off, every other time you see him he's either being a smartass or in despair. It always kind of surprised me that while Corkus is a coward he had the balls to antagonize the most dangerous person around at every given chance. And I kind of liked him for that.

I never really disliked Corkus. He just seems like a pessimistic every-man. Also great video. It will blow up for sure.

I like him, he represent a common person , a reality

Before I watch the video I would like to say that there was a Reddit post about Corkus that kind of opened up his character. Genuinely Corkus is a very unlikable character but he serves as the realistic pursuit of the everyman while Guts is the outlier. Corkus is simply trying to find comfort while Guts was a truly unusual being. Always throwing himself into the fray, always seeking to be a head in battle always contemplating his existence while Corkus only works to seek pleasures that would comfort him. He was realistically the rationale compared to Guts because Guts went from battle field to battle field with no purpose but to kill with no true purpose to it at all while Corkus' only objective was to do what was necessary to build security and enough wealth to one day to live a comfortable lifestyle as a noble. As we get older a lot of those things make sense but at the same time you should seek the value of your own soul not just comfort. If Berserk left me with anything It is to "know your depths so you know where you can find true strength. Not simply might of arm but strength of mind, character and will. Because life will test you endlessly and we all have our own dragons to face and even if we have to fight we must face it courageously. Because our soul's depends on it."

I think it's worth pointing out that after the band of the Falcons were exiled and branded traitors to the kingdom, their leader imprisoned and scores of their surviving men had defected, Corkus remained with the band of the Falcon even when there was seemingly nothing in it for him and it could potentially get him killed. I think that speaks a lot about his character; even though he was a jealous insecure asshole, he was loyal to his comrades to the end. RIP Kentaro Miura.

I didn’t notice this at first but the demon that kills Corkus is the same one that Guts is banging in the beginning of the manga, and both times it changes from a woman to the demon. Cool detail

one thing i also want to point that corkus is the only one who completely has the devotion on Griffith. Corkus’ view of Griffith was absolute: Griffith is the untouchable, the epitome of a kind of god given talent and fortune. While all members of the Falcons shared this view, Corkus is second only to Casca when it comes to worshiping Griffith. For him, even considering being an equal to Griffith was ludicrous and so being enveloped in Griffith’s dream was a prestige enough. Like all members of the Falcons, he defined himself through his association with Griffith and was content in riding his coattails to the top. As such, Corkus is the best example of the Bonfire of Dreams mentality that virtually members of the Band of Falcons had. They all lacked either the strength of character (Corkus) or ambition (Judeau) or vision (Casca) or charisma (Pippin) or self-determination (pre-departure Guts) to achieve their own dreams and so latched on to someone who embodied all the missing qualities that they perceived to be holding them back. Corkus’ tragic flaw was that, much like Jesse Pinkman from , he was a leader who settled for being a follower. In contrast, Guts starts off as a follower who becomes, if not a leader, then at least his own man. He was willing to step off Griffith’s coattails and carve out his own path. This was the main point of contention between the two men as far as character arcs go.

Tbh, I always found Corkus more amusing than anything... he's the classic blaggart type character; someone who talks a big game, but deep down inside is all too aware of his failings & shortcomings. In a way, you could almost pity him, rather than outright hate him... heck, I actually remember feeling kinda bad for him when he- ...well, y'know!

I can see a lot of myself in Corkus. Aspects of myself I dislike intensely. _That's_ what makes him a great character - the fact that I am undoubtedly not alone in this.

never really understood why the band hated guts early on in this series. They tried to rob and kill him. then forced him to fight beside them and basically carry the whole team. Especially Casca, she was totally prepared to rob and kill him just like Corkus.

the virgin corkus hater vs the chad corkus sympathiser

Corkus gives everyone the pragmatic, realistic point of view. Which is essential. If everyone listened to Corkus more, they wouldn't have gotten into the trouble they did in the end.

While not directly stated, I feel that a lot of Corkus' established attitude and insecurity in the GA arc can be traced as projections within Guts after The Eclipse, particularly during the earlier stages of his Black Swordsman persona. The way Guts downplays and belittles anything and everyone is very reminiscent of Corkus. You can tell that his inferiority complex resonated with Guts, especially after Guts himself was also submitted by Griffith in the most degrading manner possible. In a twisted way Guts is paying tribute to Corkus by embracing his defeatist and pessimistic outlook in life.

Thank you for the video. Corkus was basically a walking, grade-A example of "Projection." Couldn't stand how his life turned out, so he takes it out on others with potential.

To me, Corkus represents us. Very few people can have the determination and mental toughness and durability as Guts. But everyone else is exactly what Corkus is; someone who constantly has something to prove but doesn’t put him/herself out there unless there is some outside source who can encourage this. Until there is some sort of materialistic reward or reassurance from the cruel adversity called life, there isn’t any true joy in what you want to accomplish. In fact, there is only pure jealousy and anger towards others because that’s the easy way to project these ill feelings

Yeah, I cant understand how people didnt see this, corkus was jelly that guts built himself up.

Corkus is a good negative motivation for Guts to seek his own dreams.

I'm the only guy who likes Corkus. The dude just fits me

Corkus represents herd mentality - he, too, had a dream, but unlike Guts, he gave up on it. Guts, on the other hand, is the lone wolf - the odd one out, the man, who dares question the established norms. This is why Corkus hates him, because Guts' continued existence opposes Corkus' beliefs, and suggests that he might be wrong.

corkus hates Guts because he never truly submitted to griffith while the former did. orkus threw away his dream to share griffith's one and he sees in Guts what he could have been. Guts is the mirror that shows corkus, he is a loser!

Never really understood why I didn't hate Corkus while almost everyone else did, but man did this video explains my thoughts in ways I never could. Keep up the good work. :)

I like Corkus cause he calls Guts out, sometimes fairly sometimes unfairly. Guts is a great character because he's not a Gary Stu who is loved by everyone and always wins, if everyone loved him and he never lost he'd be boring to read about.

Corkus is a great character. He has many layers that you can see if you simply look. I don't understand why some people dislike a character for things like they're a jerk or a bad person. It's all characterization. Corkus is as well written as any other character in Berserk, and he deserved better than he got. Also, Guts never fired back at Corkus because he knew what Corkus said wasn't untrue. Their moments together are very telling.

I aprecciate Corkus, he's terribly human

I love Corkus. What a bastard

As much as I hated him, he still was a greatly written character and in the end he was loyal to the band of the hawk to his death

Corkus always reminded me of Walter from The Big Lebowski. I mean, Corkus's catchphrase is effectively, "Am I wrong?" And he never is. He's right all the time, but that doesn't excuse his cowardice and general nastiness. He's clearly supposed to be the "everyman" of the group. Rational, but with a nasty edge. Makes for great, and necessary insight. Even when he's insecure about something, he justifies it well by pointing out that they should simply be appreciative of Griffith and to be content with that. The Band of the Hawk would have felt considerably different without Corkus, and when I think of his character, I think of him as a punk with a purpose. Constantly insecure that the seemingly unreal heights he reached with the Hawks could just as easily slip right through his fingers... which is of course exactly what happens. He *did* have balls to tell Guts to his face that he aimed his bowgun at his back more than once. And I like how Guts just no-sells this, as he probably already knew, given their tension, and the fact that he did the same thing to Donovan.

Great video, I never really thought of corkus beyond an annoying side act until this point

Never hated Corkus. Corkus is simply a character who sees Guts as he is in the world of Berserk, not as a protagonist of the story Berserk. Guts is a single-minded brute when he first joined the group. We love Guts because we've seen the story from his perspective, but for Corkus the protagonist is Griffith. Corkus is the only one who will say what Guts needs to hear to his face.

Corkus sounds like what happens when your protagonist the protagonist EX trait Protagonist often get out of unrealistic situations just because they're protagonists, other characters don't get to do that, some are just normal It's nice to have characters that represent this reality on Manga, like gentle criminal of mha

guts never hated corkus, in fact he smiled when he came back to the hawk and saw corkus sulking over by a tree. and when guts said "it's good that nothings changed" he smiled and looked over at corkus again. i think guts saw corkus as a comrade, and rather than taking his words as insults he was receptive and thought deeply about them as a way to ground himself as in: "it's just like you said, all i know how to do is swing this sword around". in a way corkus was good for guts because he helped validate who he knew he was (even if this wasn't corkus's intention, i think his harsh but brutally honest words helped give guts the push he needed to believe in himself). and made guts realize he was happy with who he was, even if others weren't... i dunno that's just the way i interpreted it.

Corkus is annoying but I dont hate him he represents reality imo. Not everyone can be a Guts and Griffith and thats kinda what he represents. The reality of a normal person.

I really wish the original band of the hawk members survived I would have loved to see a redemption ark with corkus like they come out of the eclipse and he follows guts and the rest on a journey a broken man then some other shit happens and he becomes some what of a badass or something idk I thought it would be cool as shit to see

Never disliked Corkus. Probably one of my favorite Golden Age characters.

he just want living in the best live, he really close to became noble and suddenly getting dragged into eclipse

Corkus was one of the most relatable characters. Few of us have Griffith's cunning or Guts' strength and dermination but most of us would probably behave like Corkus did. Maybe not with his rhetoric and audacity but deep down we all know it's true.

I *already* knew why he mattered 🧐 *sips from small teacup like a snob.

Whaaat, how can you guys not like him?

What a tsundere

And he’s back like a Rebound. Or Corkus to whine more about Guts.....🤦🏿 Either way it’s good to see you back with another work of art Spirit, hopefully Miura-dono will follow your example.🤞🏽🤞🏽

Corkus could smell this video coming with his massive nose

Corkus while a pain in the ass at times, to me, never felt like someone that would cheat you, he saw life like it was for the taking and got knocked back then gave up on his dream and settled. It's not wrong to do such a thing and had he lived I'm sure he would've realized this, but just like all in the Band of the Hawk, he became a pawn to play for the person he trusted the most.

Just finished the Eclipse. I did not hate Corkus really I understand his reason and mindset. Berserk is growing on me and in fact I love what Miura did to Corkus as a character

I didnt watch the video I only clicked to say that getting 28k people to click on any video about corkus is an accomplishment.

I liked Corkus, especially knowing he was one of the members who stayed after the exile of the Band of the Hawk

I think it’s notable that corkus is very obviously drawn to be an older man, probably the oldest man in the band of the hawk. It can be easily understood that with the life that he lived, he is a survivor, much like Guts, but as a dark reflection of what could have been. Corkus’ sword is broken on Guts and he despairs, Guts’ sword breaks on demon teeth and chooses to go for the next weakest thing, his own arm and continue to resist. Many many parallels between Corkus and Guts

Great analysis! Natural Hypertrophy also has a video on Corkus I would recommend

Killed it, you brought it up straight to the point

Every time I watch a video analyzing the characters of berserk gives me a deeper understanding appreciation and respect for the characters and the masterpiece that is berserk.

Corkus is the most realistic character in Berserk

Corkus was just a "real" person, in all that makes sense in that world. Someone who did anything he could to survive and reach a point of comfort and wealth. He did manage to attain rank under Griffith, after all, even though he lacked courage and exceptional strength. He was loyal though and able to keep up with the _seigh_ Purple Rhino Knights, so there is that. He might be the perfect middle manager of our time: Keeping that store branch up and running while maybe even beinh content with his place is in the hirarchy, as long as it is comfortable.

I've never disliked him

Very interesting take on the character. I always thought Corkus was a jerk. However, if it wasn't for his actions, Guts would never have met Caska and Griffith.

This video says it best. Every reason mentioned in this video sums up my exact thoughts on Corkus as a character. The best way I can describe my feelings towards him is this: I dislike him as a person, but I respect his character in regards to the role he fills and the complexities within him.

never disliked him, in the end he always found a way to redeem himself.

Ive always felt corkus was meant to represent the lingering doubt and fear of failure in Miura. A lot of what he says and does is similar to how people in the arts doubt themselves and want to kill your dreams.

Corkus is delightful to be hated, as you said, he was written for that purpose (on the surface) but he's statements, even filled with jealousy or hate towards Guts, always had some valid points. Despite everyone being "engulfed" by Griffith's dream, in the world of Berserk where we are used to see only pain and despair, a "nobody" (like basically everyone from the Band of the Hawk are) becoming Noble and having the opportunity to enjoy a good life is what most people would want or be satisfied, but maybe won't admit because it would sound not so virtuous. Corkus was important to "state the obvious". Also, we kind hate Corkus because he shows weakness that most of us would show in the world he lives and the situations he faces. We like to think we relate to Guts (just read the comments of anything that has Guts as a theme. A lot of guys saying they can relate to Guts, and his suffering, and his stoic way of living. I mean, come on, really?!), but the harsh truth is that you hardly find someone as strong as Guts or determined as Griffiths. Most of us are "Corkus" trying to be better. And we know it. And we hate it.

Corkus is a real relatable character. I found his feelings of fear and envy to be relatable compared to the other members of the hawk that where more typical of protagonists, fearless and perfect. But Corkus wasn't scared to tell Guts he was wrong when Guts was truly acting childish and no one else would stand up to him (Guts whole reason for leaving the Band of the Hawk in the first place seemed completely outrageous to me). And then despite his nature CORKUS STAYS WITH THE BAND OF THE HAWK THROUGH ALL THEIR TROUBLES!!! People should at least respect him for that!!! He used to be a leader of a gang of thieves but left all that to follow Griffith. He could have easily left and started anew when Griffith was gone but Griffith was someone he really respected. SO MUCH SO HE STAYED WHEN SHIT GOT TUFF HE WAS A REAL ONE!!! I just honestly liked his character more and more as Berserk 1997 went on.

This is for all the Corkus-heads out there

He was like a fusion between Animal Mother from Full Metal Jacket and Tompa-San from HunterXHunter

It would've been interesting for Corkus to get a Behelit.

Amazing analysis and beautifully said. I understood that Corkus’s character was meant to be that but what I mainly hated about his character is that I seen so many people like that irl. Always masking or being ignorant or something in line with a character like Corkus. It makes me sick knowing how people are like that and it’s actually most people that are like that. Brilliant video and I loved every second of it

I don't know why but corkus is my favorite band of the hawk member, and to an extent it's even understandable why he'd dislike guts , he died like a giga chad too lmao. I've only watched the 1997 anime

He's one of my top 5 characters in berserk. When I look back he's one of a kind. He made many good points for guts and everyone

We all got a little or a lot of Corkus in us.

I forgot who said it but they said "he is an asshole but he is our asshole"

Don't really get people hating Corkus. He is meant to be like other commenters have said, an everyman. He is a person who had a dream, got it dashed on the rocks, and realized his only way to success was to become subservient to the very person who steam rolled him. That makes a person bitter and angry. Corkus is probably the most "real" member of the band of the hawk, and in many ways I think he actually admired Guts for being the only person in the band who really was his own man other than Griffith. He just couldn't bring himself to admit it. Do you honestly think he was trying to put Gut's down that night in the bar? He wasn't, he was trying to convince him to follow the easiest path to success available to him, and to convince him to stay with the band.

I actually quite like Corkus. He finally got to have everything he ever wanted. Fame, wealth, women. He just stopped caring how because Griffith broke him. And Guts is throwing away all of that for something Corkus gave up on The 2nd reason he flips out on Guts is because Corkus wouldn't stand a chance if he tried to do the same. He comes off as a grounded if spiteful guy. I think a part of Corkus actually had some admiration for Guts deep down and liked having him around, even if he projected an attitude onto Guts that Guts didn't truly have. Plus Guts is OP, and frankly he needed somebody around to shit on him.

Corkus was a jerk. But he was our jerk. :/

Corkus is a grown up Eric from Dungeons and Dragons.

I didn’t like Corkus, but I was expecting him to try to kill Guts and end up dying. I just knew he would give a good reason to be killed. But he really didn’t deserve what he ultimately got.

People commented how corkus causes the eclipse.. even if he didn't rob him that day the band wouldve met guts in another battlefield. You cannot escape Causality !

Guts trying to find something of his own reminds me of Solaire from Dark Souls. He too tried to find his "very own sun". Myazaki truly loved this Manga.

Corkus is jealous of Guts. Guys always ignores Corkus whenever he tries to start a fight with him.

Ive alway liked the relationship with guts an corkus .l think he sees guts in a different light than the other band of the hawks, which brings more meaning to guts as a character, an makes us viewers have interest .i think corkus also belittles guts because corkus never really got to a status as high as griffith ,b ecause of this he regards only caska as high rank ,or worthy.also guts cut down 2 comrades of corkus in the band of the hawk making them steping stone an aside from slaying bazuso catching the attention of griffith .it seems as if most of the band of the hawk with exception of caska guts an wrecked soully relayed on griffith dreams

Guts never seemed bothered by him so i just assumed he was able to get along with him off screen

I don't hate the guy, personally

I always hated Corkus, but I loved the fact that he was a believable and realistic asshole

Guts doesnt hate Corkus. In fact he somewhat respects him. This because deep down, Guts knows that Corkus is right about him.

When I see Corkus, I remember Shingo from Initial D for some reason

corkus and jean from aot are like brothers

(The Band of the Hawk slaughtered and eaten by the Apostles) Me: OH GOD NO!! (Corkus eaten by the Female Apostle) Me: oh thank God.

As many others already said, never hated him. In fact this character provokes deep emotions because of how much this character resonates with reality. One thing that's important to note is that he hates Guts but does not show envy or hate towards Griffith. He accepts other people being gifted and blessed by fate but despises those who try to break through their boundaries because it is a genuinely scary thing to do and deep down that is what he always wished for himself. He's very similar to the character of Matahachi from Vagabond.

He doesn't that's why he died in the eclipse.

Corkus is the reason Guts meets the band of the hawks. He is a very important person.

I dont think most people really disliked him, he just wasnt Guts, Griffith, Casca or even Judeau or Rickert.

I like your style, Spirit of Fiction, I will be watching more of your Berserk content for sure

I don't know what you're talking about. Corkus (RIP homie) was the best character.

Bro i even like corkus over Griffith fr and stands out to me he first tried to kill guts and never even tried again

nah corkus was spitting at that table with guts

of all characters in the manga, Guts has the highest tolerance toward Corkus in the entire manga, Corkus could constantly insults, and look down on Guts without Guts retailiation. when Casca call Guts a mad dog in the golden age arc, Gut is annoyed and would fight back, but when Corkus say the same, Guts go silent.

I was actually never annoyed my Corkus. He had the attitude that was very much needed in the timeline of Berserk. I understood he character the moment he opened his mouth. Just his body language and attire spoke well before he did imo. He was a real person. He wanted what most people would want, and he didn’t mind doin what he had to do to get that. He was a nobody, like the rest of us. He spoke his mind and didn’t trust anyone outside of his group. A mindset I’m sure was very common amongst mercenaries in those times. His death was all to real. Next to my boy J, Corkus hit hard. Who else wouldn’t go insane and think at any moment they’re going to awaken from a bad dream? Mwah! I loved how he went out. Still clinging to the things he loves most. Boobs Edit: I also feel that Corkus is an unrealized Guts. Guts is what Corkus imagines himself as, maybe a little less dark, but you get my point. That maybe why Corkus was always an ass to Guts. Because he sees his true weaknesses in comparison. Until Guts, there was no one for him to project himself onto bc everyone was so different. But Guts was him seeing himself if he was anything close to what he thinks he is. Ouch I also have an inferiority complex to a degree. So maybe that’s why I understood Corkus so much. Except I don’t put people down and whatnot. That part isn’t necessary

“I hate Corkus”’ You have my attention…keep going

You speak English in such an interesting way. It reminds me of listening to Japanese dialogue audio. No insult, I like it. It makes for a concise explanation

just discovered your analysis you do a really great work :) keep it up i'm sure Miura would like it

Corkus was just an average guy that wanted to live a comfortable life.

“I hate Corkus but I understand his place in the story.” Me to Gabi in AoT.