The fan animation project ‘Berserk: The Black Swordsman‘ is facing copyright issues, and its future and the legitimacy of fan creations remain questionable for now. Hakusensha, the official publisher of the manga series, has accused Studio Eclypse, the workshop creation of Berserk, of animating the series without their consent.
This declaration has created controversy not just in the industry but also among anime fans, as many of them wonder whether such fan projects are legal and ethical. As discussions continue, the fate of ‘Berserk: The Black Swordsman‘ is still ambiguous. Here’s all we know about it.
‘Berserk: The Black Swordsman’ Controversy Raises Ethical Concerns Over Unapproved Content
On September 11, 2024, Hakusensha took to various platforms, asserting that Studio Eclypse did not have permission from Miura Kentarou and Studio Gaga, the copyright holders, to produce or promote ‘Berserk: A Black Swordman‘. The publisher also said video contents were included in the project’s announcement, which made the use exceed the set limitations.
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However, the controversy does not stop at the unauthorized production. Studio Eclypse has recently decided to collect money by using the Patreon platform, a move that’s also facing heavy criticism. Others have claimed that this is an exploitation of the ethical best practices of fan projects, which are often not intended for commercial purposes.
The debate has exposed the conflict between free fan works and the basic rights that have to do with copyright protection.
Studio Eclypse’s Future Hangs In Balance
Hakusensha’s announcement has had several implications. A Community Note was added to the English-dubbed trailer for ‘Berserk: The Black Swordsman‘, explaining to the viewers that the show is fan-made, and urging them to support the original Berserk. The move has raised questions about the sustainability of such a project.
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Further complicating matters, Studio Eclypse is also linked to another fan project, ‘Attack on Titan’. This one is titled ‘Requiem’ – an anti-hero continuation of the manga whose racist narrative ruined it for anime fans. As major Japanese media outlets report on these developments, the future of Studio Eclypse’s productions, including ‘Berserk: The Black Swordsman’ is still undefined.
The situation reflects a broader dilemma in the anime community: the conflict of interest between the fans’ passion and creativity on one hand, and legal frameworks and the protection of the rights of the original owners on the other. As debates continue, the fate of ‘Berserk: The Black Swordsman’ gives viewers an insight into the grey area between fans, creators, and copyright laws within the context of anime.
