THE BLACK SWORDSMAN videos as a project works with IP owners for approval

Last month, Studio Gaga, the publisher and copyright holder of the Berserk Manga, took to social media and issued a stern statement confirming that Studio Eclypse does not have permission to produce its fan-made film adaptation. The post sparked speculation that the highly anticipated but unofficial fan-made anime project would be canceled.

It took a few weeks, but Studio Eclypse finally responded. The studio confirmed “We have not received any formal cease and desist letter or letter requesting that the project be stopped.”

However, that didn't stop the studio from practically looking for a way to move the project forward without interruption.

“After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward and begin communication with the IP owners,” The statement is. “With the support of a great company in the industry, we are working to become an official studio next year with the chance to adapt this story arc the way fans deserve.”

Unfortunately, Studio Eclypse has decided to remove the current videos from Berserker: The Black Swordsman until the situation is resolved. “During this time, we will continue to work on pre-production animation testing of materials and sand to show you our vision for the project.” The explanation continued.

Studio Eclypse has also unpublished its Patreon page “As a sign of respect to our foreign viewers and a sign of good faith that this project will come to life in the right way.” There was speculation that the request for money for the project on Studio Eclypse's Patreon page was one of the reasons Studio Gaga initially began cracking down on such fan projects.

Studio Eclypse addressed the controversy, pointing out that its previous fan project was self-funded and intended for free release to the public. Studio Eclypse explained the reason behind setting up the Patreon page: “We decided to accept donations after many members of the community asked for a way to support. This ultimately allowed us to cover much of the background art, cleanup, and compositing costs. All other phases were only possible through pure passion and insomnia.” Nights by our group of friends and animators.

In the future, this will be a project financed entirely from our own resources. This applies if the IP owners agree that Studio Eclypse can proceed with it. Check out the full statement below!

Berserk is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura. Set in a dark fantasy world inspired by medieval Europe, the series follows a lone swordsman named Guts on a journey to seek revenge on Griffith, the leader of the mercenaries who betrayed him and sacrificed his comrades to become a powerful demonic being .

Already announced in October 2023, Studio Eclypse's Berserker: The Black Swordsman aims to provide proper 2D adjustment of “The Black Swordsman“Storyline from the manga that many found disappointing in the 1997 anime adaptation. The CG animated version from 2016 Berserk The series, which covered the manga's Conviction arc in the first season, also only briefly touched on the plot of The Black Swordsman and left a lot to be desired. Studio Eclypse has released the first trailer for it Berserker: The Black Swordsman adaptation in May, which was enthusiastically received by fans.

Studio Eclypse Berserker: The Black Swordsman The project is expected to premiere in the summer of 2025, although of course this depends on what Studio Gaga agrees to.