In the world of manga, crafting a villain on a grand scale who both horrifies and impresses readers is an art form. Griffith is the main antagonist of the legendary series Berserk, a work that remains wildly popular even though it first debuted in 1989. Griffith’s fame and influence have inspired many other villains across various manga.
A recent example is Imu-sama from One Piece, whose true form was revealed in chapter 1179. When compared side by side, seasoned fans will notice some eerily similar traits between Imu and Griffith.
Here are six striking similarities that make them two of the most notorious overlords in manga.
1. Androgynous, captivating yet dangerous appearances
Unlike Guts, who has a rugged, weathered look, or Luffy, who retains a playful, youthful charm, Griffith and Imu seem crafted from a completely different aesthetic mold.
Both possess extremely androgynous appearances, so much so that if dressed in feminine clothing, many readers might mistake them for stunning beauties. Their first impression is always one of softness, elegance, and nobility, especially in their facial features and delicate details.
However, behind these angelic or divine visages hides a brutal, cruel, and terrifying true nature that can send chills down anyone’s spine when revealed.
2. Both rule as supreme overlords in their worlds
Griffith and Imu share a striking similarity in their positions of power within their stories.
Griffith currently leads Falconia, the only kingdom considered a safe haven for humanity after a massive upheaval unleashed supernatural creatures across the world. To the people, Griffith is a savior, a symbol of hope, peace, and ultimate protection.
Imu holds a similar role but on a global scale. Imu is the supreme ruler pulling the strings behind the World Government. Every law and order worldwide is under Imu’s control, and every decision made is absolute. Even the Five Elders kneel before Imu, silent and obedient.
3. Command powerful, elite subordinates far beyond others
To maintain absolute domination, both kings surround themselves with elite forces that serve as pillars supporting their empires.
Griffith commands the New Band of the Hawk, a legion replacing the comrades he ruthlessly sacrificed in the past. Unlike the original human warriors, this new army consists of high-level Apostles with destructive powers. Each core member is a true monster, posing a deadly threat to Guts in every encounter.
Imu’s trump card is the Five Elders. These five elders possess near-immortality and can transform into monstrous forms far beyond human comprehension. As Imu’s right hand, they enforce dark justice and form the solid foundation of the World Government’s rule.
4. Both have terrifying alternate forms
Both Griffith and Imu are built with a dual nature, possessing drastically different combat forms from their usual appearances.
To the public, Griffith is a young, handsome knight with noble charisma. But those familiar with his bloody past, especially Guts, know this is a mask. After the Eclipse tragedy, Griffith was reborn as Femto, a member of the God Hand, wielding space-manipulating powers and a dark heart that starkly contrasts with his public savior image.
Imu’s true form remains a mystery sparking intense curiosity among One Piece fans. For years, Imu appeared only as a shadowy figure. However, recent events at Elbaph revealed a form vastly different from the shadow, leading many to believe Imu can transform or has a terrifying combat form yet to be fully revealed.
5. Obsessive connections to the main heroes (Guts and Luffy)
The intense, fateful relationships these villains have with the protagonists drive the core storylines.
Griffith shattered Guts’ life, dragging the Black Swordsman into a living hell. Through the Eclipse sacrifice, he branded Guts with a cursed mark, forcing him to live a bitter existence hunted by demons. Griffith also continuously uses Casca’s life and mind to fuel Guts’ hatred.
Imu has a similarly deep-seated grudge against Luffy. Historical clues reveal Imu’s hatred for Joy Boy, the legendary figure whose will Luffy inherits. Because of the awakening of the Sun God Nika, Imu relentlessly tries to crush the Straw Hat Pirates’ journey, mobilizing the Navy, the Five Elders, and even acting personally to eliminate this threat.
6. Direct ties to the darkest, most evil powers in their worlds
To reach their ideal utopias, both tyrants willingly sold their souls to darkness and mastered the most sinister energies.
Griffith gained his power by sacrificing everything to become Femto. His limitless strength comes directly from the “Idea of Evil,” a supreme malevolent entity residing deep within the Berserk universe.
Imu’s abilities and energy are heavily demonic. Beyond physical power, Imu can manipulate a mysterious energy called Maki, use an Abyssal Circle to instantly teleport subordinates to missions, and terrifyingly, can transform ordinary people into demons through the secret Domi Reversi technique.