@thewonderer:
Egad Naruto and Bleach are terrible, yeah do not pin me for someone who just likes popular things.
Manga is just not my thing. I got into FMA, DBZ, and One Piece. Those are about it. The problem with most manga for me, is they can't be overly dark nor can they be overly cuteish. FMA was a stretch because of its dark premise. Its the reason I hate the first FMA anime, ALL THE MAIN CHARACTERS DIE WTF. Brotherhood is wonderful though.
I for one do not have any respect for manga that overtly try to elicit sadness from bloody deaths or horrible corrupt complete sickening events. What I appreciate OP for is its ability to showcase all these horrible aspects in the world in such a way that it doesn't make me want to kill myself -___-.
I guess I am bias toward Shonen, though i do hate Bleach, Naruto. I just really don't see why some works have to be so dark. This guys mother was RAPED, THAN HANGED, THAN HIS WHOLE FAMILY WAS SLAUGHTERED IN FRONT OF HIM, THEN HE WAS FORCED TO WATCH HIS DOG BLEED TO DEATH. Like WTF? I usually read or watch material to feel good, not for this lol
Then you should probably ignore my recommendations, they are a bit too dark for you.
However, I feel obliged to tell you that at least the most people I know don't read Berserk mainly for gore and sex, but because of the very realistic character interactions and the personality of the main cast. And of course the rich and vast dark fantasy world Miura created, so many references to European folklore and mythology….
And why works have to be so dark, you ask? Simply put: Realism.
But you don't need to focus on dark and moody stuff, you should try out some light-herted manga as well: Yotsuba& for example is a very interesting Shounen depicting the life of a little girl. Or Aruko Hito, a one-shot volume by the legendary Taniguchi about - well, a walking man. And that's all he does.
@MBL:
Sorry for going off-topic, but I would also recommend Elfen Lied, it's amazing. Of course it has these awkward moments, but the plot is great.
Berserk is awesome too, I'm still at the Golden Age arc, but it hasn't let me down so far. I have to try HxH though, but I've heard good things about it.
EDIT: thewonderer, I know how you feel. I also once didn't like manga and anime (though, I like dark stories), because they had this "cute" thing. Though, now I have realized that not all of them are like that. Some have really great stories, if you dig deep enough, you might find something that suits your taste. But from what you have said, I don't think you're going to like those I recommended.
Sorry for this noob question, but what is that 'Update From New Post Merge' for? My english is quite crappy, and I don't have much experience in forums.
I will be frank: Elfen Lied is shit. Agree on HxH, though.
I still would recommend Vagabond (realistic story about the adventures of Miyamoto Musashi: very gory at times, but one of the best characterization out there) and Bastard!! (The most kick-ass, ridiculous, over the top, non-stop fighting Heavy Metal Shounen you will ever encounter). Vinland Saga, Blade Of the Immortal and Shin Angyo Onshi won't interest you as you don't seem to like Berserk.
As for other Shounen: DB, GTO, YYH, Hoshi No Samidare, Slam Dunk, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Hokuto No Ken, Saint Seiya should do.
Shoujo: Nodame Cantabile, Kuragehime, Kimi No Todoke, Nana, Sailor Moon.
And if you'd like a rather unique love story and aren't afraid of adult themes I can recommend you Nana To Kaoru.
But enough off-topic:
I am still interested in how Oda will tie up everything at the end. it seems a second flashback about Noah and Joy Boy is likely, but we still have to find out about the rest of Jinbei's crew and several other things (the problems with the logpose for example).