Berserk: The Dark Fantasy Manga That Defined a Generation

Berserk is a Japanese manga series created by Kentaro Miura. Set in a medieval Europe–inspired dark fantasy world, the story centers on the swordsman Guts and Griffith, the leader of a mercenary group called the Band of the Hawk. The series follows Guts’ journey seeking revenge on Griffith, who betrayed him and their comrades.

Miura premiered a prototype of Berserk in 1988. The series began publication in 1989 in Hakusensha’s seinen manga magazine Monthly Animal House, which was changed to the semimonthly magazine Young Animal in 1992, where Berserk has continued its publication.

Following Miura’s death in May 2021, the final chapter he worked on was published posthumously in September 2021. The series resumed in June 2022 under the supervision of Miura’s fellow manga artist and childhood friend Kouji Mori and Miura’s group of assistants and apprentices from Studio Gaga.

As of August 2025, the Berserk chapters have been collected in 43 tankōbon volumes.

Key Takeaways

• Berserk is a landmark dark fantasy manga created by Kentaro Miura.
• The series began in 1989 and continues to be published as of 2025.
• It follows the vengeful journey of Guts after being betrayed by Griffith.
• After Miura’s passing, the series was continued under Kouji Mori and Studio Gaga.
• Berserk has been compiled into 43 tankōbon volumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created Berserk?

Berserk was created by Kentaro Miura, who wrote and illustrated the series from its inception until his death in 2021.

When did Berserk first publish?

Berserk premiered as a prototype in 1988 and began official serialization in 1989 in Hakusensha’s Monthly Animal House magazine.

How many volumes of Berserk exist?

As of August 2025, Berserk has been collected into 43 tankōbon volumes.

Is Berserk still ongoing?

Yes, Berserk resumed publication in June 2022 under the supervision of Kouji Mori and Studio Gaga following Kentaro Miura’s death.

What is Berserk about?

Berserk follows Guts, a lone mercenary seeking revenge against Griffith, his former comrade who betrayed the Band of the Hawk during a catastrophic occult ritual known as the Eclipse.