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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Berserk

Berserk is a Japanese dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Berserk is a Japanese dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura. The series follows Guts, a lone mercenary known as the Black Swordsman, as he struggles against violence, trauma, and supernatural forces in a medieval-inspired world. It has been adapted into multiple anime projects.

Premise

Berserk follows Guts as he survives brutal battles, personal loss, and encounters with demonic and supernatural forces. The setting blends medieval warfare with dark fantasy elements.

Publication history

Kentaro Miura created and serialized Berserk beginning in 1989. The manga continued after his death in 2021 under the supervision of his close associates.

Characters

Guts is the central protagonist, while Griffith and Casca are among the most important supporting characters. Their relationships drive much of the plot.

Adaptations

Berserk has received multiple anime adaptations, including a 1997 television series and a 2016 television series. It has also appeared in film and other media formats.

Key facts

  • The series centres on Guts, a mercenary warrior with a violent past and a quest for revenge.
  • Berserk was created by Kentaro Miura and began serialization in 1989.
  • Miura died in 2021, after which the manga was continued posthumously.
  • The story is known for its dark tone, graphic violence, and medieval-inspired setting.
  • Berserk has been adapted into anime more than once, with notable television versions in 1997 and 2016.
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Canadian context

Berserk is widely read and discussed in Canada through manga publishers, bookstores, libraries, anime fandom, and convention culture.

Frequently asked questions

What is Berserk about?
Berserk is about Guts, a mercenary who fights to survive in a violent medieval fantasy world while confronting revenge, trauma, and supernatural threats.
Who wrote Berserk?
Berserk was written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura.
How many volumes of Berserk are there?
The original manga run reached 41 collected volumes, and the series has continued after Miura's death.
Is Berserk finished?
No. Kentaro Miura died in 2021, but the manga has continued posthumously under supervision of his associates.
What is the Berserk anime?
The Berserk anime refers to animated adaptations of the manga, including major television versions released in 1997 and 2016.
Who is Guts in Berserk?
Guts is the main protagonist, a skilled mercenary warrior known as the Black Swordsman.

References

  1. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berserk_(manga)
    Supports: Basic overview of the manga, author, run dates, continuation after Miura's death, and anime adaptations.
  2. MyAnimeList — https://myanimelist.net/manga/2/Berserk
    Supports: Synopsis of the story and identification of Guts as the protagonist.
  3. eNotes — https://www.enotes.com/topics/berserk-manga
    Supports: Synopsis of Guts, the Black Swordsman, and key story elements.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/berserk-manga
    Supports: Summary of Guts, his injuries, and the story's opening premise.
  5. Comic Book Resources — https://www.cbr.com/berserk-complete-timeline/
    Supports: Information on the manga's volume count and publication history.