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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Screen & Stage • Manga

Berserk

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

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Berserk is a Japanese dark fantasy manga series by Kentaro Miura, following the mercenary Guts through a brutal medieval world of violence and supernatural horror.

What it is

Berserk centres on Guts, a lone warrior known as the Black Swordsman, as he battles trauma, revenge, and demonic forces. The story blends medieval warfare with dark fantasy, known for its graphic violence and grim tone.

Key details

Created by Kentaro Miura, the manga began serialization in 1989 and ran until his death in 2021, reaching 41 volumes. It has continued posthumously under close associates. Multiple anime adaptations exist, including notable 1997 and 2016 television series.

Why it matters

Berserk is a landmark in dark fantasy manga, influencing countless works. In Canada, it is widely available through publishers, bookstores, libraries, and anime convention culture, reflecting its enduring popularity.

In short

  • Follows Guts, a mercenary seeking revenge in a dark medieval fantasy world.
  • Created by Kentaro Miura, serialized from 1989; continued after his 2021 death.
  • Known for graphic violence, horror, and deep character struggles.
  • Multiple anime adaptations, including 1997 and 2016 series.
Canadian angle

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

Quick 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.
Is Berserk finished?
No. Kentaro Miura died in 2021, but the manga has continued posthumously under supervision of his associates.

Sources

  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.