Berserk is taking another hiatus, but manga fans have received some positive news to soften the blow.
Manga Mogura RE recently announced on its official X (formerly Twitter) account that Berserk will be on break in the upcoming eighth issue of Young Animal, set to be released on April 12, 2024. However, there’s a silver lining for fans.
Last year, Berserk revealed plans for the Japanese release of the manga’s 43rd volume in 2024, and X user Elihan091390 shared insights on his account suggesting that the author had completed Chapter 376.
With Chapters 374 and 375 included in Volume 43, Elihan091390 is optimistic that five to seven more chapters may arrive by the year’s end, providing ample excitement for fans despite the current hiatus. The 42nd volume of Berserk made its debut on Sept. 29, 2023.
"Berserk" by Kentarou Miura, Studio Gaga, Kouji Mori will be on break in the upcoming Young Animal issue 8/2024 out April, 12. pic.twitter.com/ZD3B7vxZQT
— Manga Mogura RE (Manga & Anime News) (@MangaMoguraRE) March 18, 2024
The Origin and Narrative of Berserk
Berserk was originally created by Kentaro Miura, premiering in Hakusensha’s Monthly Animal House on Aug. 25, 1989. The manga’s first standalone volume was published by Hakusensha’s Jets Comics imprint on Nov. 26, 1990.
Two years later, the series transitioned to Young Animal, where it resumed publication in October 1992. Miura continued the manga’s irregular publication in the semimonthly magazine until his passing in May 2021.
Manga artist Kouji Mori, a childhood friend of Miura, took over the series in June 2022, collaborating with Miura’s Studio Gaga assistants and apprentices.
Berserk recounts the tragic tale of Guts, a lone mercenary on a relentless quest for vengeance against Griffith—his former comrade who betrayed him and sacrificed their comrades to demonic forces to attain godlike power. As Guts battles external and internal demons, his trauma gives rise to an alternate personality known as The Beast of Darkness.
Driven by rage and Guts’ inner turmoil, The Beast possesses superhuman strength and an insatiable thirst for blood. It begins to dominate Guts’ mind, enabling him to become a formidable warrior but also pushing him towards savagery.
The Beast takes control whenever Guts wears his Berserker Armor, becoming both his greatest asset and liability as he grapples with the choice between revenge and his humanity.
Re-release of an Iconic Berserk Guts Figure
The iconic Berserk Guts figurine, donning his full Berserker Armor, has been re-released after its 2022 sell-out. Max Factory has reproduced the figurine inspired by Berserk’s 28th manga volume cover as part of its Pop Up Parade line.
Standing at 11 inches tall, the figurine depicts a menacing Guts in his Berserker Armor, complete with glowing red eyes and wielding his Dragon Slayer sword. The Berserk figurine is available for pre-order at Tokyo Otaku Mode and other retailers.
The 43rd volume of Berserk is set to arrive in 2024.
