The acclaimed dark fantasy manga series Berserk, created by the late Kentaro Miura, has achieved a significant milestone, with over 70 million copies now in circulation worldwide. This impressive figure includes both print and digital versions. Notably, 9 million of these copies are in English, highlighting the series’ substantial global reach.
The new circulation figures were revealed in the 16th issue of Hakusensha’s Young Animal magazine. Of the 70 million copies, 30 million are foreign editions released outside Japan, with major contributions from French (8 million copies) and Italian (5 million copies) markets, in addition to the English releases.
A Legacy Forged in Dark Fantasy
Berserk has long been heralded as a groundbreaking work within the manga industry, renowned for its intricate artwork, compelling storytelling, and mature themes. The series, which debuted on August 25, 1989, in Hakusensha’s Monthly Animal House (later Young Animal), follows the arduous journey of Guts, the “Black Swordsman,” through a brutal medieval-inspired world filled with demons and profound moral dilemmas. Its narrative depth and visceral action have garnered it a dedicated global fanbase and critical acclaim, including the Award for Excellence at the sixth annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2002.
Kentaro Miura’s Vision and Enduring Impact
The foundational vision for Berserk was laid by its creator, Kentaro Miura, who meticulously crafted the series for over three decades. Miura’s detailed art style and his exploration of complex themes such as fate, free will, morality, and the human condition have left an indelible mark on readers and creators alike. The manga’s influence extends beyond its own medium, inspiring various video games and other fantasy works.
Tragically, Kentaro Miura passed away on May 6, 2021, at the age of 54, due to acute aortic dissection, leaving the series’ future uncertain. However, in June 2022, it was announced that Berserk would continue publication under the supervision of Miura’s lifelong friend and fellow manga artist, Kouji Mori, and Miura’s team of assistants at Studio Gaga. Mori, who had been privy to Miura’s plans for the story’s conclusion, is guiding the series forward, ensuring that the creator’s intended narrative can be realized. The 42nd volume, the first since the continuation, shipped in Japan in September 2023, with Dark Horse Comics releasing it in English in March 2024. The 43rd compiled volume is slated for release on August 29.
The Significance of Circulation Figures
The term “copies in circulation” refers to the number of copies distributed to retailers, not necessarily the number of copies sold directly to consumers. Nevertheless, reaching 70 million copies in circulation solidifies Berserk‘s status as one of the best-selling manga series of all time. This milestone underscores the manga’s enduring popularity and its sustained impact on the global entertainment landscape, even after the passing of its original creator. The continued success and anticipation for new volumes, including the forthcoming 43rd, demonstrate the unwavering dedication of its fanbase worldwide.
