Dark Horse Comics has offered an exclusive first look at Dur-An-Ki, the fantasy manga from the late Berserk creator Kentarō Miura and his team at Studio Gaga. The preview includes the cover art and an eight-page sneak peek, building anticipation for the single-volume English release scheduled for September 23, 2025.
Dark Horse’s Exclusive Preview
The exclusive preview, revealed by Dark Horse Comics, showcases the upcoming English edition of Dur-An-Ki, providing fans a glimpse into the art and narrative of this unique mythological adventure. The full 256-page volume, which is now available for pre-order, is set to launch in bookstores and comic shops on September 16, 2025, with some sources indicating a September 23 release. This release marks the first time the manga will be widely available in English.
A Vision from Kentarō Miura and Studio Gaga
Dur-An-Ki is an original story conceived and produced by Kentarō Miura, with illustrations handled by his personal manga studio, Studio Gaga. Miura, renowned for his monumental work Berserk, served as the “director” for Dur-An-Ki, providing storyboards and rough copies while his assistants at Studio Gaga executed the majority of the artwork, including inking. This collaborative approach was partly intended to train his assistants and provide stable work, with the long-term goal of involving them more in Berserk.
The World of Dur-An-Ki: Ancient Myths and a Unique Protagonist
Inspired by the aesthetics of ancient Greek, Mesopotamian, and Sumerian myths, Dur-An-Ki introduces readers to a mythological world. The story centers on an androgynous protagonist named Usumgal, a wondrous child born of the gods who is neither human nor divine, male nor female. Usumgal, whose name means “Dragon” and is also linked to an entity in Akkadian mythos, possesses an inventive mind capable of devising solutions where most needed.
Descending from a holy mountain, Usumgal befriends humans, embarking on adventures that shape their destiny. The plot involves Usumgal exploring this new world and sharing their inventions with companions, against a backdrop of ancient civilizations predating 4000 BC. The title “Duranki” itself refers to “E-dur-an-ki,” a temple to the god Enlil in the ancient city of Nippur, meaning “House of the link between heaven and earth.”
Bonus Content for Fans
The Dark Horse release of Dur-An-Ki is not just the manga itself; it also includes extensive bonus materials. These additions offer a deeper look into Miura’s creative process, featuring the original story outline, concept illustrations, and other materials that highlight the development of the series. This extra content provides valuable insight into the mind of one of manga’s most influential creators.
Miura’s Legacy and Dur-An-Ki‘s Conclusion
Dur-An-Ki was originally serialized in Hakusensha’s Young Animal Zero from September 2019 to May 2020. Following Kentarō Miura’s untimely passing in May 2021 due to acute aortic dissection at the age of 54, Hakusensha, after discussions with Studio Gaga and the editors, made the decision to conclude the series. The compiled Japanese volume, which also included new design materials, was released in December 2021. Dark Horse Comics, also the English publisher of Miura’s iconic Berserk, continues to honor his legacy by bringing his works to a wider audience.
