A Legacy of Blood and Guts

Max Williams looks at Berserk’s influence over the years

- Max Williams

Beginning serialisation all the way back in 1989, with over 350 chapters across 40 volumes of manga, Berserk has had a strong influence on dark fantasy for over 30 years, in parallel with the growth of video gaming. Centred on tragic hero Guts’ struggle against demonic forces, it’s become known for its dark themes, creepy monster designs, and how it deals with trauma. Berserk is massively popular in Japan, and its influence can be seen in plenty of games, whether that’s in fantastically oversized swords, ornate yet terrifying armour, or simply a hellish world with nightmarish monsters to vanquish. It’s just one way creators have shown their love for a series close to their hearts. Here are some notable shout-outs to the late Kentaro Miura’s long-running and far-reaching masterpiece.

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