“Logic comes second”: Berserk Author Kentaro Miura Realized the Problem with Shojo Manga Before Any of Us Could

Irrefutably, Berserk is hailed as one of the darkest mangas ever created. Kentaro Miura’s Berserk might not share the same worldwide popularity as Dragon Ball or One Piece; however, it is one of the best in the seinen genre.

Berserk became infamous for its violent and disturbing content, which tests the limits of fiction. Some manga fans have questioned Miura’s thought process, while others argue that its most traumatic moments are the very same things that make the series so iconic.

Through Guts’ heroic journey, Kentaro Miura tells an epic story of adventure and revenge, marked by frenzied action and an intriguing story. Berserk is a legendary seinen classic; however, Kentaro Miura once surprisingly disclosed its shocking similarities to shojo manga—a revelation that might come as a surprise to fans.

Kentaro Miura reveals Berserk’s surprising ties to the shojo genre

The comeback of the Berserk manga has taken the entire internet by storm. While the manga explores numerous themes, its true brilliance is its depiction of mankind. It delves into history, religion, philosophy, chivalry—you name it. It is interesting to note that the character of Guts still receives enormous amounts of praise, even when he turns into an anti-hero role.

The theme of vengeance and trauma in Berserk speaks volumes to the readership, evoking deep sympathy for the tale of Guts and striking a certain note with the male audience. Moreover, Miura’s artwork is unparalleled; it brings out expressions so vividly that every emotion resonates deeply, fully engaging the reader in the tale of Guts.

In Berserk, Miura creates an epic saga of suffering and vengeance, capturing grief and vengeance masterfully in a manner seldom seen in any seinen or shonen manga.

In an old interview with Mangabrog, Kentaro Miura had the following to say regarding Berserk having some resemblance to the shojo genre, something which may surprise fans and generate curiosity. He stated:

Shojo manga is all about expressing every feeling powerfully, and in that sense it’s not as contrived as manga for men. Men’s manga tends to come off as more calculated to sell well, whereas shojo manga are somehow just… fluffier.

Miura discussed the various similarities between Berserk and shojo manga, emphasizing that he never wanted the series to cater solely to a male audience. He said:

I guess what I mean is, like, in order to express emotions, logic comes second, whereas it’s usually the other way around.

Berserk is renowned for its graphic, dark, and visceral material and is commonly held to be one of the greatest works in the dark fantasy genre. The epic masterpiece of mangaka Kentaro Miura managed to find an equilibrium between genuine moments of humanity and the darkest aspects of human nature.

Berserk’s Timeless Appeal: Why it remains a masterpiece with a loyal fanbase

The world of Berserk is a dark and gritty one, filled with danger and uncertainty at every turn. Amidst the darkness, Guts and his companions face monstrous challenges, treacherous foes, and a constant struggle for survival.

The main protagonist, Guts, is a seasoned fighter who has been betrayed by his best friend and abandoned for dead. Miura’s greatest concern was refining his elaborate designs and artwork; however, the story started with a focus on revenge.

Following Kentaro Miura’s death in May 2021, the final chapter that he worked on was published posthumously in September of the same year.

With the assistance of Miura’s fellow manga artist and childhood friend Kouji Mori, as well as his assistants and apprentices from Studio Gaga, the series picked up where it had left off, thus continuing the legacy of its late creator. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as tensions escalate between Guts’ group and the Kushan army.

Berserk manga is available to read on Viz Media, and Berserk (2016) anime is available to watch on Crunchyroll.