10 Must-Read Manga for Fans of Berserk

Berserk, a beloved cult classic, has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Its dark themes and intricate art style have made it immensely popular. Tragically, last year, Kentaro Miura, the talented writer and illustrator behind the series, passed away from acute aortic dissection.

Undoubtedly, Berserk has left a lasting impact on countless individuals and is widely regarded as the pinnacle of manga. Its uniqueness remains unmatched, as no other series has come close to replicating what Berserk achieved. Nonetheless, avid fans of Miura's masterpiece can find solace in exploring other exceptional manga titles that offer a similar experience.

Vagabond and nine other manga series that fans will appreciate if they like Berserk

1) Vagabond

The Vagabond manga series, depicted in this still from Kodansha/Takehiko Inoue, delves into the captivating world of Miyamoto Musashi, the renowned ronin celebrated for his exceptional swordsmanship. Similar to Berserk, this manga also realistically explores the profound personal growth of its characters. Readers will be enthralled by the protagonist's relentless struggle against his own impulses and the formidable challenges he encounters on his transformative journey.

The protagonist in this story has some similarities to Guts, although it doesn't delve into darker themes. This makes it an intriguing read. Regrettably, Vagabond did not receive a proper ending as it abruptly went on an indefinite hiatus and never resumed. The reading platform for this content is Viz Media.

2) Vinland Saga

A still from the Vinland Saga manga (Image via Kodansha/Makoto Yukimura)

While Berserk falls into the genre of dark fantasy, Vinland Saga is based on a historical event. Although they differ in genre, both manga titles are set in medieval Europe. While the adaptation may not be completely accurate, the storytelling and characters are remarkably captivating. The manga's plot centers around Thorfinn, who witnesses the brutal murder of his father.

Initially, Thorfinn's journey is driven by a thirst for revenge and is characterized by violence. However, as the series progresses, he undergoes a significant transformation and his perspectives undergo a drastic shift. The development of both the protagonists and deuteragonists is portrayed with remarkable realism.

Reading platform: Viz Media

3) Attack on Titan

The manga series Attack on Titan, illustrated by Hajime Isayama and published by Kodansha, has garnered acclaim as a modern masterpiece. Renowned for its intricate storyline and captivating narrative style, Attack on Titan shares a similar ability to captivate readers as the iconic manga series Berserk. Notably, there are noticeable differences in the portrayal and character development of the respective protagonists.

The true bonding factor shared by both protagonists is their unwavering resolve and resolute determination. Armed with these shared attributes, fans of Kentaro Miura's acclaimed masterpiece are bound to find immense pleasure and admiration for Attack on Titan.

Reading platform: Kodansha

4) Blade of the Immortal

A still from Blade of the Immortal manga (Image via Kodansha/Hiroaki Samura)

The violence and high-quality action in Berserk immediately grab the attention of fans. Similarly, Blade of the Immortal centers around a samurai's journey, but it diverges from Vagabond's straightforward depiction of characters. While Vagabond leans towards character development, Blade of the Immortal thrives on its action-packed storyline. Additionally, both protagonists continuously confront overpowering loneliness. These factors, combined with the excessive violence portrayed in both manga series, contribute to Blade of the Immortal's inclusion on this list.

Reading platform: Amazon (physical and digital copies), Barnes & Noble, Comixology

5) Claymore

This still belongs to the Claymore manga (Image via Shueisha/Norihiro Yagi).

The Claymore and Berserk series are renowned for their exploration of darker themes. Due to this shared characteristic, those who have delved into Berserk may find enjoyment in reading the Claymore manga series. However, it is important to note that there is a significant disparity in the art style and overall quality of the illustrations.

The two manga titles vary quite a bit in terms of the reader’s experience. However, readers will enjoy Claymore if they manage their expectations.

Reading platform: Viz Media

6) Guin Saga

A still from the Guin Saga manga (Image via Hayakawa Publishing/Kaoru Kurimoto)

Guin Saga earned its place on this list for a compelling reason. This manga series served as a significant inspiration for various aspects found in the works of Kentaro Miura. The acclaimed author openly acknowledged that Guin Saga influenced the fantasy elements and world-building found in Berserk. The tale centers around Guin, a peculiar warrior who grapples with amnesia. His sole recollection is his innate fighting skills. This captivating narrative offers readers a unique perspective on the integral role Guin Saga played in shaping the world-building of Berserk.

Reading platform: Amazon (physical copies)

7) Gantz

Still from the Gantz manga (Image via Shueisha/Hiroya Oku)

If readers are fans of the intense violence and thrilling action found in Kentaro Miura's manga, they are sure to find Gantz an enjoyable read. This manga is renowned for its unapologetically mature content, which primarily revolves around intense fights and their consequences. Gantz tells the story of individuals who have recently died and are unexpectedly resurrected in their original bodies, only to be coerced into participating in a deadly game.

The game centers around eliminating extraterrestrial beings, with each individual's demise resulting in the introduction of a newly deceased human. Although the narrative markedly diverges from Kentaro Miura’s creations, certain brooding elements such as despair, violence, and hopelessness are shared by these two manga series.

8) Dorohedoro

A still from the Dorohedoro manga (Image via Shogakunan/Q Hayashida)

Both Dorohedoro and Berserk share a common medieval dystopian backdrop. While most fans may not directly compare the art styles, the quality is undeniably impressive. Additionally, both manga series excel in their storytelling. The well-developed characters and fast-paced plot make for a captivating and enjoyable reading experience. Dorohedoro follows the journey of Kaiman, the main character, as he strives to recover his forgotten memories and survive in a harsh and brutal world. Fans of Kentaro Miura's masterpiece, Berserk, are sure to find enjoyment in Dorohedoro as well.

Reading platform: Viz Media

9) Made in Abyss

The elaborate art in Made in Abyss is something that stands out to fans. The story revolves around a young orphaned girl on a quest to find her mother. As she delves deeper into the "abyss," a place closer to the center of the Earth, she encounters numerous traumatizing events and the presence of evil. Similar to Miura's works, this manga explores dark themes that would appeal to Berserk fans.

Reading platform: Amazon (physical copies), Comixology

10) Monster

A panel from Monster (Image via Shogakunan/Naoki Urasawa)

Monster stands apart from Berserk in terms of its plot and setting. While Berserk caters to the dark fantasy genre, Monster presents a gripping psychological thriller. Nonetheless, there are certain similarities between the two manga series. Both titles raise thought-provoking questions, compelling readers to delve into the morally ambiguous territories where right and wrong blur. Monster follows the story of a Japanese surgeon who finds himself entangled in a challenging predicament when he encounters a former patient, who happens to be a serial killer.

For adults who value compelling storytelling and well-developed characters, Viz Media's reading platform is the perfect choice. The manga titles featured not only have exceptional artwork, but they also guarantee a captivating reading experience. Although it may not surpass iconic series like Berserk, the splendid art found in these titles ensures a truly enjoyable read.

Stay tuned for more anime and manga news as 2023 progresses.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am excited to explore the captivating manga series recommended for fans of Berserk. The dark themes and intricate art style of Berserk have captivated millions of readers worldwide, and I am eager to delve into other manga titles that offer a similar experience.

Among the recommended titles, Vagabond, Vinland Saga, and Attack on Titan particularly catch my attention. Vagabond's exploration of the profound personal growth of its characters and the protagonist's relentless struggle against his own impulses resonate with me. The historical setting and compelling storytelling of Vinland Saga also intrigue me, as it offers a different perspective from Berserk's dark fantasy genre. Attack on Titan's reputation as a modern masterpiece with an intricate storyline and captivating narrative style has also piqued my interest.

Overall, I am excited to embark on a journey through these must-read manga for fans of Berserk and discover new worlds, characters, and stories that will leave me spellbound.