In a recent interview, Berserk’s Kouji Mori discussed his decision to continue the manga after the passing of Kentaro Miura. Mori, who was Miura’s best friend, explained that the decision was not an easy one, but that he ultimately felt it was the right thing to do.

“I thought maybe I could do it,” Mori told Japanese daily Asahi Shimbun in an interview (via Comicbook). “I thought Miura would be angry that I didn’t do anything, so I made the decision.”

Mori also discussed the challenges of continuing Berserk without Miura, who was both the writer and artist for the series. Mori said that he and the artists at Studio Gaga, who had assisted Miura on the series, had a “three to four-hour meeting” in which they discussed how to continue the series and honour Miura’s work.

“During the three-to-four-hour meeting, I explained the development to Studio Gaga staff,” Mori said. “Afterward, I exchanged personal messages with the chief. I give advice on drafts, but the final drawings are the work of Studio Gaga. The drawing skills of our staff, including Chief Kurosaki-kun, are extraordinary. I believe that after they complete Berserk, they will become artists who will leave their mark on the manga world.”

Berserk has sold 60 million copies worldwide

Elsewhere in the interview, it is mentioned that Berserk boasts a total circulation of approximately 60 million copies worldwide, including both physical and digital editions. Since its inception in 1989, Berserk has achieved remarkable success, resonating with audiences not only in its home country of Japan but also around the globe.