No, Berserk did not officially finish according to the complete vision and plans of its original creator, Kentaro Miura.
While the beloved manga series did not reach its originally intended conclusion, it achieved a de facto ending with chapter 364. This particular chapter provided a functional stopping point for the narrative, occurring at a stage where one of the series' longest and most significant story arcs had been brought to a close. As such, the ending at chapter 364, though not the full, planned finale, was not entirely without narrative resolution for a major segment of the story.
The Status of Berserk's Conclusion
The journey of Berserk is a unique case in the world of manga, marked by its creator's passing. Understanding its status requires distinguishing between the author's complete vision and the current published state.
Key Aspects of Berserk's Ending Status:
- Creator's Vision Unfulfilled: Kentaro Miura had extensive long-term plans for Berserk that went beyond what was published. His passing meant these plans could not be fully realized by him.
- Chapter 364 as a De Facto End: The series effectively concluded publication with chapter 364. This chapter provided a significant narrative beat, serving as a de facto ending point.
- Resolution of a Major Arc: Despite being incomplete by the creator's original design, the story reached a point where one of its most extended story arcs found a conclusion. This brought a certain level of narrative closure to a substantial portion of the ongoing plot.
Berserk's Current State
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Plans | Unfinished, as the creator's full vision and long-term narrative trajectory were not completed. |
| Published Chapters | Concluded with Chapter 364, which served as a de facto ending. |
| Narrative Context | The story concluded after completing a pivotal and lengthy story arc, offering a reasonable stopping point. |
| Future Status | The series continued under the supervision of Miura's longtime friend, Kouji Mori, and his assistants at Studio Gaga, aiming to complete the story based on Miura's documented plans and discussions. |
Important Note: While chapter 364 marked a significant pause and acted as a practical end point for many, the series has since continued under the supervision of Miura's friend Kouji Mori and his studio, Studio Gaga, with the aim of completing the story based on Miura's documented plans and discussions. However, the initial question regarding whether Berserk ever finished refers to its state immediately following Miura's passing and prior to the continuation announcement.
