Manga similar to Berserk? Berserk is one of the most popular manga to ever come out of Japan that has been repeatedly adapted into an anime to different degrees of success. Written by the late Kentaro Miura, it tells a brutal dark fantasy story about a swordsman on a journey of revenge against dark forces and a close friend that betrayed him.
While I don’t think there is any manga that can ever give a similar feel or vibe to the late Kentaro Miura’s Berserk, we do need to still feel the void left now, with the uncertain continuation of the popular manga series. Berserk is a manga series I think any fan of manga has been recommended by a friend to read at least once, and I loved reading each chapter, even the slow-paced ones that made the characters feel more real to me.
For anyone that still needs that gory dark plot, amazing fight scenes, David vs. Goliath moments, love, friendship, corruption, and betrayal then here in no particular order are 15 manga to read if you loved Berserk with honorable mentions!
Similar Manga like Berserk
15.
Wolfsmund
- Mangaka: Mitsuhisa Kuji
- Genres: Action, Drama, Historical
- Volumes: 8
- Published: Feb 14, 2009 to Oct 15, 2016
Wolfsmund is a dark historical manga set in Switzerland in the early 14th century. Showing how brutal and inhuman the Middle Ages can be, focused on a fortress in St. Gotthard Pass, ruled by the sadistic Wolfram and the interrogated characters that wish to cross the pass.
Similarity
Wolfsmund, like Berserk, is unique and original. It is a series that also portrays the psyche of characters well in a believable way. It is also just as dark and brutal as Berserk with a similar medieval setting.
Wolfsmund villain, similar to Berserk, is also very intelligent and angelic-looking but very sinister. Though Wolfsmund’s plot goes without all the fantasy elements added into Berserk.
14.
Ubel Blatt
Ãœbel Blatt
- Mangaka: Etorouji Shiono
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Ecchi
- Volumes: 23
- Published: Dec 3, 2004 to Mar 25, 2019
When rumors spread throughout the land of Wischtech about Koinzell, a boy with a black sword and a scar over his left eye defeating an entire army and all who stand in his way, he becomes an object of fear and hopes even though his past, motivations, and purpose are a mystery to everyone and those he meets in his travels.
Similarity
Ubel Blatt shares many similar themes with Berserk, such as its dark fantasy setting, over-the-top sword fights, hopelessness, adult themes, and the narrative of a lone hero betrayed by his close friend(s), out for revenge. Though with some silliness like special attacks being named, Ubel Blatt still makes for an enjoyable read for Berserk fans.
13.
Fire Punch
- Mangaka: Tatsuki Fujimoto
- Genres: Action, Mystery, Supernatural
- Volumes: 8
- Published: Apr 18, 2016 to Jan 1, 2018
Fire Punch is set in a world covered in ice and snow. Survival in such an environment can be harsh. Any civilization left has people among them with superpowers known as Blessed Ones. Agni and his sister are one of those with blessings. They have the Regeneration Blessing. He uses this ability to keep his sister and the rest of the new villagers they meet well fed. But when their village is attacked by the city of Behemdolg, killing his sister and the other villagers Agni swears vengeance.
Similarity
Like Berserk, Fire Punch has an edgy messed-up world, with both main characters on a quest for revenge. Both series have a plot that covers a lot of things, they both never feel stagnant, with both keeping a good pace. No moment is wasted as everything has a point either narratively, to be funny, or a combination of both.
12.
Goblin Slayer
- Mangaka: Kousuke Kurose, Kumo Kagyuu
- Genres: Action, Fantasy
- Volumes: 15+
- Published: May 25, 2016 to present
When newbie priestess Onna Shinkan gets invited to her first adventuring party, they immediately find themselves in distress on their quest to kill goblins. But luckily for only her Goblin Slayer who comes to her rescue—a man whose sole mission in life is to wreak havoc on goblins, murdering as many of them as he possibly can, by any means necessary. And when rumors of his feats begin to circulate, there’s no telling how he, Onna, and the other party members will overcome all the goblins and other massive adventures they are dragged into.
Similarity
Another manga similar to Berserk is Goblin Slayer, with both series telling the tragic and violent story of a man on a quest for revenge in a dark fantasy world that can be very unforgiving. The art style is also detailed and the fight scenes are awesome. It is a very serious manga with a realistic physiological take on characters dealing with trauma.
11.
Innocent Rouge
- Mangaka: Shinichi Sakamoto
- Genres: Drama, Historical
- Volumes: 12
- Published: May 20, 2015 to Jan 8, 2020
The story centers on the eve of the French revolution, and the siblings of the Sanson family. A family of executioners, Chevalier Charles-Henri and sister Marie-Joseph who live a carefree life in Versailles. Experience events that cause them numerous conflicts, both in their family, moral and personal conflicts that will make both change their worldview: from the rebellious and idealistic to the convinced executor of the will of the King and the people and more.
Similarity
Like Berserk, the manga Innocent Rouge uses a lot of symbolism, both depicting their respective worlds as dark, gloomy, and ruthless for the unprepared. They both also have an interesting take on immorality and evil. With an emphasis on character development shown in both series.
| Also Read: |
|---|
| Berserk – Casca restored, regains memory |
| 6 Anime Like Dororo |
| Top 20 Best Vampire Anime of All Time |
10.
Blaster Knuckle
- Mangaka: Shizuya Wazarai
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Historical, Horror, Supernatural
- Volumes: 3
- Published: 1992
The KKK, a terrible group headed by half-vampire half-werewolf demons that eat humans, killed former heavyweight boxer Victor Freeman’s father when he was little. Now older Victor walks a lone road, armed with shotgun gloves loaded with silver shells he makes it his mission to destroy these monsters one at a time on his endless quest for vengeance.
Similarity
Similar to Berserk, Blaster Knuckle follows the lone hero, who’s out for revenge against demons. Both series are great, gory, and entertaining. If you loved Berserk, you’ll definitely like Blaster Knuckle. It’s an adrenaline-filled time killer.
9.
Blade of the Phantom Master
Shin Angyo Onshi
- Mangaka: In-Wan Yoon, Kyung-il Yan
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Historical, Supernatural
- Volumes: 17
- Published: Mar 19, 2001 to Aug 18, 2007
In Jushin, Munsu, a secret government agent, was a special envoy of the king of Jushin. Is tasked with traveling the countryside in disguise to find and punish corrupt government officials, and bringing justice to the country’s citizens. However, Jushin is all but destroyed, leaving Munsu on his journey to continue his duty of ridding corruption and bringing about his own form of justice.
Similarity
Blade of the Phantom Master is another series that bears a strong resemblance to Berserk, feeling like a relative of Berserk, with both main characters being branded with a ‘curse’, similar motivations for vengeance, a similar friend turned villain themes, and both having beautifully drawn scenes. Both series take the characters and the readers on a superb journey.
8.
Battle Angel Alita
Gunnm
- Mangaka: Yukito Kishiro
- Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
- Volumes: 9
- Published: Nov 1990 to Mar 1995
Battle Angel Alita is perhaps one of the best sci-fi manga I’ve read, the story begins in a scrapyard where a scientist named Ido discovers the remains of a cyborg girl, who has lost her memory and has no identity. He names her Alita gives her a cyborg body and a reason to live. We follow the adventures of Alita in the post-apocalyptic world, from a bounty hunter to an athlete, to a hardened wasteland warrior.
Similarity
Another manga similar to Berserk is Battle Angel Alita. Both series examine questions of identity, human nature, hardship, and war just with cyborgs thrown in instead of monsters. Both series can be gory, emotional and follow similarly unfortunate protagonists whose troubles seem to go from bad to worse, with great character development throughout.
7.
Blade of the Immortal
- Mangaka: Hiroaki Samura
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Historical, Martial Arts, Samurai, Supernatural
- Volumes: 30
- Published: Jun 25, 1993 to Dec 25, 2012
Blade of the Immortal centers around the young Rin Asano’s journey to avenge the death of her parents at the hands of a sword school whose influence has grown within Japan: the Itto-Ryu. Unable to deny her powerlessness in the face of her powerful foe, she seeks out the skills of a swordsman who has been cursed with immortality, Manji. With his partnership set in stone, the two embark on a perilous journey of bloodshed, vengeance, and redemption, each to fulfill their own life’s cause.
Similarity
Blade of the Immortal taps into the same level of brutality and similar atmosphere that’s present in Berserk. Both series have an anti-hero, beautiful characters, and a great story. Throughout both series, we see the relationship between the characters change and develop in an interesting way that keeps you glued for more.
6.
Helck
- Mangaka: Nanaki Nanao
- Genres: Action, Fantasy
- Volumes: 12
- Published: May 5, 2014 to Dec 18, 2017
With the Demon King defeated, the Demon World is running a contest to choose his successor. A muscular and high-level human named Helck has joined and says that he wants to destroy all HUMANS. Is he serious?
Similarity
Like Berserk, Helck has the same medieval fantasy setting, with a stronger than usual men hero with a sad backstory. Both protagonists travel with a bunch of relatable and lovable characters trying to make amends with their pasts also. Though Helck is more light-hearted and comedic plot-wise, unlike Berserk that is more on the somber and depressing side.
5.
Devilman
- Mangaka: Go Nagai
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Demons, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Super Power, Supernatural
- Volumes: 5
- Published: Jun 11, 1972 to Jun 24, 1973
Devilman starts with our protagonist, Akira Fudou who lends a helping hand to his best friend Ryou Asuka. But events occur and Akira is aware of the existence of demons. With demons out to conquer the world, and a demon inside him that transforms him into Devilman. Will Akira be able to keep the world and his family safe?
Similarity
Another similar manga to Berserk is Devilman with both series having supernatural themes. Both series look at friendship, corruption, betrayal, what humanity is, and the brutality of war. The relationship of the protagonists and villains of both series are quite similar best friends to mortal enemies.
Also, check out Devilman Lady if you like the Devilman series.
4.
Kingdom
- Mangaka: Yasuhisa Hara
- Genres: Action, Drama, Historical, Military
- Volumes: 62+
- Published: Jan 26, 2006 to present
During the Warring States period in China, Xin Li dreams of becoming the “Greatest General in the World”, while helping Ei Sei, the current King of Qin, achieve his dream of a total Unification of China, ending the incessant warfare once and for all. Xin will rise from a war-orphan slave to a feared general.
Similarity
Number 4 on our list of similar manga like Berserk is Kingdom. Both series’ worlds are constantly at war, and our protagonists must fight to obtain their goals. The kingdom is also a serious manga with a lot of moral choices for our protagonist to make just like Berserk. The kingdom is a phenomenal manga that is memorable and well-written.
3.
Vinland Saga
- Mangaka: Makoto Yukimura
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Historical
- Volumes: 25+
- Published: Apr 13, 2005 to present
Set in 11th century Europe, Vinland Saga tells a bloody epic in an era where violence, madness, and injustice are inescapable, providing a paradise for the battle-crazed and utter hell for the rest who live in it. The story follows Thorfinn’s quest to avenge his father’s death by defeating Askeladd (his father’s murderer) in a fair duel, he plans to accomplish this by working for him and doing whatever Askelad asks, and in return, he is granted a chance to kill him. The story however is not just focused on Thorfinn more focus is given to the other members of the cast like Askeladd and other historical figures such as Thorkell and Canute and their participation during the conflict of the era.
Similarity
Similar to the manga Berserk, Vinland Saga has intense action scenes, a large cast of complex characters, and interesting flashbacks. There are a lot of similarities with our protagonists in their early years, both being part of a mercenary group and getting full respect from the leader who gives them the most important missions. It also talks about childhood innocence, murder, sorrow, revenge, emptiness, redemption, and aspiration.
2.
Vagabond
- Mangaka: Takehiko Inoue, Eiji Yoshikawa
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Historical, Samurai
- Volumes: 37+
- Published: Sep 3, 1998 to present
Vagabond follows the exploits of Shinmen Takezo, who would eventually become the legendary sword-saint Miyamoto Musashi, and his childhood friend, Matahachi Honiden. The two begin the story as very different people, to begin with, both swear to become Invincible Under The Heavens, and their inherently different natures set them off on completely different life paths. Though based on a famous novel by Eiji Yoshikawa, it diverges from it in numerous ways to the point that it can stand on its own quite comfortably.
Similarity
Similar to Berserk, Vagabond has beautifully drawn scenes, awesome fight scenes, complex and mature themes, and amazingly done character growth. Both series have a memorable blend of flashbacks, flashforwards, and glimpses into the lives of others besides the main character. Both series have a way of leaving the reader pondering about what they’ve read for a long time after the manga has been put down.
1.
Claymore
- Mangaka: Norihiro Yagi
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Horror
- Volumes: 27
- Published: May 6, 2001 to Oct 4, 2014
The main focus of the story centers around an organization known as Claymore, that fights monsters known as Yoma. Being the only line of defense for mankind, the organizations dispatch female warriors that are half-human, and half-Yoma to fight these monsters. Clare, a member of the organization, is on a journey of vengeance, encountering different things on her journey and learning the sinister truth behind the Claymore Organization.
Similarity
Taking our last spot of manga series similar to Berserk is Claymore. Both series have an eerie atmosphere to them, with dark, mysterious, and tragic themes. Like Berserk, Claymore is a well-thought-out and compelling fantasy with well-drawn scenes, lovable and relatable characters, and amazing fight scenes. It’s a manga series I recommend every Berserk fan and new manga enthusiast should give a try.
Honorable Mentions
Monster
- Mangaka: Naoki Urasawa
- Genres: Mystery, Drama, Psychological, Seinen
- Volumes: 18
- Published: Dec 5, 1994 to Dec 20, 2001
Gantz
- Mangaka: Hiroya Oku
- Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Ecchi
- Volumes: 37
- Published: Jul 13, 2000 to Jun 20, 2013
The Horizon
- Mangaka: Ji-Hoon Jeong
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Psychological
- Volumes: 3
- Published: Mar 30, 2016 to Jul 21, 2016
Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
- Mangaka: Hajime Isayama
- Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Military, Mystery, Super Power
- Volumes: 34
- Published: Sep 9, 2009 to Apr 9, 2021
Chainsaw Man
- Mangaka: Tatsuki Fujimoto
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Demons
- Volumes: 11
- Published: Dec 3, 2018 to Dec 14, 2020
Dorohedoro
- Mangaka: Q Hayashida
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
- Volumes: 23
- Published: Nov 30, 2000 to Sep 12, 2018
Bestiarius
- Mangaka: Masasumi Kakizaki
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Historical
- Volumes: 7
- Published: Feb 9, 2011 to Dec 25, 2018
So that’s my 15 Manga To Read If You Loved Berserk with honorable mentions! What did you think? What do you think of Berserk? Did you like any of them? Do you think there is one I should have added? What would your list be? Thank you for sticking with me to the end of this list if you’re reading this.
Till next time…Have an amazing weekend and I hope all your plans for it comes true!
Thanks for reading!
