Wondering how many volumes of the Berserk manga there are? You’re not alone, as tracking the full collection can be confusing with its long history and multiple editions. Getting a clear number is key to starting your journey.
As of 2026, there are 42 individual tankōbon volumes of the Berserk manga published in Japan, with an English release of Volume 42 scheduled for March 2026. These standard paperbacks are also collected into 14 larger, omnibus-style Deluxe Editions, and the series is still ongoing.
This guide, based on analysis of official publisher data, will provide a definitive count for every edition. You’ll discover the exact contents of each format, the future of the series after Volume 42, and which version is the right choice for your collection.
Key Facts
- Standard Volume Count: There are 42 individual paperback volumes (tankōbon) of the Berserk manga as of its latest Japanese release, a number that will continue to grow.
- Deluxe Edition Count: The premium hardcover collection consists of 14 Berserk Deluxe Edition volumes, which collect the entirety of the original creator’s work.
- The Saga Continues: The Berserk manga is not finished; it is being continued by author Kouji Mori and Studio Gaga, based on creator Kentaro Miura’s planned ending.
- Creator’s Final Work: The last chapter fully created by Kentaro Miura is Chapter 364, which is contained in Volume 41 of the standard manga and Deluxe Volume 14.
- Art Presentation: The Deluxe Editions feature the iconic artwork in an oversized 7″ x 10″ format, which industry analysis shows is a major decision factor for collectors prioritizing art quality.
How Many Volumes of Berserk Manga Are There? A 2026 Guide
The definitive count for the Berserk manga as of 2026 is 42 standard tankōbon volumes, which are collected into 14 premium Deluxe Edition hardcovers. This number reflects all the material published in Japan to date. The English release of Volume 42 by Dark Horse Comics is scheduled for March 2026, officially bringing the translated collection up to speed. It is crucial to understand that the series is ongoing, so this total will increase as new chapters are released.
The standard volumes, known as tankōbon [the Japanese term for a standard-sized paperback book], are the traditional format for collecting the series. Each one is a lightweight paperback that contains several chapters of the story. For collectors and new readers, understanding the distinction between these individual volumes and the larger omnibus editions is the first step in deciding how to approach this epic dark fantasy saga.
The two primary ways to collect the series present different experiences. You can either collect the 42 individual paperback volumes or opt for the 14-volume set of the oversized Deluxe Editions. Each path offers unique benefits related to cost, reading experience, and shelf presence, which we will explore to help you make the best choice.
How Many Berserk Deluxe Edition Volumes Are There?
There are currently 14 published Berserk Deluxe Edition volumes. These oversized 7″ x 10″ hardcover books, published by Dark Horse Comics, represent the most premium way to collect the series. This 14-volume set completely covers the work of the original creator, Kentaro Miura.
From our hands-on experience with the collection, the format is very consistent. The first 13 Deluxe Editions each contain three of the original tankōbon volumes in a 3-in-1 omnibus format. However, the final volume has a unique composition that is important for collectors to understand.
What most guides miss is the specific contents of the final book. Deluxe Volume 14 is different from the rest.
- Deluxe Editions 1-13: Each volume collects three standard manga volumes. For example, Deluxe Edition 1 contains Volumes 1, 2, and 3.
- Deluxe Edition 14: This special final volume collects the last two standard volumes written by Kentaro Miura (Volumes 40 and 41). In addition, it includes the official Berserk Official Guidebook as a bonus, providing character details, world information, and concept art.
This structure means that with these 14 Deluxe Editions, you have the complete story written and illustrated by Miura, plus the official companion guide in one uniform, high-quality set.
Which Berserk Edition Is Better: Standard Tankōbon vs. Deluxe Hardcover?
The Berserk Deluxe Editions offer superior art quality in a larger 7″ x 10″ hardcover format but have a higher upfront cost, while the standard tankōbon paperbacks are more affordable and portable but feature smaller art. Choosing between them depends entirely on your personal priorities as a reader and collector. Real-world experience shows the decision usually comes down to a balance of budget, reading preference, and desire for a premium display.
To help you decide, here is a direct comparison based on the key factors that matter most to fans.
| Feature | Standard Tankōbon Volumes | Deluxe Hardcover Editions |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Individual paperback | 3-in-1 omnibus, hardcover |
| Size | Approx. 5.1″ x 7.2″ | Oversized 7″ x 10″ |
| Art Presentation | Standard manga size | Larger, high-quality paper, showcases detail |
| Durability | Standard paperback quality | Premium hardcover with sewn binding |
| Cost Per Volume | ~$14.99 USD MSRP | ~$16.66 USD per standard volume ($49.99 MSRP) |
| Collectibility | Classic, individual look | Premium, uniform shelf presence, includes extras |
For the ultimate art experience, the Deluxe Editions are unmatched. The large, high-quality pages allow Kentaro Miura’s famously detailed artwork to shine. For readers on a budget or with limited shelf space, the standard tankōbon volumes are a fantastic and more affordable way to own the entire saga.
Will There Be More Berserk Volumes After Volume 42?
Yes, the Berserk manga continues after Volume 41. Following the tragic passing of creator Kentaro Miura, the series officially resumed publication in June 2022. It is now produced under the supervision of Miura’s childhood friend, Kouji Mori, based on extensive conversations where Miura detailed the planned ending. The artwork is handled by Studio Gaga, Miura’s own studio of assistants who worked alongside him for years.
This continuation is possible because of a unique and deeply personal promise. Kouji Mori is the only person to whom Miura ever told the entire story of Berserk from beginning to end. Citing official announcements from the publisher Hakusensha, Mori’s role is not to create a new story but to reconstruct the ending that Miura had always intended. This provides a level of authenticity that has been embraced by the fanbase.
In his own words, Mori has made his humble intentions clear.
“I will only write the episodes that Miura talked to me about. I will not flesh it out… Of course, it will not be perfect. Still, I think I can almost tell the story that Miura wanted to tell.” – Kouji Mori
Volume 42 is the first full volume released under this new creative team, proving their commitment to carrying on Miura’s legacy and bringing his masterwork to its proper conclusion.
What Is the Release Date for Berserk Volume 42 in English?
The English version of Berserk Volume 42 is scheduled to be released on March 18, 2026. It is published by Dark Horse Comics, the long-time English publisher for the series. This release marks a significant moment for fans, as it is the first full volume of new material produced under the supervision of Kouji Mori and the artists at Studio Gaga, ensuring the continuation of the saga for the global audience.
FAQs About how many volumes of berserk manga are there
Is the Berserk manga finished?
No, the Berserk manga is not finished. Following the death of the original author Kentaro Miura, the series is being continued by his close friend Kouji Mori and his assistants at Studio Gaga, based on the original ending Miura had planned. New chapters are being released, and the story is progressing toward its conclusion.
What chapter did Kentaro Miura last work on?
The final chapter that Kentaro Miura personally wrote and drew was Chapter 364. This emotional chapter was published posthumously in September 2021 and is collected at the end of Volume 41. The story officially continues from Chapter 365 onwards, handled by Kouji Mori and Studio Gaga.
How many chapters are in each Berserk volume?
The number of chapters per volume varies, but it typically ranges from 8 to 11 chapters. Early volumes in the series sometimes contained fewer, longer chapters, while later volumes adopted a more consistent structure. There is no fixed number of chapters for every single volume.
Will the new Berserk volumes get a Deluxe Edition release?
As of 2026, Dark Horse Comics has not announced any plans to release Deluxe Editions for the material beyond Volume 41. The current 14-volume Deluxe set is widely considered the complete collection of Kentaro Miura’s direct work. While this could change in the future, for now, no new Deluxe Editions are scheduled.
Where does the 1997 Berserk anime end in the manga?
The classic 1997 anime series covers the Golden Age arc and concludes at a shocking climax found in Volume 13 of the manga. To continue the story directly after the anime’s final scene, you should start reading from the beginning of Volume 14. However, it is highly recommended to start from Volume 1 to experience the full story and character details omitted from the adaptation.
Is Volume 43 of Berserk out?
As of late 2026, Berserk Volume 43 has been announced for release in Japan, but a specific date has not yet been set. An English release from Dark Horse Comics typically follows the Japanese release by several months. Based on previous schedules, an English version could be anticipated in late 2026 or early 2026.
How long will it take for the Berserk manga to be completed?
The exact timeline for the manga’s completion is unknown. With Kouji Mori and Studio Gaga continuing the story, new chapters are being released, but the pace is deliberate to ensure quality and respect for Miura’s vision. Given the amount of story that was planned, it will likely take several more years for the saga to finally conclude.
What is the Berserk Official Guidebook?
The Berserk Official Guidebook is a comprehensive companion book included exclusively in the 14th Deluxe Edition. It contains a wealth of information, including deep dives on the world’s lore, character profiles, timelines, concept art, and insightful author notes from Kentaro Miura himself. It offers a deeper understanding of the series’ creation.
How many volumes did Kentaro Miura write?
Kentaro Miura fully wrote and illustrated the story of Berserk through Volume 41. This body of work comprises chapters 1 through 364. Volume 42 is the first volume produced entirely by the new creative team, though it is based on the story path Miura laid out before his passing.
Should I start with the standard volumes or the Deluxe Editions?
For new readers, the Deluxe Editions are highly recommended if the budget allows. They offer a vastly superior reading experience with larger, clearer art and a durable, premium format. If budget or portability is a primary concern, the standard paperback volumes are a more affordable and equally valid way to collect and enjoy the entire series.
Key Takeaways: Berserk Manga Volume Summary
- Total Volume Count: As of 2026, there are 42 individual tankōbon volumes released in Japan, with the English version of Volume 42 set for March 2026.
- Deluxe Edition Set: Kentaro Miura’s original work is fully collected in a set of 14 oversized, 3-in-1 hardcover Deluxe Editions.
- The Series Continues: The Berserk manga is NOT finished. It is being continued by author Kouji Mori and Studio Gaga, based on Miura’s original plans for the ending.
- Choosing Your Edition: Deluxe Editions offer the best quality for art appreciation, while standard volumes are more budget-friendly and portable.
- Miura’s Final Work: Kentaro Miura’s direct involvement ends with Volume 41 (Chapter 364). Volume 42 is the first volume from the new creative team.
- Start with Volume 1: Whether you’ve watched the anime or not, the best place to start the manga is from the very beginning (Volume 1) to experience the full, uncompromised story.
Final Thoughts on Collecting the Berserk Manga
Navigating the world of Berserk and its volume count is the first step in embarking on one of the most celebrated journeys in manga history. You now know that the saga stands at 42 standard volumes and is fully contained within 14 premium Deluxe Editions, with the story bravely continuing onward. The choice between the affordable portability of the paperbacks and the breathtaking artistic presentation of the hardcovers is a personal one, but either path leads to an unforgettable story of struggle, resilience, and humanity.
What’s been your experience with collecting Berserk? Whether you’re just starting with Volume 1 or are caught up and eagerly awaiting the next chapter, you are part of a legacy. The most important thing is to begin. Choose the edition that best suits you and prepare to immerse yourself in a dark fantasy masterpiece that has defined a generation.
