Photo/Illutration A notice from the Young Animal editorial department about the resumption of “Berserk” comes with a message from manga artist Koji Mori, who serves as supervisor for the dark fantasy series after author Kentaro Miura's death at age 54 in May 2021. (Provided by Hakusensha Inc.)

“Berserk,” a dark fantasy manga series by Kentaro Miura, has resumed after an abrupt hiatus following the death of the author last year.

The latest episode was published in the 13th issue of Hakusensha Inc.’s Young Animal comic anthology for young adult men released on June 24.

The story centers around Guts, a swordsman who wields a gigantic sword larger than his own height to fight monsters.

Miura started the manga in 1989, winning the award for excellence at the 6th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize sponsored by The Asahi Shimbun in 2002.

The title was later adapted into an animated TV series as well as feature films.

The author died in May 2021 at the age of 54 due to acute aortic dissection.

The 364th episode, which was partially hand-drawn by Miura before his death and completed by his staff, was published in the comic magazine released on Sept. 10, 2021.

The Young Animal editorial department said it was able to continue the story based on concept notes and character designs left by Miura, adding that it would have been a tragedy to end the tale without sharing the outline with fans.

Miura’s close friend and manga artist Koji Mori, to whom the author related the storyline and episodes for “Berserk,” served as supervisor to resume the title. Miura’s staff, called Studio Gaga, handled the artwork.

“I tried to recall every detail to tell the story. And I am only doing episodes Miura told me about,” Mori was quoted as saying. “In terms of dialogue, I am only telling the story as Miura related it to me. Naturally, it will be incomplete. But I think I can tell the story almost in the way that Miura wanted.”

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