The Berserk saga continues to move forward with new material that revisits one of the most anticipated conflicts for fans of the manga created by Kentaro Miura. Dark Horse Comics has confirmed the release of volume 43, which places Guts and his group deep within the territory of the Kushan Empire, just as political tensions threaten to erupt into a war against Falconia, the city ruled by Griffith.
The announcement is significant because the series continues to be published years after the death of its creator, and each new installment confirms that the story is heading toward narrative points that readers have long been waiting to see developed.
What the new Berserk volume is about
Volume 43 will consist of 220 pages and will pick up after the events following the destruction of Elfhelm. The survivors, traveling aboard the ship Seahorse, discover that they have unknowingly entered waters controlled by the vast Kushan Empire.
The situation quickly becomes complicated. The ship is boarded by raiders and the group ends up separated: Guts' companions are taken in as refugees, while Guts himself, known as the Black Swordsman, is taken away in chains toward an uncertain fate.
Meanwhile, the various clans that make up the Kushan Empire are preparing a grand council to decide whether to declare war on Falconia. The goal would be to confront the power of Griffith, whose influence has already spread to the empire through dangerous sorcery.
The added complication is that Guts is going through one of the darkest stretches of his personal history, which could leave him out of action just when the conflict breaks out.
Why the Kushan Empire is a real threat to Falconia
To understand the importance of this potential confrontation, it is worth remembering the role the Kushan Empire already played in the plot of Berserk. Its former ruler, Ganishka, previously led a devastating war against Midland and ended up suffering a monstrous transformation that profoundly altered the course of history.
Those events were directly related to the birth of Falconia, the city that Griffith now rules and which has become one of the great centers of power in the world created by Miura.
The return to Kushan territory, therefore, reactivates a rivalry with potentially enormous consequences. An offensive against Falconia would open a new front of conflict just when Guts is at his most vulnerable, and the decisions of an entire empire could shape the direction of the upcoming chapters.
The legacy of Kentaro Miura continues
Each new volume of Berserk has held special significance since the death of Kentaro Miura in 2021. The author began publishing the series in 1989 and built one of the most influential works of dark fantasy, with a mix of horror, medieval violence, tragedy, and complex characters that has left its mark on numerous manga, video games, and other productions.
After his passing, many readers assumed they would never know the conclusion of Guts' story. However, in 2022 it was confirmed that the manga would continue thanks to the work of Studio Gaga, the team of assistants who collaborated with Miura, under the narrative supervision of Kouji Mori.
Mori, a personal friend of the author and creator of works such as Holyland, has explained that Miura shared numerous details with him about how he planned to develop the story of Berserk. That knowledge is the foundation upon which the plot continues to be built, not to replace its creator, but to try to lead the work toward the destination he himself had imagined.
Date, price, and extras for volume 43
Dark Horse Comics has also detailed the additional content that will be included in this English edition, translated by Duane Johnson. Volume 43 will arrive on November 24 and will feature a double-sided, full-color fold-out illustration, an epilogue written by Kouji Mori, and an additional short story dedicated to Kentaro Miura.
Its announced price is $14.99 and it is recommended for readers over 18, in line with the adult tone that characterizes the entire saga.
The publisher has maintained a close relationship with the franchise for years, both through its traditional editions and the hardcover Deluxe volumes, which collect three original volumes in each installment and have helped bring the work to new generations of Western readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Berserk volume 43 coming out?
Dark Horse Comics has confirmed its release for November 24, in an English edition translated by Duane Johnson.
What is Berserk volume 43 about?
It follows Guts and his companions after the destruction of Elfhelm, as they enter the territory of the Kushan Empire while a potential war against Falconia, the city ruled by Griffith, is brewing.
Who is continuing Berserk after the death of Kentaro Miura?
The manga continues thanks to Studio Gaga, Miura's team of assistants, under the narrative supervision of Kouji Mori, a personal friend of the author.
How much does Berserk volume 43 cost?
Dark Horse Comics has set a price of $14.99 for this edition.
What extras does volume 43 include?
It includes a double-sided, full-color fold-out illustration, an epilogue written by Kouji Mori, and an additional short story dedicated to Kentaro Miura.
Why is the Kushan Empire important in the story of Berserk?
Because its former ruler, Ganishka, previously led a war against Midland whose consequences were linked to the birth of Falconia, the city that Griffith now rules.
