In a statement that has shaken the Berserk fandom, writer Kouji Mori has revealed that the manga’s upcoming story arc will be even darker than the infamous Eclipse — the nightmarish event that forever changed Guts, Griffith, and the entire course of the series. Fans are already bracing themselves for what could be the most emotionally devastating chapter in the saga’s history, as Mori continues the monumental task of carrying on Kentaro Miura’s legacy.
A New Descent into Despair
During a recent interview, Mori explained that the next arc will delve deeper into the themes of grief, trauma, and human corruption than any previous storyline. He described it as “a form of darkness that even Miura-sensei had envisioned but never had the chance to fully reveal.” This revelation immediately sent fans into a frenzy online, with many wondering what could possibly surpass the Eclipse — a sequence still regarded as one of the most horrifying and unforgettable moments in manga history.
The Eclipse, which saw Guts and the Band of the Hawk slaughtered in a ritual that transformed Griffith into the God Hand member Femto, remains a benchmark for tragedy and emotional destruction in storytelling. For Mori to claim that the next arc will exceed that level of horror suggests that Berserk is heading into uncharted territory — a psychological and existential descent even deeper than before.
Fans React with Equal Parts Fear and Anticipation
Social media platforms quickly erupted with reactions from long-time Berserk readers. Some expressed excitement, praising Mori’s courage to push the narrative further while staying true to Miura’s vision. Others admitted they were nervous, joking that they “barely survived the first Eclipse” and weren’t sure they could handle something darker. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) summed up the mood perfectly: “Only Berserk fans can be terrified and thrilled at the same time.”
Many fans have also praised Mori’s approach to continuing Miura’s story — treating it not as a replacement, but as a promise to fulfill the creator’s final vision. Mori, who was one of Miura’s closest friends and confidants, has repeatedly stated that he knows how the series was meant to end and intends to follow that outline faithfully.
Honoring Miura’s Vision While Forging a New Path
Since taking over the series, Mori and Studio Gaga have been widely commended for maintaining Berserk’s distinctive tone and artistic spirit. The post-Miura chapters have slowly shifted the focus toward Guts’ inner turmoil and the consequences of his long pursuit of revenge — setting the stage for what many believe will be his greatest emotional reckoning yet.
If the next arc truly does surpass the Eclipse, it may not be through gore or shock value alone, but through the psychological and philosophical weight that has always defined Berserk. Mori’s comments suggest a story that explores the collapse of hope, faith, and identity — themes that have run through the manga since its inception.
The Legacy of Darkness
Berserk has always stood apart as a work unafraid to confront the ugliest parts of humanity — loss, obsession, sacrifice, and survival. The fact that, decades later, the series still manages to unsettle and intrigue its audience is a testament to both Miura’s genius and Mori’s devotion to preserving it.
Whether this upcoming arc truly surpasses the Eclipse remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Berserk continues to be the standard-bearer for dark fantasy storytelling. As Guts’ journey approaches its final chapters, fans are preparing for an experience that could redefine what “dark” truly means in manga.
