Berserk's Return Sets a New Standard for Pop-Culture Franchise Revivals
Warning: This article contains spoilers for chapter 367 of Berserk and Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi
In a world of sequels, prequels and never-ending stories, the new standard of franchise revival is being set by an unexpected underdog: Berserk, famed Japanese manga featuring the journeys of the Black Swordsman, Guts. Since its triumphant return with chapter 365, the dark fantasy epic has been setting the world of manga positively aflame with the success of its daring new creative team, Studio Gaga, following the untimely death of the original mangaka, Kentaro Miura. Perhaps the greatest lesson to be learned in the impressive resurrection of this global phenomenon would be in how the team has succeeded in carrying on Miura’s legacy without compromising his vision, and how this can be applied to other revivals within the current media maelstrom.
The art of the franchise revival is an increasingly relevant commodity across the modern pop culture landscape. As exhibited by major studio franchises such as Star Wars and the DCEU, finding a correct balance to strike can be elusive, and lead to many a costly blunder in the process. As such, keying in to exactly what makes this particular revival so successful, despite the loss of the main creative force behind the endeavor, can lead to a better understanding of what even allows a landmark work such as Berserk to have the kind of staying power needed to fuel a blockbusting pop culture franchise.
Related: Berserk Returns To Prove Why It Deserves the Title of Greatest Manga Ever
In what has proven not to be simply a mirage, Berserk returned last month to rapturous critical and fan acclaim, with many fans voicing praise for the level of dedication shown by Miura’s former pupils in
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