Manga Artists, Industry and Fans Pay Tribute to Kentaro Miura

Tributes poured in for the Berserk creator from across the globe

Daryl Harding
(5/20/21)

Berserk

 

After the heartbreaking news today that Berserk creator Kentaro Miura passed away, tributes for the manga artist poured in from all across the world, with fans, industry professionals, and fellow manga creators posting their memories of Miura to Twitter. 

 

Berserk

Image Via Dark Horse Comics

 

George Morikawa 
(Author of Hajime no Ippo, who also employed Miura as an assistant)

 

 


“This is an image of Takamura, which Kentaro Miura drew for me.
It's now making me feel quite sentimental.
Let me tell you a memory I have of Kentaro.


When I was creating my first weekly series, I was in trouble because I had no staff. That's when Kentaro kindly came to help me. 
He was just 18 years old and I was only 19.
He was just a student from the art department of a certain university, coming to me when just a sketchbook under his arm.


I didn't know how good he was at drawing, so I showed him a drawing I had done and asked him to copy it.
I was astonished at the result.
His talent far outweighed his age.
After just a handful of sketches, I was already drawn to him.
We were still quite young, so we paused to discuss manga.


I asked him to show me his sketchbook, which I had been deeply curious about. When I peered inside, I was even more astonished. I felt goosebumps.


There was a fairy, an insignia, and a warrior with a huge sword. Those drawings later became Puck and Guts. 
I was overwhelmed by the drawing done in a thick pencil.
"What is this!?" I exclaimed! 
He responded "It's just something I have in my head. I'd like to draw it after I get a bit more skill."
I wondered how long he had been working on it.
Berserk was already there. 

 

Months passed, and Hajime no Ippo started serialization.
Around the same time, Berserk had started.
I had heard some stories about the difficulties Kentaro had faced.
But I was convinced...


I was sure that a hugely popular manga had begun.
This was the series that Kentaro had judged himself to have gained enough skill to draw and had launched it with full confidence.
I was sure that the world would be as astonished as I was.
And it was.
He used every bit of his being to express his otherworldly drawing skills in every panel.
I have nothing but respect for the energy that went into every chapter.


This is the end of the story.
That was the only time I really got to know him, but I heard that he cared about me.
I am proud to have the honor of his company.


I'm sorry Kentaro-kun, I talked without permission.
Someday, I'll be there to read the final chapter.


I'm sorry for any typos and errors.”

 

 

Chica Umino
(Author of March Comes in Like a Lion, Honey and Clover)

 

 

“These last two weeks have not felt real. 

I have just been facing my desk, thinking of all the memories.

It feels like we're talking together when I am drawing.

 

 

Yoshino Nanjo
(Sonia voice actor in Berserk 2016)

 

 

 

“I was surprised to hear of his passing. I played the role of Sonia in Berserk that was written by Kentaro Miura-sensei, and I also sang the ending theme with Nagi Yanagi. 


I was really blessed to be able to be involved in his wonderful creation in some way. Thank you so very much.


May you rest in peace.”

 

 

Susumu Hirasawa
(Composer of the Berserk anime soundtracks)

 

Susumu Hirasawa

Statement via Susumu Hirasawa’s website

 

“Mr. Miura is no longer a being that exists in this physical place. While we won't be able to talk going forward, your spirit will be with me through time and space in my memories and my heart.


Mr. Miura. As always, I'm in your debt.”

 

 

 

 

Hiro Mashima
(Author of Fairy Tail, EDENS Zero) 

 

 

“Berserk kept me youthful. Even at this age, I still excitedly go to buy every volume when it releases. I'm beyond stricken with grief. May Miura-sensei rest in peace.”

 

 

Makoto Yukimura
(Author of Vinland Saga)

 

 

 

Atsushi Ohkubo
(Author of Fire Force and Soul Eater)

 

 

“Berserk is cherished by people of all generations, and to my friends and I, it was gospel. Even just a few days ago, I binged-read through all the volumes…


When I was a student, I heard that Miura-sensei was going to be in Shibuya for an event, so all my friends and I hurried to see him. It's too soon sensei!”

 

 

Rei Hiroe
(Author of Black Lagoon)

 

 

 

“I went to bed and woke up to find that Kentaro Miura-sensei had passed away. Oh...Berserk will remain unfinished...it was such a great manga that was rich with gritty fantasy. I'm quite shaken because it's one of the few manga I've been buying for a long time continuously. Thank you for your hard work, and please rest in peace. R.I.P.


I'm mourning so I tried to imitate his drawing a bit, but Miura-sensei's lines are truly very refined. I just want Casca to be happy…”

 

 

Ken Akamatsu
(Author of Love Hina, UQ HOLDER)

 

 

“May Kentaro Miura-sensei rest in peace.


Miura-sensei was very fond of Yue Ayase from Negima. Whenever Yue got in an erotic pinch, he would send me a fax in excitement and was always happy to receive permission from Seruhiko-sensei, a teacher in Negima.


I'm just so shocked...!”

 

 

Yasuhisa Hara
(Author of Kingdom)

 

 

“May Miura-sensei rest in peace.”

 

 

Yuji Kaku
(Author of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku)

 

 

“I'm speechless and having a hard time putting my thoughts into words ... I don't really feel it yet.


I've kept returning to previous interviews to learn more from them.


But right now, all I can remember is the iced coffee I forgot to drink because we were so engrossed in our conversation, and that one verse we sang together from Kaientai.


May you rest in peace. Thank you for everything Miura-sensei.”

 

 

Mizuho Kusanagi
(Author of Yona of the Dawn)

 

 

 

“I can't help but wonder how Guts and his friend will continue on...


I'd like to thank Miura-sensei for taking time out of his busy schedule to draw the obi for the Yona book as well as a really great picture!
I am deeply grateful to him for his help with Yona of the Dawn.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much!


I am filled with sadness and grief, I hope you rest in peace.”

 

 

Yoshinori Ono
(former Street Fighter producer at Capcom)

 

 

 

Koei Tecmo

 

 

 

Dark Horse Comics

 

 

 

Meiji
(Japanese illustrator, known for Fate/Grand Order)

 

 

 

Dave Rapoza
(American illustrator, known for Marvel covers)

 

 

 

Adam Deats
(Assistant director on Netflix’s Castlevania) 

 

 

 

Footage of a breathtaking memorial inside Final Fantasy XIV

 

 

 

This is barely stretching the surface of tributes to Miura-sensei today, with people from every country, every language, and every way of life showing their love to a creator who was truly one in a generation and someone who changed the face of dark fantasy, not only in manga but in literature globally, inspiring thousands.

 

Miura-sensei, may you rest in peace. Your legacy will live on in those you have inspired.

 

---- 

 

Daryl Harding is a Japan Correspondent for Crunchyroll News. He also runs a YouTube channel about Japan stuff called TheDoctorDazza, tweets at @DoctorDazza, and posts photos of his travels on Instagram.

Tags
berserk, kentaro miura, manga, industry
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