Guin Saga

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Cover of Vol.1, 2007 paperback edition, by Naoyuki Kato

Guin Saga (グイン・サーガ) is the title of a best-selling heroic fantasy novel series by Japanese author Kaoru Kurimoto, in continuous publication since 1979. A record 100 volumes were originally planned,[1] but as of 2008 the total stands at 121 volumes. [2] American publisher Vertical has released the first five volumes, translated into English by known game translator Alexander O. Smith. The English editions have drawn praise comparing the series to The Lord of the Rings and Conan the Barbarian. [3]

A series of soundtrack CDs composed by Goro Ohmi have also been released in Japan. [4]

Berserk creator Kentaro Miura has stated that Guin Saga was a large influence on his work. [5]

[edit] Plot Overview

The story centers around a mysterious warrior named Guin, an amnesiac with a leopard mask magically affixed to his head. Remembering nothing but his fighting instincts and the word "Aurra", he confronts a world laden with danger, intrigue, and magic. Later volumes introduce elements of the yaoi genre. [6]

[edit] Series Artists

Painted covers and interior illustrations for volumes 1-19 (1979-1984) were done by Naoyuki Kato. Noted artist Yoshitaka Amano then took the reins until vol. 57 (1997)[7], upon which time he was replaced by Jun Suemi. Shinobu Tanno, whose style closely resembles Suemi's, has been the series artist since vol. 88 (2003). [8]