Where To Pick Up Chainsaw Man Manga After the Anime

Chainsaw Man hasn’t shown any sign of a second season or a confirmed date for the movie. So, buckle up, and let’s read the manga.

Makima Chainsaw Man
Makima in the Chainsaw Man anime intro (Image via MAPPA Studio)

Back in 2022, many fans dubbed the Chainsaw Man anime the most anticipated anime of the year. Partly, the success of the manga boosted its popularity even before the premiere. Even in August 2024, there were over 28 million copies in circulation.

Unfortunately, the anime came out with only 12 episodes. It proved detrimental to fans, especially considering that the anime ends just before one of the fans’ favorite arcs, the Bomb Girl arc. The anime also ends with a further hint about the main antagonist’s whereabouts, the Gun Devil, making fans anticipate a second adaptation.

But MAPPA’s production schedule was packed with other projects. Throughout 2023 and 2024, MAPPA was drowning in a heap of large projects, such as the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan’s final season. It was virtually impossible to wish for a second season of Chainsaw Man at the time.

However, the manga’s popularity remains stable and has a big following. It even became the best-selling manga in the US back in January 2024. So, if you’re too impatient for the anime’s next installment, let’s jump straight to the manga. But to which chapter exactly?

Where To Start Reading the Chainsaw Man Manga After the Anime?

Makima Chainsaw Man ending
Makima at the end of the first season (Image via MAPPA Studio)

The anime only adapted a few portions of the whole Chainsaw Man storyline. You can start reading the Chainsaw Man manga after the anime from chapter 38. The story continues from the aftermath of the attack on Special Division 4, where Denji takes down the human-devil hybrid, Katana Man. This resolution is the definite end of the Katana Man arc in the manga.

Only two chapters beyond where the anime ends, the manga immediately introduces another love interest for Denji. This part is where the manga introduces one of the fans’ favorite characters, Reze. Currently, the manga has already set sail for Chainsaw Man Part 2, which starts at chapter 98.

How Much of the Chainsaw Man Manga Has the Anime Covered?

Denji and Reze
Denji and the new character in the Bomb Girl arc, Reze (Image via MAPPA Studio)

Because of its relatively shorter watch time, the Chainsaw Man anime doesn’t cover a lot of the story. Out of the currently available 183 manga chapters, the anime only gets to chapter 38. The anime only adapts the first four arcs, the Introduction, Bat Devil, Eternity Devil, and the Katana Man arcs.

These four arcs set the groundwork for the whole Chainsaw Man story. There is a decent amount of action and character depth, enough for an introduction to the characters. If you enjoy the first season, there is something to anticipate. The Bomb Girl arc, which is set in the Chainsaw Man Manga right after the anime ends, is getting a movie adaptation.

Should You Read the Manga or Wait for the Upcoming Movie?

Trailer for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

The manga currently has 183 chapters. Compared to the 38 chapters that the anime covers, the story has already progressed far ahead. So, jumping straight to the manga is an unsurprising choice for Chainsaw Man fans.

The good news is a new Chainsaw Man movie was announced back in December 2023. But the bad news is, up to this day, there is no confirmation of when the movie will be released.

Furthermore, MAPPA’s infamously tight schedule becomes a factor in fans’ speculation for the lack of confirmation. Despite MAPPA constantly producing quality animation, the studio has been riddled with controversies surrounding its working conditions and frantic scheduling.

Where To Read and Watch the Chainsaw Man Manga?

You can read Chainsaw Man manga online at Shueisha’s official portal. The manga is now in its 183rd chapter, which just came out on November 12th. Chainsaw Man Manga is separated into two parts, with the second part starting from chapter 98 and acting as the sequel.

The anime is available to watch on many online streaming platforms. You can watch the entire season 1 on Crunchyroll, Prime Video, and Netflix. Just keep in mind that availability will depend on the licensed region.

Are Chainsaw Man Part 1 and 2 Related?

Denji Chainsaw Man form
Denji in his Chainsaw Man form (Image via MAPPA Studio)

The whole Chainsaw Man franchise comprises two parts. The first one includes everything from the beginning up to the 97th chapter. This part is dubbed the Public Safety Saga. It mainly focuses on Denji’s new life as a government-sanctioned devil hunter under Makima.

Along with the rest of Special Division 4, Denji fights all sorts of devils who later on leave clues on their true objective, eliminating the Gun Devil. However, the story takes a turn when Makima is revealed as the Control Devil. The Control Devil is an embodiment of fear of control and conquest. In the end, Denji defeats Makima and puts an end to the Control Devil. But he has to take care of the reincarnation of this devil, who takes the form of a young girl named Nayuta.

Continuing to Part 2, the Academy Saga, Denji still plays an integral part, although he is not the main protagonist anymore. The story revolves around the War Devil and its host, Asa Mitaka, taking revenge on Chainsaw Man. This part is more introspective and has a slower pace compared to the first part.

Asa is more contemplative in her actions, contrary to Denji, who has his charms in his simple thinking. Chainsaw Man Part 2 brings out what Part 1 didn’t have. It still has the same high-stakes actions that Part 1 is so iconic for, but Part 2 also brings out more depth to the characters.

Conclusion

Denji Aki Power anime ending
Denji, Aki, and Power at the end of the anime (Image via MAPPA Studio)

There is little choice other than reading the manga to know the story of Chainsaw Man after the anime. The lack of confirmation for the production of Chainsaw Man season 2 is a result of how complicated anime production is. From studio scheduling to picking the right approach in directing the adaptation, it’s bound to take some time.

However, Chainsaw Man manga after the anime remains popular among fans. If anything, the anime is only an appetizer for the stories that are laid out in the manga. The story has some things that anime-only fans might find surprising. From Denji’s fate with Nayuta and Pochita and the return of the Gun Devil.


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