Finished the Chainsaw Man anime and feel the phantom buzz of a revving engine in your soul? You’re not alone. The anime’s incredible first season leaves you on a cliffhanger, wondering exactly where to jump into Tatsuki Fujimoto’s source material.
To continue the Chainsaw Man story after watching Season 1 of the anime, you should start reading the manga from Chapter 39. The anime’s 12th episode concludes at the end of Chapter 38, making Chapter 39 the direct continuation and the beginning of the thrilling Bomb Girl Arc.
Based on a detailed analysis of the original source material, this guide provides the accurate mapping you need. We’ll cover exactly what the anime adapted, where the upcoming Reze Arc movie fits, and the best official places to start your reading journey right now.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: The story continues from Chapter 39 of the manga. This is the universally agreed-upon starting point after finishing anime Season 1.
- Anime Coverage: Season 1, produced by MAPPA, faithfully adapts the first 38 chapters of the manga, concluding with the end of the Katana Man Arc.
- Movie Content: The upcoming film, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, will adapt the Bomb Girl Arc, which starts at Chapter 39 and ends at Chapter 52.
- Manga Status: The manga is not finished. Part 1 is complete, but Part 2, the Academy Saga, is currently ongoing with new chapters releasing bi-weekly as of 2026.
- Official Platforms: The two best legal platforms to read the manga are VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump app and Shueisha’s Manga Plus service.
Where Do You Start the Chainsaw Man Manga After the Anime?
The answer is direct and simple. Based on an accurate mapping between the anime series and the original manga, the correct place to begin is Chapter 39. The anime’s final episode, “Katana vs. Chainsaw,” perfectly adapts the story up to the end of Chapter 38. This means you can transition from screen to page without missing a single moment of the plot.
To make it even clearer, here is the quick, definitive answer you need to get started immediately.
Quick Answer: Start reading the Chainsaw Man manga at Chapter 39.
Season 1 of the anime covers the story up to the end of Chapter 38. Chapter 39 begins the next major storyline, the “Bomb Girl Arc.”
By starting at Chapter 39, you dive straight into the next phase of Denji’s journey. This arc introduces one of the series’ most memorable characters and sets the stage for the escalating chaos that defines the rest of Chainsaw Man Part 1. You are picking up the story exactly where the animators at MAPPA left off.
What Manga Arcs and Chapters Does Chainsaw Man Season 1 Cover?
The first season of the Chainsaw Man anime adapts the first 38 chapters of the manga, which covers the first four major story arcs of the Public Safety Saga. Understanding this scope confirms why Chapter 39 is the correct starting point. MAPPA’s adaptation is known for being extremely faithful, so you can trust that you have experienced the full story of these initial arcs.
From our first-hand reading and analysis, we’ve created a precise mapping of the anime’s coverage. This demonstrates how the 12 episodes are structured around the manga’s original arcs, concluding precisely at the end of the Katana Man Arc.
| Story Arc | Anime Episodes | Corresponding Manga Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Intro Arc | 1 – 2 | Chapters 1 – 4 |
| Bat Devil Arc | 3 – 5 | Chapters 5 – 12 |
| Eternity Devil Arc | 6 – 7 | Chapters 13 – 21 |
| Katana Man Arc | 8 – 12 | Chapters 22 – 38 |
As the table shows, the anime’s journey through the Public Safety Saga is a direct and complete adaptation. Episode 12 wraps up the intense battle with Katana Man and Sawatari, just as Chapter 38 does in the manga. This detailed chapter mapping gives you the confidence that starting at Chapter 39 is not just a suggestion, but the correct, verified continuation of the canonical story.
What Is the Chainsaw Man Movie and Where Does It Fit in the Manga?
The announced ‘Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc’ is a direct sequel to Season 1 and adapts the Bomb Girl Arc from the manga, which covers chapters 39 through 52. This means the movie covers the exact content that you would start reading after finishing the anime. This has created a common question for fans: should you read the manga now or wait for the movie?
This is a personal choice, and here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
- Read the Manga Now: You get to experience the story immediately without any delay. You’ll be ahead of the curve and ready for whenever Season 2 is announced. You also experience the story in its original format as intended by creator Tatsuki Fujimoto.
- Wait for the Movie: You get to see the explosive Bomb Girl Arc with MAPPA’s high-budget animation, sound design, and cinematic direction. For some, the animated experience is preferable, even if it means waiting.
The bottom line is simple. Reading from Chapter 39 will spoil the entire plot of the movie for you. If you want to go into the film completely blind, you should wait. If you can’t bear the wait and want to continue Denji’s story now, the manga is waiting for you.
Should You Read the Chainsaw Man Manga from the Beginning Instead?
While the anime is incredibly faithful, reading the manga from Chapter 1 offers a different, equally valid experience. The decision comes down to what you value most: efficiency or experiencing the unfiltered original art.
While the Chainsaw Man anime is a very faithful adaptation, reading from Chapter 1 lets you experience Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original, raw art style and frantic pacing. The plot is 99% identical, so you won’t miss major story beats by starting at Chapter 39. However, the feel of the manga is unique.
Here’s a direct comparison to help you choose:
| Aspect | Manga (Original Source) | Anime (MAPPA Adaptation) |
|---|---|---|
| Art Style | Raw, dynamic, often sketch-like. Praised for unique “cinematic panelling.” | Polished, consistent, high-budget animation. Adds color, motion, and detailed backgrounds. |
| Pacing | Extremely fast-paced. Chapters are read quickly, creating a frantic, almost chaotic energy. | Slightly more deliberate. Scenes are given more time to breathe with added atmospheric shots. |
| Content | 99% identical. The anime is a highly faithful adaptation of the plot and dialogue. | Minor additions of anime-original scenes (e.g., more daily life at Aki’s apartment) that expand on character moments but do not alter the plot. |
| Censorship | Uncensored and graphic. | Very minimal censorship. The anime is praised for retaining the manga’s gore and mature themes. |
The verdict is clear. If your goal is to simply continue the story as quickly as possible, start at Chapter 39. If you want to experience Tatsuki Fujimoto’s unique artistic vision from the very beginning, a full re-read from Chapter 1 is a worthwhile journey.
Where Can You Read the Chainsaw Man Manga Officially?
You can officially read the Chainsaw Man manga on VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump app and Shueisha’s Manga Plus service. Supporting the official release is the best way to support the creator and the industry, and it guarantees the highest quality translation and images. Avoid illegal aggregator sites, which are often filled with poor translations, low-quality scans, and malware.
Here’s a breakdown of the two best official platforms:
| Platform | Cost | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| VIZ/Shonen Jump | ~$2.99 / month | Access to the entire Chainsaw Man back catalog |
| Manga Plus | Free | Read the 3 latest chapters simultaneously with Japan |
The Shonen Jump app is the best option for catching up. For a low monthly fee, you gain access to the entire Chainsaw Man library, meaning you can start at Chapter 39 and read all the way to the latest chapter of Part 2.
The Manga Plus app is perfect for keeping up once you are caught up. It releases the newest chapters for free on the same day they come out in Japan.
For those who prefer a physical collection, you can purchase the manga volumes. To continue after the anime, you’ll want to buy Volume 5, as it contains chapters 39-47.
What Can You Expect from the Manga After the Bomb Girl Arc? (Spoiler-Free)
After the Bomb Girl Arc, the Chainsaw Man manga continues with the International Assassins Arc, Gun Devil Arc, and Control Devil Arc, which conclude Part 1. If you thought the anime was wild, what comes next is a masterclass in subverting expectations and escalating stakes to an unbelievable degree. This section of the manga is where Chainsaw Man cemented its legendary status.
Without spoiling any major plot points, here’s a taste of what to expect:
- Intensifying Action: The fights become larger in scale, more creative, and more brutal. The International Assassins Arc, in particular, is a non-stop gauntlet of incredible action.
- Deeper Character Drama: The relationships between Denji, Power, and Aki are pushed to their absolute limits. The story’s emotional core becomes even more powerful and, at times, heartbreaking.
- Thematic Complexity: The manga delves deeper into its core themes of control, freedom, and the nature of humanity. The Control Devil Arc provides a stunning and unforgettable climax to Part 1.
- The Start of Part 2: After the conclusion of the Public Safety Saga (Part 1), the story transitions to the Academy Saga (Part 2). This ongoing part introduces a new protagonist named Asa Mitaka, who shares the spotlight with Denji, and expands the world by exploring the other Four Horsemen.
Reading past the anime opens the door to the most critically acclaimed parts of the series. The journey is a thrilling, shocking, and emotionally resonant ride that solidifies why Chainsaw Man is considered a modern masterpiece.
FAQs About Chainsaw Man Manga After Anime
Is the Chainsaw Man manga finished?
No, the Chainsaw Man manga is not finished and is currently ongoing. Part 1, the “Public Safety Saga,” is complete. However, Part 2, the “Academy Saga,” began in July 2022 and releases new chapters bi-weekly on platforms like Manga Plus, continuing the story with new characters and threats.
What volume does Chainsaw Man Season 1 end on?
Season 1 of the anime ends at the conclusion of manga Volume 4. The final adapted chapter is Chapter 38. To continue the story in physical format, you would need to purchase Volume 5, which begins with Chapter 39, the start of the Bomb Girl Arc.
How often do new Chainsaw Man chapters come out?
New chapters of Chainsaw Man Part 2 are typically released every two weeks. They are published on Tuesdays in the United States on the Manga Plus and VIZ Media platforms. This bi-weekly schedule provides creator Tatsuki Fujimoto with more time to craft the story compared to a standard weekly release.
Is the Chainsaw Man manga better than the anime?
This is subjective, as both are acclaimed for different strengths. The anime offers stunning, high-budget animation from MAPPA and a fantastic soundtrack. The manga is celebrated for Tatsuki Fujimoto’s unique, raw art style and breakneck pacing that creates a distinct reading experience. Because the anime is so faithful, many fans recommend enjoying both.
How many chapters are in Chainsaw Man Part 1?
Part 1 of the Chainsaw Man manga, the “Public Safety Saga,” consists of 97 chapters. The anime’s first season adapts only the first 38 chapters. This leaves nearly 60 chapters of the completed Part 1 story, including several major arcs, for you to read and enjoy immediately.
Can I skip the movie and just read the manga?
Yes, you can absolutely skip the movie and read the manga without missing any story. The Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is a direct adaptation of the Bomb Girl Arc from the manga (Chapters 39-52). Reading these chapters will give you the exact same plot content as the film.
Is Denji still the main character in Part 2 of the manga?
Denji is still a central and very important character, but he shares the role of protagonist in Part 2. The “Academy Saga” introduces a new co-protagonist, Asa Mitaka, and much of the story is initially told from her perspective. This narrative shift offers a fresh view of the world while continuing Denji’s development.
How many volumes of the Chainsaw Man manga are there?
As of late 2026, VIZ Media has published all 11 volumes that collect the entirety of Part 1 in English. Part 2 is still being serialized, and its chapters are periodically collected into new volumes. You can check the VIZ Media website for the most current release schedule.
Is the Chainsaw Man manga very gory?
Yes, the Chainsaw Man manga is known for being extremely gory and violent, featuring graphic depictions of dismemberment and body horror. It is a dark fantasy series aimed at a mature audience. The anime was very faithful to this aspect, so if you were comfortable with the anime’s violence, you are well-prepared for the manga.
Should I wait for Season 2 or read the manga?
This depends on your patience and how you prefer to experience stories. Reading the manga allows you to experience the rest of Part 1’s completed story right now, without waiting years for new anime seasons. Waiting for the anime provides a polished, cinematic experience. Many fans choose to do both: read ahead in the manga and then enjoy the anime adaptation as it releases.
Key Takeaways: Chainsaw Man Manga After Anime Summary
- The Definitive Starting Point: To continue the story directly after Season 1 of the anime, start reading the Chainsaw Man manga at Chapter 39.
- Anime and Movie Coverage: Season 1 adapts the manga up to Chapter 38. The upcoming Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc will adapt the next major storyline, the Bomb Girl Arc, which spans Chapters 39-52.
- Reading From Chapter 1: While the anime is a 99% faithful adaptation, reading from the beginning is recommended for those who want to experience creator Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original, raw art style and frantic pacing.
- Official Reading Platforms: The best places to read officially are VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump app (for the full back catalog with a subscription) and Shueisha’s Manga Plus app (for the latest three chapters for free).
- The Story is Not Over: The manga is not finished. Part 1 (The Public Safety Saga) is complete at 97 chapters. Part 2 (The Academy Saga) is ongoing, with new chapters released bi-weekly.
- What Comes Next: After the Bomb Girl arc, the manga enters a series of intense, critically acclaimed arcs that dramatically escalate the stakes and conclude Part 1, offering a thrilling reading experience.
- Physical vs. Digital: For physical collectors, Volume 5 is the book to buy to continue the story after the anime, as it begins with Chapter 39.
Final Thoughts on Starting the Chainsaw Man Manga
Transitioning from the Chainsaw Man anime to the manga is a seamless and incredibly rewarding experience. By starting at Chapter 39, you are perfectly positioned to continue the story and discover why Tatsuki Fujimoto’s masterpiece is celebrated for its shocking twists, emotional depth, and unapologetic creativity. Whether you choose to read now, wait for the movie, or start from the very beginning, you are diving into one of the most exciting stories in modern manga. The only question left is: are you ready to pull the cord?
Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
