Wondering how many Bleach manga volumes there are to complete your collection? You’re trying to figure out the exact number to know the scope of this epic series. This is a common question for both new fans and seasoned collectors.
The official Bleach manga series, created by Tite Kubo, consists of 74 volumes. This complete run collects all 698 chapters of the original story, from Ichigo Kurosaki’s first moments as a Substitute Soul Reaper to the epic conclusion of the Thousand-Year Blood War.
Based on official publisher data and release history, this guide provides the definitive answer. We will cover the different editions available for collecting, the manga’s official publication history, and what content exists beyond the final volume. You’ll get all the details needed to confidently start or finish your Bleach collection.
Key Facts
- Definitive Volume Count: The complete Bleach manga series officially consists of 74 individual tankōbon volumes, a number confirmed by both its Japanese and English publishers.
- Completed Main Story: The core narrative of Bleach is entirely concluded within these 74 volumes, covering all events up to the end of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
- 15-Year Serialization: The manga was originally serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine for 15 years, running from August 2001 to August 2016.
- Official English Publisher: Viz Media is the exclusive publisher for the official English-language release of the Bleach manga in North America, including all single volumes, box sets, and omnibus editions.
- Potential for a Sequel: While the main story is finished, a special one-shot chapter released in 2026 introduced a new plotline, hinting at a possible but unconfirmed future sequel arc.
How Many Bleach Manga Volumes Are There?
The definitive answer is that the complete Bleach manga series by Tite Kubo is composed of 74 official volumes. These standard-sized volumes, known in Japan as tankōbon, collect the 698 chapters that were originally serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine over a 15-year period from August 2001 to August 2016. This count represents the entire original story as intended by the author.
The 74-volume run covers the entire sprawling narrative of Ichigo Kurosaki and the Soul Reapers. It begins with the foundational Substitute Soul Reaper arc and continues through the iconic Soul Society arc, the lengthy Arrancar arc, the divisive Lost Agent (Fullbring) arc, and concludes with the massive Thousand-Year Blood War arc. When you see a “complete set,” it is referring to these 74 books published in English by Viz Media.
What Are the Different Editions of the Bleach Manga Available for Collectors?
For collectors looking to acquire the Bleach series, Viz Media offers three primary physical formats. Each edition caters to different preferences, whether you prioritize budget, shelf space, or collector-grade quality. From our experience with manga collecting, understanding these options is the key to building a collection you’re happy with.
Single Volumes
These are the original 74 individual paperback books. Each volume features its own unique cover art by Tite Kubo and represents the manga as it was first released in a collected format. This is the classic way to collect the series, offering the highest paper quality and the pure, intended reading experience.
3-in-1 Omnibus Editions
To provide a more budget-friendly and space-saving option, Viz Media compiled the series into 25 larger omnibus editions. Each of these books contains three of the original single volumes. While the paper quality is slightly thinner and they feature new cover art, they are the most cost-effective way to own the entire story physically.
Box Sets
For completionists, Viz Media has released three official box sets that bundle the single volumes. These sets not only offer a way to buy large chunks of the series at once (often at a discount compared to buying individually) but also come with exclusive bonuses like posters and collector’s booklets. The three sets cover volumes 1-21, 22-48, and 49-74, respectively.
How Do The Bleach Manga Editions Compare?
Choosing the right format can be tough, so here’s a direct comparison based on practical collector-focused criteria. From years of handling these books, we’ve found that the decision usually comes down to a trade-off between cost, quality, and shelf presence.
| Feature/Aspect | Single Volumes (74 books) | 3-in-1 Omnibus (25 books) | Box Sets (3 boxes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | Highest | Lowest | Medium (often discounted) |
| Shelf Space | Most (~4.5 feet) | Least (~2 feet) | Medium (boxes are bulky) |
| Paper/Print Quality | Highest | Lower (thinner paper) | Highest (same as singles) |
| Original Cover Art | ✅ Yes, all 74 covers | ❌ No, new omnibus cover art | ✅ Yes, all 74 original books included |
| Reading Experience | Easiest to hold | Bulky, can have gutter loss | Easiest to hold (individual books) |
| Collector’s Value | High (especially first editions) | Low to Medium | Very High (includes exclusive extras) |
| Best For | Purists, Quality-focused collectors | Budget readers, Space-savers | Completionists, Gift-giving |
What Is The Official Publication History of the Bleach Manga?
The publication history of the Bleach manga spans 15 years of serialization with staggered release dates for its Japanese and English editions. Understanding this timeline is key to appreciating the series’ longevity and the efforts of its publishers, Shueisha in Japan and Viz Media in North America. Industry analysis shows this dual-release schedule is standard for popular manga.
Here are the key milestones in Bleach’s publication journey:
- Japanese Serialization Start: The first chapter debuted in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on August 7, 2001.
- First Japanese Volume Release: The first collected tankōbon volume was published by Shueisha in Japan on January 5, 2002.
- Japanese Serialization End: The final chapter of the series was published in Weekly Shōnen Jump on August 22, 2016.
- Final Japanese Volume Release: The 74th and final volume was released in Japan on November 4, 2016.
- First English Volume Release: Viz Media began releasing the English-translated version in North America on July 6, 2004.
- Final English Volume Release: The English publication of the series concluded with the release of volume 74 on October 2, 2018.
Does the Bleach Manga Continue After Volume 74?
No, the main Bleach manga series officially ends with volume 74. This final volume brings the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, and thus the original story of Ichigo Kurosaki, to its definitive conclusion. For years, this was the accepted endpoint for the entire Bleach narrative.
However, the story is a bit more complicated now. In August 2026, to celebrate the manga’s 20th anniversary, Tite Kubo wrote and illustrated a special 73-page one-shot chapter titled “No Breathes From Hell.” This new chapter is set several years after the events of volume 74 and introduces a shocking new threat related to the “Hell” of the Bleach universe.
This one-shot effectively sets up a potential new story arc, which fans have dubbed the “Hell Arc.” While this has generated immense excitement, it is critical to note that a full sequel series has not been officially confirmed. As of now, the “Hell Arc” is just a single chapter, a teaser of what could be, rather than the start of volume 75.
FAQs About how many bleach manga volumes are there
How many chapters are in the Bleach manga?
The Bleach manga contains a total of 698 chapters. These chapters were serialized over 15 years and are collected within the 74 tankōbon volumes. The final chapter is numbered 686 and titled “Death & Strawberry,” but the total count is higher because of several extra chapters that were given negative or fractional numbers during serialization.
What is the final arc in the Bleach manga?
The final story arc in the Bleach manga is the “Thousand-Year Blood War” arc. This massive storyline begins in volume 55 (chapter 480) and continues all the way to the series’ conclusion in volume 74 (chapter 686). It depicts the climactic and devastating war between the Gotei 13 and the Quincy empire, led by their ancient king, Yhwach.
Does the manga cover the entire Thousand-Year Blood War (TYBW) arc?
Yes, the 74 volumes of the manga cover the complete Thousand-Year Blood War arc from its beginning to its end. However, it’s widely acknowledged by fans and the author that the ending felt rushed due to Tite Kubo’s health issues at the time. The new anime adaptation is expanding on the manga’s conclusion with new scenes and extended fights supervised by Kubo, providing content that was originally cut.
Is it cheaper to buy the Bleach box sets or the 3-in-1 editions?
The 3-in-1 omnibus editions are almost always the most cost-effective way to collect the entire series. While a box set provides a significant discount compared to buying its 20+ individual volumes separately, the inherently lower price point and condensed nature of the 25 omnibus books typically result in the lowest total cost to acquire all 74 volumes’ worth of content.
How many story arcs are in the 74 volumes of Bleach?
The Bleach manga is officially composed of five major story arcs across its 74 volumes. In order, they are the Agent of the Shinigami Arc (Vol 1-8), the Soul Society Arc (Vol 9-21), the Arrancar Arc (Vol 22-48), the Lost Agent (Fullbring) Arc (Vol 49-54), and the concluding Thousand-Year Blood War Arc (Vol 55-74).
Are there any colored versions of the Bleach manga?
While the standard physical releases are in black and white, a full-color version of the Bleach manga does exist digitally. Shueisha officially released the entire 74-volume series in full color on digital platforms in Japan. These digital-only colored editions are generally not available for purchase in print format in English.
Who publishes the English version of the Bleach manga?
Viz Media is the official English-language publisher for the Bleach manga in North America. They are responsible for the translation and distribution of all 74 single volumes, the 25 omnibus editions, the three collectible box sets, and the official digital versions of the series available on platforms like the Shonen Jump app.
What is the reading order for the Bleach manga?
The reading order for the Bleach manga is simple: read the volumes numerically from 1 to 74. The story is told in a linear fashion, and the volumes are numbered sequentially from beginning to end. There are no side-story volumes or alternate timelines you need to worry about; just follow the numbers to experience the entire plot as intended.
How much shelf space do you need for all 74 Bleach volumes?
You will need approximately 4.5 to 5 feet (around 1.4 to 1.5 meters) of sturdy shelf space for all 74 individual Bleach manga volumes. A standard Viz Media paperback is about 0.75 inches thick. This is a significant real estate consideration for collectors and a primary reason why the more compact 3-in-1 omnibus editions, which require only about 2 feet of space, are a popular alternative.
Are the Bleach light novels required reading?
No, the Bleach light novels are not required to understand the main story, but they are considered canon and significantly expand the world. Novels like “Can’t Fear Your Own World” and “We Do Knot Always Love You” are set after the final arc in volume 74 and fill in many story gaps. They provide crucial details on character fates and world-building but are supplementary to the core manga experience.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the scope of the Bleach manga is the first step in a rewarding journey for any shonen fan. The series is definitively complete at 74 volumes, offering a colossal and finished story that has left a lasting impact on the medium. Whether you’re a purist aiming for the single volumes, a budget-conscious reader grabbing the 3-in-1s, or a dedicated collector hunting down the box sets, there’s a clear path to owning this iconic piece of manga history.
While the main narrative is concluded, the world of Bleach continues to show signs of life through the expanded lore in the anime and the tantalizing possibility of a sequel hinted at in the anniversary chapter. Your adventure with Bleach doesn’t have to end with volume 74; it can be a gateway to a much deeper universe.
What has been your experience collecting this massive series? Let us know which edition you prefer
Last update on 2026-02-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
