Wondering how many manga books there are for Naruto? You’re not alone, as the series’ long run can make the total count confusing. Many fans struggle to find a definitive answer.
The Naruto manga series comprises a total of 72 tankōbon volumes, written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto and published by Shueisha. This complete series offers a comprehensive narrative journey from Naruto’s childhood to his adult life, making it a cornerstone of modern manga.
Based on official publication data, this guide provides a definitive breakdown of all 72 volumes. You will discover exactly how the series is structured and which editions are available. This article covers the official volume count, series breakdown, and different collecting options systematically.
Key Facts
- Definitive Volume Count: The complete Naruto manga series consists of 72 individual volumes, concluding the entire original story.
- Creative Mastermind: The series was written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto and serialized by Shueisha in its iconic Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine.
- Two-Part Saga: The 72 volumes are divided into two major parts: Naruto (Part 1) covers volumes 1-27, and Naruto Shippuden encompasses volumes 28-72.
- Historic Publication Run: Naruto was serialized for 15 years, beginning in 1999 and concluding its celebrated run in 2014.
- Sequel Series is Separate: The sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, is an entirely separate manga series and is not included in the original 72-volume count.
How Many Manga Books Are There For Naruto?
The definitive answer is that the Naruto manga series consists of 72 volumes. This official count covers the entire original storyline as envisioned by its creator, Masashi Kishimoto. Each volume collects a series of chapters that were originally published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, telling a complete and cohesive story from beginning to end.
This total of 72 books makes Naruto a substantial but finite series, perfect for readers looking for a long-form narrative with a clear conclusion. The entire collection chronicles the journey of Naruto Uzumaki from a lonely outcast to a celebrated village hero. No additional volumes are needed to experience the full, original plot.
For fans and collectors, understanding this number is the first step to exploring the rich world of Naruto. It confirms that the main narrative is complete and accessible across these 72 distinct books, which have been published and translated worldwide.
How Are Naruto’s 72 Manga Volumes Divided By Series?
The 72 Naruto manga volumes are divided into two distinct arcs: the original Naruto series (often referred to as Part 1) covers volumes 1 through 27, detailing Naruto’s early ninja training and adventures. The subsequent Naruto Shippuden saga continues the story from volume 28 through to the final volume 72, focusing on a more mature cast and escalating conflicts. This division marks a significant time skip in the narrative and a shift in the story’s tone and complexity.
This clear separation helps readers navigate the sprawling epic. The two parts represent different eras in the protagonist’s life, each with its own unique character dynamics, challenges, and overarching plotlines.
Here is the official breakdown:
* Naruto (Part 1): Volumes 1 – 27 (Total of 27 books)
* Naruto Shippuden (Part 2): Volumes 28 – 72 (Total of 45 books)
What Is Naruto Part 1: Volumes 1-27 About?
Naruto Part 1 spans volumes 1-27, introducing Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous orphan determined to become his village’s leader, the Hokage. It covers his early days in Team 7, his rivalry with Sasuke, and his training under Kakashi, culminating in the Sasuke Retrieval Arc and crucial early character development. This part of the series establishes the core relationships and world-building that are foundational to the entire saga, focusing on themes of friendship, perseverance, and acceptance.
What Is Naruto Shippuden: Volumes 28-72 About?
Naruto Shippuden, encompassing volumes 28 through 72, continues Naruto’s story as a teenager, featuring his return to the Hidden Leaf Village after a training journey. It delves into the threat of the Akatsuki [a powerful antagonist organization], Sasuke’s descent into darkness, and the climactic Fourth Great Ninja War, culminating in the series’ grand finale. This latter half of the series features more complex plotlines, higher stakes, and significant character growth as the cast faces global threats.
What Are The Different Editions Of The Naruto Manga Books?
The Naruto manga is primarily available in three main editions: the standard individual Tankōbon volumes (72 total), the 3-in-1 omnibus editions which collect three standard volumes into one larger book, and the Sōshūhen (Uzumaki Megavolume), a large Japanese-exclusive compilation that rereleases Part 1 in eight extensive volumes. Each edition offers unique benefits for readers and collectors based on budget, reading preference, and collecting goals.
Understanding these formats is key to deciding how to start your collection. The Tankōbon is the classic single-volume experience, while the omnibus editions provide a more economical way to read through the series quickly. The Sōshūhen is a premium collector’s item for dedicated fans.
Here is a breakdown of how the different editions compare:
| Feature/Aspect | Tankōbon (Standard) | 3-in-1 Edition (Omnibus) | Sōshūhen (Uzumaki Megavolume) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volumes per Book | 1 | 3 | ~3-5 (Varies per megavolume) |
| Total Books to Collect (Part 1) | 27 | 9 | 8 |
| Page Count (per book) | ~190-200 | ~550-600 | ~700-800+ |
| Availability | Widespread | Widespread | Japanese exclusive / Import |
How Do Naruto Manga Box Sets Compare To Individual Volumes?
Naruto manga box sets offer a packaged, often discounted way to collect multiple volumes, typically including exclusive bonus items like posters or mini-comics. They are generally more cost-effective than buying individual volumes separately, especially for collecting entire arcs. However, individual volumes provide flexibility for casual readers or those replacing specific books.
Choosing between box sets and individual volumes often comes down to commitment and budget. Box sets represent a larger upfront investment but reward collectors with a lower per-volume cost and exclusive extras. Buying individual books allows you to collect at your own pace and budget.
Here is a direct comparison to help you decide:
| Feature/Aspect | Box Sets | Individual Volumes |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | Generally more cost-effective per volume | Higher individual cost |
| Bonus Content | Often includes exclusive extras | None |
| Storage | Organized, compact presentation | Requires individual organization |
| Flexibility | Purchase in bulk (e.g., 20+ volumes) | Buy one by one, good for replacing |
| Availability | Limited run, may go out of print | Consistent supply, easier to find |
What Is The Publication History Of The Naruto Manga Series?
Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto manga began its serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in September 1999 and concluded its run in November 2014. The first Tankōbon volume, Uzumaki Naruto, was released in March 2000, with the 72nd and final volume published in February 2015, marking a significant era in manga history. This 15-year run cemented its status as one of the best-selling and most influential manga series of all time.
The release of the individual Tankōbon volumes by the publisher Shueisha followed the serialization, collecting the chapters into the 72 books that fans know today. This consistent release schedule allowed the series to build a massive global following. The conclusion in 2014 brought a definitive end to Naruto’s main story, solidifying the 72-volume count as the complete canon.
How Can You Start Reading All Naruto Manga Books In Order?
To read all 72 Naruto manga books in order, begin with Volume 1 of Naruto (Part 1) and proceed chronologically through to Volume 72 (the end of Naruto Shippuden). This ensures you follow the complete narrative of Masashi Kishimoto’s original series. For continuity, consider moving onto the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga afterwards.
Following the story in its intended sequence is the best way to experience the character development and plot progression. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to get started:
- Start with Part 1: Begin your journey with Naruto Volume 1. Continue reading through to Volume 27 to complete the first major arc of the series.
- Continue with Shippuden: Immediately after finishing Volume 27, pick up with Volume 28. This marks the beginning of the Naruto Shippuden storyline.
- Complete the Series: Read from Volume 28 all the way through to the final book, Volume 72. This concludes the original Naruto saga.
- Explore the Sequel (Optional): After finishing all 72 volumes, you can continue the story of the next generation by reading Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which is a separate and ongoing series.
FAQs About how many manga books are there for naruto
Is the Boruto manga included in the 72 Naruto volumes?
No, the Boruto manga is not included in the 72 Naruto volumes. The 72 volumes specifically cover the entirety of Masashi Kishimoto’s original Naruto series, which concludes with Naruto Shippuden. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a separate, ongoing sequel series that follows Naruto’s son and the new generation of ninjas.
Are there any official Naruto manga beyond volume 72?
No, there are no official Naruto manga volumes beyond 72 that continue the main story. Volume 72 serves as the definitive conclusion to Naruto’s personal journey in the original series. While spin-offs exist, the direct narrative continuation after volume 72 transitions into the separate Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga.
What is the difference between Naruto manga and anime episode counts?
The manga and anime episode counts differ significantly due to their formats and pacing. The manga series is a finite story told across 72 volumes. The anime adaptation contains hundreds of episodes, including a large amount of “filler” content—original stories not present in the manga—which were added to prevent the show from catching up to the manga’s publication.
Is the Naruto manga complete, or is it still ongoing?
The original Naruto manga series by Masashi Kishimoto is officially complete at 72 volumes. The story concluded its serialization in 2014 and the final volume was released in 2015. However, its official sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which follows Naruto’s son, is an ongoing manga series.
Can I buy all 72 Naruto manga books as a single collection?
While you cannot purchase all 72 Naruto books in a single “complete series” box set, you can collect the entire run through multiple official box sets. VIZ Media has released three separate box sets that, when combined, contain all 72 volumes of the series, making it a convenient way to acquire the full story.
What are the “filler” chapters in Naruto manga?
The original Naruto manga by Masashi Kishimoto contains virtually no “filler” chapters. The concept of filler primarily applies to the anime adaptation, where non-canonical episodes were created to pad the time between story arcs. The 72 manga volumes follow a consistent, unbroken narrative directly from the author’s vision.
Does the Naruto manga have color pages?
The vast majority of the Naruto manga is published in black and white, which is standard for most manga series. Occasionally, certain chapters featured introductory color pages during their initial serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump to mark special events. Some of these color pages are included in the collected Tankōbon volumes, but the main story is monochrome.
Are there any significant differences between the digital and physical Naruto manga editions?
The core content of the story is identical between digital and physical Naruto manga editions. The primary differences are in format and accessibility. Digital editions offer portability and are often slightly cheaper, while physical editions provide a tangible collecting experience with larger artwork. The narrative and dialogue remain the same across both formats.
How many chapters are typically in one Naruto manga volume?
A single Naruto manga volume, or Tankōbon, typically contains between 9 and 11 chapters. The exact number can vary slightly based on individual chapter lengths and editorial decisions. Across the entire 72-volume run, this amounts to over 700 chapters that tell the complete story of Naruto Uzumaki.
Which Naruto manga edition is best for new readers?
For new readers, the VIZ Media 3-in-1 omnibus editions are often recommended as the best starting point. These editions provide a highly cost-effective way to read the series, as they combine three standard volumes into a single, larger book. This makes collecting the entire series more affordable and accessible than buying all 72 individual volumes separately.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of a long-running series like Naruto can be daunting, but the structure is straightforward once you know the numbers. The complete, original story is contained within 72 volumes, divided neatly into two major parts. Whether you choose to collect individual volumes, budget-friendly 3-in-1 editions, or comprehensive box sets, the entire epic journey of Naruto Uzumaki is accessible and ready for you to explore. Understanding this framework is the key to confidently starting or completing your collection of this legendary manga series.
Last update on 2026-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
