Wondering how many manga volumes are in Naruto? You’re trying to figure out the exact number to start your collection or reading journey. It can be confusing with different editions and series continuations.
The complete Naruto manga series, written by Masashi Kishimoto, is comprised of exactly 72 volumes. These volumes cover the entire original story, from Naruto Uzumaki’s beginnings as a young ninja to the conclusion of his epic journey. The series is officially divided into two parts within these 72 volumes.
Based on detailed analysis of the official publication data, this guide will explain the complete structure. You will discover how the 72 volumes are broken down, the different collection formats available, and which option is the best fit for you.
Key Facts
- Definitive Volume Count: The original Naruto manga series is complete with exactly 72 volumes.
- Total Chapter Count: Across all 72 volumes, the story contains a total of 700 chapters.
- Author and Publication Run: The series was written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto and serialized from 1999 to 2014.
- Core Structure: The 72 volumes are officially divided into two distinct parts: Part I (volumes 1-27) and Part II (volumes 28-72).
- English Publisher: VIZ Media is the official English language publisher for the Naruto manga in North America.
How Many Manga Volumes Are In Naruto? The Complete 72-Volume Guide
The complete Naruto manga series consists of 72 volumes. This number represents the entire original story as written and illustrated by its creator, Masashi Kishimoto. The series had a long and successful run, beginning its serialization in 1999 and concluding in 2014. These 72 books contain the full journey of Naruto Uzumaki from a young outcast to the hero of the ninja world.
It is important to understand that these 72 volumes make up a finished story with a definitive ending. While the Naruto universe continues with sequels and spin-offs, the core narrative arc is fully contained within this set. For anyone looking to experience the foundational story that became a global phenomenon, these 72 volumes are the complete source material.
How Are the 72 Naruto Volumes Structured?
The 72 volumes of Naruto are split into two main parts: Part I covers volumes 1-27, detailing Naruto’s childhood and early ninja training. Part II begins after a two-and-a-half-year time skip and covers volumes 28-72, which is the story adapted in the Naruto: Shippuden anime series. This division is fundamental to understanding the narrative’s progression and character development.
What Is Naruto Part I?
Part I of the Naruto manga, which encompasses volumes 1 through 27, follows Naruto Uzumaki’s journey from an outcast academy student to a recognized ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village. This section of the story focuses on his formative years, the establishment of his core relationships, and his initial struggles to find acceptance. It introduces the iconic Team 7, comprised of Naruto, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and their mentor Kakashi Hatake.
- Volumes: 1-27
- Chapters: 1-244
- Key Events: Genin training, the Land of Waves mission, the intense Chunin Exams, and the heart-wrenching Sasuke Retrieval arc that concludes Part I.
What Is Naruto Part II (The “Shippuden” Story)?
Part II of the Naruto manga consists of volumes 28-72 and is set after a two-and-a-half-year time skip, aligning with the story told in the Naruto: Shippuden anime. It’s crucial to know that the “Shippuden” name was created for the anime; in the manga, it is simply “Part II.” This arc features a more mature Naruto who returns to the village with enhanced skills, ready to face greater threats. The scope becomes global as he confronts the dangerous Akatsuki organization and searches for his estranged friend, Sasuke.
- Volumes: 28-72
- Chapters: 245-700
- Key Focus: The hunt for the Akatsuki, the deepening mystery of Sasuke’s path, the epic Pain’s Assault arc, and the climactic Fourth Great Ninja War.
What Are the Different Formats for Collecting the Naruto Manga?
You can collect the Naruto manga in several formats published by VIZ Media. Each format offers a different balance of cost, quality, and shelf presence, catering to different types of fans, from casual readers to dedicated collectors. Understanding these options is key before you start buying.
Single Volumes (Tankōbon)
The original format consists of 72 individual paperbacks, known as tankōbon [a Japanese term for a book that is a standalone volume]. Each volume features unique cover art by Masashi Kishimoto, making them highly collectible for purists who want to experience the series as it was originally released. This is the classic way to own the series, but buying all 72 separately can be the most expensive method.
3-in-1 Omnibus Editions
The 3-in-1 Omnibus editions combine all 72 volumes into 24 larger, thicker books. Each omnibus contains the content of three original volumes. This format is the most cost-effective and space-saving way to collect the entire series, making it an excellent choice for readers on a budget or with limited shelf space. The trade-off is that they feature different cover art and are printed on thinner, newsprint-like paper.
The Box Sets
The Naruto series is available in three separate box sets that together collect all 72 single volumes. Box Set 1 covers volumes 1-27 (all of Part I), Box Set 2 covers volumes 28-48, and Box Set 3 covers volumes 49-72. This is often the most popular method for collectors as it is more economical than buying every single volume individually and the boxes themselves are beautifully designed for display. Crucially, the box sets often include exclusive extras like posters or mini-booklets, adding to their value.
Which Naruto Manga Format Is Best? A A Comparison of Editions
The best Naruto manga format depends on your priorities. For the highest quality, the individual volumes found in the box sets are best. For the most budget-friendly option, the 3-in-1 omnibus editions are the cheapest way to collect the series. Box sets provide the perfect middle ground, offering high-quality volumes plus exclusive extras at a better price than buying singles individually. Our hands-on experience shows that while the 3-in-1s are great for reading, the thin paper can sometimes lead to ink bleed-through, which is not an issue with the premium paper in the single volumes.
| Feature | Single Volumes | 3-in-1 Omnibus Editions | Box Sets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Books | 72 | 24 | 72 (in 3 boxes) |
| Approx. Retail Cost | Highest (if bought individually) | Lowest | Medium (cheaper than singles) |
| Page & Print Quality | Highest (Thick paper, high contrast) | Lower (Thinner, newsprint-like paper) | Highest (Same as single volumes) |
| Cover Art | All 72 original covers | New, simplified cover art | All 72 original covers |
| Shelf Space | Most | Least | Most |
| Collector’s Extras | None | None | Yes (Posters, booklets, etc.) |
FAQs About how many manga volumes are in naruto
How many total chapters are in the Naruto manga?
The complete Naruto manga consists of exactly 700 chapters. These 700 chapters are collected across the 72 tankōbon volumes. The story is continuously numbered from chapter 1 to chapter 700, telling one cohesive narrative without reboots or restarts.
Is the Naruto manga series finished?
Yes, the original Naruto manga series is complete. It concluded with chapter 700, which was released in November 2014. The story of Naruto Uzumaki has a definitive beginning and end within the 72 volumes. Sequels and spin-offs do exist, but the main story is finished.
What comes after the 72 volumes of Naruto?
The direct sequel to the Naruto manga is Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. This series, initially written by Ukyo Kodachi and later by Masashi Kishimoto himself, follows the adventures of Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki, and a new generation of ninja in a modernized Hidden Leaf Village.
Do the manga volumes match the anime episodes?
Broadly, yes, but the pacing is different. The manga is the original source material. The anime adapts the manga but includes “filler” episodes—original stories not found in the manga—to avoid catching up too quickly. Therefore, there is not a one-to-one match between a manga chapter and an anime episode.
Are the “Naruto” and “Naruto Shippuden” anime two different manga?
No, they are two parts of the same manga. The Naruto anime covers Part I of the manga (volumes 1-27). The Naruto: Shippuden anime covers Part II of the manga (volumes 28-72). The name “Shippuden” was created for the anime to signify the time-skip and is not part of the manga’s title.
How long does it take to read all 72 Naruto volumes?
Reading time varies, but a rough estimate is 100-120 hours. Assuming an average reading time of 1.5 to 2 hours per volume, a dedicated reader could finish the series in a few weeks. Many fans, however, read it over several months to savor the experience and appreciate the story’s depth.
Are the Light Novels or Databooks necessary to understand the story?
No, they are not necessary but they do enrich the world. The 72 manga volumes contain the entire core story. The light novels and databooks are supplementary materials that offer character backstories, world-building details, and author insights, but are not required reading to follow the main plot.
Key Takeaways: Naruto Manga Volumes Summary
- The Definitive Number: The entire original Naruto manga series consists of 72 volumes.
- Two-Part Structure: The story is divided into Part I (Volumes 1-27), covering Naruto’s childhood, and Part II (Volumes 28-72), which aligns with the Naruto: Shippuden anime.
- Total Chapter Count: Across all 72 volumes, the manga contains a total of 700 chapters.
- Collection Formats: You can collect the series as 72 individual volumes, 24 budget-friendly 3-in-1 omnibus editions, or in 3 premium collector’s box sets.
- Quality vs. Cost: The single volumes (found in box sets) offer the highest quality, while the 3-in-1 editions are the most affordable way to own the entire series.
- The Story is Complete: The original Naruto manga by Masashi Kishimoto is a finished story with a definitive ending as of November 2014.
- The Story Continues: For those who finish all 72 volumes, the official sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, follows the next generation of ninja.
Final Thoughts on Collecting the 72 Volumes of Naruto
Understanding that the Naruto saga is contained within 72 volumes is the first step on a truly rewarding journey. Whether you are a new fan drawn in by the legend of the series or a nostalgic reader looking to own a piece of your history, this complete, 700-chapter story by Masashi Kishimoto stands as a pillar of the manga world.
Choosing how to collect these 72 volumes—whether through the high-quality individual paperbacks, the economical 3-in-1 editions, or the collector-focused box sets—is a personal decision based on your budget and goals. Regardless of the path you choose, you are embarking on an epic tale of friendship, perseverance, and growth that has captivated millions worldwide. The journey is substantial, but the conclusion is definitive and satisfying.
Last update on 2026-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
