Wondering just how long the epic Naruto manga series really is? You’re trying to figure out the exact number of volumes to know the full scope of the collection. Getting a straight answer is key to starting your journey.
The complete original Naruto manga series consists of 72 tankōbon volumes, which collect a total of 700 chapters. The story is officially split into two parts: Part I covers volumes 1-27, while Part II (known as ‘Shippuden’ in the anime) spans volumes 28-72.
Based on official publication data and verified collector information, this guide will provide the definitive breakdown. You’ll discover the different formats for collecting all 72 volumes, from box sets to omnibus editions. This reveals exactly how the series is structured for new readers and collectors.
Key Facts
- Total Volume Count: The official Naruto manga series, written by Masashi Kishimoto, is complete with a total of 72 individual volumes.
- Total Chapter Count: Across the 72 volumes, the entire saga is told through exactly 700 chapters, which were originally serialized from 1999 to 2014.
- Two-Part Structure: The story is formally divided into two parts; Part I contains the first 27 volumes, and Part II covers the final 45 volumes.
- Official English Publisher: VIZ Media is the authoritative publisher for the official English translation and release in North America.
- The Story Continues: The narrative of the ninja world moves forward in the sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which follows Naruto’s son.
How Many Volumes of Naruto Manga Are There?
The complete original Naruto manga series consists of 72 individual volumes. This count is definitive and verified by its Japanese publisher, Shueisha, and its official English publisher, VIZ Media. These volumes collect the entire 700-chapter story written and illustrated by creator Masashi Kishimoto, which concluded its 15-year run in November 2014. Each standard volume is in a format known as a tankōbon, which is the Japanese term for a single, standalone trade paperback book.
For collectors and new readers, understanding how these 72 volumes are structured is the first step. The series isn’t just one long arc; it’s canonically divided into two major parts, which correspond to different periods in the protagonist Naruto Uzumaki’s life. This division is crucial for understanding story progression and how the popular anime adaptation, Naruto Shippuden, aligns with the source material. This structure provides a clear roadmap for anyone looking to read or collect the entire epic.
| Series Component | Volume Count | Chapter Count | Story Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | 27 Volumes (1-27) | 244 Chapters | Naruto’s childhood & pre-timeskip |
| Part II (Shippuden) | 45 Volumes (28-72) | 456 Chapters | Post-timeskip & Great Ninja War |
| Total | 72 Volumes | 700 Chapters | Complete Original Series |
What Is the Breakdown Between Naruto Part I and Part II (Shippuden)?
Naruto Part I includes manga volumes 1-27, detailing the original story arcs like the Chunin Exams and the Sasuke Retrieval Mission. Part II begins at volume 28 and continues to the final volume, 72. This second part is what the anime series famously calls ‘Naruto Shippuden’ and covers all events after a significant time-skip.
The split between the two parts is a critical point in the narrative. At the end of volume 27, the first part of the story concludes. A time-skip of two and a half years occurs before the story picks up again in volume 28. This break marks Naruto’s transition from a child to a teenager, setting a more mature and serious tone for the remainder of the series.
It is important to note for collectors that the “Shippuden” title is an anime-only branding convention. The manga volumes themselves are simply numbered 1 through 72 without any “Shippuden” branding on their covers. This distinction is vital for avoiding confusion when purchasing the books.
- Naruto Part I (Volumes 1-27): This section focuses on Naruto’s early years in the Hidden Leaf Village. It establishes the core characters and world. Major story arcs include the introduction of Team 7, the intense Chunin Exams, the search for Tsunade, and the emotional Sasuke Retrieval arc that concludes Part I.
- Naruto Part II (Volumes 28-72): This part corresponds to the Naruto Shippuden anime. It follows a more powerful and mature Naruto returning to the village. The stakes are raised significantly, focusing on the threat of the Akatsuki, the complex relationship between Naruto and Sasuke, and culminating in the Fourth Great Ninja War.
What Are the Different Formats for Collecting the Naruto Manga?
The main ways to collect the Naruto manga are: 1. Single Volumes (72 individual books), 2. Box Sets (three sets covering the entire series), and 3. 3-in-1 Omnibus Editions (24 total books). Each format offers distinct advantages and disadvantages regarding cost, shelf space, and collector appeal. Box sets often provide the best overall value for acquiring the entire series at once.
Choosing the right format depends entirely on your goals as a reader and collector. Are you on a tight budget? Do you have limited shelf space? Or do you want the most authentic experience with the original cover art? Evaluating these factors is key. From our experience handling these physical products, issues like paper quality and spine art continuity are practical concerns for serious collectors.
Here is a practical breakdown to help you decide which format is best for you.
| Feature | Single Volumes (72) | Box Sets (3) | 3-in-1 Omnibus (24) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | Highest | Moderate (Best Value) | Lowest |
| Shelf Space | Most | Moderate | Least |
| Paper Quality | Standard | Standard | Thinner (some transparency) |
| Cover Art | Original Individual Art | Includes Original Art | New Omnibus Art |
| Bonus Content | None | Exclusive posters/booklets | Sometimes includes mini-interviews |
| Best For | Collecting slowly, replacing copies | Getting the whole series at once | Budget-conscious readers |
What Are the Naruto Manga Box Sets?
VIZ Media has released three official box sets for the Naruto manga, which together collect all 72 volumes. These sets are a highly popular and cost-effective way for fans to purchase the entire series. They offer a significant discount compared to buying each of the 72 volumes individually and come with exclusive bonus items not available elsewhere.
Based on real-world implementation by collectors, box sets solve two major problems: cost and acquisition. Hunting down 72 individual books can be time-consuming and expensive. The box sets provide a one-and-done solution for large portions of the series.
- Box Set 1: This set contains volumes 1-27, covering the entirety of Part I. It often includes an exclusive double-sided poster and a mini-booklet featuring the pilot chapter.
- Box Set 2: This set picks up right after the time-skip, containing volumes 28-48. It continues the post-timeskip story, delving deep into the Akatsuki conflict.
- Box Set 3: This final set completes the collection, containing volumes 49-72. It covers the epic conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War and the end of the series, and like the others, typically includes bonus collectibles.
Who Wrote and Published the Naruto Manga?
Naruto was created by mangaka Masashi Kishimoto. The original Japanese version was published by Shueisha and serialized in its iconic Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from 1999 to 2014. For North America and other English-speaking regions, the official publisher is VIZ Media, which handles the translation and distribution of all 72 volumes.
Understanding the roles of these entities is crucial for ensuring you are purchasing an official, high-quality product. Masashi Kishimoto is the author and illustrator, the creative mind behind the entire story and its art. Shueisha is the original Japanese publisher and copyright holder, making their releases the primary source material.
VIZ Media is the licensed publisher for the English-speaking market. When you buy a Naruto manga in English, you are purchasing a product localized by VIZ Media. This is the authoritative source for the official English translation, ensuring accuracy and fidelity to Kishimoto’s original work. This publication history, verified through official bibliographic data, confirms the authenticity of the VIZ Media releases.
FAQs About how many volumes of naruto manga are there
How many chapters are in the Naruto manga?
The complete Naruto manga series contains exactly 700 chapters. These chapters were originally serialized in Japan between September 1999 and November 2014. The 700 chapters are collected across the 72 tankōbon volumes, with most volumes containing between 7 and 11 chapters of the story.
What comes after volume 72 of the Naruto manga?
The story of the Naruto world continues in the sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. This manga follows the adventures of Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki, and a new generation of ninja. While Masashi Kishimoto supervises the project and later took over as writer, it was initially written by Ukyō Kodachi and is illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto.
Is the Naruto manga different from the anime?
Yes, while the core story is the same, the Naruto anime includes a large amount of “filler” content. These are episodes and story arcs that were not part of Masashi Kishimoto’s original 700 manga chapters. Reading the 72 manga volumes provides the pure, canon storyline without any of the anime-original detours, resulting in a much faster-paced experience.
What is the last volume of the original Naruto manga?
Volume 72, titled “Uzumaki Naruto!!”, is the final volume of the original Naruto manga series. It contains the concluding chapters of the story, including the final climactic battle and an epilogue that wraps up the characters’ journeys. This volume provides the definitive ending to Naruto’s story and sets the stage for the next generation.
How much is the complete 72-volume Naruto collection worth?
The value of a complete 72-volume collection varies significantly based on format and condition. As of 2026, a brand-new collection of the three official VIZ Media box sets often retails for over $400 USD. Purchasing used individual volumes can be a much cheaper route, while rare first-edition printings can be highly valuable to dedicated collectors.
Are the Naruto 3-in-1 editions the same as the single volumes?
Yes, the 3-in-1 omnibus editions published by VIZ Media contain the exact same story and art as the single volumes. The primary difference is in the production. To fit three volumes into one book, the paper quality is thinner, and they lack the original individual cover art. However, they are the most budget-friendly and space-saving option for collecting the entire series.
Does the Naruto manga have color editions?
An official, complete full-color print version of the Naruto manga has not been released in English. While a digital full-color version was released in Japan, VIZ Media has not published it in print for the English market. Any colored manga panels found online are typically fan-colored and not part of an official product release.
How long does it take to read all 72 Naruto volumes?
On average, it can take a reader between 60 to 90 hours to complete the entire 72-volume series. Assuming an average time of 50-75 minutes per volume, a consistent reader could finish the manga in a few weeks. This is significantly faster than watching the anime, which includes hundreds of filler episodes.
What is a “tankōbon,” “sōshūhen,” and “kanzenban”?
These are terms for different Japanese manga publication formats. “Tankōbon” is the standard single paperback volume, which is the format for the 72 official Naruto volumes. “Sōshūhen” are larger “megavolumes” that collect more chapters into a single book. “Kanzenban” is a premium collector’s format with higher-quality paper and new covers, which Naruto has not officially received in English.
Is it better to read the Naruto manga or watch the anime?
Reading the manga is the best way to experience the story as the author intended, with zero filler and faster pacing. The anime offers the benefits of music, voice acting, and animation but includes over 200 filler episodes that are not in the manga and can disrupt the main story’s flow. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a pure narrative or a multimedia experience.
Key Takeaways: Naruto Manga Volume Guide
- The Definitive Count is 72 Volumes: The complete original Naruto manga by Masashi Kishimoto consists of exactly 72 volumes, collecting 700 chapters.
- Two Distinct Parts: The series is divided into Part I (volumes 1-27) covering Naruto’s youth, and Part II (volumes 28-72), which the anime adapts as Naruto Shippuden.
- Multiple Collecting Formats Exist: You can collect the series via individual single volumes, three large box sets (often the best value), or 24 space-saving 3-in-1 omnibus editions.
- Official English Publisher is VIZ Media: For authentic, official English translations, ensure you are purchasing volumes published by VIZ Media, the licensed North American distributor.
- Manga is the Canon, Filler-Free Story: Unlike the anime, the 72 manga volumes contain only the canon story written by Kishimoto, offering a faster-paced and more direct narrative experience.
- The Story Continues in Boruto: After volume 72, the official sequel is Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which follows the adventures of Naruto’s son.
Final Thoughts on Collecting the Naruto Manga
Embarking on the journey to read or collect the 72-volume Naruto manga is a rewarding experience. You now have a clear and definitive answer to its length and a complete understanding of how the series is structured. Whether you choose the value of the box sets, the budget-friendliness of the omnibus editions, or the classic feel of single volumes, you are equipped to dive into one of the most iconic stories in manga history. This 72-volume journey offers a complete, filler-free narrative that showcases Masashi Kishimoto’s epic vision from start to finish.
Last update on 2026-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
