Wondering if you should read the Is It Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? manga? You’re not alone. Many fans find the various series and formats confusing.
The DanMachi manga [a Japanese comic adaptation] is a great choice for fans wanting a visual story, but it is not finished and progresses much slower than the light novel. It offers detailed art and character moments but requires patience due to its complex publication history.
Based on an analysis of official publisher data and fan consensus, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. You’ll discover the manga’s current status, how it compares to the anime and light novels, and the correct reading order to follow.
Key Facts
- It’s an Adaptation: The DanMachi manga is an adaptation of the original light novel series written by Fujino Ōmori, which is the primary source material for the entire franchise.
- Multiple Manga Series Exist: The main story is split into two manga series, and there are several spin-offs, including the popular Sword Oratoria, which tells the story from a different perspective.
- The Story is Ongoing: Neither the main manga series nor the primary spin-offs are finished as of February 2026; they are all still in publication, releasing new volumes periodically.
- The Light Novel is Furthest Ahead: The light novel is the most advanced version of the story, with its plot being many volumes ahead of both the manga and the anime adaptations.
- Spin-Offs Provide Context: The Sword Oratoria manga runs concurrently with the main story, showing the same events from the viewpoint of Aiz Wallenstein and the Loki Familia, adding significant world-building and character depth.
Is It Wrong to Start Reading the DanMachi Manga in 2026?
Starting the Is It Wrong to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (DanMachi) manga in 2026 is a good choice for fans wanting a visual adaptation that differs from the anime, but it’s crucial to know it’s not finished and progresses slower than the light novel. For readers coming from the anime, the manga offers a chance to experience the story with more of the original detail intact, often including character moments and dialogue that were cut for television pacing. The artwork provides a new lens through which to see the world of Orario and its characters.
However, the decision hinges on your expectations. If your goal is to get the most current version of the plot and continue the story far beyond where the anime has left off, the manga is not the ideal path; the light novel is the definitive choice for that. The manga adaptation [a comic that retells the story from the books] moves at a methodical pace. This requires patience, especially for those eager to see the latest developments. From the perspective of many light novel readers, the manga is a supplementary visual experience, while for some anime-only fans, it’s a perfect middle ground that offers more depth without the density of a novel.
Ultimately, it is not “wrong” to pick up the manga, but it’s an investment in a long-term, ongoing story. Before you dive in, it’s essential to understand its current publication status and how the different series connect.
What is the Current Status of the DanMachi Manga?
No, the main DanMachi manga is not finished; it is ongoing. The franchise has a complex publication history that can be confusing. The original manga adaptation concluded its run, but the story is being continued in a second series. This means you can start reading today, but you won’t be able to read the entire story as it currently exists in the light novels.
Here is a clear breakdown of the status for each key manga series as of February 2026:
- Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: The first manga series, illustrated by Kunieda, is finished. It adapts the first five volumes of the light novel across 10 manga volumes and concludes its run there.
- Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? II: This is the ongoing continuation of the main story, illustrated by a new artist, Yamachi Taisei. It picks up right where the first series left off and is actively releasing new volumes.
- Sword Oratoria: The main spin-off manga, which focuses on Aiz Wallenstein and the Loki Familia, is also ongoing. It tells a parallel story and is crucial for a complete understanding of the world.
What Is the Difference Between the Two Main DanMachi Manga Series?
The main DanMachi manga is split into two series. The first, by artist Kunieda, adapts Light Novel Volumes 1-5. The second, titled DanMachi II and by artist Taisei Yamachi, is a direct continuation that starts by adapting Light Novel Volume 6 onward.
This is a common point of confusion for new readers. You must read the first series before starting the second. Think of it like a TV show that changes its creative team after a few seasons—the story continues seamlessly, but with a new artist handling the visuals.
- Original Series (by Kunieda): This series established the manga’s visual style and adapted the foundational arcs of Bell Cranel’s journey. It ran for 10 volumes.
- DanMachi II (by Taisei Yamachi): This series was launched to continue the adaptation. It is not a reboot or a different story; it is the official continuation of the main plot, picking up immediately after the events of the Kunieda-illustrated manga.
How Does the DanMachi Manga Compare to the Light Novel?
The DanMachi light novel is the original source material and contains significantly more detail, including character thoughts, world-building, and subplots, than the manga adaptation. The manga streamlines the story for a visual medium, focusing on key events and dialogue, but it is many volumes behind the light novel’s plot. For readers deciding between the two, the choice comes down to preferring comprehensive detail versus visual storytelling.
Here is a direct comparison of the manga and its source material, the light novel:
| Feature | DanMachi Manga | DanMachi Light Novel (Source Material) |
|---|---|---|
| Story Depth | Focuses on main plot points and dialogue; internal monologues are reduced. | Extremely detailed; includes extensive inner thoughts, character motivations, and lore. |
| Pacing | Faster-paced, moving from one major event to the next. | More methodical and descriptive, spending more time on character development and world-building. |
| Story Progress | Significantly behind; adapts only a fraction of the published light novel story. | The most advanced version of the story, many volumes ahead of all other formats. |
| Ideal For | Readers who prefer visual storytelling and want a quicker summary of the main plot. | Readers who want the complete, unabridged story with maximum detail and lore. |
In practice, this means the light novel will give you the “why” behind a character’s actions by letting you read their internal thoughts, something the manga can only imply through visuals. If you want the definitive and most complete version of DanMachi, the light novel is the essential choice. If you want a visual companion that faithfully covers the main story beats, the manga is an excellent option.
How Does the DanMachi Manga Compare to the Anime?
The DanMachi anime and manga are both adaptations of the same light novels, but they cover the story at different paces. In some instances, the anime has adapted story arcs that the English release of the manga has not yet reached. The manga often provides more consistent detail and includes scenes cut from the anime, but it is not necessarily further ahead in the overall plot.
For anime fans, the manga can be a fantastic way to get more content from the arcs they’ve already watched. However, it is generally not the best way to continue the story where the latest anime season left off.
| Feature | DanMachi Manga | DanMachi Anime |
|---|---|---|
| Story Coverage | Follows the light novel closely but progresses slowly. May be behind the latest anime season. | Often rushes through arcs to fit into a 12-episode season, sometimes cutting content. |
| Pacing | More consistent pacing, allowing more time for minor character interactions. | Can feel rushed, with major plot points happening in quick succession. |
| Art & Visuals | Detailed static artwork that captures character expressions and action poses. | Dynamic animation, voice acting, and a full musical score create an immersive experience. |
| Content Faithfulness | Generally more faithful to the light novel’s details and dialogue than the anime. | Takes more liberties, cutting or rearranging scenes for television pacing. |
The verdict is clear: for anime fans who want more detail on the arcs they’ve already seen, the manga is an excellent choice. It fills in gaps and fleshes out moments the anime may have rushed. To continue the story beyond the anime’s latest season, the light novel is the best and, in most cases, the only option.
What is the Complete DanMachi Manga Reading Order?
The correct reading order for the main DanMachi manga is to first read the original 10-volume series by Kunieda, then continue with the DanMachi II manga series by Taisei Yamachi. The Sword Oratoria spin-off manga can be read alongside the main series, as it covers the same timeline from a different perspective.
To make it easy, here are two recommended reading paths depending on your preference.
Path 1: Main Story Only
This path is for readers who only want to follow Bell Cranel’s core adventure. It is straightforward and easy to follow.
- Read Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? by Kunieda (All 10 Volumes).
- Read Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? II by Taisei Yamachi (All available volumes, as this series is ongoing).
Path 2: Integrated Reading Order
This path is for completionists who want the full story, including the crucial perspective of the Loki Familia. This provides a richer understanding of the world and its events. You read the Sword Oratoria manga alongside the main series.
- Read Main Manga Volumes 1-3.
- Read Sword Oratoria Volumes 1-2. (These events happen around the same time).
- Read Main Manga Volumes 4-5.
- Read Sword Oratoria Volumes 3-4.
- Read Main Manga Volumes 6-10.
- Read Sword Oratoria Volumes 5-8.
- Continue with DanMachi II and the later volumes of Sword Oratoria as they release.
Following one of these paths will ensure you experience the story in a coherent way without missing key information or being spoiled on major events.
Where Can You Legally Read the DanMachi Manga?
You can legally read the DanMachi manga by purchasing physical or digital volumes from major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and BookWalker. The official English publisher is Yen Press. Some digital manga services may also offer chapters for reading as part of a subscription. Supporting the official release ensures the best quality and supports the original creators.
Buying Physical/Digital Volumes
For those who want to own the series, these are the best places to look:
- Yen Press: The official publisher’s website often has information and links to various retailers.
- Amazon: Offers both physical paperback volumes and digital Kindle versions.
- Barnes & Noble: A major retailer for physical copies.
- BookWalker: A popular digital platform specializing in manga and light novels, often with pre-orders and special promotions.
- Right Stuf Anime: A specialty retailer known for its extensive manga collection.
Reading Online
If you prefer to read online via subscription services, here are some potential options:
- Crunchyroll Manga: While availability can vary, Crunchyroll sometimes offers manga connected to the anime on its platform.
- Manga UP!: An official manga app from Square Enix (the Japanese publisher) that has been adding many of their series.
- Local Library Apps: Services like Libby or Hoopla may offer manga volumes to borrow digitally if your local library has a partnership.
Always avoid illegal scanlation sites. They often have poor-quality translations, are riddled with ads, and do not provide any financial support to the author and artists who create the story you love.
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FAQs About is it wrong to pick up dungeon manga
Is the DanMachi manga appropriate?
The DanMachi manga has a teen rating and contains fantasy violence, some language, and frequent fan service, similar to the anime. While it is not explicitly adult, it features revealing outfits and suggestive situations that may not be suitable for all younger readers. Parental guidance is suggested for readers under 16.
How many DanMachi manga series are there?
There are four main manga adaptations of the DanMachi story. These include the main story manga (which is split into two series), the main spin-off Sword Oratoria, the comedy spin-off Days of Goddess (4-koma), and another spin-off focusing on the character Ryuu Lion, Familia Chronicle.
Does the manga skip any light novel content?
Generally, the manga is a more faithful adaptation than the anime, but it still streamlines content. It has to condense the detailed descriptions and internal monologues of the light novel. However, it typically includes more of the smaller character moments and dialogue that the anime cuts for time, making it a good middle ground.
What chapter of the manga should I read after the anime?
This is complicated because the anime has sometimes adapted material further along than the manga. After finishing Season 4 of the anime, the best way to continue the story is to pick up the light novel from Volume 15. The manga is not that far along in the story yet as of 2026.
Why did the artist for the main DanMachi manga change?
The original manga artist, Kunieda, concluded their adaptation after covering the first five light novel volumes. To continue the story, a new series titled DanMachi II was launched with a new artist, Taisei Yamachi. This was done to adapt the subsequent light novel arcs starting from Volume 6.
Is the Sword Oratoria manga worth reading?
Yes, the Sword Oratoria manga is highly recommended for fans who want to understand the full scope of the world. It tells the story from the perspective of Aiz Wallenstein and the Loki Familia. It shows their side of events that happen concurrently with Bell’s adventures, adding crucial context.
What is the ‘4-koma’ manga?
The 4-koma manga, titled Days of Goddess, is a comedy spin-off series. It presents short, humorous, four-panel comic strips about the daily lives of Hestia and the other characters. It is not essential for understanding the main plot and is purely for entertainment.
Will the manga ever catch up to the light novel?
It is highly unlikely the manga will catch up to the light novel any time soon. Manga adaptations almost always progress much slower than their source material. With the light novel still ongoing and far ahead, the gap is expected to remain significant for the foreseeable future.
Is the manga in color?
No, like most manga, the DanMachi manga is published in black and white. Occasionally, a volume may include a few full-color insert pages at the beginning as a special feature. However, the story itself is drawn and printed without color.
Can I skip the first manga series and just read ‘DanMachi II’?
No, you should not skip the first manga series. DanMachi II is a direct sequel that picks up immediately where the first series (by Kunieda) left off. You will be completely lost if you do not read the first 10 volumes of the main manga first.
Final Thoughts
So, is it wrong to pick up the DanMachi manga? The answer is a clear no, but the decision comes down to what you want from your reading experience. The manga offers a fantastic visual journey into Orario, often with more narrative depth and character fidelity than its anime counterpart. For those who love the world but find dense novels intimidating, it strikes an excellent balance.
Your choice of medium—manga, light novel, or anime—is a matter of personal preference.
- Choose the Manga if you want a detailed visual adaptation and don’t mind a slower pace.
- Choose the Light Novel if you want the complete, unabridged story and to be at the forefront of the plot.
- Stick with the Anime if you prefer a dynamic, audio-visual experience and are comfortable with a more condensed storyline.
Ultimately, each format offers a valid and enjoyable way to experience Bell Cranel’s adventure. This guide has given you the map; now you can confidently choose your path into the Dungeon.
Last update on 2026-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
