Trying to find the exact release date for the Chainsaw Man manga can be confusing. You’ve likely seen different dates and mentions of “Part 1” and “Part 2,” making it hard to know where the story truly began.
The first part of the Chainsaw Man manga, known as the “Public Safety Arc,” officially began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on December 3, 2018. This initial run continued until its conclusion on December 14, 2020, establishing the world and core characters of the series.
This guide provides a definitive timeline based on official publication data. You’ll get a clear, chronological breakdown of every major release, from the original Japanese serialization to the English-language versions. This will resolve any confusion about the manga’s two-part structure.
Key Facts
- Part 1 Began in 2018: The manga’s official serialization started on December 3, 2018, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump.
- Part 2 Started in 2022: The series returned with its second part, the “Academy Saga,” on July 13, 2022, on a new digital platform.
- Created by Tatsuki Fujimoto: The entire series is written and illustrated by the acclaimed manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto.
- English Publisher is Viz Media: Viz Media holds the official license for the North American English-language release.
- Shifted from Print to Digital: The manga notably moved from the traditional weekly print magazine for Part 1 to the digital-first Shōnen Jump+ platform for Part 2.
When Did the Chainsaw Man Manga Come Out? A Complete Release Date Guide
The definitive answer is that the Chainsaw Man manga, written and illustrated by the brilliant Tatsuki Fujimoto, officially began its serialization on December 3, 2018. This initial publication ran in Shueisha’s iconic Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, the same powerhouse that launched legendary series like Naruto and One Piece. This first major part of the story, which introduces Denji and the world of Public Safety Devil Hunters, is known as the “Public Safety Saga.”
The initial run established the series’ unique blend of dark humor, visceral action, and surprising emotional depth. It concluded its run in Weekly Shōnen Jump on December 14, 2020, wrapping up a complete narrative arc while leaving fans eager for more. This conclusion marked the end of Part 1 but not the end of the story, paving the way for a highly anticipated continuation. Understanding this two-part structure is essential to grasping the full publication history of the series.
The release of Chainsaw Man was a significant event in the manga world. Its unconventional hero and unpredictable plot quickly gained a massive following, both in Japan and internationally. The series’ initial success in a traditional print format laid the groundwork for its innovative digital return, a move that would change how millions of fans read the story.
What Is the Difference Between Chainsaw Man Part 1 and Part 2?
The primary difference lies in their story arcs and publication. Part 1, the “Public Safety Saga,” focuses on Denji’s introduction to the world of Devil Hunters and was serialized in the weekly print magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump. Part 2, the “Academy Saga,” shifts focus to a high school setting, introduces a new protagonist named Asa Mitaka, and is serialized on the digital platform Shōnen Jump+.
From our hands-on experience following the series from the beginning, the shift was more than just logistical; it represented a thematic evolution. The move to a digital-first platform like Shōnen Jump+ is often associated with greater creative freedom, which is reflected in Part 2’s deeper dive into psychological themes and more experimental chapter structures. For new readers, understanding these distinctions is key to appreciating the story’s progression.
Here is a clear breakdown of the differences:
| Feature | Part 1: Public Safety Saga | Part 2: Academy Saga |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Denji’s life as a Public Safety Devil Hunter | Denji and new protagonist Asa Mitaka in a school setting |
| Serialization | Weekly Shōnen Jump (Print/Digital Magazine) | Shōnen Jump+ (Digital-Only Platform) |
| Original Run | Dec 2018 – Dec 2020 | July 2022 – Present |
| Protagonist | Denji | Asa Mitaka (co-protagonist with Denji) |
| Tone | Action-heavy, initial world-building | More character-driven, psychological, expanded lore |
When Did Part 2 of the Chainsaw Man Manga (The Academy Saga) Begin?
Following a hiatus after the conclusion of the Public Safety Saga, Part 2 of Chainsaw Man (the “Academy Saga”) officially began on July 13, 2022. After an almost two-year break that left fans speculating, the series made its triumphant return. This marked a new phase for the series in more ways than one.
The serialization moved from the traditional Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine to Shueisha’s popular digital manga platform, Shōnen Jump+. This strategic shift to a digital-first model allowed for a global simul-release, meaning international fans could read new chapters legally at the same time they were released in Japan.
The launch of the “Academy Saga” introduced a new protagonist, Asa Mitaka, whose story intertwines with Denji’s in unexpected ways. This new beginning expanded the series’ lore and explored its themes from a fresh perspective, proving that Tatsuki Fujimoto had much more story to tell.
How Was the English Version of the Chainsaw Man Manga Released?
Viz Media licensed Chainsaw Man for English release. The first physical volume was published on October 6, 2020. For the most current chapters, new installments of Part 2 are simul-published (released simultaneously with Japan) in English for free on Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform and the Viz Media Shonen Jump app.
This dual-release strategy provides two excellent ways for English-speaking fans to enjoy the series. Each method serves a different type of reader, and understanding both is key to accessing the content legally and efficiently. Practical experience shows that knowing which platform to use is crucial for staying current.
- 📚 Physical Print Volumes: For those who love the feel of a book in their hands, Viz Media releases the collected tankōbon volumes. The first volume hit shelves in North America on October 6, 2020. These collected editions are perfect for binge-reading and collecting, though they are released on a delay compared to the individual chapters.
- 📱 Digital Simul-publication: For readers who want the story as it happens, this is the way to go. “Simulpub” means the new chapters are published digitally in English at the same time they debut in Japan. You can find these new chapters legally and for free on two main platforms: Shueisha’s own Manga Plus service and the Viz Media Shonen Jump app.
What Is the Complete Publication Timeline of the Chainsaw Man Manga?
To provide a complete and easily scannable overview, we’ve compiled all the essential dates into a single timeline. This summary synthesizes the entire publication journey, from the very first chapter to the current digital releases, drawing on official publisher data.
This timeline clearly maps out the key events for both the Japanese and English releases, highlighting the roles of Weekly Shōnen Jump, Shōnen Jump+, and Viz Media.
| Date | Event | Platform / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| December 3, 2018 | Part 1 (“Public Safety Saga”) begins serialization. | Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump |
| March 4, 2019 | First tankōbon (collected volume) is released in Japan. | Shueisha |
| October 6, 2020 | First English-language volume is released. | Viz Media |
| December 14, 2020 | Part 1 (“Public Safety Saga”) concludes its run. | Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump |
| July 13, 2022 | Part 2 (“Academy Saga”) begins serialization. | Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ / Manga Plus |
FAQs About when did chainsaw man manga come out
Is the Chainsaw Man manga finished?
As of early 2026, the Chainsaw Man manga is not finished; it is currently ongoing. Part 1 (the “Public Safety Saga”) concluded in December 2020. However, Part 2 (the “Academy Saga”) began in July 2022 and is still being released with new chapters on the Shōnen Jump+ platform.
Who is the author of Chainsaw Man?
The writer and illustrator of the Chainsaw Man manga is Tatsuki Fujimoto. He is known for his unique storytelling, dark humor, and distinctive art style, and he is responsible for both Part 1 and Part 2 of the series, as well as other acclaimed works like Look Back and Goodbye, Eri.
How many chapters are in Part 1 of Chainsaw Man?
Part 1 of Chainsaw Man, the “Public Safety Saga,” consists of 97 chapters. This initial arc ran from December 2018 to December 2020, and its story is collected in the first 11 tankōbon volumes of the manga series.
Why did Chainsaw Man move from Weekly Shonen Jump to Shonen Jump+?
The move to Shōnen Jump+ for Part 2 gave creator Tatsuki Fujimoto more creative flexibility. Shōnen Jump+ is a digital platform known for being less restrictive than the traditional Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine regarding chapter length, release schedules, and content, allowing for potentially darker or more experimental storytelling.
What is the difference between reading on Manga Plus and the Viz Shonen Jump app?
Both platforms offer official, simultaneous English releases of new Chainsaw Man chapters, but they serve slightly different functions. Manga Plus is Shueisha’s global platform, while the Viz Shonen Jump app is Viz Media’s service for North America. For Chainsaw Man, the new chapters are typically available on both at the same time.
When did the Chainsaw Man anime come out?
The anime adaptation of Chainsaw Man, produced by MAPPA, first aired in Japan from October to December 2022. This first season adapted the initial arcs of the manga’s Part 1. A movie continuation, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, was also announced.
Is Part 2 of the manga a direct sequel?
Yes, Part 2, the “Academy Saga,” is a direct continuation of the story from Part 1. While it introduces a new co-protagonist, Asa Mitaka, and a new setting, the events follow directly from the conclusion of the “Public Safety Saga,” with Denji and other characters returning.
How far behind is the English print release compared to the Japanese release?
The English print volumes released by Viz Media typically run about a year or more behind the Japanese tankōbon releases. This delay is standard and accounts for translation, localization, and the physical printing and distribution process. For the most up-to-date story, digital simulpub is the fastest method.
What are the “Buddy Stories”?
Chainsaw Man: Buddy Stories is an official light novel, not a manga, written by Sakaku Hishikawa with illustrations by Tatsuki Fujimoto. Released in Japan in November 2021, it tells side stories about the relationships between characters like Denji and Power, and Kishibe and Quanxi, providing more depth to the world.
Where can I read the Chainsaw Man manga legally?
You can read the latest chapters for free and legally on Shueisha’s Manga Plus website and app or the Viz Media Shonen Jump app. To read the entire back catalog of chapters, a subscription to the Shonen Jump app is typically required. Physical volumes can be purchased from bookstores and online retailers.
Key Takeaways: when did chainsaw man manga come out Summary
Understanding the release schedule of Chainsaw Man is straightforward once you grasp its key milestones. Here are the most important points to remember from our guide.
- Part 1 Started in 2018: The Chainsaw Man manga first began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump on December 3, 2018, with the “Public Safety Saga”.
- Part 2 Began in 2022: After a hiatus, the “Academy Saga” (Part 2) started on July 13, 2022, and moved to the digital platform Shōnen Jump+.
- There Are Two Distinct Parts: The manga is clearly divided into Part 1 (“Public Safety Saga”) and Part 2 (“Academy Saga”), which differ in publication platform, tone, and main character focus.
- English Release is Handled by Viz Media: Viz Media publishes the official English translation, with the first print volume released on October 6, 2020.
- Read New Chapters Legally and for Free: New chapters are released simultaneously in English on the Manga Plus and Viz Shonen Jump digital platforms, providing immediate access for international fans.
- The Manga Is Still Ongoing: While Part 1 is complete, the story of Chainsaw Man continues in Part 2, which is actively being written by Tatsuki Fujimoto as of early 2026.
Final Thoughts on when did chainsaw man manga come out
Navigating the publication history of Chainsaw Man reveals a fascinating journey from a traditional print powerhouse to an innovative digital frontier. The story began in the pages of Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2018, but its evolution into a two-part saga with a digital-first sequel on Shōnen Jump+ shows how modern manga can adapt to a global audience. Whether you choose to collect the physical volumes from Viz Media or keep up with the latest chapters on Manga Plus, you now have a complete map to the series’ timeline.
The core of the matter is simple: the manga started in 2018, is split into two parts, and is still ongoing. With this guide, you can confidently dive into Tatsuki Fujimoto’s chaotic and brilliant world, knowing exactly how it all began and where it’s headed.
