Finished the Baccano! anime and wondering where to start the light novels? You’re facing a common challenge, as the show’s brilliant but confusing timeline doesn’t offer a simple next step. The lack of a season 2 leaves many fans searching for the story’s continuation.
To continue the story directly after the Baccano! anime and OVAs, you should start reading from Volume 5 of the light novel series, titled “2001 The Children of Bottle.” The anime adapts the first four volumes in a non-linear order, which makes Volume 5 the first book with entirely new story arcs not seen on screen.
This guide, based on an accurate mapping of the anime to the source material, will break down exactly how the show adapts the novels. You’ll discover what key details the anime missed and get expert recommendations for the best reading path to continue your journey into this incredible world.
Key Facts
- Non-Linear Adaptation: The anime adapts the first four light novels, but it presents the events in a jumbled, anachronic order, weaving multiple timelines together simultaneously.
- Official Starting Point for New Content: Volume 5, 2001 The Children of Bottle, is the first book that contains 100% new story material not covered in the 16-episode anime series.
- The Series is Ongoing (on Hiatus): As of 2026, there are 22 main volumes published in Japan, but the series has been on an extended hiatus since the last volume was released in 2016.
- OVAs Adapt Side Stories: The three OVA episodes (14-16) primarily adapt material from side story “gaiden” novels, focusing on characters like Graham Specter and the aftermath of the Flying Pussyfoot incident.
- Shared Author: The series is written by Ryohgo Narita, who is also the creator of Durarara!!, another series famous for its large ensemble cast and non-linear narrative.
Where Do You Start the Baccano! Light Novels After the Anime?
The most direct answer is to begin with Volume 5, 2001 The Children of Bottle, to jump straight into new story content. The main 13-episode anime series and the three subsequent OVA episodes adapt events from the first four novels. This makes the fifth volume the official starting point for the post-anime story continuation, introducing entirely new conflicts and characters.
However, the answer isn’t that simple. The Baccano! anime is famous for its non-linear storytelling, jumping between different years and character perspectives in nearly every episode. It interweaves the plots of multiple books rather than adapting them one by one. Because of this, the anime condenses or completely removes significant character development and subplots.
For this reason, many fans recommend starting from the very beginning with Volume 1. This guide provides an accurate mapping of the anime to the novels, explains what crucial content was cut, and presents two clear reading paths. This will help you decide the best way to continue the saga.
How Are the Anime Episodes and Light Novel Volumes Mapped?
The Baccano! anime primarily adapts content from the first four light novels, presenting them out of chronological order. The main 13-episode series weaves together the events of Volume 1 (The Rolling Bootlegs), Volumes 2 & 3 (The Grand Punk Railroad), and Volume 4 (Drugs and The Dominoes). The three OVA episodes then adapt side stories, most notably from 1931-1932 The Grand Punk Railroad.
Understanding this structure is key to seeing why Volume 5 is the next step. The anime experience is like having three different puzzles mixed into one box. The table below provides a verified mapping of the anime’s main arcs to their source material, helping you see how the pieces connect.
| Anime Arc / Episode Range | Corresponding Light Novel(s) | Key Story Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1930 – The Rolling Bootlegs (Ep. 1, 4, etc.) | Volume 1: The Rolling Bootlegs | Firo Prochainezo’s induction into the Martillo family; the introduction of the immortals Maiza and Szilard. |
| 1931 – The Grand Punk Railroad (Most episodes) | Volume 2 & 3: The Grand Punk Railroad | The hijacking of the Flying Pussyfoot train by Jacuzzi’s gang and Ladd Russo’s group; the search for the Rail Tracer. |
| 1932 – Drugs and The Dominoes (Ep. 7, 10, etc.) | Volume 4: Drugs and The Dominoes | Eve Genoard’s search for her brother Dallas; the conflict between the Gandor and Runorata families. |
| 1931-1932 – OVA Episodes (Ep. 14-16) | Side stories from various novels, primarily 1931-1932 The Grand Punk Railroad | Graham Specter’s rampage; Chane’s life after the train incident; the aftermath of the Flying Pussyfoot. |
This detailed breakdown shows how the anime jumps between the 1930, 1931, and 1932 timelines. While it covers the main plot points of these first four books, the adaptation’s focus on action and pacing means a lot of the original novel’s depth is left behind.
What Key Content Does the Anime Leave Out or Change?
Key differences between the Baccano! anime and novels include deeper character monologues, expanded subplots from Volume 4, more detailed world-building about immortality, and the omission of news articles that frame the story. While the anime is a faithful adaptation of the plot, it sacrifices much of the source material’s rich interiority for the sake of television pacing.
From our analysis of both media, here are the most significant changes and cuts:
- 💬 Deeper Character Monologues: The novels give you direct access to the thoughts of every character. You learn the true motivations behind Chane Laforet’s silence, the philosophical musings of Claire Stanfield (the Rail Tracer), and the internal conflicts of the Gandor brothers. This adds incredible depth that the anime only hints at.
- 📖 Expanded Subplots: The anime heavily condenses the events of Volume 4, Drugs and The Dominoes. In the novel, the conflict between the Gandor and Runorata families is far more complex, and the search for Dallas Genoard involves more factions and intrigue.
- 🌎 Detailed World-Building: The novels provide much more context on the history of the alchemists, the rules of immortality, and the creation of the elixir. Many “how” and “why” questions left by the anime are answered in detail.
- 📰 The “Daily Days” News Sections: Many chapters in the novels begin with in-universe newspaper articles from the “Daily Days” information agency. These articles frame the chaotic events you are about to read, offering a unique narrative layer that is almost entirely absent from the anime.
Reading the novels reveals that even in the arcs you’ve already seen, there is a wealth of information gain and characterization waiting to be discovered.
What Is the Best Reading Order to Start Baccano! After the Anime?
Based on the differences between the anime and novels, you have two excellent options for starting your reading journey. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize experiencing the complete, unabridged story or jumping directly to new plotlines. Both paths are valid, and this expert recommendation will help you choose the one that fits your style.
How Should You Start for the Complete, Unabridged Story? (The Purist Path)
For the complete story, you should start from Volume 1, The Rolling Bootlegs. This “Purist Path” is the most recommended approach within the fan community. It allows you to experience the story in the author’s intended release order and catch all the crucial character details and subplots the anime missed.
Pros of this path:
* You will fully appreciate the expanded plot of Volume 4.
* You will understand the characters on a much deeper level through their internal thoughts.
* The non-linear story is easier to follow in the books, making the experience feel fresh.
How Can You Jump Straight to New Story Content? (The Fast-Track Path)
If you are eager for new adventures, you can confidently start with Volume 5, 2001 The Children of Bottle. This “Fast-Track Path” is perfect for readers who loved the anime and want to know what happens next without delay. You will be entering a completely new story arc that was never adapted.
Pros of this path:
* You get straight into 100% new plot and characters.
* It directly continues the saga where the anime left off.
* You can always go back and read the first four volumes later if you want more.
What Happens in the Baccano! Novels After the Anime?
After the anime, the Baccano! light novels explode in scope, introducing several new, multi-volume story arcs that take place in the years following the Flying Pussyfoot incident and even jump forward to the 21st century. Without giving away major spoilers, you can look forward to a mix of returning fan-favorite characters and exciting new faces.
Here is a spoiler-free preview of what awaits you:
- The 1933 Arc (The Slash: A Bloody Farce): A new conflict emerges centered around a group of Huey Laforet’s devoted followers. This arc delves deeper into the mythology of the immortals and features a memorable new antagonist.
- The 1934 Arc (Alice in Jailsu and more): This multi-book storyline is set aboard a luxury liner and involves a desperate search for an old alchemist, bringing the Russo family and many others back into the fold.
- The 1935 Arcs (The Time of the Sunshine and beyond): Another major arc that brings together a huge portion of the cast to deal with new threats and old promises in a story that changes the game for many characters.
- The 2002 Arc (The Children of Bottle): The story jumps to the modern day, introducing a new generation of characters whose lives are intertwined with the events of the 1930s.
It is important to note that as of 2026, the author Ryohgo Narita has had the series on hiatus since 2016. While there are many volumes to read, the story is not yet finished.
FAQs About where does the baccano anime leave off in the light novels
Is the Baccano! light novel series finished?
No, the Baccano! light novel series is not finished, but it is on an extended hiatus. The last volume was released in 2016. The author, Ryohgo Narita, has been focused on other projects, but he has not officially announced the series’ cancellation, leaving fans hopeful for its eventual return.
How many Baccano! light novels are there in total?
As of early 2026, there are 22 main volumes of the Baccano! light novel series published in Japan. This number does not include several “gaiden” or side story novels that expand on the universe. The story is considered ongoing, though it is pending the end of the author’s hiatus.
Are all the Baccano! light novels translated into English?
No, not all 22 volumes have been officially translated and released in English. Yen Press is the publisher for the official English translation. They have released a significant portion of the series, often in beautifully bound hardcover editions, but the English releases are still several volumes behind the Japanese schedule.
Do I need to read the novels from the beginning if I’ve seen the anime?
It is highly recommended to start from Volume 1, but it is not strictly required. The anime cuts a great deal of character backstory and internal thoughts that make the story richer. Reading from the beginning provides the complete experience. However, if you only want new plot, you can safely start at Volume 5.
Does the Baccano! anime have a different ending than the novels?
The anime does not have a different ending so much as an incomplete one. It successfully resolves the immediate conflicts of the 1930-1932 arcs that it adapts. However, it leaves the vast majority of the overarching story, character fates, and central mysteries of the Baccano! universe unresolved, which the novels continue to explore.
Is there a Baccano! anime Season 2?
No, there has been no official announcement for a Season 2 of the Baccano! anime. The original series aired in 2007. While the show remains a beloved cult classic, the long passage of time and the current hiatus of the light novel make a sequel seem unlikely as of 2026. This is the primary reason fans turn to the novels.
Who is the author of the Baccano! light novels?
The Baccano! light novel series is written by Ryohgo Narita. He is a celebrated author also famous for creating the Durarara!! light novel series, which was also adapted into a popular anime. Both series share his signature style of using large ensemble casts and non-linear storytelling.
What is the “Flying Pussyfoot”?
The Flying Pussyfoot is the name of the transcontinental train that serves as the primary setting for Volumes 2 and 3 of the light novels. The chaotic and bloody hijacking of this train, along with the mystery of the legendary “Rail Tracer,” forms the central conflict of the 1931 story arc. This arc makes up the majority of the anime’s runtime.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Baccano! Saga
Diving into the Baccano! light novels after finishing the anime is an incredibly rewarding decision. You are not just getting a simple continuation; you are unlocking a richer, deeper, and far more expansive version of the world and characters you already love. Whether you choose to start from the beginning or jump straight to new content, you have a thrilling journey ahead.
Here are the most critical takeaways to guide you:
- The Definitive Starting Point: To jump straight into new content not covered by the anime or OVAs, start with Volume 5: 2001 The Children of Bottle.
- Why It’s Complicated: The anime adapts the first four light novels but presents them in a jumbled, non-linear order, mixing events from 1930, 1931, and 1932 together.
- For the Full Experience: It is highly recommended to start from Volume 1: The Rolling Bootlegs to enjoy the story as the author intended and experience all the cut content and character development.
- What You Missed in the Anime: The anime significantly condenses subplots from Volume 4 (Drugs and The Dominoes) and removes most of the internal monologues and backstories that give characters depth.
- The Story is Far From Over: The light novel series contains numerous story arcs set after the anime’s timeline, taking place in 1933, 1934, 1935, and even the 21st century.
- The Series is on Hiatus: The author, Ryohgo Narita, has not released a new main volume since 2016, so while there is much to read, the series is not currently concluding.
You now have a clear map to navigate the rest of this amazing saga. You can move forward with confidence, knowing exactly where you are in the timeline and what path is right for you. Enjoy the ride
Last update on 2026-02-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
