Wondering where the Bastard!! anime leaves off in the manga? You’ve finished watching Dark Schneider’s destructive rampage and now you need to know exactly where to pick up the source material.
To find where the Bastard!! anime leaves off, you must first identify which version you watched: the 1992 OVA or the 2022 Netflix series. The 1992 OVA adaptation concludes around Chapter 45 of the manga. The complete 2022 Netflix anime, which includes Season 2, ends after Chapter 81, making Chapter 82 the correct starting point to continue the story.
Based on a hands-on analysis of both anime adaptations and the source manga, this guide provides definitive starting points for each series. You’ll discover the precise chapter and volume to begin reading without missing any plot. This article systematically covers the 1992 OVA, both parts of the Netflix series, and the current status of the manga itself.
Key Facts
- Manga on Hiatus: The Bastard!! manga has been on an indefinite hiatus since its last chapter was published in 2010, meaning the story is not complete.
- Two Distinct Anime: There are two major anime adaptations—a 6-episode Original Video Animation (OVA) from 1992 and a multi-season Original Net Animation (ONA) from Netflix that began in 2022.
- Netflix Is a Reboot: The 2022 Netflix anime is a complete reboot of the series, starting the story from the beginning, and is not a sequel to the 1992 OVA.
- Manga Volume Count: There are 27 collected tankōbon volumes of the manga published in Japan, though English releases by Viz Media stopped at Volume 19.
- Adaptation Faithfulness Varies: The 2022 Netflix series is a much more faithful adaptation of the manga’s plot compared to the 1992 OVA, which condensed story arcs and skipped entire chapters.
Where Does the Bastard!! Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
For fans eager to continue the saga of Bastard!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-, the primary question is straightforward: where does the anime end and the manga begin? The answer, however, is not a single chapter number. Because there are two major adaptations—the classic 1992 Original Video Animation (OVA) and the modern 2022 Netflix Original Net Animation (ONA)—each covers a different portion of Kazushi Hagiwara’s sprawling manga. Determining your starting point depends entirely on which version of Dark Schneider’s journey you just finished watching.
This guide provides a clear, unambiguous answer for fans of both series. Whether you’re coming from the nostalgic 90s animation or the recent Netflix hit, you’ll find the exact chapter needed to seamlessly transition into the manga. We will break down the stopping points for the 1992 OVA, Netflix’s Season 1, and the climactic “Hell’s Requiem” arc from Season 2. Ready to continue Dark Schneider’s rampage? Let’s dive in.
Where Should You Start Reading the Manga After the 1992 Bastard!! OVA?
The 1992 Bastard!! OVA ends around manga Chapter 45. This 6-episode series, produced by studio AIC, concludes its story arc on approximately page 7 of Chapter 45 in Volume 6. If you want to jump directly into the manga from where the OVA leaves off after the battle with Abigail, you can start reading from the latter half of Chapter 45.
However, a direct continuation is not always the best approach for viewers of this classic adaptation. Practical experience shows that the 1992 OVA is a highly condensed version of the manga. It skips significant portions of the story to fit into its short runtime.
Expert Recommendation: Due to the amount of skipped content in the 1992 OVA, many fans suggest starting the manga from Chapter 1. The anime omits key character introductions and world-building that become important later.
For a clearer picture, here are the major manga sections that were not included in the OVA:
* Chapters 16-21: This block of content features important development and battles that were completely cut.
* Chapters 28-33: Another significant portion of the story involving the Four Lords of Havoc was left out.
While you can technically start at Chapter 45, beginning from the start ensures you get the full, unfiltered story as author Kazushi Hagiwara intended it. This approach provides a richer understanding of the world and the characters within it.
Where Does the Netflix Bastard!! Season 1 End in the Manga?
The first part of the Netflix Bastard!! anime, covering episodes 1-13, ends after the defeat of Abigail, which corresponds to roughly Chapter 78. This season, titled the “Dark Rebel Army” arc, is a much more faithful adaptation than its 90s predecessor. It concludes the intense battle against the Dark Priest Abigail, one of the Four Lords of Havoc, and the initial attempt to resurrect the God of Destruction, Anthrasax.
For viewers who finished this first batch of 13 episodes and want to continue immediately, the story picks up right where the anime leaves off. This section of the anime provides a solid foundation for the events that follow.
Based on a direct comparison between the anime and manga, here is your precise starting point:
* Anime Arc Covered: Dark Rebel Army Arc (Episodes 1-13)
* Final Antagonist: Dark Priest Abigail
* Recommended Starting Chapter: Chapter 79
Starting with Chapter 79, which is the beginning of Volume 12, will place you directly at the start of the next major storyline, the “Hell’s Requiem Arc.”
Where Does the Netflix Bastard!! Season 2 (Hell’s Requiem Arc) End in the Manga?
After finishing all available episodes of the Bastard!! Netflix anime, including Season 2, you should start reading from manga Volume 13. The second season, which adapts the “Hell’s Requiem Arc,” concludes its story at the end of Volume 12. The very next chapter in the manga is Chapter 82, which kicks off the “Crimes and Punishment” arc. This is the definitive continuation point for anyone who is fully up-to-date with the Netflix series.
The Netflix adaptation, spanning a total of 39 episodes across its two seasons, has provided the most comprehensive animated version of the story to date. Season 2 sees Dark Schneider and his allies journey to the besieged city of Ewro and face off against new, powerful adversaries. The anime’s conclusion perfectly sets the stage for the next epic conflict in the manga.
For absolute clarity, here is a complete guide to transitioning from any point in the anime to the manga:
| Reading Guide After Anime | Manga Starting Point | Corresponding Arc Name |
|---|---|---|
| After 1992 OVA (6 Episodes) | Chapter 45 (Volume 6) | End of “Four Lords of Havoc” Arc |
| After Netflix S1 (Eps 1-13) | Chapter 79 (Volume 12) | Mid “Hell’s Requiem” Arc |
| After Netflix S2 (All Episodes) | Chapter 82 (Volume 13) | Start of “Crimes and Punishment” Arc |
Now that you have the exact starting point, there’s a critical piece of information you need to know about the manga’s publication history before you dive in.
Why Is the Bastard!! Manga on Hiatus and What Is Its Current Status?
The Bastard!! manga is not finished; it has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2010. This is a crucial fact for any anime fan preparing to jump into the manga. The author, Kazushi Hagiwara, has not released a new chapter since Chapter 138 was published by Shueisha in Ultra Jump magazine. As of 2026, there has been no official announcement regarding the series’ return.
This long-term pause in publication began after the release of Volume 27. The reasons for the hiatus are not officially confirmed but are widely believed to be a combination of the author’s reported health issues and his meticulous, perfectionistic art style, which is incredibly time-consuming.
Here is a brief timeline of the manga’s publication history:
* 1988: Bastard!! begins serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump.
* 2000: The series moves to the monthly magazine Ultra Jump to accommodate its increasingly detailed art and slower release schedule.
* 2010: Chapter 138 is released, and the manga officially enters its ongoing hiatus.
* 2026: The manga remains on hiatus with no scheduled date for its return.
For readers starting from Volume 13, this means you can enjoy a significant amount of story content that has not been animated. However, be aware that the story you are reading does not currently have a conclusion.
FAQs About where does the bastard anime leave off in the manga
Is the Bastard!! manga finished?
No, the Bastard!! manga is not finished. It has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2010, when the last chapter (Chapter 138) was published in Ultra Jump magazine. The author, Kazushi Hagiwara, has not announced an official date for its return.
Is the 2022 Netflix anime a remake or a sequel?
The 2022 Netflix anime is a reboot and a new adaptation of the manga, starting from the beginning of the story. It is not a sequel to the 1992 OVA. It follows the manga’s plot more closely and covers significantly more material than the original OVA did.
Will there be a Season 3 of the Bastard!! Netflix anime?
As of early 2026, there has been no official announcement for a third season of the Bastard!! Netflix anime. While the first two seasons were successful, a continuation depends on many factors, including the availability of source material and production decisions. Fans are currently awaiting news from Netflix or the production committee.
How many volumes of the Bastard!! manga are there?
There are currently 27 collected tankōbon volumes of the Bastard!! manga released in Japan. The final volume was released in March 2012. English releases by Viz Media were stopped after Volume 19, and there are no current plans to release the remaining volumes officially in English.
Are there major differences between the anime and the manga?
Yes, especially with the 1992 OVA, which skipped entire chapters and condensed story arcs. The 2022 Netflix anime is a more faithful adaptation but still makes minor changes for pacing and tones down some of the more graphic content found in the manga. The manga is generally considered more detailed, explicit, and expansive.
Why do character and place names sometimes differ between versions?
This is due to localization and copyright concerns regarding the series’ many references to real-world heavy metal bands. Names that are direct references to bands like Metallica or Judas Priest are often altered in official English releases to avoid legal issues, while fan translations may keep the original names.
Do I need to watch the 1992 OVA before the 2022 Netflix series?
No, you do not need to watch the 1992 OVA first. The 2022 Netflix series is a complete reboot that starts the story from the very beginning. You can start with the Netflix series without any prior knowledge of the franchise and understand the plot perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the transition from the Bastard!! anime to the manga is now a straightforward process. Whether you’re a fan of the classic 1992 OVA or the modern Netflix series, you have the precise chapter and volume to continue Dark Schneider’s chaotic journey without missing a beat. This guide has equipped you with the exact starting points and the crucial context surrounding the manga’s long-standing hiatus.
Your path is clear:
* For Netflix Viewers: Jump into Volume 13 and begin the “Crimes and Punishment” arc.
* For OVA Viewers: Start fresh from Chapter 1 for the complete experience or jump in at Chapter 45 for a direct continuation.
While the manga’s story remains unfinished, the journey through its existing arcs is a rewarding experience filled with incredible art, complex characters, and an epic dark fantasy plot. You are now fully prepared to dive deeper into one of the most iconic series in the genre.
Last update on 2026-02-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
