Finished the Blood Lad anime and feeling lost in the Demon World without the rest of the story? You’re not alone; many fans are left wondering exactly where to pick up the manga to continue Staz’s adventure.
The Blood Lad anime, including its OVA episode, adapts the manga up to the end of Chapter 30. To continue the story exactly where the anime leaves off, you should start reading from Chapter 31 of the Blood Lad manga. This chapter begins Volume 7 and picks up immediately after the main events covered in the show.
Based on an analysis of community consensus and the source material, this guide provides the precise starting point. You will discover not only where to begin reading but also why the anime ended and what crucial story arcs you’ve been missing.
Key Facts
- Precise Starting Point: The anime adaptation of Blood Lad concludes at the end of Chapter 30, making Chapter 31 the correct place to start reading the manga.
- Incomplete Adaptation: The anime covers only about 34% of the entire manga storyline, leaving the majority of the plot and character development unexplored.
- Manga is Fully Completed: The Blood Lad manga series is finished, consisting of 85 chapters collected into 17 volumes, which means a complete and conclusive story awaits you.
- No Season 2 Expected: The anime was primarily produced as a promotional vehicle to boost sales of the source manga, a common industry practice that makes a second season highly unlikely.
- Official English Publisher: The official, high-quality English translation of the Blood Lad manga is licensed and published by Yen Press, ensuring a faithful reading experience.
Where Does the Blood Lad Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The definitive answer is that the Blood Lad anime concludes its adaptation at the end of Chapter 30 of the manga. To transition seamlessly from the show to the source material without missing any plot developments, you should begin reading at Chapter 31. This chapter marks the start of Volume 7 and immediately follows the events of the 10-episode anime series and the single OVA episode.
Community consensus across fan databases like MyAnimeList and Reddit verifies this starting point. The anime, produced by Brain’s Base studio, is a faithful adaptation of the early parts of the story, so you won’t be lost or confused when you make the jump. The transition is smooth, allowing you to dive directly into the continuation of Staz’s quest to resurrect Fuyumi Yanagi.
By starting at Chapter 31, you avoid re-reading familiar events while ensuring you don’t miss the introduction of crucial new characters and plotlines that were never animated. This is the universally accepted point to continue your journey through the Demon World created by Yuuki Kodama.
Why Was the Blood Lad Anime Never Continued for a Season 2?
A Season 2 of Blood Lad was never made primarily because the first season served its purpose as a promotional vehicle for the original manga by Yuuki Kodama. This is a common business model in the anime industry, where an adaptation’s main goal is to boost sales of the source material rather than to tell the complete story. The 2013 anime was successful in generating interest, which in turn drove fans to purchase the manga volumes.
The lack of a second season is not necessarily a reflection of the anime’s popularity but rather a result of several industry factors. From a production standpoint, the story was left incomplete, but from a business perspective, its mission was accomplished.
Here are the primary reasons why the anime was discontinued:
- Promotional Purpose: Many anime series, especially shorter 10-13 episode runs, are funded to act as elaborate advertisements for the ongoing manga or light novels. They introduce the world and characters to a wider audience, encouraging them to buy the books to find out what happens next.
- Manga Sales Boost: The anime’s release directly correlated with increased manga sales. Once this initial boost was achieved, the production committee likely saw little financial incentive to invest in a full second season.
- Studio Scheduling: Animation studios like Brain’s Base have packed schedules. Committing to a second season of one series means forgoing another new, potentially more profitable project.
- Sufficient Source Material: At the time the anime ended, there was more than enough manga content available for a second season. This indicates the decision was based on business strategy, not a lack of story to adapt.
What Key Story Arcs Does the Manga Cover After the Anime?
After the anime’s conclusion, the Blood Lad manga expands its world and plot significantly, covering more than double the content seen in the animation. Anime-only fans have missed the majority of the narrative, including the series’ primary antagonist and the ultimate resolution of Fuyumi’s quest for resurrection. The story delves much deeper into the politics of the Demon World and the history of Staz’s powerful family.
Here are a few of the major spoiler-light arcs you’ll discover in the manga:
- The Demon Acropolis Arc: This is where the story truly introduces the main villain, Akim, and reveals the full extent of his body-stealing powers. The stakes are raised dramatically as Staz confronts a foe far more dangerous than anyone he faced in the anime.
- The Demon World King Arc: The narrative shifts to the complex political landscape of the Demon World. Staz’s brother, Braz, takes center stage, and the struggle for the throne reveals dark secrets about their family’s past and the true nature of their power.
- Fuyumi’s Resurrection Finale: The central promise of the series—Staz’s vow to bring Fuyumi back to life—becomes the focus. This arc involves complex magic, difficult choices, and the ultimate resolution that provides a definitive conclusion to their journey.
To put the amount of missed content into perspective, consider this breakdown:
| Media | Content Covered | Total Length | Percentage Covered by Anime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Lad Anime | Chapters 1-30 | 10 Episodes + 1 OVA | ~34% |
| Blood Lad Manga | Chapters 1-85 | 17 Volumes | 100% |
How Can You Start Reading the Blood Lad Manga?
To start reading the Blood Lad manga, you can either buy the physical paperback volumes or purchase digital copies. The official English publisher is Yen Press, and supporting the official release is the best way to support the author, Yuuki Kodama. Since the anime covers up to Volume 6, you will want to begin your purchase with Volume 7.
Based on our experience, both formats offer a high-quality reading experience, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference for collecting or convenience.
Acquiring Digital Volumes
For readers who prefer digital convenience, the manga is available on several major platforms. This is often the quickest and most accessible way to start reading immediately after finishing the anime.
- BookWalker: A popular digital storefront specializing in manga and light novels.
- ComiXology / Kindle: Amazon’s digital comics platform, perfect for reading on Kindle devices or the Kindle app.
- Google Play Books: A convenient option for Android users.
Purchasing Physical Volumes
For collectors and fans who love the feel of a real book, all 17 volumes of the Blood Lad manga are available in physical paperback format. They feature the distinctive and colorful art style of Yuuki Kodama.
- Amazon: Offers both new and used copies of individual volumes and sometimes complete sets.
- Barnes & Noble: A reliable source for purchasing manga in-store or online.
- Local Comic Book Shops: Supporting your local stores is a great way to find the series while engaging with the community.
Does the Blood Lad Manga Have a Satisfying Ending?
Yes, the Blood Lad manga provides a complete and satisfying conclusion to the story. Unlike the anime, which ends on an abrupt cliffhanger, the manga officially concluded with its 17th volume (Chapter 85). It resolves the central plot of Fuyumi’s resurrection and brings the main conflicts in the Demon World to a definitive close.
For fans who were left wanting more by the anime’s “read the manga” ending, investing time in the source material is absolutely worthwhile. The journey to the finale ties up the primary character arcs for Staz, Fuyumi, and the extended cast, ensuring full narrative closure.
The consensus among fans is that the manga’s finale delivers on the series’ core promises. It answers the biggest questions posed in the early chapters and provides a conclusive resolution that feels earned after the long and chaotic journey through the Demon World.
You can start reading with the confidence that you will get a complete story with a beginning, a middle, and a definitive end, making the reading experience a rewarding one.
FAQs About where does the blood lad anime leave off in the manga
Is the Blood Lad manga finished?
Yes, the Blood Lad manga is completely finished. The series concluded with Chapter 85, which was collected in the 17th and final tankōbon volume. The story has a definitive beginning, middle, and end, so readers can enjoy the entire narrative without waiting for new installments.
How many volumes of the Blood Lad manga are there?
There are a total of 17 volumes of the Blood Lad manga. The anime only covers the story up to Volume 6, meaning there are 11 full volumes of new story content for anime-only fans to read and enjoy.
Is the Blood Lad anime a faithful adaptation of the manga?
For the most part, yes, the anime is a faithful adaptation. It follows the main plot points of the first 30 chapters very closely with only minor changes for pacing. There are no major anime-only plotlines or filler episodes, so transitioning from the anime to the manga is a very smooth experience.
What volume of Blood Lad should I start with after the anime?
You should start with Volume 7 of the Blood Lad manga. The anime and OVA adapt the material covered in Volumes 1 through 6. Volume 7 begins with Chapter 31, picking up the story immediately where the animated series left off.
Is Blood Lad worth reading after watching the anime?
Absolutely. The majority of the story takes place after the events of the anime. Reading the manga is the only way to experience the main villain’s complete arc, the resolution of Fuyumi’s condition, major character development for the entire cast, and the series’ conclusive ending.
Does Staz successfully resurrect Fuyumi in the manga?
Yes, the central plot of resurrecting Fuyumi is a primary focus of the manga and is eventually resolved. The journey to achieve this is long and forms the backbone of the entire series, leading to the story’s ultimate conclusion in the final chapters.
Is there a Blood Lad OVA?
Yes, there is a single OVA episode titled “Wagahai wa Neko de wa Nai” (I Am Not a Cat). Its story takes place within the timeline of the anime series and is also adapted from the manga. For continuity, it’s best to consider its events as happening before the end of Chapter 30.
Who is the main villain in Blood Lad?
While the anime introduces several antagonists, the main overarching villain of the series is the Phantom, Akim. His full motivations, backstory, and the final confrontation with him are major plot points that are only explored in the manga, well after the anime’s conclusion.
Where can I legally read the Blood Lad manga online?
You can legally read the Blood Lad manga on various digital platforms where the publisher, Yen Press, distributes its titles. This includes storefronts like BookWalker, ComiXology, Amazon Kindle, and Google Play Books, where you can purchase the digital volumes.
Is Blood Lad a romance?
Blood Lad contains romantic subplots, but it is primarily an action-comedy series. The relationship between Staz and Fuyumi is a central driving force of the plot, but the story’s main focus is on the supernatural battles, humor, and the exploration of the Demon World.
Key Takeaways: Blood Lad Anime to Manga Guide
- Start at Chapter 31: The Blood Lad anime concludes at the end of Chapter 30, so to continue the story, you must start reading from Chapter 31, which is the beginning of Volume 7.
- The Manga is Complete: Unlike the unfinished anime, the manga is fully completed with 17 volumes and 85 chapters, offering a definitive and satisfying conclusion to the story.
- Most of the Story is in the Manga: The 10-episode anime only adapts about one-third of the total narrative, meaning over 65% of the plot, including major arcs and the final villain, is exclusive to the manga.
- No Season 2 is Expected: The anime was primarily a promotional tool for the manga, a common industry practice. There are no plans for a second season, making the manga the only way to finish the story.
- The Ending is Worth It: The manga provides resolutions for all major plotlines, including Fuyumi’s fate and Staz’s journey, delivering a conclusive ending that fans generally find satisfying.
- Read Legally via Yen Press: The official English version is published by Yen Press. You can support the creator by purchasing physical or digital volumes from official retailers like Amazon, BookWalker, or Barnes & Noble.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Blood Lad Story
For fans of the Blood Lad anime, making the transition to the manga is not just an option; it’s the essential next step to experience the complete and satisfying story as intended by its creator. The anime serves as an excellent introduction to the Demon World and its quirky inhabitants, but the heart of the narrative lies within the 11 volumes that were never animated. By picking up the manga from Chapter 31, you are unlocking the majority of the adventure.
You no longer have to wonder what happens next or wait for a second season that will never arrive. The entire epic is finished, concluded, and waiting for you to discover. The definitive ending, the full character arcs, and the true climax of Staz’s journey are all just a few chapters away.
Last update on 2026-02-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
