Confused about where to start the Blue Exorcist manga after the anime? You’re not alone. The anime’s complex adaptation history, with its famous non-canon storyline, creates a common roadblock for fans. This makes finding the correct starting chapter a tricky task.
The correct manga chapter to read after the Blue Exorcist anime depends on the season you finished, as the adaptation has a complex history. For Season 1, the story diverges after Episode 16, so you must start the manga at Chapter 15 to follow the canon story. After Season 2 (Kyoto Saga), you can continue from Chapter 35. After Season 3 (Shimane Illuminati Saga), the story picks up at Chapter 69.
Based on a detailed analysis of the anime adaptation and source material, this guide provides a definitive roadmap. It breaks down the exact chapter you need for every season. You will discover precisely how to transition from the anime to the manga without missing any of the canonical plot.
Key Facts
- Season 1 Divergence: The original 2011 anime series stops following the manga’s canon story after Episode 16, creating a completely different, anime-only ending.
- Canon Restart Point: To follow the manga’s true storyline after Season 1, readers must begin at Chapter 15, which marks the start of the Kyoto Impure King Arc.
- Season 2 Faithfulness: The second season, Kyoto Saga, is a faithful adaptation of the manga, specifically covering chapters 15 through 34, effectively “fixing” the anime’s timeline.
- Season 3 Continuation: The third season, Shimane Illuminati Saga, continues the faithful adaptation, covering manga chapters 38 through 68.
- Manga Is Far Ahead: The manga, written by Kazue Kato, is still ongoing and the plot is significantly further along than any of the anime adaptations to date.
Where Does the Blue Exorcist Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The specific manga chapter where the Blue Exorcist anime leaves off depends entirely on which season you have finished watching. Because the first season contains a large amount of non-canon, anime-original content, there isn’t one single answer. Season 1 viewers must start at a different point than those who have completed the later, more faithful seasons. This separation between the canon manga storyline and the anime’s initial path is the most important concept for new readers to understand.
To simplify this, here is a clear breakdown of where each anime season concludes and which manga chapter you should start reading to continue the official story created by Kazue Kato. Following this guide ensures you are on the correct plot timeline.
| Anime Season | Key Story Arc | Manga Chapters Covered | Recommended Manga Starting Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 (2011) | Original Story + Anime-Only Ending | Chapters 1-14 (loosely), then diverges | Chapter 1 (Highly Recommended) or Chapter 15 |
| Season 2 (Kyoto Saga) | Impure King Arc | Chapters 15-34 | Chapter 35 |
| Season 3 (Shimane Illuminati Saga) | Illuminati Arc | Chapters 38-68 | Chapter 69 |
| Season 4 (Future Sagas) | Beyond the Snow, etc. | Varies by release | Chapter after the final adapted event |
Why Is Season 1 a Special Case for Manga Readers?
The first season of the Blue Exorcist anime is a special case because it stops following the manga at Episode 16 and creates its own original, non-canon story for the remaining episodes (17-25). This anime-only ending was produced because the anime had caught up to the manga’s publication at the time. As a result, the entire conclusion of Season 1, including major character developments and plot resolutions, does not exist in the official manga storyline.
This divergence is the single biggest source of confusion for fans transitioning from the anime to the manga. The events of the Season 1 finale are completely ignored by Season 2 (Kyoto Saga) and all subsequent manga chapters. From our experience helping fans navigate this, understanding this split is the first step to properly enjoying the source material.
Key non-canon events from the end of Season 1 include:
* Yukio awakening his own demonic powers.
* Rin gaining near-complete control over his blue flames.
* A different, anime-original final confrontation with Satan.
* Shura’s backstory and motivations being altered.
Because these events are not part of the manga canon, trying to pick up the manga after watching all of Season 1 will lead to immediate confusion.
What Is the Exact Divergence Point Between the Anime and Manga?
The precise divergence point occurs in Episode 16, which corresponds to manga Chapter 14. While the first half of the episode is mostly faithful, the second half begins to introduce changes that set up the anime-original ending. By Episode 17, the anime is telling a story that is completely separate from the manga’s canon. The manga’s main plot, which should have moved into the Kyoto Impure King Arc, was initially skipped entirely by the first season’s conclusion.
💡 Pro Tip: For a seamless transition, a great way to proceed is to watch Season 1 up to Episode 16. After finishing that episode, you can immediately start reading manga Chapter 15. This places you directly at the beginning of the Kyoto arc, which is where the story was supposed to go next.
After Watching Season 2 (Kyoto Saga), What Chapter Should You Start With?
To continue the Blue Exorcist story after watching Season 2, the Kyoto Saga, you should start reading the manga at Chapter 35. The second season was created to bring the anime’s plot back in line with the manga, and it faithfully adapts the entire Kyoto Impure King Arc. This arc officially covers manga chapters 15 through 34.
Therefore, Chapter 35 is the direct continuation of the story, picking up immediately after the resolution of the battle against the Impure King. This chapter begins the next major story arc, the Shimane Illuminati Saga, which introduces new allies and a formidable new enemy organization. Practical experience shows that viewers who have completed Season 2 can jump in here with minimal confusion.
However, even with a faithful adaptation, some minor details are often condensed for television. Here is what you might have missed:
* ✅ Expanded Character Moments: The manga provides more internal monologue and smaller interactions between characters, adding depth to their relationships.
* ✅ Slightly More World-Building: Some minor details about the True Cross Order and the nature of demons are explained more thoroughly.
* ✅ Unabridged Dialogue: The manga contains the full, unabridged conversations that may have been shortened for anime pacing.
Where Does the Manga Pick Up After Season 3 (Shimane Illuminati Saga)?
After watching Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga (Season 3), the correct place to start the manga is Chapter 69. This season, which aired in 2026, continues the trend of faithfully adapting the source material. It covers the entirety of the Illuminati arc, which corresponds to manga chapters 38 through 68.
Chapter 69 picks up immediately after the climactic events of the Illuminati Saga and begins the buildup to the next major story phase. Reading from this point will put you right on the front lines of the ongoing story, far ahead of the current anime. In our analysis, this is the most straightforward transition point for fans who are completely up-to-date with the anime. The subsequent arcs, like the “Beyond the Snow Saga,” introduce critical lore and character developments that are essential to the overarching plot. Starting at Chapter 69 ensures you don’t miss a single moment of this new, exciting phase of the story.
FAQs About where does the blue exorcist anime leave off in the manga
Is it necessary to read the manga from Chapter 1?
While not strictly necessary if you’ve seen Season 2, reading from Chapter 1 is highly recommended for the complete and intended story. The first season of the anime changed character details and plot points even before its anime-original ending. The manga also includes additional world-building and character moments that the anime adaptation skips for pacing, making it a richer experience from the start.
Where does the Blue Exorcist Movie fit in, and is it canon?
The Blue Exorcist Movie is considered non-canon and tells a standalone story. Its events are not referenced in the manga or the subsequent manga-faithful anime seasons. For viewing enjoyment, it can be watched anytime after the first 12-15 episodes of Season 1, but it is not part of the main storyline created by Kazue Kato.
Is the Blue Exorcist manga still ongoing?
Yes, the Blue Exorcist manga is still ongoing and significantly ahead of the anime. Written and illustrated by Kazue Kato, it has been serialized in Shueisha’s Jump SQ magazine since 2009. As of 2026, the story continues to be released, offering a wealth of content for those who have finished the anime.
Why did the anime create an original ending for Season 1?
The anime likely created an original ending because it caught up to the manga’s available chapters during its production in 2011. This was a common practice for anime adaptations at the time to avoid a long hiatus. The studio chose to produce a conclusive, self-contained ending for the television series rather than wait for more source material to be published.
Are there major plot differences in the Kyoto arc between the anime and manga?
No, the major plot points of the Kyoto arc are very faithfully adapted in Season 2. However, the manga provides more depth to certain character interactions and includes minor scenes that were condensed or omitted in the anime for time. Fans of the arc will appreciate the extra detail found in manga chapters 15 through 34.
Key Takeaways: Blue Exorcist Anime to Manga Guide
- Season 1 Is Not Canon After Episode 16: The most critical point to remember is that the first anime season diverges significantly and creates its own ending. To follow the true story, you must disregard everything after episode 16.
- Start at Chapter 15 for the Canon Path: After watching Season 1 (and stopping at Episode 16), the manga’s canon story continues in Chapter 15, which begins the Kyoto Impure King Arc.
- Start at Chapter 35 After Season 2 (Kyoto Saga): If you’ve finished the manga-faithful second season, you can jump directly to Chapter 35 to continue the story into the Illuminati arc.
- Start at Chapter 69 After Season 3 (Illuminati Saga): For those current with the anime as of 2026, the story picks up at Chapter 69, following the events of the Shimane Illuminati arc.
- Reading From Chapter 1 is Best: For the full experience, including details and character moments cut from the anime, the universally recommended path is to start the manga from the very beginning.
Final Thoughts on Starting the Blue Exorcist Manga
Navigating the transition from the Blue Exorcist anime to the manga can feel like solving a puzzle, but with this guide, you now have the complete solution. You understand the critical divergence of Season 1 and know the precise chapter to start with, no matter which season you just finished. The complex history of the adaptation is no longer a barrier.
Reading the manga is the best way to experience the complete, ongoing story as intended by its author, Kazue Kato. It offers deeper character arcs, richer world-building, and a plot that extends far beyond where the current anime has reached. You are now perfectly equipped to dive into the source material and continue Rin Okumura’s journey. What has your experience been with the anime and manga? We’d love to hear your thoughts
