Wondering where the Blue Giant anime ends in the manga? You’ve seen the incredible movie and now you need to know exactly where to continue Dai Miyamoto’s journey. You want a clear answer without any confusion.
The Blue Giant anime movie adapts the manga’s “JASS” arc and concludes with the end of the original Blue Giant series, which is Volume 10, Chapter 80. To continue the story, you must start with the sequel series, Blue Giant Supreme. However, the movie skips significant early content from the manga.
This guide, based on a direct analysis of the source material, provides the precise chapter details. You will discover exactly what content the movie skipped and why starting the manga from Chapter 1 is the most rewarding experience. This guide also provides the complete reading order for the entire manga franchise.
Key Facts
- Definitive Endpoint: The anime movie adapts the manga up to its conclusion, ending at Chapter 80 of Volume 10, which is the final chapter of the original series.
- Skipped Origin Story: The movie skips the first 29 chapters of the manga, which detail Dai Miyamoto’s foundational journey of learning the saxophone in his hometown of Sendai.
- Sequel Series: The story continues after the events of the movie and original manga in a sequel series titled Blue Giant Supreme, where Dai takes his talents to Europe.
- Award-Winning Source Material: The Blue Giant manga is a critically acclaimed work, having won prestigious honors like the 62nd Shogakukan Manga Award and the Grand Prize at the 20th Japan Media Arts Festival.
- Expert Musical Composition: The movie’s powerful soundtrack was composed by world-renowned jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara, who wrote original music for the fictional band JASS.
Where does the blue giant anime end in the manga?
The Blue Giant anime movie adapts the source manga up to the finale of the original series. This means the film’s story concludes at the exact same point as the first part of the manga franchise. To continue the narrative without missing any of Dai’s ongoing journey, you would need to begin reading the official sequel series, Blue Giant Supreme.
However, a crucial detail for fans is that the movie is not a complete 1:1 adaptation of the material it covers. It strategically omits the beginning of the manga to focus on a specific, high-drama arc. Understanding this distinction is key to deciding your best reading path. While you can jump straight to the sequel, you would be missing the true beginning of the entire saga.
Direct Answer: The Blue Giant anime movie adapts the manga’s “JASS” arc and concludes with the end of the original Blue Giant series, which is Volume 10, Chapter 80. To continue the story without missing any content, you should start with the sequel series, Blue Giant Supreme. However, the movie skips significant early content.
What Is the Exact Chapter and Volume Where the Anime Ends?
The story concludes precisely at Chapter 80, which is the final chapter collected in Volume 10 of the original Blue Giant manga. These collected editions, known as tankōbon volumes, represent the entirety of the first series. The movie’s dramatic ending directly corresponds to the manga’s conclusion of this initial Japan-based story arc, setting the stage for Dai’s international ambitions in the sequel series.
What Parts of the Manga Does the Movie Actually Adapt?
The Blue Giant movie primarily adapts the second major arc of the manga, starting from around Chapter 30 of Volume 4. This portion of the story covers Dai Miyamoto’s pivotal move to Tokyo and the formation of the electrifying jazz trio known as “JASS” with pianist Yukinori Sawabe and drummer Shunji Tamada. The film streamlines the narrative to concentrate on the band’s formation, their struggles, their synergy, and their ultimate performance.
Why Should You Read the Blue Giant Manga From the Beginning?
From our practical experience with the series, reading the manga from Chapter 1 is highly recommended, even after seeing the movie. The film adaptation makes the decision to skip the first 29 chapters entirely. This unadapted material is not filler; it is the foundational story of how Dai Miyamoto’s incredible musical journey begins. Starting from the beginning provides the full emotional weight and context that the movie, by necessity, has to condense.
By jumping straight to where the movie begins (around Chapter 30), you will miss:
- ✅ Dai’s Origin Story: Witnessing the exact moment a high school student is captivated by jazz and decides to pick up a saxophone for the first time.
- ✅ The Initial Struggle: Reading about his lonely, self-taught practice sessions along a riverbank in his hometown of Sendai, playing day and night.
- ✅ Foundational Relationships: Meeting the first people who believed in his talent, including his supportive brother and the music shop owner who became an early mentor.
- ✅ His First Live Performance: Experiencing the raw, unpolished power of Dai’s first public performances and the impact they had on a small, local audience.
This early narrative arc establishes the core of Dai’s unwavering passion and perseverance. Without it, his achievements in Tokyo with JASS lack their full, profound impact. The anime provides the “what,” but the manga’s beginning gives you the essential “why.”
How Does the Blue Giant Movie Compare to the Manga?
When comparing the Blue Giant anime movie [the 2023 film] to the original manga by Shinichi Ishizuka, it’s clear they are two different but equally powerful ways to experience the same story. One is not definitively “better” than the other; instead, they offer unique strengths that cater to different aspects of storytelling. The movie brings the sound to life, while the manga provides unparalleled character depth.
Here is a direct comparison of the two mediums:
| Feature/Aspect | Blue Giant Manga (Original Work) | Blue Giant Anime Movie (2023 Film) |
|---|---|---|
| Story Coverage | Complete first series (Chapters 1-80). Includes Dai’s origins in Sendai. | Primarily the “JASS” arc (approx. Chapters 30-80). Skips the first 29 chapters. |
| Pacing | Deliberate and detailed, allowing for deep character immersion and backstory. | Faster-paced and streamlined to fit a 2-hour runtime. Focuses on high-impact moments. |
| Musical Expression | Uses dynamic art, paneling, and visual metaphors to convey the power of music. | Features a full, professionally composed jazz soundtrack (by Hiromi Uehara) for an auditory experience. |
| Character Depth | Extensive inner monologues and side stories provide rich context for every character’s motivations. | Focuses on the core interactions of the JASS trio, with less time for individual backstories. |
| Narrative Focus | Follows Dai’s entire foundational journey from a complete novice to a professional. | Concentrates on the drama and synergy of the JASS band’s formation, rise, and climax in Tokyo. |
What Is the Correct Reading Order for the Blue Giant Manga Series?
The Blue Giant saga is a multi-part epic that follows Dai Miyamoto’s quest for jazz greatness across the globe. Each series acts as a direct sequel to the last, taking him to a new continent and a new set of challenges. Understanding this chronological progression is essential for following the complete story as creator Shinichi Ishizuka intended. The correct reading order is straightforward and linear.
1. Blue Giant (The Japan Arc)
This is the foundational series and the true starting point. It contains 10 volumes (80 chapters) and covers Dai’s entire journey within Japan. This includes his beginnings as a complete novice in his hometown of Sendai and his rise through the Tokyo jazz scene with the band JASS. The anime movie adapts the second half of this series.
2. Blue Giant Supreme (The Europe Arc)
This is the first sequel, consisting of 11 volumes. Picking up after the events of the original series, Dai moves to Europe to prove himself on the competitive international stage. He navigates new cultures and forms new bands, pushing his musical abilities to their limits in countries like Germany and England.
3. Blue Giant Explorer (The USA Arc, Part 1)
The journey continues as Dai travels to the United States, the heartland of jazz. This third series, spanning 9 volumes, follows his adventures across America. He seeks to absorb the history of the music he loves while forging a new sound and making a name for himself in the most challenging jazz environment in the world.
4. Blue Giant Momentum (The USA Arc, Part 2)
As of 2026, this is the current and ongoing series in the franchise. It continues Dai’s quest in America, building on the connections and reputation he established in Explorer. This series dives deeper into the modern American jazz scene as Dai aims to create a new movement and revolutionize the genre itself.
FAQs About where does the blue giant anime end in the manga
What awards has the Blue Giant manga won?
The Blue Giant manga is critically acclaimed and has won several prestigious awards. Most notably, it won the Grand Prize at the 20th Japan Media Arts Festival in the Manga Division in 2017. It also won the 62nd Shogakukan Manga Award in the General category in 2016, cementing its status as a celebrated work.
Who composed the music for the Blue Giant anime movie?
The incredible jazz soundtrack for the Blue Giant movie was composed and performed by world-renowned jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara. She composed original pieces for the in-world band JASS and also arranged music for the characters. Professional saxophonist Tomoaki Baba played for Dai, and drummer Shun Ishiwaka played for Tamada, bringing the music to life with world-class talent.
Is Blue Giant suitable for new manga readers?
Yes, Blue Giant is an excellent manga for new readers, especially those who enjoy character-driven stories and music. The plot is easy to follow, focusing on one protagonist’s clear goal. The artwork by Shinichi Ishizuka is expressive and powerful, making it engaging even for those unfamiliar with manga conventions. Its universal themes of passion and perseverance are relatable to all audiences.
Where does Dai Miyamoto’s journey continue after the first series?
After the conclusion of the first Blue Giant series in Japan, Dai Miyamoto’s journey continues overseas. He first moves to Europe in Blue Giant Supreme to prove himself on the international stage. Following that, he travels to the United States in Blue Giant Explorer and Blue Giant Momentum, aiming to revolutionize the heartland of jazz.
Are all Blue Giant manga series available in English?
As of late 2026, Seven Seas Entertainment is publishing the Blue Giant manga in English. They are releasing the series in 2-in-1 omnibus editions. While the original series is widely available, the sequel series (Supreme, Explorer, Momentum) are still in the process of being licensed and released in English, so their availability may vary depending on the publisher’s schedule.
What studio animated the Blue Giant movie?
The Blue Giant anime movie, released in 2023, was animated by Studio NUT. The studio is known for its high-quality animation and work on other series like Deca-Dence and The Saga of Tanya the Evil. Their work on Blue Giant was praised for its dynamic and emotional musical performance scenes.
Does the Blue Giant anime movie have a different ending than the manga?
No, the anime movie and the original manga series share the same dramatic concluding event. The movie adapts the story up to the very end of the first series (Chapter 80). The feeling of the ending might differ, however, as manga readers have the full context of Dai’s journey from Chapter 1, which adds significant emotional weight.
Is JASS a real band?
JASS is a fictional jazz trio created for the Blue Giant story. The band consists of Dai Miyamoto on saxophone, Yukinori Sawabe on piano, and Shunji Tamada on drums. While the band isn’t real, the music they play in the anime film was composed and performed by real, world-class jazz musicians to give their sound authenticity.
What are the main themes in the Blue Giant manga?
The central themes of Blue Giant are passion, perseverance, and the raw power of music. The story explores the immense dedication required to master an art form and the challenges of pursuing a dream against all odds. It powerfully illustrates how music can connect people, transcend language, and express emotions that words cannot.
Why does the movie start in Tokyo instead of Sendai?
The movie likely starts in Tokyo to jump directly into the core dramatic conflict of the first series: the formation of the band JASS. This narrative decision allows the film to focus on the dynamic between the three main members within a feature-length runtime. While this choice is efficient for a film, it sacrifices the foundational character development from Dai’s early years.
Key Takeaways: Blue Giant Anime to Manga Guide
Here are the most important points to remember as you continue your Blue Giant journey:
- Anime Ends at Manga’s Conclusion: The Blue Giant movie adapts the story up to the very end of the original manga series, which is Volume 10, Chapter 80.
- Major Content is Skipped: The movie jumps ahead to the Tokyo “JASS” arc (starting around Chapter 30), skipping the first 29 chapters that cover Dai Miyamoto’s crucial origin story in Sendai.
- Start from Chapter 1 for the Full Story: For the complete and intended emotional experience, it is highly recommended to read the manga from the very beginning rather than trying to pick up after the movie.
- The Story Continues in Sequels: Dai’s journey to become the world’s best saxophonist does not end. The story continues with him moving to Europe in Blue Giant Supreme and then America in Blue Giant Explorer and Momentum.
- Manga and Anime Offer Different Strengths: The manga provides deeper character detail and inner thoughts, while the anime delivers a powerful auditory experience with a phenomenal jazz soundtrack by Hiromi Uehara.
- The Correct Reading Order is Linear: The franchise should be read in order of release: 1. Blue Giant, 2. Blue Giant Supreme, 3. Blue Giant Explorer, and 4. Blue Giant Momentum.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Blue Giant Journey
While the Blue Giant movie is a stunning cinematic and musical achievement, it represents only a fraction of Dai Miyamoto’s epic journey. The film successfully captures the explosive energy of the JASS arc, but the soul of the story is forged in the chapters it skips. To truly understand the depth of Dai’s passion and the magnitude of his accomplishments, the manga is an essential experience.
By starting from Chapter 1, you are not just rereading a story you’ve already seen; you are uncovering its true foundation. You will witness the birth of a dream and follow every step of the struggle, making the triumphs you saw on screen even more resonant. The full saga, from Sendai to Tokyo and across the globe, is a masterclass in storytelling and one of the most inspiring tales in modern manga. Your journey into the world of Blue Giant has only just begun.
Last update on 2026-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
