Wondering where the Cells at Work! anime leaves off in the manga? You’ve finished the series and now you want to continue the story without missing a single detail or accidentally reading spoilers.
The main Cells at Work! anime, which includes both seasons, adapts the manga’s story up through Volume 5. To continue reading where the anime concludes, you should start with Volume 6. This ensures a seamless transition into the final, unadapted chapters of the main story.
Based on analysis of official releases and fan consensus, this guide provides the exact starting points for both the main series and the Code Black spin-off. You’ll discover what chapters the anime skipped and get a clear roadmap for the entire franchise, ensuring you can continue your journey through the human body with confidence.
Key Facts
- Main Series Starting Point: The anime for the main Cells at Work! series concludes its adaptation at the end of Volume 5 of the manga.
- Where to Start Reading: To continue the main story, readers should begin with Volume 6, which is the final volume of the series.
- Code Black Recommendation: The Code Black anime ends around Chapter 10, but because it skips significant content, it is highly recommended to start reading from Chapter 1.
- Main Manga Status: The original Cells at Work! manga series is complete, consisting of a total of six volumes.
- Code Black Manga Status: The Cells at Work: Code Black spin-off manga is also finished and collected in eight complete volumes.
Where Does the Cells at Work Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The main Cells at Work! anime, combining both Season 1 (2018) and Season 2 (2021), is a faithful adaptation that covers the manga’s story up to the end of Volume 5. This includes major arcs like the fight against Influenza, the Cancer Cell storyline, and the introduction of many beloved cell characters. The anime adaptation was careful to follow the source material closely, meaning you won’t be lost if you transition directly from watching to reading.
For those new to the format, manga is read in volumes, which are collected books, and each volume contains several chapters. The anime organized these chapters into episodes, sometimes rearranging minor, self-contained stories to create a better seasonal flow. However, all the critical plot points from the first five manga volumes have been animated. This makes finding your starting place straightforward.
So, Where Should You Start Reading After the Main Anime?
To continue the story without missing any content, you should start reading from the beginning of Volume 6. The Cells at Work! manga [digital authentication files issued by Certificate Authorities] is officially complete with six volumes. Volume 6 contains the final, unadapted chapters of the main story, providing a definitive conclusion to the adventures of Red Blood Cell AE3803 and White Blood Cell U-1146. A notable chapter in this final volume is a timely and educational look at the body’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), an arc that was never animated.
Where Does the Cells at Work: Code Black Anime End in the Manga?
The Cells at Work: Code Black anime, a darker spin-off series, concludes its single season by adapting material up to roughly Chapter 10 of the manga. However, unlike the main series, the Code Black anime adaptation is not a direct, linear retelling. The production team shuffled the order of events and skipped several chapters entirely to fit the story into its episode count.
This spin-off series is a completely separate story set in a different, unhealthy human body. Because of the adaptation’s non-linear approach, simply jumping to the next chapter after the anime’s final scene can lead to confusion and a less impactful experience. Many important character moments and story details are found in the chapters that were left out of the anime.
Why Is Starting Code Black from Chapter 1 Recommended?
It is highly recommended you start the Cells at Work: Code Black manga from Chapter 1, even after watching the anime. While you can technically pick up around Chapter 11 to continue the main plot, you will miss a significant amount of content that enriches the story.
Here’s why starting from the beginning provides a better experience:
- ❌ Skipped Chapters: The anime omits several entire chapters from the manga. These chapters provide deeper context for the body’s declining state and the cells’ struggles.
- 🔀 Reordered Events: The anime changes the chronological order of some story arcs. Reading from the beginning allows you to experience the narrative as the author originally intended, with a more natural escalation of crises.
- 💭 Missed Details: Small but important story nuggets and character interactions were cut for time. These details often pay off in later, unadapted chapters, and you’ll appreciate the full context by reading from the start.
What Manga Chapters and Arcs Did the Cells at Work Anime Skip?
While the main Cells at Work! anime is a very faithful adaptation, it did not cover every single chapter from the manga. For fans who want to experience 100% of the story, knowing what was missed can be a great reason to read the manga from the beginning or seek out these specific chapters.
Here is the key content from the main manga that was not included in the anime:
- The Final Chapters (27-29): The last three chapters of the final volume, Volume 6, were never animated. These chapters wrap up the story and are essential for a complete narrative.
- Eosinophil’s Backstory: A popular chapter that was notably skipped details a past memory between Eosinophil and White Blood Cell U-1146. It reveals a moment where he saved her when she was a young eosinophil, adding depth to their relationship.
- iPS Cells Chapter: The story involving induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) helping to repair the body’s failing eyesight was also not adapted into the anime.
For Cells at Work: Code Black, the list of skipped chapters is more extensive and integrated throughout the story, which is why reading that series from Chapter 1 is the community’s consensus recommendation.
What Is the Correct Watch and Read Order for the Entire Cells at Work Franchise?
The Cells at Work! universe is vast, with numerous spin-offs that can be confusing to navigate. Here is a clear, recommended order to experience the franchise, designed for both anime watchers and manga readers. The following table breaks down the optimal path.
| Series Component | Recommended Order | Manga Starting Point (After Anime) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cells at Work! (Season 1) | 1 | N/A | Covers roughly Volumes 1-4. |
| Cells at Work! (OVA) | 2 | N/A | Adapts a chapter from Volume 3. |
| Cells at Work!! (Season 2) | 3 | N/A | Covers Volume 5. |
| Cells at Work! (Manga) | 4 | Volume 6 | To complete the main story. |
| Cells at Work: Code Black | 5 (Independent) | Chapter 11 (or Chapter 1) | Separate story, can be experienced anytime. |
| Other Spin-offs (Baby, Lady) | 6 (Optional) | Chapter 1 | Independent stories for further exploration. |
Most spin-off series can be read independently without any prior knowledge of the main story.
- Cells at Work: Code Black: As detailed, this is a separate story in an unhealthy body. It can be watched or read at any point.
- Cells at Work! Baby: This charming spin-off explores the unique environment of an infant’s body, from birth through their first year.
- Cells at Work! Lady: This series focuses on the specific biological processes of the adult female body.
- Cells NOT at Work!: A pure comedy spin-off about erythroblasts (immature red blood cells) who refuse to mature and work.
FAQs About where does the cells at work anime leave off in the manga
Is the Cells at Work manga finished?
Yes, the main Cells at Work! manga series is complete. Written and illustrated by Akane Shimizu, the series concluded its run in January 2021. The entire story is collected into a total of six volumes, making it a finished narrative that you can read from beginning to end.
Is the Cells at Work: Code Black manga finished?
Yes, the Cells at Work: Code Black manga is also complete. This spin-off, written by Shigemitsu Harada and illustrated by Issei Hatsuyoshiya, finished its serialization in January 2021. The complete story is collected across eight volumes, offering a darker, more dramatic take on the life of cells in an unhealthy body.
Will there be a Season 3 of the Cells at Work anime?
As of early 2026, there has been no official announcement for a Season 3 of the main Cells at Work! anime. Since the anime’s second season adapted the majority of the remaining source material, with only one volume left, a full third season is considered unlikely by many fans unless new manga content is created.
Can I read Code Black without reading the main series?
Absolutely. You can read or watch Cells at Work: Code Black without any prior knowledge of the main series. Code Black is a completely separate spin-off that takes place in a different human body with a different cast of characters. While the core concepts are similar, the tone and plot are entirely independent.
What is the difference between Cells at Work and Code Black?
The main difference is the health of the human body they take place in. The original Cells at Work! is set in a relatively healthy body, leading to a more educational and comedic tone. Code Black is set in a very unhealthy body struggling with smoking, stress, and poor diet, resulting in a much darker, grittier, and more dramatic storyline.
How many volumes of the main manga are there?
The main Cells at Work! manga series is complete in six volumes. The anime adaptation covers the first five volumes, making the sixth volume the continuation point for anime-only fans.
What are the other Cells at Work spin-off manga?
The franchise has numerous spin-offs focusing on different cells or body types. Some of the most popular ones include Cells at Work! Baby, which takes place in an infant’s body; Cells at Work! Lady, focusing on a woman’s body; Cells NOT at Work!, a comedy about lazy erythroblasts; and Platelets at Work!.
Is the Cells at Work movie canon?
Yes, the theatrical film, titled “Cells at Work!!” The Strongest Enemy, Again. The Inside of the Bowels Is a Big Uproar!”, is canon. It is not a separate side story but rather a pre-screening of the episodes from Season 2 that adapt the Cancer Cell arc from Volume 5 of the manga. It directly ties into the main storyline.
Does the anime follow the manga closely?
For the most part, yes, the main series anime is a very faithful adaptation of the manga. While it occasionally rearranges the order of some standalone chapters for better narrative flow in a season, it does not significantly alter or skip major plot points from the first five volumes. Code Black, however, has more noticeable differences in pacing and skipped content.
Where can I officially read the Cells at Work manga?
The Cells at Work! manga and its various spin-offs are licensed and published in English by Kodansha USA. You can purchase physical or digital copies from major book retailers, online stores, and digital manga platforms. Supporting the official release helps the creators and the industry.
Key Takeaways: Cells at Work! Anime to Manga Guide
- Main Series Starting Point: After watching Seasons 1 and 2 of Cells at Work!, you should start reading the manga from Volume 6 to get the final, unadapted chapters.
- Code Black Starting Point: For the Code Black spin-off, the anime ends around Chapter 10, but due to skipped content, it’s best to start from Chapter 11 or, ideally, from the very beginning (Chapter 1).
- Both Manga Are Complete: Both the main Cells at Work! series (6 volumes) and the Code Black spin-off (8 volumes) have concluded, so you can read both stories in their entirety.
- Skipped Content Exists: The anime is mostly faithful but did not adapt everything, notably the final chapters (27-29) of the main series and a backstory chapter for Eosinophil.
- Spin-Offs Are Independent: You can read spin-offs like Code Black, Baby!, or Lady! at any time without needing to have finished the main series, as they are standalone stories in different bodies.
- No Season 3 Confirmed: A third season of the main anime is unlikely given that the anime has already covered almost all of the completed manga.
- Official Releases Are Available: You can support the creators by purchasing the manga officially in English through Kodansha USA from major booksellers.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Cells at Work! Story
Navigating the transition from anime to manga can be daunting, but for the Cells at Work! franchise, the path is clear. By starting with Volume 6 of the main series and considering a full read-through of Code Black, you are guaranteed to get the complete and intended narrative experience. Reading the manga not only offers a conclusion to the stories you love but also provides exclusive content that never made it to the screen. Which story will you dive into first—the satisfying conclusion of the main series or the gritty, dramatic world of Code Black?
Last update on 2026-02-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
