Wondering where the Dance in the Vampire Bund anime ends in the manga? You’ve finished the 12-episode series and are now facing the common confusion of where to pick up the story. You need a clear, direct answer to continue the journey.
The 12-episode Dance in the Vampire Bund anime, which aired in 2010, covers the manga’s plot up to approximately Chapter 28 of Volume 5. However, the anime significantly diverges from the source material, most notably by introducing an anime-original amnesia plot for Akira Kaburagi. For this reason, it is highly recommended to start reading from Chapter 1.
Based on an analysis of community discussions and fan wikis, this guide provides the definitive answer. You will discover not only the exact chapter but also why just jumping ahead is a mistake. This reveals the key differences and the correct reading order for the entire saga.
Key Facts
- Anime Endpoint: The 2010 anime adaptation by Studio Shaft concludes its story around the events of Chapter 28 of the original manga.
- Major Plot Deviation: The single biggest difference is the anime-original amnesia subplot for protagonist Akira Kaburagi, which is not present in the manga.
- Community Consensus: Due to significant plot changes and condensed story arcs, the overwhelming recommendation from fans on platforms like Reddit is to start reading the manga from Chapter 1.
- Complete Saga: The manga storyline is fully complete, extending far beyond the anime’s scope with multiple sequel series, including Dance in the Vampire Bund II: Scarlet Order and Dance in the Vampire Bund: Age of Scarlet Order.
- Source Material Authority: The manga, written by Nozomu Tamaki, is considered the true canon, offering deeper character development and a more cohesive narrative than the anime adaptation.
Where Does the Dance in the Vampire Bund Anime End in the Manga?
The 12-episode Dance in the Vampire Bund anime concludes its storyline around the events of Chapter 28 of the original manga, which is located in Volume 5. However, this is not a clean transition point. The anime adaptation by Studio Shaft makes significant changes to the plot, making a direct continuation problematic. For a seamless and canonical experience, community consensus and detailed analysis of the source material strongly suggest starting from Chapter 1.
While you can technically jump in around Chapter 28, you will encounter immediate inconsistencies, most notably regarding the main character, Akira Kaburagi. The anime introduces an original amnesia subplot that fundamentally changes his backstory and his relationship with the vampire queen, Mina Tepes. This deviation from the source material is the primary reason why simply continuing from the anime’s endpoint is not advised.
The anime condenses the events of the first five to six manga volumes into just 12 episodes. This rapid pacing leads to the removal of important subplots, character moments, and world-building details. By starting from the beginning, you will experience the story as author Nozomu Tamaki intended, with all its depth and nuance intact.
The overwhelming consensus from established fan communities, including Fandom wikis and Reddit discussions, is clear: to truly understand the story of Dance in the Vampire Bund, you must read the manga from the beginning.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Vampire Bund Anime and Manga?
The primary difference is the anime-exclusive amnesia subplot for the main character, Akira Kaburagi. Beyond this major plot deviation, the anime, produced by the studio Shaft, also features a much faster pace, altered character arcs for the supporting cast, and a unique visual style that gives it a different feel from the original manga. These changes create two distinct experiences of the same core story.
To help you decide whether to start reading from the beginning, here is a breakdown of the most significant differences between the two versions. Our analysis of both the anime television series and the source material reveals several key areas of divergence.
Why Is Akira’s Amnesia in the Anime a Major Problem for Continuity?
Akira’s amnesia is the single largest deviation from the manga, creating an entirely different character dynamic at the story’s start. In the manga, Akira is a steadfast and knowledgeable protector from the very first chapter, fully aware of his past, his duty as a werewolf of the Beowulf clan, and his deep connection to Mina Tepes. His devotion is built on a lifetime of shared history.
The anime-original amnesia plot reframes this entire foundation. Instead of being a willing guardian, the anime’s Akira is a confused high school student who must rediscover his identity and purpose. This changes the core of his relationship with Mina from one of established loyalty to a mystery he needs to solve.
- Anime Motivation: Akira’s actions are driven by a need to recover his lost memories and understand his strange connection to Mina.
- Manga Motivation: Akira’s actions are driven by unwavering loyalty and a profound sense of duty rooted in a promise made in his childhood.
This change significantly alters the emotional weight of their early interactions and weakens the established bond that is a cornerstone of the manga’s narrative.
| Feature | Anime Adaptation (2010) | Original Manga |
|---|---|---|
| Akira’s Backstory | Suffers from amnesia; rediscovers his past and role. | Fully aware of his identity as a werewolf and protector from the start. |
| Story Pacing | Condenses events from the first 5-6 volumes into 12 episodes. | More detailed, slower-paced development of plot and characters. |
| Character Portrayals | Some side characters have simplified or slightly altered roles. | Deeper exploration of supporting cast and their motivations. |
| Ending | Concludes with an anime-original resolution tied to the amnesia plot. | The story continues for 14 volumes, leading into multiple sequel series. |
What Is the Correct Reading Order for the Entire Vampire Bund Saga?
To read the entire Dance in the Vampire Bund saga in order, you must follow a specific sequence that includes the original series, side stories, and multiple sequels. Based on publication dates and community consensus from sources like Reddit and Fandom, this is the definitive chronological path to experience the complete, canonical story without confusion. The saga is far more expansive than the anime suggests.
Here is the correct reading order for the entire franchise:
- Dance in the Vampire Bund (Volumes 1-14)
- This is the original series and the essential starting point. It covers the first major epic arc and establishes the world and characters.
- Dive in the Vampire Bund (2 Volumes)
- This is a collection of side stories that take place during the events of the main series. It can be read after the main series to flesh out the world and supporting cast.
- Dance in the Vampire Bund: The Memories of Sledge Hammer (3 Volumes)
- This series serves as a crucial interquel, bridging the gap between the end of the original series and the start of its direct sequel.
- Dance in the Vampire Bund II: Scarlet Order (4 Volumes)
- This is the direct sequel to the original manga. It picks up the story after The Memories of Sledge Hammer and introduces a new conflict.
- Dance in the Vampire Bund: Age of Scarlet Order (10 Volumes)
- This is the final series in the saga, continuing directly from Scarlet Order and bringing the long-running story of Mina and Akira to its conclusion.
Following this order ensures you experience every part of the narrative as intended, with all plot points and character developments unfolding chronologically.
FAQs About where does the dance in the vampire bund anime end in manga
Is there a season 2 of Dance in the Vampire Bund?
No, there has never been a second season of the Dance in the Vampire Bund anime. The original 12-episode series aired in 2010, and due to the significant passage of time and the anime’s complicated adaptation, a continuation is considered highly unlikely by the fan community. The story continues exclusively in the manga.
How does the original Dance in the Vampire Bund manga end?
The original manga series concludes with Volume 14 (Chapter 82), which was released in 2012. The ending resolves the main conflicts of the first major story arc but intentionally leaves threads open that lead directly into the sequel series, starting with Dance in the Vampire Bund II: Scarlet Order. It provides a conclusive end to one chapter while setting up the next.
Who animated Dance in the Vampire Bund?
The anime adaptation was produced by the animation studio Shaft. The studio is well-known for its unique and often experimental visual style, which is very apparent in Dance in the Vampire Bund. This distinct artistic direction is a notable aspect of the anime when compared to the manga’s art.
Is the entire Dance in the Vampire Bund manga series finished?
Yes, the entire saga is complete as of 2026. The original series ended in 2012. The main sequel, Dance in the Vampire Bund II: Scarlet Order, and its continuation, Dance in the Vampire Bund: Age of Scarlet Order, have also concluded, bringing the entire story to a close.
Is the manga better than the anime for Vampire Bund?
The general consensus among fans is that the manga is significantly better than the anime. This is primarily because the manga tells the complete, unaltered story without the confusing amnesia plot. It offers deeper character development and a more cohesive and expansive narrative across its multiple series.
What year did the Vampire Bund anime air?
The Dance in the Vampire Bund anime premiered in Japan in 2010. It was licensed and released in North America by Funimation shortly after its initial broadcast on the AT-X network. Its short run and unique style made it a cult classic of the time.
What is Dance in the Vampire Bund II: Scarlet Order?
Dance in the Vampire Bund II: Scarlet Order is the direct manga sequel to the original 14-volume series. It picks up after the events of the bridge story, The Memories of Sledge Hammer. It continues the main plotline focusing on Mina Tepes and Akira Kaburagi as they face new threats to the Vampire Bund.
How many volumes of the original manga are there?
The original Dance in the Vampire Bund manga series consists of 14 volumes. These volumes cover the first major “epic arc” of the story and were published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. The anime adaptation covers events from roughly the first five to six volumes.
Does the anime skip any manga content?
Yes, the anime skips and condenses a significant amount of content. To fit roughly five to six volumes of manga into a 12-episode series, many subplots, character moments, and world-building details were streamlined or removed entirely. This is in addition to the major plot changes like Akira’s amnesia.
Is the anime’s ending canon to the manga?
No, the ending of the anime is not canon. Because it revolves around the anime-original amnesia subplot and concludes at a point where the manga’s story is just beginning its next phase, the anime’s conclusion should be considered a standalone, alternate ending. It does not align with the official manga timeline.
Key Takeaways: Dance in the Vampire Bund Anime to Manga Guide
- The Anime Ends at Chapter 28: The 12-episode anime adaptation concludes around the events of Chapter 28 in Volume 5 of the manga, but this is not a clean transition point.
- Major Plot Divergence: The anime is not a faithful adaptation; its biggest deviation is an anime-original plot where Akira Kaburagi suffers from amnesia, which is not present in the manga source material.
- Start Manga from Chapter 1: Due to the significant plot differences and condensed storyline, the universally accepted recommendation is to start reading the manga from the very beginning (Chapter 1) for the true, canonical story.
- The Manga Story is Complete: The entire Dance in the Vampire Bund saga is finished, spanning the original 14-volume series and its sequels, Scarlet Order and Age of Scarlet Order.
- A Complex Reading Order Exists: The full story includes the original series, side stories (Dive in the Vampire Bund), a bridge series (The Memories of Sledge Hammer), and two sequel series (Scarlet Order). Following the correct order is crucial.
- No Season 2 of the Anime: A second season of the anime was never produced and is considered extremely unlikely given the time that has passed and the adaptation’s issues.
- Manga Offers More Depth: The manga provides a vastly more detailed and complete narrative, with deeper character development and a fully realized world that the anime was unable to cover in its short run.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Dance in the Vampire Bund Story
Navigating the transition from an anime to its source material can be confusing, especially with a series like Dance in the Vampire Bund. While the anime provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of Mina Tepes and her vampire colony, it is ultimately an incomplete and altered version of a much grander story.
The evidence is clear: for fans who enjoyed the world, the characters, and the dark fantasy themes of the anime, reading the manga from the beginning is the definitive way to experience the complete and canonical story. By doing so, you are not just rereading familiar events; you are discovering the true foundation of the plot, the authentic character relationships, and a narrative that extends far beyond what the anime was able to show. Embracing the manga is the only way to continue the dance.
Last update on 2026-02-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
