Finished the Detective School Q anime and now you’re facing that massive cliffhanger? You’re looking for the exact spot to pick up the manga to finally get some closure. This is a common frustration for fans of the series.
To continue the story right after the Detective School Q anime ends, you should start reading the manga from Volume 12, Chapter 62. The 45-episode anime covers the events up to roughly Chapter 61, leaving the majority of the original manga’s plot, including the final confrontations with the Pluto organization, unadapted.
Based on detailed analysis of the series canon, this guide provides the verified information you need. You will discover exactly why the anime stopped, what crucial story arcs you missed, and how the true manga ending provides the narrative closure you’re seeking.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: The anime’s 45th and final episode concludes the events around Chapter 61 of the manga, making Chapter 62 the correct place to continue.
- Incomplete Adaptation: The anime only adapts approximately 35% of the source material, covering about 61 of the total 172 manga chapters.
- Manga is Complete: The Detective School Q manga finished its serialization in 2005 with 172 chapters (collected into 22 volumes), offering a complete and conclusive story.
- No Season 2: There has been no announcement of a second season in the over two decades since the anime ended, making the manga the only way to finish the story.
- Major Plot Omissions: Key storylines, including the identity of the villain King Hades and the final battle with the Pluto organization, are exclusive to the manga.
Where Does the Detective School Q Anime End in the Manga?
To continue the story right after the Detective School Q anime ends, you should start reading the manga from Volume 12, Chapter 62. The 45-episode anime series, produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha (now TMS Entertainment), covers the events up to roughly Chapter 61. This means the anime is an incomplete adaptation, leaving the majority of the original 172-chapter manga plot, including the final confrontations with the Pluto organization, unadapted.
For fans who have only watched the anime, this creates a significant narrative gap. The anime concludes just as the overarching mystery involving the villainous organization Pluto begins to intensify. Key character arcs, major plot twists, and the ultimate resolution of the series are all found in the chapters that follow the anime’s abrupt finale. Starting at Chapter 62 ensures you dive directly into new material without re-reading events you’ve already seen.
What Is the Starting Point to Continue the Story in the Manga?
To make it perfectly clear, here is the exact starting point for you to continue the narrative.
Start reading Detective School Q from Volume 12, Chapter 62. This chapter, titled “The Start of a New Fear,” begins the next major story arc immediately following the events adapted in the anime’s final episode.
By beginning here, you transition seamlessly from the anime’s ending into the unadapted two-thirds of the manga. This is where the story deepens, the stakes are raised, and the true conclusion to the Q Class’s journey unfolds.
Why Was the Detective School Q Anime Ending So Abrupt?
The Detective School Q anime’s abrupt ending is a common issue where the TV series production outpaces the source manga’s publication. The anime ran from 2003 to 2004, while the manga was still being released monthly. This created a situation where the anime studio ran out of source material to adapt, leading to its conclusion after 45 episodes without resolving the main plot.
Several factors contributed to this incomplete adaptation:
- Catching Up to the Manga: This is the most significant reason. With only a portion of the 172-chapter manga available during its run, the anime simply reached the end of the published story at the time. A second season was never produced.
- Promotional Purpose: Often, an anime series serves as an extended promotion for the source manga. The goal is to get viewers invested enough to buy the books to see how the story ends. The incomplete anime successfully drove many fans to the manga for the full story.
- Production Decisions: Anime production committees decide whether to continue a series based on ratings, merchandise sales, and DVD/Blu-ray pre-orders. Even with a dedicated fanbase, the numbers may not have justified the investment in a second season to complete the story years later.
What Key Story Arcs Does the Detective School Q Anime Miss?
The Detective School Q anime omits over 100 chapters of the manga, which contain several critical story arcs that are essential to the overall narrative. By jumping into the manga, you gain access to the true depth of the series. Here’s a spoiler-light look at what you missed:
- The Cerberus Arc: Immediately after the anime’s end, the story introduces Cerberus, King Hades’s personal and most dangerous guardian. This arc raises the stakes significantly and tests the Q Class in ways the anime never could.
- The Past of Ryu Amakusa: The manga delves deeply into Ryu’s mysterious and tragic history with the Pluto organization. His motivations, his connection to King Hades, and his true allegiance are all explored and brought to a powerful conclusion.
- The Final Confrontation with Pluto: The ultimate battle between the Detective Detective School (DDS) and the entire Pluto organization unfolds. This includes the unmasking and defeat of King Hades, a major event the anime never reaches.
- The Successor’s Test: The story concludes with a final, intricate mystery designed to determine who among the Q Class is worthy of becoming Morihiko Dan’s successor. This provides a definitive, albeit thought-provoking, finale to the series.
What Are the Major Differences Between the Anime and Manga Endings?
The primary difference is that the manga has a definitive ending, while the anime simply stops mid-story. A direct comparison reveals how much narrative resolution is missing from the anime adaptation. The manga provides closure on every major plot point that the anime left as a cliffhanger.
Here is a breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature | Anime Conclusion (at Episode 45) | Manga Conclusion (at Chapter 172) |
|---|---|---|
| Conflict with Pluto | Unresolved; Pluto remains a major threat. | Fully resolved; King Hades is defeated and the organization is dismantled. |
| Fate of Morihiko Dan | Alive, but his health is a lingering concern. | His fate is definitively addressed, providing narrative closure. |
| Identity of Successor | Not addressed; the Q Class are still early in their training. | The final test is completed, and a successor is chosen (though kept ambiguous to the reader). |
| Ryu Amakusa’s Story | His connection to Pluto is a major unresolved plot point. | His background and allegiance are fully explored and concluded. |
| Overall Resolution | Incomplete, functions as a mid-series cliffhanger. | Complete story with a conclusive, albeit slightly open-ended, finale. |
FAQs About where does the detective school q anime end in the manga
Is the Detective School Q manga finished?
Yes, the Detective School Q manga is complete. It finished its serialization in 2005. The entire story is concluded in 172 chapters, which have been collected into 22 tankōbon volumes, ensuring readers can experience the full, intended narrative from beginning to end.
Will there be a Season 2 of Detective School Q?
It is highly unlikely that there will ever be a Season 2 of the Detective School Q anime. The original series aired in 2003-2004, and there has been no news or announcement of a continuation in over two decades. The anime’s purpose was likely to promote the manga, and with the manga long since completed, a revival is not expected.
How many chapters of the manga does the anime cover?
The 45-episode anime adapts approximately the first 61 chapters of the manga. This represents only about one-third of the total story. The anime adaptation is a faithful but significantly condensed version of the early cases and character introductions from the source material.
Does Morihiko Dan die in the manga?
Yes, the manga provides a definitive conclusion to Morihiko Dan’s story. Unlike the anime, which leaves his health as an open question, the manga addresses his fate directly as a central plot point near the end of the series, tying into the final selection of his successor for the Detective Detective School (DDS).
Who is the true mastermind behind Pluto?
The true identity of King Hades, the mastermind behind the Pluto organization, is a major revelation in the manga that the anime never reaches. This reveal is a critical part of the final story arc and connects directly to the history of the DDS and Morihiko Dan’s past. To avoid spoilers, you’ll have to read the manga to uncover this secret.
Is the Detective School Q live-action drama a good alternative?
The live-action drama is a different interpretation and not a direct continuation. While it adapts some cases from the manga, including a version of the series finale, it changes characters and plot points significantly. It should be viewed as a separate adaptation rather than a substitute for reading the manga to get the original, complete story.
Should I read the manga from the beginning or start after the anime?
For the complete experience, reading from the beginning is recommended, but not essential. The anime is a relatively faithful adaptation of the early chapters. However, the manga contains smaller details and character moments that were cut for time. If you want to jump straight to new content, starting at Chapter 62 is perfectly fine.
Is Detective School Q better than Detective Conan?
This is a matter of personal preference as both are top-tier detective series. Detective School Q focuses on a team dynamic and has a clear, overarching plot with a definitive ending in 172 chapters. Detective Conan (Case Closed) is more episodic, focuses on a single prodigy, and has a much longer, ongoing story with over 1000 chapters.
Where can I read the Detective School Q manga?
Official English translations of the Detective School Q manga can be purchased from major booksellers and digital manga platforms. You can find physical volumes on sites like Amazon or Right Stuf Anime, and digital versions may be available on platforms like ComiXology, Kindle, or through publisher-specific apps.
What is the true ending of Detective School Q?
The true ending in the manga involves the final, decisive confrontation between the Q Class and the Pluto organization. It concludes with the defeat of King Hades, the resolution of Ryu Amakusa’s storyline, the fate of Morihiko Dan, and the ambiguous appointment of a successor to lead the DDS, providing a satisfying sense of closure.
Key Takeaways: Detective School Q Anime vs. Manga Summary
- The Definitive Starting Point: To continue the story after the anime, you must start reading the manga at Volume 12, Chapter 62.
- Incomplete Adaptation: The 45-episode anime only covers about one-third of the complete manga, ending abruptly before the main plot with the villainous Pluto organization is resolved.
- Manga Provides Full Closure: The manga is finished with 172 chapters and provides the complete, canon story, including the final battle, the fate of Morihiko Dan, and the selection of a successor.
- Major Arcs Are Missing: By only watching the anime, you miss critical story arcs, including the introduction of the elite operative Cerberus and the revelation of King Hades’s true identity.
- No Season 2 Expected: Due to the amount of time that has passed since the anime’s conclusion in 2004, a second season is not anticipated. The manga is the only way to get the full story.
- Key Plot Differences: The manga provides definitive endings for characters and conflicts that the anime leaves as unresolved cliffhangers, offering a far more satisfying narrative conclusion.
Final Thoughts on Detective School Q
For fans left wanting more by the anime’s cliffhanger, the Detective School Q manga is not just recommended; it’s essential. It provides the true and complete narrative that the anime only began to tell. By starting at Chapter 62, you can finally witness the full extent of the Q Class’s journey, uncover the secrets of the Pluto organization, and experience the satisfying conclusion that series creator Seimaru Amagi intended. Happy reading
Last update on 2026-02-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
