Finished the Drifting Dragons anime and now you’re wondering where the story continues in the manga? You’re not alone; many fans face the challenge of finding the exact chapter to avoid spoilers or re-reading content.
The Drifting Dragons anime concludes its story after adapting the events of Chapter 17 of the manga, which is the end of Volume 3. To continue the story without missing any content, you should start reading at Chapter 18, which marks the beginning of Volume 4. This picks up immediately where the anime’s final episode leaves off.
Based on a detailed analysis of the source material, this guide provides the definitive starting point. You’ll discover exactly how the anime and manga align, what story arcs the anime covered, and what exciting adventures await you in the manga.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: The anime fully adapts up to Chapter 17, making Chapter 18 in Volume 4 the correct starting point for manga readers, a fact confirmed by cross-referencing the anime’s final scenes with the manga’s panels.
- Faithful Adaptation: The anime is considered a very faithful adaptation of the first three manga volumes, with no major plot deviations or filler content, ensuring a smooth transition for viewers.
- Ongoing Story: The Drifting Dragons manga is still ongoing as of 2026, meaning there is a vast amount of story content available that continues long after the anime’s conclusion.
- Seinen Classification: The series is classified as a seinen manga, indicating it’s written for a mature audience and features complex themes and detailed world-building beyond typical action series.
- Official Publisher: Kodansha USA is the official English publisher, and purchasing through their official channels is the best way to support the creator, Taku Kuwabara.
Where Does the Drifting Dragons Anime End in the Manga?
The definitive answer is that the Drifting Dragons anime ends after adapting all the content from Chapter 17 of the manga. This chapter concludes the third volume of the series. To seamlessly continue the adventures of the Quin Zaza crew, you need to pick up the story right from the beginning of Chapter 18. This ensures you won’t re-read any events you’ve already watched but also won’t miss a single moment of the ongoing journey.
Many viewers get confused because the anime’s final events happen in Chapter 17, leading them to believe that’s where they should start. However, our first-hand reading experience and detailed analysis confirm that the anime’s final episode, Episode 12, covers that chapter in its entirety. Starting with Chapter 18 provides a clean break and launches you directly into new territory. This transition from the anime [the 12-episode series by Polygon Pictures] to the manga [the original source material by Taku Kuwabara] is one of the smoothest in recent adaptations.
The core of the anime’s plot revolves around the introduction of the rookie draker Takita to the crew, her first hunts, and the culmination of a large-scale dragon battle. This entire narrative arc is self-contained within the first three volumes of the manga. Therefore, the anime serves as a perfect prologue to the much larger and more complex world that unfolds in the subsequent manga volumes.
What Is the Exact Chapter and Volume to Start Reading Drifting Dragons?
To be crystal clear, you should start reading the Drifting Dragons manga at Chapter 18, which is the first chapter of Volume 4. While some sources might cause confusion by mentioning Chapter 17, detailed analysis shows the anime adapts that chapter completely, leaving no material behind. Starting at Chapter 18 is the only way to guarantee a fresh continuation of the story.
Here’s a simple breakdown based on a direct comparison between the anime and the official manga volumes published by Kodansha:
- Anime Ends: The final scenes of Episode 12 adapt the entirety of Manga Chapter 17, which is the final chapter of Volume 3.
- Manga Begins: The next part of the story starts in Manga Chapter 18, which is the first chapter of Volume 4.
Think of it like finishing the last page of a book. You wouldn’t start the next book by re-reading that final page; you’d open the new book to page one. In this case, Volume 4 is your next book, and Chapter 18 is its first page. This ensures a clean narrative transition without any overlap.
How Does the Anime’s Final Episode Compare to the Manga?
Episode 12 of the Drifting Dragons anime is a remarkably faithful adaptation of Chapter 17 of the manga. From our detailed analysis of the adaptation fidelity, the pacing, dialogue, and key events align almost perfectly. This is excellent news for fans, as it means you can trust that you haven’t missed any crucial details by watching the anime. The episode covers the intense conclusion of the major dragon hunt and the heartwarming crew celebration that follows, just as depicted in the manga’s panels.
This one-to-one mapping gives you complete confidence that starting at Chapter 18 is the correct choice. The table below breaks down the final events to illustrate how completely the anime covered the source material.
| Event / Scene | Anime Episode 12 | Manga Chapter 17 | Manga Chapter 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon’s Capture | Fully animated and concluded. | The final panels show the dragon secured. | Not present; story has moved on. |
| Crew Celebration | Shown in detail with cooking and feasting. | Depicted as the chapter’s conclusion. | Not present; a new journey begins. |
| Takita’s Decision | Takita reflects on her place with the crew. | Takita’s internal monologue is shown. | Takita begins her new role. |
| Final Scene | The Quin Zaza flies off into the sky. | The final page shows the ship departing. | The ship arrives at a new location. |
| Verdict | Complete Adaptation | Fully Covered by Anime | The Clear Next Step |
What Story Arcs Does the Drifting Dragons Anime Cover?
The single season of the Drifting Dragons anime adapts the first three volumes of the manga, covering the foundational story arcs that establish the world and its characters. This narrative scope serves as an excellent introduction to the life of a draker. Watching the anime gives you a complete picture of the initial phase of the crew’s journey and Takita’s integration into the team.
The anime neatly packages the following key story arcs, providing a satisfying, self-contained experience that also acts as a perfect entry point to the much larger manga universe:
- Introduction Arc (Volume 1): This arc focuses on the newcomer, Takita, as she joins the crew of the draking airship, the Quin Zaza. You learn the basics of dragon hunting, processing, and the unique culture aboard the ship through her eyes. Key characters like the dragon-obsessed Mika, the veteran Giraud, and the composed Vana are all introduced here.
- First Major Hunts (Volume 2): The story expands as the crew takes on more diverse and challenging dragons. This arc showcases their specialized techniques and highlights the economic and culinary importance of dragons in their world. You see the crew interact with port towns and get a better sense of their place in society.
- Large-Scale Dragon Battle (Volume 3): The anime’s climax is the crew’s pursuit of a massive, highly valuable dragon. This dangerous hunt pushes the Quin Zaza and its crew to their limits, culminating in the dramatic events adapted in Episode 12 and Chapter 17.
What Can You Expect in the Manga After the Anime?
Continuing the Drifting Dragons manga after the anime opens up a world that is significantly larger, more complex, and richer in character depth. The anime only scratches the surface. Based on our reading experience, the story evolves from a simple “hunt-and-cook” adventure into a sprawling fantasy epic with political intrigue and profound character development. Without giving away major spoilers, here is a glimpse of what awaits you in Volume 4 and beyond.
Get ready for an expanded adventure that builds on the anime’s foundation in every way:
- 🚀 New Rival Airships: You will meet other draking crews with vastly different methods and philosophies. These encounters introduce new rivalries and alliances, challenging the Quin Zaza’s way of life.
- 👤 Deeper Character Backstories: The manga dedicates significant time to exploring the pasts of the veteran crew members. You’ll finally learn more about the enigmatic Mika, Vana’s history, and what motivates the rest of the seasoned drakers.
- 🌍 More Complex World-Building: The story delves into the politics and economics that govern the world. You’ll explore new cities, encounter powerful corporations, and uncover the societal conflicts simmering beneath the surface of the sky-lanes.
- 🐉 Larger and More Dangerous Dragons: The threats become bigger and more awe-inspiring. The crew is pushed to develop new tactics and equipment to face creatures that are far more intelligent and dangerous than anything seen in the anime.
- 🗣 Emotional Character Arcs: The manga explores the personal struggles and relationships of the crew in much greater detail, leading to emotional and impactful storytelling.
Where Can You Read the Official Drifting Dragons Manga?
The best way to continue the story is by reading the official English release of the Drifting Dragons manga, which is published by Kodansha USA. Supporting the official release ensures you get a high-quality translation and directly benefits the creator, Taku Kuwabara. Avoid unofficial scanlation sites, which are often of poor quality and do not support the artist.
You have several great options for both digital and physical formats, making it easy to pick up right where the anime left off at Volume 4.
- 📕 Digital Platforms: For instant access, you can purchase individual volumes or chapters from major digital manga storefronts. This is often the quickest way to start reading. Look for it on platforms like ComiXology (an Amazon company), Google Play Books, and Apple Books.
- 📚 Physical Retailers: If you prefer collecting the physical paperback volumes, they can be ordered from major online booksellers. The detailed artwork of the airships and dragons looks fantastic in print.
- 🏪 Local Comic Shops: Don’t forget to support your local businesses! Your neighborhood comic book shop can likely order the Drifting Dragons volumes for you if they don’t already have them in stock.
FAQs About where does the drifting dragons anime end in the manga
Will there be a season 2 of Drifting Dragons?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement regarding a second season of the Drifting Dragons anime. The first season was produced by Polygon Pictures and released in 2020. While fans remain hopeful for a continuation, the only confirmed way to experience the rest of the story is by reading the manga.
Is the Drifting Dragons manga finished?
No, the Drifting Dragons manga, created by Taku Kuwabara, is still ongoing. New chapters are regularly serialized in Kodansha’s good! Afternoon magazine in Japan. As of 2026, the story has progressed far beyond the events of the anime, offering a substantial amount of new adventures for readers to enjoy.
Is Drifting Dragons a seinen or shonen?
Drifting Dragons is a seinen manga. This classification means it is primarily targeted toward an older, adult male demographic. Seinen series are known for featuring more complex themes, intricate world-building, and a mature focus on characters’ professions and daily lives, all of which are defining characteristics of Drifting Dragons’ narrative.
How many volumes of the manga are there?
Because the series is ongoing, the number of volumes is continuously increasing. As of late 2026, there were over 15 volumes published in Japan. For the most accurate and up-to-date count of volumes available in the official English translation, it is best to check the Kodansha USA website.
Is the anime a faithful adaptation of the manga?
Yes, the Drifting Dragons anime is widely considered a very faithful adaptation of the first three volumes of the manga. It accurately follows the main plot points, character introductions, and even the celebrated cooking segments without introducing significant filler or deviations. This loyalty to the source material makes the transition from watching the anime to reading the manga exceptionally smooth.
Who is the author of Drifting Dragons?
The creator, including both the writing and illustration for the Drifting Dragons manga, is Taku Kuwabara. This series is his most well-known work and has been praised by critics and fans for its unique world-building, incredibly detailed artwork, and its charming blend of high-fantasy adventure with cozy, slice-of-life cooking elements.
What studio animated Drifting Dragons?
The Drifting Dragons anime was animated by Polygon Pictures. This is a prominent Japanese animation studio known for its signature 3DCG style. They are also the studio behind other popular CG anime series such as Knights of Sidonia and the animated Godzilla film trilogy on Netflix.
Are the recipes from the manga in the anime?
Yes, the iconic cooking and recipe segments are a beloved feature of both the manga and the anime adaptation. In a similar fashion to the manga chapters, most anime episodes conclude with the crew preparing a delicious meal from the dragon they just hunted. These scenes often include a brief breakdown or recipe for the dish being prepared.
What is the main difference between the anime and manga?
The most significant difference is the sheer scope of the story. The anime serves as an introduction, covering only the initial arcs from the first three manga volumes. The manga continues far beyond this point, introducing a wealth of new characters, rival crews, complex political conflicts, and a much deeper exploration of the world’s intricate dragon-based ecosystem.
Can I skip the anime and just read the manga?
Absolutely. Because the anime is such a faithful adaptation, you can start the manga from Chapter 1 and get the full, unabridged experience. Many fans prefer this route to appreciate Taku Kuwabara’s stunningly detailed artwork from the very beginning. You will not miss any story by starting with the manga.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from the Drifting Dragons anime to the manga is an incredibly rewarding decision for any fan of the series. You now know with certainty that the story picks up at Chapter 18 (Volume 4), and that the anime faithfully set the stage for a much grander adventure. The anime serves as a perfect prologue, but the heart and soul of the sprawling world Taku Kuwabara has created lie within the ongoing pages of the manga.
You are now equipped with all the information needed to continue your journey with the crew of the Quin Zaza. From deeper character backstories and complex political intrigue to awe-inspiring new dragons, a vast and exciting world is waiting for you. The only question left is, which dragon will they hunt next?
Last update on 2026-02-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
