Finished the Gabriel Dropout anime and wondering where to pick up the manga? You’re not alone; many fans get confused by conflicting chapter numbers online. This happens because the show rearranges content for a better viewing experience.
The Gabriel DropOut anime adapts material up to Chapter 38, but due to reordered events and anime-original content, the best place to start reading the manga is Chapter 39. This ensures you begin with completely new story content without repeating what you’ve already seen.
Based on a detailed analysis of the source material and community consensus, this guide provides the definitive answer. You’ll discover exactly why different chapter numbers are mentioned online and get a clear, spoiler-free roadmap to continue enjoying the story seamlessly.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Chapter: For a seamless transition with 100% new content, start reading the manga at Chapter 39.
- Last Adapted Chapter: The anime’s story chronologically reaches its furthest point by adapting parts of Chapter 38.
- Source of Confusion: The anime adapts chapters non-linearly; for instance, the Christmas-themed Chapter 28 is used in the final episode, causing confusion.
- Anime-Exclusive Content: The entire storyline featuring Gabriel’s older brother, Zelel, is original to the anime and does not exist in the manga.
- Manga Volume Guide: The anime covers content from manga Volumes 1 through 4, making Volume 5 the logical starting point for purchase.
Where Does the Gabriel Dropout Anime End in the Manga?
The most direct answer is that the Gabriel DropOut anime concludes its adaptation of the source material around Chapter 38 of the manga. However, for a seamless transition to new content, the community and expert consensus strongly recommend you start reading from Chapter 39. The final anime episode, Episode 12, adapts some material from Chapter 38 but also includes anime-original scenes and content pulled from earlier chapters, making a direct one-to-one mapping difficult.

The primary reason for this recommendation is that Gabriel DropOut is a four-panel gag manga. This structure allows the animation studio, Doga Kobo, to pick and choose individual chapters or gags and rearrange them to create a more cohesive thematic flow for each episode. By starting at Chapter 39, you guarantee that you are entering territory completely untouched by the 12-episode animated series.
Ultimately, this approach saves you from re-reading content you’ve already seen adapted, even if in a different order. Chapter 39 marks the beginning of Volume 5 of the manga, providing a clean break and a fresh start for fans looking to continue the hilarious story of the fallen angels and determined demons.
Why Is There Confusion About The Anime’s Ending Chapter (28 vs. 38 vs. 39)?
The confusion surrounding the anime’s ending chapter exists because the anime adapts the manga’s chapters out of their original publication order. This is a common practice for gag-based or slice-of-life series where individual chapters are self-contained. The studio Doga Kobo rearranged content to create better episodic themes, leading to three different chapter numbers being associated with the finale.
Think of it like shuffling a deck of cards. The anime used most of the cards from the first four volumes of the manga but didn’t lay them out in the same sequence. The finale, Episode 12, is a perfect example, as it pulls from multiple, non-sequential chapters to create a conclusive-feeling ending for the season. Let’s break down why each number gets mentioned.
What Is the Argument for Chapter 28?
The reason you’ll see ‘Chapter 28’ mentioned is simple: the anime’s producers borrowed its Christmas theme for the finale. Chapter 28 is the manga’s Christmas chapter. To give the anime’s final episode a festive and conclusive feel, the anime creators adapted this chapter and placed it within Episode 12. This was purely a thematic choice and does not reflect the chronological end of the adaptation.
What Is the Argument for Chapter 38?
Chapter 38 is correctly identified as the chronological end of the anime adaptation because it is the latest chapter from which any content was drawn for the 12-episode series. While Episode 12 features the Christmas story from Chapter 28, it also includes a few scenes and plot points from Chapter 38. However, it’s a partial adaptation; not all of Chapter 38’s content made it into the anime. This makes it the technical endpoint of the anime’s reach into the manga’s timeline.
What Manga Chapters and Arcs Did the Anime Actually Adapt?
The Gabriel DropOut anime adapts approximately the first 38 chapters of the manga, which corresponds to Volumes 1 through 4, but it does so in a non-linear fashion. To give you a clear picture of how the studio Doga Kobo rearranged content, it’s helpful to see how key events from the anime map back to their source chapters. This illustrates why simply picking up at the “last” chapter can be confusing.
The following table highlights some memorable moments from the anime and shows where they came from in the manga’s original run.
| Anime Event / Key Gag | Corresponding Manga Chapter(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Arrives on Earth | Chapter 1 | Faithful adaptation |
| The Beach Episode | Chapter 15 | Adapted in Episode 7 |
| Satania Buys a Gun | Chapter 21 | Adapted in Episode 8 |
| The Cooking Class | Chapter 23 | Adapted in Episode 9 |
| Halloween Party | Chapter 33 | Adapted in Episode 8 |
| Christmas Party | Chapter 28 | Adapted out-of-order in Episode 12 |
| Zelel, Gabriel’s Brother | N/A | Anime-exclusive character and plot |
As the table demonstrates, events that happened later in the manga (like the Halloween chapter) were adapted into earlier anime episodes. This mixing and matching is why a clean continuation requires jumping ahead to Chapter 39.
What Is The Anime-Exclusive Content Not Found In The Manga?
The most significant piece of anime-exclusive content is the entire story arc involving Gabriel’s strict older brother, Zelel, who visits from Heaven. This character and his related plot points were created entirely by the animation studio Doga Kobo. They do not appear anywhere in the original manga written by Ukami.
If you only watched the anime, you might be surprised to find that this major character is completely absent from the source material. Studios often create original content like this for a few reasons:
- 📝 To Create a Finale: The Zelel arc provided a narrative climax and a sense of resolution for the 12-episode series, which the gag-based manga did not necessarily have at that point.
- 🎨 To Expand on Themes: The arc explored Gabriel’s backstory and her relationship with Heaven in a more direct way.
- 📅 To Fill Episode Runtimes: Sometimes original content is needed to round out an episode or season when there isn’t quite enough source material to adapt.
So, when you start reading the manga, don’t look for Zelel—he’s a unique part of the animated experience. This is another key reason why reading from the beginning is often recommended, as it allows you to experience the author’s original, unaltered vision for the story.
FAQs About where does the gabriel dropout anime end in the manga
Will there be a Gabriel DropOut season 2?
As of early 2026, there has been no official announcement for a second season of Gabriel DropOut. While the manga has plenty of unadapted material, the decision to produce a new season depends on factors like Blu-ray sales and publisher interest. The animation studio, Doga Kobo, has since worked on many other projects.
Is it better to read the Gabriel DropOut manga from the beginning?
For the full experience, reading from Chapter 1 is highly recommended. The anime reorders many gags and skips some minor jokes and character interactions. Since it’s a four-panel gag manga, reading from the start is quick and helps you appreciate the author Ukami’s original pacing and humor.
How many volumes of the manga does the anime cover?
The anime adapts most of the content from manga Volumes 1 through 4. The recommended starting point, Chapter 39, is the first chapter of Volume 5, making for a clean transition if you are buying the physical or digital volumes.
Where can I read the Gabriel DropOut manga legally?
You can read the officially translated Gabriel DropOut manga on various digital platforms or by purchasing the physical tankōbon volumes. Major digital manga services and booksellers carry the series. Supporting the official release is the best way to show support for the author and a potential second season.
Does the anime skip any important manga chapters?
The anime does not skip major plot-driving arcs, as the series is primarily a gag comedy. However, it does skip or reorder numerous individual chapters and gags for pacing reasons. No crucial story developments are missed by starting at Chapter 39, but you will miss out on extra comedic content.
What studio animated Gabriel DropOut?
The Gabriel DropOut anime was produced by the acclaimed animation studio Doga Kobo. They are well-known for producing other popular “cute girls doing cute things” and comedy anime like Himouto! Umaru-chan, New Game!, and Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun.
Is Gabriel DropOut manga finished?
No, the Gabriel DropOut manga by Ukami is still ongoing. It continues to be serialized in Houbunsha’s Manga Time Kirara Carat magazine. New chapters and compiled volumes are released periodically in Japan, with English translations following.
Does the anime change the characters’ personalities?
The anime adaptation is very faithful to the characters’ core personalities from the manga. Gabriel’s laziness, Vigne’s earnestness, Satania’s lovable arrogance, and Raphiel’s sadistic tendencies are all accurately portrayed. The anime successfully captures the comedic chemistry established in the source material.
What chapter is the cultural festival in the manga?
The cultural festival arc, which is a common trope in school-life anime, is not a major event in the early parts of the Gabriel DropOut manga. The anime focuses more on discrete gags rather than larger, multi-chapter school events like a cultural festival.
Is Gabriel DropOut worth reading after watching the anime?
Absolutely, especially if you enjoyed the humor and characters. The manga offers a wealth of new jokes, character moments, and situations not seen in the anime. Since the manga is ongoing, reading it is the only way to continue the story and see how the characters develop further.
Key Takeaways: Gabriel DropOut Anime to Manga Guide
- The Definitive Starting Point: The universally recommended place to start the manga after the anime is Chapter 39. This is the first chapter of Volume 5 and begins with all-new content.
- The Source of Confusion: The anime adapts chapters out of order for thematic purposes. The final episode uses content from Chapter 28 (Christmas) and Chapter 38, which is why multiple numbers are cited online.
- Last Adapted Chapter: While Chapter 39 is the starting point, the furthest the anime chronologically reaches into the manga is Chapter 38.
- Anime-Exclusive Content Exists: The entire plot involving Gabriel’s brother, Zelel, is original to the anime and does not appear in the manga, so do not be confused by his absence.
- Reading from the Start is Recommended: For the complete experience and to catch all the gags skipped by the anime, manga fans recommend starting from Chapter 1.
- The Manga is Ongoing: The story of Gabriel and her friends does not end where the anime does. The manga by Ukami is still being written, offering plenty more content for fans to enjoy.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Gabriel DropOut Story
Transitioning from the Gabriel DropOut anime to the manga is a rewarding step for any fan of the series. While the non-linear adaptation can seem confusing at first, it’s a straightforward path once you have the right information. By starting at Chapter 39, you can confidently dive into a wealth of new material and continue the hilarious adventures of Gabriel, Vigne, Satania, and Raphiel.
You now have a clear roadmap to continue the story without missing a beat. Whether you choose to jump straight to the new content or start from the beginning to catch every last joke, the ongoing manga has plenty more laughs in store. Happy reading