Finished the Gantz anime and feel like the ending left you with more questions than answers? You’re not alone. Many viewers are confused by the anime’s original conclusion and wonder where to pick up the story in the manga.
To continue the Gantz story after the anime, you should start reading the manga at chapter 90. The anime faithfully adapts the manga until the end of the Buddhist Temple Alien Mission, which concludes around chapter 89. From episode 22 onwards, the anime presents a non-canon, “filler” ending, making chapter 90 the correct starting point for the true story.
This guide, based on a direct analysis of the source material, provides the definitive answer. You’ll discover exactly why the stories diverge and how to seamlessly transition from the anime to the manga. This reveals the path to the complete, sprawling narrative that awaits you.
Key Facts
- Divergence Point Identified: The anime’s story diverges from the manga after the Buddhist Temple mission, making manga Chapter 90 the correct place to start reading.
- Anime’s Ending is Filler: Industry analysis reveals that episodes 22-26 of the Gantz anime are a non-canon “filler” ending created because the show was not renewed for another season.
- Vastly Larger Scope: The Gantz manga consists of 383 chapters, while the anime only adapts material from the first 90, covering less than a quarter of the entire story.
- Manga Divided into Phases: The complete manga story is structured into three major “Phases.” The anime covers most of Phase 1 before creating its own ending.
- Alternative Adaptations Exist: For those seeking more canon content, the CGI film Gantz: O adapts the fan-favorite Osaka arc, a story that occurs much later in the manga.
Where Does the Gantz Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The definitive consensus among fans is that the Gantz anime leaves off its canon adaptation at the end of the Buddhist Temple mission, which corresponds to Chapter 90 of the manga. The anime follows the manga’s plot relatively closely for its first 21 episodes. However, the story then branches into an original, non-canon plotline created specifically for the show.
This divergence can be confusing, so it’s helpful to understand two key terms. “Canon” refers to the official storyline created by the original author, Hiroya Oku, in the manga. “Filler” refers to new content created for an anime adaptation, often to give the manga author more time to write new material. In this case, the Gantz anime’s final episodes are a complete filler ending. Therefore, to experience the authentic story as it was intended, you must switch to the manga.
Why Did the Gantz Anime Diverge From the Manga?
The Gantz anime created a filler ending because the show was not renewed for a third season and needed to conclude the story prematurely. This is a common situation in the anime industry. When an anime series catches up to its ongoing manga source material, production studios face a difficult choice.
At the time the anime was airing in 2004, the Gantz manga was far from finished. The studio, Gonzo, had adapted all the available material. Faced with the show’s cancellation, they had two options: end the series on an unresolved cliffhanger or create a unique, self-contained conclusion. They chose the latter, developing an original finale from episode 22 to 26.
This anime-original ending provided a sense of closure for television viewers but created a major split from the manga’s canon plot. Key reasons for this divergence include:
* Production Pace: The anime production outpaced the manga’s publication schedule.
* Series Cancellation: The decision not to produce a third season forced the creators to wrap up the story quickly.
* Need for a Conclusion: A filler ending was seen as a better alternative than stopping abruptly in the middle of an arc.
What Defines the Anime’s Filler Ending?
The Gantz anime’s filler ending, spanning episodes 22-26, features a unique mission where Kei Kurono becomes the target. This plotline is entirely original to the anime and does not appear in the manga. After the brutal Buddhist Temple mission, the Gantz sphere designates Kurono himself as the next alien to be hunted, forcing his teammates to choose between their own freedom and his life.
This final arc is defined by its psychological and philosophical focus. It explores themes of humanity’s worth and the nature of second chances in a way the manga does not. Key elements of this non-canon ending include:
* The Gantz sphere designates Kei Kurono as the final target.
* The other team members are forced to hunt him down.
* The conclusion is ambiguous, focusing on a philosophical confrontation rather than a large-scale battle.
* It serves as a thematic, rather than plot-driven, finale for the TV series.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Anime and Manga Story?
The biggest differences between the Gantz anime and manga are the story’s length, character development, and ending. While the anime serves as a great introduction, it represents only a small slice of the full story. The manga provides a vastly more complex, graphic, and complete narrative that many fans consider the definitive experience.
The most significant changes involve the protagonist, Kei Kurono, who is often portrayed as more timid in the anime but undergoes a profound and lengthy character arc in the manga, transforming into a true hero. Furthermore, the anime omits entire sagas and hundreds of chapters that are crucial to the overarching plot. For a clear overview, a direct comparison is the most effective way to see what each version offers.
| Feature | Gantz Anime (2004) | Gantz Manga (2000-2013) |
|---|---|---|
| Story Scope | Covers only the first part of the story (approx. chapters 1-89). | Contains the complete story (383 chapters) across three major “Phases”. |
| Ending | An anime-original, non-canon “filler” ending from episodes 22-26. | A definitive, canon ending that concludes all major plotlines. |
| Key Arcs | Ends after the Buddhist Temple Mission. | Includes major arcs like the Vampire arc, Oni Alien arc, and the final Catastrophe. |
| Kei Kurono’s Arc | Character development is limited; often seen as a more stereotypical protagonist. | Extensive and complex character development from a cynical teen to a true hero. |
| Tone & Content | Toned down in some aspects. | Significantly more graphic, complex, and thematically dark. |
| Key Characters | Several important characters who appear later are omitted. | Introduces a massive cast of characters integral to the later arcs. |
How Should You Start Reading the Gantz Manga After the Anime?
The recommended way to start reading the Gantz manga after finishing the anime is to begin with Chapter 90. This allows you to pick up the canon story exactly where the anime’s faithful adaptation concludes. To make the transition as smooth as possible, follow these simple steps.
- Start at Chapter 90: This is the most direct way to continue the story. The anime ends its canon adaptation around Chapter 89, so Chapter 90 picks up right where the true story left off.
- Ignore Anime Episodes 22-26: Treat the final episodes of the anime as a separate, non-canon “what if” scenario. Their events have no bearing on the manga’s plot moving forward.
- Consider Starting from Chapter 1: For the definitive experience, reading from the beginning is highly recommended. This allows you to appreciate the manga’s original art, pacing, and deeper character insights that the anime altered or omitted.
Following these steps ensures you won’t be lost or miss any critical plot points. While jumping in at Chapter 90 is efficient, the consensus is that the manga offers a richer experience from the very beginning.
FAQs About where does the gantz anime leave off in the manga
Is it worth watching the Gantz anime at all?
Yes, the anime is worth watching as an introduction to the world of Gantz, but with a major caveat. You should watch up to episode 21, which covers the canon story, and treat the final five episodes (22-26) as a non-canon, original ending. The anime serves as a good entry point, but the manga is essential for the complete and intended story.
What manga chapter is the Buddhist Temple mission?
The Buddhist Temple Alien Mission arc spans from Chapter 56 to Chapter 91 in the manga. The anime adapts the core events of this mission from episode 15 to episode 21, making it the final manga-canon arc covered before the anime diverges. Its conclusion directly leads into the events of Chapter 90 and beyond.
Does the Gantz manga have a better ending?
Yes, the Gantz manga is widely considered to have a much better and more complete ending. Because the manga was finished by the author Hiroya Oku, it provides a definitive conclusion to the overarching plot. It answers major questions and completes the character arcs for Kei Kurono and the supporting cast in a satisfying way that the rushed, non-canon anime ending does not.
Are there any other Gantz adaptations?
Yes, besides the TV anime, there are other adaptations. This includes Gantz: O, a critically acclaimed CGI movie that adapts the fan-favorite Osaka arc from the manga, which occurs after the anime’s stopping point. There were also two live-action Japanese films, Gantz and Gantz: Perfect Answer, which offer another interpretation of the story.
How many phases are in the Gantz manga?
The Gantz manga is officially divided into three main story arcs, or “Phases.” Phase 1 covers the initial story from Chapter 1 to Chapter 237, which includes all the material adapted by the anime. Phases 2 and 3 contain the rest of the epic story, introducing galaxy-spanning threats and concluding the series at Chapter 383.
Key Takeaways: Gantz Anime vs. Manga Guide
- Definitive Starting Point: The Gantz anime diverges into a non-canon filler story after the Buddhist Temple mission; to continue the true story, you must start reading the manga at Chapter 90.
- Anime Ending is Filler: Episodes 22 through 26 of the anime are a completely original, “filler” ending created because the series was not renewed and had caught up to the manga.
- Manga is the Full Story: The anime only adapts a small fraction of the source material. The manga continues for nearly 300 more chapters, divided into three “Phases” that tell the complete, epic story.
- Deeper Character Arcs: Key characters, especially protagonist Kei Kurono, have significantly more complex and satisfying development in the manga compared to their portrayal in the anime.
- Major Arcs Are Missing: By only watching the anime, you miss iconic, fan-favorite arcs like the Vampire arc, the Oni Alien arc, and the massive final Catastrophe arc.
- Consider a Full Reread: For the best experience, reading the manga from Chapter 1 is highly recommended to appreciate the original artistic vision and subtle plot/character details the anime changed or omitted.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Gantz Saga
Navigating the divide between the Gantz anime and manga can seem complicated, but it’s a journey worth taking. For fans who enjoyed the anime’s dark premise and high-stakes action, reading the manga is not just a recommendation—it is essential for experiencing the complete and intended story. The journey from Chapter 90 onward unfolds a narrative that is grander, darker, and more ambitious than the anime could ever show.
By transitioning to the manga, you are stepping into the definitive version of Hiroya Oku’s vision. You will witness incredible character growth, encounter unforgettable new allies and enemies, and experience a truly epic conclusion to one of science fiction’s most brutal and imaginative tales. The real game is just beginning.
