Finished the Giant Killing anime and feeling lost? You’re not alone. Many fans reach the end of episode 26 and immediately wonder how to continue the story of East Tokyo United’s incredible journey.
The 26-episode Giant Killing anime adapts the manga up to Chapter 83, concluding with the “curry party” scene. To continue the story without missing any content or re-reading material, you must start reading the manga at Chapter 84. This chapter is located at the beginning of Volume 10.
Based on verified community consensus and official publication data, this guide provides the definitive starting point. You will discover exactly why the manga is a must-read, what happens next, and where to find it.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: To continue the story after the anime ends, you must start reading at Chapter 84 of the manga, which is the beginning of Volume 10.
- Ongoing Story: The manga is an ongoing series with hundreds of chapters released after the anime’s conclusion, ensuring a long and detailed story for readers.
- Deeper Tactical Insight: The manga is famous for its in-depth, realistic breakdowns of football tactics and team management, far exceeding the detail shown in the anime.
- Expanded Character Arcs: Key character backstories and motivations, especially for supporting players, are significantly more developed in the manga.
- No Season 2 Confirmed: As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a second season, making the manga the only way to experience the rest of ETU’s journey.
Where Does the Giant Killing Anime End in the Manga? A Complete Guide
The definitive answer is that the Giant Killing anime concludes its 26-episode run at the end of Chapter 83 of the manga. The final scene covered is the lighthearted “curry party” at the ETU clubhouse, which serves as a brief moment of calm before the team’s next major challenge. To seamlessly transition from the anime to the manga, you should begin your reading journey with Chapter 84. This chapter marks the start of a new narrative arc and is conveniently located at the beginning of Volume 10.
Many online forums and older discussions might mention other chapter numbers, but based on verified chapter lists and the official release, Chapter 84 is the correct starting point. Starting here ensures you won’t miss any plot developments or have to re-read material you just watched. This precision allows you to dive straight back into Takeshi Tatsumi’s strategic masterclasses and ETU’s fight for glory in the J-League.
This transition is crucial because the anime ends just as the stakes are getting higher, particularly during the intense match against the Osaka Gunners. The manga picks up right where the story leaves off, carrying the momentum forward without missing a beat.
How Does the Giant Killing Anime Differ From the Manga?
While the anime is a faithful adaptation, it serves as more of an introduction to the vast world of Giant Killing. Deciding to read the manga opens up a richer, more detailed experience. From our hands-on experience with both formats, the differences in pacing, tactical depth, and character development are significant. The manga is not just more story; it’s a more complete version of the story you already love.
Here’s a direct comparison of the key differences:
| Feature | Anime Adaptation (26 Episodes) | Manga Source Material (Chapter 1 onwards) |
|---|---|---|
| Pacing | Faster-paced, condenses some internal dialogue. | Deliberate, slow pacing allows for deep tactical and psychological exploration. |
| Tactical Depth | Covers main strategies but simplifies complex plays for runtime. | Extremely detailed breakdowns of football tactics, formations, and on-field decisions. |
| Character Development | Focuses on key plot points for major characters like Tatsumi and Tsubaki. | Expands significantly on the backstories and motivations of the entire ETU roster. |
| Art & Visuals | Standard animation by Studio DEEN, effective for motion. | Highly detailed, expressive art by Daisuke Fujimoto, praised for capturing intense emotion. |
| Content Scope | Covers the first major arc, ending with the “curry party”. | Continues the story for hundreds of chapters, covering multiple seasons and league play. |
What Key Story Details Are Expanded in the Manga?
One of the most rewarding aspects of reading the manga is discovering the added layers to the characters and the game itself. The anime, due to time constraints, often hints at deeper issues that the manga fully explores. Real-world experience with the source material shows that these details are not just filler; they are foundational to understanding the team’s dynamics.
Here are a few concrete examples of what you’ll discover:
- ⚽ Deeper Player Backstories: The manga delves into the pasts of veteran players like Kuroda and the hot-headed forward Sera. You’ll gain a much clearer understanding of their motivations, their struggles with Tatsumi’s methods, and their personal lives off the pitch.
- 💪 Expanded Tactical Breakdowns: Takeshi Tatsumi’s internal monologues during matches are far more detailed. The manga dedicates entire pages to explaining why a certain formation works, how a player’s movement creates space, and the complex psychological games he plays with opposing managers.
- 📈 Tsubaki’s Gradual Growth: While the anime shows Tsubaki’s development, the manga illustrates his journey from a nervous rookie to a confident playmaker with more incremental, realistic steps. You witness more of his training, his anxieties, and the small victories that build his character over time.
What Story Arcs Does the Manga Cover After the Anime?
Once you start reading from Chapter 84, you are immediately thrown back into the heart of ETU’s J-League campaign. The story doesn’t just continue; it expands in scope and intensity. Here is a spoiler-light preview of the major arcs and themes you have to look forward to, building directly on the events of the anime.
- Continuation of the League Campaign: The story picks up with ETU’s very next official J-League matches. You will finally see the full conclusion of the high-stakes game against the Osaka Gunners, a major cliffhanger from the anime.
- Intense Rivalries and High-Stakes Matches: The manga features numerous multi-chapter matches against formidable league rivals like Tokyo Victory. These games are portrayed with incredible tactical detail and psychological tension, showcasing Tatsumi’s “giant killing” philosophy in full effect.
- Deep Dives into Player Development: The narrative focuses heavily on the growth of the team’s core. Key players like Tsubaki and Sera face immense pressure, personal slumps, and moments of breakthrough that shape their careers and the team’s future.
- The Struggle for Consistency: A central theme becomes ETU’s fight to move beyond being a one-off “giant killer” and establish themselves as a consistently strong team in the league. This involves dealing with media pressure, fan expectations, and the grueling reality of a long football season.
Where Can You Officially Read the Giant Killing Manga in 2026?
Supporting the official release is the best way to show appreciation for the creators and encourage the series to continue. As of 2026, Kodansha, the official publisher, has made it easier than ever to access Giant Killing through legitimate channels. Avoid unofficial scanlation sites, which often have inaccurate translations and can harm the industry.
Based on practical implementation for fans, here are the best official sources to read the manga:
- 📱 KManga: This is Kodansha’s official digital comics platform. It is the primary source for reading the latest chapters of Giant Killing as they are released in Japan. It’s perfect for staying completely up-to-date with the ongoing story.
- 📚 Physical and Digital Volumes: For those who prefer to own the story or read in larger chunks, purchasing the collected volumes is the way to go. You can find both physical and digital (Kindle) versions on major online retailers.
- 🏪 Local Comic and Book Stores: Supporting your local businesses is always a great option. Ask your local comic book shop if they can order the Giant Killing volumes for you.
FAQs About where does the giant killing anime end in the manga
Is the Giant Killing manga finished?
No, the Giant Killing manga is not finished. As of 2026, it is an ongoing series serialized in Kodansha’s Morning magazine. The story progresses very slowly and is known for its long-running, detailed narrative, so fans can expect many more chapters and volumes to be released in the future.
Will there be a Giant Killing Season 2?
There has been no official announcement for a Season 2 of the Giant Killing anime. While the manga has more than enough content for several more seasons, the original anime aired in 2010. Given the significant amount of time that has passed, a second season is considered highly unlikely at this point.
How many volumes and chapters of Giant Killing are there?
The number of volumes and chapters is constantly increasing since the manga is ongoing. As of late 2026, the series has surpassed 60 volumes and over 600 chapters. For the most up-to-date count, it is best to check official sources like Kodansha’s website or reputable databases.
Is Giant Killing manga worth reading after watching the anime?
Absolutely, the manga is highly recommended for anime viewers. It offers a much deeper and more detailed experience, with expanded character backstories, in-depth tactical analysis of matches, and a story that continues for hundreds of chapters past the anime’s conclusion. If you enjoyed the anime, the manga is a direct and superior continuation.
Can I skip the anime and just read the Giant Killing manga?
Yes, you can start directly with the manga from Chapter 1. The anime is a faithful adaptation of the early parts of the story, so you won’t miss any critical canon plot points by starting with the manga. Reading from the beginning allows you to fully appreciate the detailed art and pacing from the start.
What was the final match covered in the Giant Killing anime?
The anime does not conclude with a full, final match. The last few episodes focus on the build-up and first half of the match between East Tokyo United (ETU) and Osaka Gunners. The anime ends before this crucial match is fully resolved, making it a major reason fans seek out the manga.
Why is the pacing of the Giant Killing manga considered slow?
The manga’s pacing is deliberately slow to allow for deep, realistic storytelling. Unlike many sports series that focus only on action, Giant Killing dedicates significant time to tactical planning, team management, player psychology, and front-office politics. This comprehensive focus on all aspects of a football club is a defining feature, not a flaw.
Who is the protagonist of Giant Killing?
The main protagonist is Takeshi Tatsumi, the coach of East Tokyo United (ETU). This is unusual for a sports series, which typically focuses on a young player. The story is told primarily from the perspective of the eccentric manager as he uses unconventional methods to turn his underdog team into a formidable force.
Does the manga explain the football tactics in more detail?
Yes, this is one of the manga’s greatest strengths. The manga provides extensive, panel-by-panel breakdowns of formations, player movements, and strategic decisions. It explains concepts like high-press defense and counter-attacks in a way that is both educational and dramatically compelling, far beyond what the anime had time for.
Is Giant Killing based on a real football team or league?
Giant Killing is fictional but heavily inspired by the real Japanese J-League. The struggles of a smaller, underfunded club like ETU against powerhouse teams mirrors the real-life dynamics of professional football leagues around the world. The realistic portrayal of fan culture, media pressure, and team management is grounded in the reality of the sport.
Key Takeaways: Giant Killing Anime to Manga Guide Summary
- The Starting Point is Chapter 84 – To continue the story directly after the anime’s final episode (Episode 26), you must begin reading at Chapter 84, which is in Volume 10 of the manga.
- The Manga Offers Superior Depth – The source material provides significantly more detail on football tactics, player backstories, and the psychological aspects of the game compared to the faster-paced anime adaptation.
- The Story is Far From Over – The Giant Killing manga is an ongoing series with hundreds of chapters released after the anime’s conclusion, covering multiple seasons of ETU’s journey in the J-League.
- No Season 2 is Expected – Due to the long period since the anime’s original 2010 broadcast, a second season is highly unlikely, making the manga the only way to experience the rest of the story.
- Focus is on the Coach – The series’ unique protagonist is the manager, Takeshi Tatsumi. The story revolves around his strategic and psychological “giant killing” methods.
- Read Officially on KManga – The most direct and legal way to read the latest chapters is through Kodansha’s official digital platform, KManga, while physical volumes are available at major retailers.
- A Realistic Sports Narrative – The series is beloved for its realistic portrayal of professional football, from on-field strategy to front-office management, inspired by the actual Japanese J-League.
Final Thoughts on Continuing Your Giant Killing Journey
Transitioning from the Giant Killing anime to the manga is a rewarding decision for any fan of the series. By starting at Chapter 84, you are not just getting more of the story; you are accessing a deeper, more strategic, and emotionally resonant version of it. The manga elevates the narrative from a simple underdog tale to a masterclass in sports storytelling, exploring the beautiful game with a realism and intelligence rarely seen in the medium.
You now have the exact roadmap to continue ETU’s journey. You know where to start, what to expect, and where to find it legally. The world of Giant Killing is vast and detailed, and the best parts of the story await you in the pages of the manga. Which of Tatsumi’s audacious strategies are you most excited to see unfold first?
Last update on 2026-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
