Where JJK Anime Leaves Off in Manga Chapter 138 Volume 16

Wondering where the JJK anime leaves off in the manga? You’ve finished the stunning Shibuya Incident arc and need to know exactly where to pick up the story without hitting spoilers or re-reading content.

The Jujutsu Kaisen anime concludes its adaptation at the end of manga Chapter 137. To continue the story without missing any content, you should start reading from Chapter 138, which begins the Itadori’s Extermination Arc and is located in Volume 16. This ensures a seamless transition from where the Season 2 finale ends.

Based on a detailed analysis of the source material and official adaptations, this guide provides the definitive answer. You’ll get a clear, chapter-by-chapter breakdown of how the anime maps to the manga. This includes which arcs were covered and the exact volume you need to continue your journey.

Key Facts

• Anime-to-Manga Start Point: The anime adaptation officially covers events up to Chapter 137, making Chapter 138 the direct continuation of the story.
• Correct Manga Volume: For physical collectors, Volume 16 is the correct purchase as it contains Chapter 138 and the beginning of the post-Shibuya storyline.
• Faithful Adaptation: The JJK anime is known for being extremely faithful to the manga, meaning you won’t miss major plot points by switching from anime to manga.
• Manga Completion Status: The Jujutsu Kaisen manga by Gege Akutami has officially concluded, meaning the entire story is available to be read from start to finish.
• Essential Prequel: The Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie is canon and introduces Yuta Okkotsu, a character who becomes crucial to the plot immediately following the Shibuya Incident arc.

Where Does the JJK Anime Leave Off in the Manga?

The Jujutsu Kaisen anime leaves off at the end of Chapter 137, meaning you should start reading the manga at Chapter 138. To continue the story after the Shibuya Incident arc covered in Season 2, you can begin with Chapter 138, which is found in Volume 16 of the manga. This is the official and most direct starting point to dive into new material without any overlap.

The transition between the anime and manga is remarkably clean. Studio MAPPA created a very faithful adaptation, so you can feel confident jumping straight into the source material. Chapter 137 serves as an epilogue to the devastating events of the Shibuya Incident and perfectly sets the stage for the next phase of the story. By starting at Chapter 138, you are picking up the narrative thread precisely where the anime’s final scene concludes, witnessing the immediate fallout and the introduction of the next major conflict.

This clear demarcation helps fans avoid the common frustration of accidentally re-reading familiar events or, even worse, skipping crucial setup for the next arc. The story immediately moves into the “Itadori’s Extermination Arc,” a short but critical storyline that directly leads into the much larger and more complex “Culling Game Arc.”

What Chapter Does Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Officially End On?

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 ends by adapting manga material up to Chapter 137. This chapter serves as a conclusion to the Shibuya Incident arc and sets up the following storyline, Itadori’s Extermination Arc. For the most direct continuation, manga readers should begin at Chapter 138. The final episode of the season is a masterclass in adaptation, covering the very end of the battle and the immediate, somber aftermath.

While the core conflict of the Shibuya Incident technically concludes in Chapter 136, the anime’s final episode includes the crucial transitional content from Chapter 137. This is where we see the consequences of the battle unfold and get the shocking reveal of Yuta Okkotsu’s return, tasked with executing Yuji Itadori. Understanding this structure helps clarify the best starting point.

• Chapter 136: Marks the end of the main battle in Shibuya. It contains the final moments of the fight between the sorcerers and the curses.
• Chapter 137: Acts as the aftermath and setup. The anime adapts this chapter to show the state of the world post-Shibuya and introduce the next major plot hook.
• Chapter 138: This is the true beginning of the next story. It starts the “Itadori’s Extermination Arc” and is 100% new content for anime-only fans.

Pro Tip: For readers who want to experience the manga‘s original pacing for the finale, starting at Chapter 136 can provide a slightly richer context. However, for those who want to avoid any repetition, Chapter 138 is the perfect entry point.

So, Should I Start Reading at Chapter 136, 137, or 138?

Making the final choice depends on your personal preference as a reader. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide where to start reading the JJK manga.

• For the Absolute Purist: Start at Chapter 136. If you want to see exactly how Gege Akutami paced the final moments of the Shibuya Incident in his original panels, this is your best bet. You will re-read some content but gain appreciation for the manga‘s art and flow.
• For a Quick Refresher: Start at Chapter 137. This is a short chapter that serves as the direct epilogue to Shibuya. Reading it will only take a few minutes and will smoothly transition you from the anime’s final scenes into the manga‘s narrative.
• For a Seamless Transition with No Overlap: Start at Chapter 138. This is the recommended path for most fans. It picks up immediately where the anime left off, with zero repeated content, thrusting you directly into the next part of Yuji’s story.

What Manga Arcs and Chapters Did the JJK Anime Cover?

Understanding the full scope of the adaptation provides valuable context. The Jujutsu Kaisen anime has been praised for its faithful mapping of the manga‘s story arcs, with almost no filler content. This makes the transition for viewers incredibly straightforward. The following table breaks down how the entire anime series, including the movie, corresponds to Gege Akutami’s manga.

This comprehensive list shows that by watching the anime, you have experienced the canon story up to Chapter 137. Your next step is to begin the journey into the manga-exclusive arcs.

Where Can You Officially Read the JJK Manga After the Anime?

Once you know where to start, the next step is finding a legitimate and high-quality source to read the manga. Supporting the official release ensures that the creator, Gege Akutami, and the publishers are compensated for their work. It also guarantees you get the best and most accurate translation. Here are the primary ways to officially read Jujutsu Kaisen.

• Digital Subscription (Best for Binge-Reading): The Viz Media website and the Shonen Jump mobile app are the best options for digital access. A single, low-cost subscription gives you access to the entire Jujutsu Kaisen digital vault, including all chapters from 1 to the finale. This is the most cost-effective way to catch up.
• Digital Purchase (A La Carte): If you prefer to own digital volumes individually, you can purchase them from platforms like Amazon Kindle, Google Play Books, and Apple Books. You would start by purchasing Volume 16.
• Physical Purchase (For Collectors): For those who love the feel of a book in their hands, physical paperback volumes are available at most major bookstores and online retailers. This is a great way to support the series and build a collection.

For Physical Collectors: Buying Volume 16

If you prefer physical copies, the specific book you need to buy is Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 16. This volume is the perfect continuation, as it contains chapters 138 through 147. The cover prominently features Yuta Okkotsu, making it easy to identify in stores or online. Purchasing this volume allows you to dive right into the “Itadori’s Extermination Arc” and the setup for the Culling Game.

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FAQs About where does the jjk anime leave off in the manga

Is the Jujutsu Kaisen manga finished?

Yes, the Jujutsu Kaisen manga officially concluded. The final chapter, Chapter 271, was released in September 2024, bringing Gege Akutami’s main story to a definitive end. By starting from Chapter 138, you have over 130 chapters of completed story to read through, taking you all the way to the epic conclusion.

Does the JJK anime skip any manga chapters?

No, the Jujutsu Kaisen anime is a very faithful adaptation with almost no skipped content. Unlike other series, there are no filler arcs, and nearly every chapter is adapted in order. Some minor dialogue or brief character interactions may be trimmed for pacing, but you will not miss any major plot points by starting where the anime leaves off.

Is it better to read the JJK manga from the beginning?

It is not necessary, but it can be a rewarding experience. The anime, animated by MAPPA, is a highly accurate adaptation. However, reading from Chapter 1 allows you to appreciate Gege Akutami’s original paneling, art style, and any minor details or author notes that didn’t make it into the anime. If you want to save time, starting at Chapter 138 is perfectly fine.

What comes after the Shibuya Incident arc in the manga?

Immediately following the Shibuya Incident is the short “Itadori’s Extermination Arc” (Chapters 137-143). This arc deals with the immediate fallout and sets the stage for the next major saga, the “Culling Game Arc,” which is a complex, action-packed storyline involving a deadly tournament forced upon Japan by Kenjaku.

What manga volume contains Chapter 138?

Chapter 138 is located in Volume 16 of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. The cover of Volume 16 prominently features Yuta Okkotsu. This volume covers chapters 138 through 147, so purchasing it will give you a solid start on the post-anime story.

Is the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie canon and do I need to watch it?

Yes, the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie is absolutely canon and essential to the story. It adapts the prequel volume of the manga and introduces a key character, Yuta Okkotsu, whose role becomes critical in the arcs after Shibuya. His return is a major event in the manga that you will encounter shortly after starting from Chapter 138.

Are there major differences between the anime and manga?

The primary difference is the visual presentation and pacing. The anime adds fluid animation, color, and a soundtrack, while the manga offers Gege Akutami’s distinct, sometimes chaotic, art style and paneling. The plot and dialogue are extremely similar, so the choice between them comes down to personal preference for the medium.

Will there be a Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3?

Yes, Season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen has been officially announced. It will adapt the “Culling Game Arc.” However, no release date has been confirmed yet, which is why many fans choose to switch to the manga to continue the story without a long wait.

Is Gojo Satoru dead in the manga?

This is a major spoiler that happens much later in the manga. The events surrounding Gojo’s fate occur deep into the “Shinjuku Showdown Arc,” which takes place long after the Culling Game. To avoid spoilers, it is best to read the story in order starting from Chapter 138 and experience the events as the author intended.

How many volumes of the JJK manga are there?

The Jujutsu Kaisen manga was collected into 30 tankōbon volumes in Japan. The English release by Viz Media is still in the process of publishing all the volumes, but you can find most of them available for purchase, with new volumes being released every few months.

Key Takeaways: Starting the JJK Manga After the Anime

• The Exact Starting Point: To continue directly after the anime, start reading at Chapter 138. This chapter begins the “Itadori’s Extermination Arc” and is the first piece of new content.
• Corresponding Manga Volume: Chapter 138 is located in Volume 16. If you are buying physical copies, this is the volume you need to purchase to pick up where Season 2 left off.
• Season 2’s Coverage: The anime’s second season adapted the “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc” and the entire “Shibuya Incident Arc,” concluding with the events of Chapter 137.
• The Adaptation is Faithful: You can transition from anime to manga with confidence. The anime adaptation is extremely faithful to the source material, with no significant plot points or chapters skipped.
• The Manga is Complete: The Jujutsu Kaisen manga has officially finished its run, concluding with Chapter 271. This means you can read the entire story from Chapter 138 to the end without waiting for new releases.
• Official Reading Platforms: The best legal and official ways to read the manga digitally are on the Viz Media website or the Shonen Jump mobile app.
• Don’t Skip JJK 0: The Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie is canon and introduces Yuta Okkotsu, a character who becomes vital to the plot shortly after where the anime leaves off.

Final Thoughts on Continuing Your Jujutsu Kaisen Journey

Transitioning from the Jujutsu Kaisen anime to the manga is a seamless and exciting process. You now have the precise roadmap to continue the dark and thrilling story without interruption or confusion. The wait for Season 3 may be long, but the entire completed saga, as written by Gege Akutami, is waiting for you right now.

By starting at Chapter 138, you are stepping directly into the chaotic aftermath of the Shibuya Incident and embarking on a journey toward the story’s epic conclusion. Armed with the correct chapter, volume, and reading platforms, you are fully equipped to experience the remainder of this incredible series. The only question left is: are you ready for what comes next?

Last update on 2026-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API