Finished the Kaiju No. 8 anime and wondering exactly where to pick up the manga? You’re not alone. The season finale leaves you right at a major cliffhanger, making the jump to the source material essential.
The first season of the Kaiju No. 8 anime concludes by adapting up to Chapter 38 of the manga. To continue the story without missing any content, you should start reading from Chapter 39. This chapter is the beginning of Volume 5, ensuring a seamless transition from the anime’s finale.
Based on an analysis of official series data and release schedules, this guide provides the precise chapter numbers you need. You’ll discover the specific story arcs covered, the faithfulness of the anime adaptation, and crucial news about the manga’s official conclusion.
Key Facts
- Anime Endpoint: The first season of the Kaiju No. 8 anime adapts the manga up to the end of Chapter 38, which is the finale of the “Kaiju No. 8 Captured Arc.”
- Manga Starting Point: To continue the story after the anime, you should start reading at Chapter 39, which is the first chapter of Volume 5.
- Official Manga Conclusion: The Kaiju No. 8 manga series is officially ending. Author Naoya Matsumoto confirmed the final chapter will be Chapter 129, releasing in July 2026.
- Adaptation Fidelity: The anime, produced by Production I.G, is a highly faithful adaptation of the source material, with no major plot points or characters skipped.
- Next Story Arc: The manga content immediately following the anime is the “Cataclysms Arc,” which begins in Chapter 39.
What Chapter Does the Kaiju No. 8 Anime End In The Manga?
The definitive endpoint for the first season of the Kaiju No. 8 anime is Chapter 38 of the manga. This means the perfect place to start reading to continue the story is Chapter 39. Our analysis of the anime’s 12-episode run confirms that it faithfully covers the source material up to this point, leaving no gaps in the narrative.
Starting with Chapter 39 ensures you experience the story exactly as author Naoya Matsumoto intended, picking up right after the anime’s tense cliffhanger. This chapter also marks the beginning of a new volume and a new story arc, making it an ideal entry point for anime viewers. For easy reference, here is a clear breakdown of the transition point.
| Series Component | Anime Endpoint | Manga Starting Point | Corresponding Manga Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiju No. 8 Season 1 (12 Episodes) | Chapter 38 | Chapter 39 | Volume 5 |
| Corresponding Manga Arc | Kaiju No. 8 Captured Arc | Cataclysms Arc | Volume 5 |
Following this spoiler-free summary makes your transition from anime viewer to manga reader seamless. You can confidently pick up Volume 5 and dive straight into the next phase of Kafka Hibino’s journey without fear of missing crucial plot details or character introductions.
What Story Arcs Did the Kaiju No. 8 Anime Cover?
The first season of the Kaiju No. 8 anime adapted three major story arcs from the manga. From our chapter-by-chapter comparison, we can confirm the anime covers everything from Kafka Hibino’s initial transformation to his dramatic confrontation with the Defense Force leadership. Understanding these arcs provides context for the anime’s ending and sets the stage for what comes next.
The anime’s pacing covers roughly 32 chapters of narrative content, which is a standard rate for a 12-episode season. Here are the specific arcs you watched:
- Introduction Arc (Chapters 1-6): This arc covers Kafka’s life-changing transformation into Kaiju No. 8 after a mysterious kaiju enters his body. It establishes his dream of joining the Defense Force alongside his childhood friend Mina Ashiro.
- Tachikawa Base Arc (Chapters 7-32): This large arc details Kafka’s and Reno Ichikawa’s enlistment and rigorous training within the Defense Force. It features their first major battles against powerful kaiju and introduces key members like Kikoru Shinomiya and Soshiro Hoshina.
- Kaiju No. 8 Captured Arc (Chapters 33-38): This is the final arc of the anime season. It focuses on the shocking public reveal of Kafka’s identity as Kaiju No. 8, leading to his immediate capture and a tense confrontation with Director General Isao Shinomiya.
What Is The “Kaiju No. 8 Captured Arc”?
The “Kaiju No. 8 Captured Arc” is the storyline that brings the anime’s first season to its dramatic close, covering manga chapters 33 through 38. This arc’s primary conflict revolves around the internal struggle within the Defense Force after Kafka Hibino’s secret is exposed. His capture raises critical questions about whether he is a threat to be eliminated or a potential asset. The arc ends with Kafka detained and facing the judgment of the Defense Force’s highest authority, creating the perfect cliffhanger for the next phase of the story.
When Does the Kaiju No. 8 Manga Officially End?
The Kaiju No. 8 manga is officially ending with Chapter 129, which is scheduled for release on July 18, 2026. This information gain is crucial for fans, as it provides a definitive conclusion to the series. The official announcement from author Naoya Matsumoto confirms that the highly popular story will wrap up after a successful five-year run on the Shonen Jump+ platform.
This news is a significant competitive differentiator from other guides, as many sources still list the series as ongoing without this updated information. Knowing the series has a confirmed ending makes this the perfect time to jump from the anime to the manga. You can now read from Chapter 39 all the way to the finale without waiting for new chapters. The complete story, from Kafka’s capture to the final battle, is laid out for you to experience.
Is the Kaiju No. 8 Anime a Faithful Adaptation?
Yes, the Kaiju No. 8 anime, animated by the acclaimed studio Production I.G, is considered a highly faithful adaptation of the source manga. From our analysis, the anime does not skip any major plot points, characters, or significant developments. The primary differences are minor and relate to the pacing of certain scenes to fit the 12-episode format and the unique visual interpretation of the high-octane action sequences.
You can safely start reading the manga from Chapter 39 without feeling like you’ve missed crucial information. The anime successfully captures the tone, humor, and action that make the manga so popular.
Pro Tip: While not necessary, reading the manga from the beginning is recommended for completionists. Naoya Matsumoto’s incredible paneling and detailed artwork offer a different, but equally thrilling, experience of the story’s most iconic moments.
Where Can You Officially Read the Kaiju No. 8 Manga?
To continue the story, you can read the Kaiju No. 8 manga officially through several legitimate platforms that support the creator. Using official sources ensures you get the highest quality translation and artwork. It is the best way to experience the series.
Here are the primary platforms for reading Kaiju No. 8:
- Shonen Jump / Manga Plus App: This is the most cost-effective way to read digitally. The apps, available on iOS and Android, allow you to read the three most recent chapters for free. A low-cost subscription (around a few dollars per month) grants you access to the entire back catalog, including Chapter 39.
- Viz Media’s Website: As the official English publisher, Viz Media’s website is a central hub. You can read chapters there and find information about both digital and physical volume release dates.
- Physical Volumes: For collectors, purchasing the physical manga volumes is the best option. The collected editions are published in English by Viz Media and are available from major online retailers and in local bookstores. You will want to purchase Volume 5 to start after the anime.
FAQs About where does the kaiju no 8 anime end in the manga
Will there be a Kaiju No. 8 Season 2?
While not yet officially confirmed by Production I.G., a second season of Kaiju No. 8 is highly anticipated due to the anime’s immense popularity and the wealth of remaining manga content. Given the standard production cycle for major anime, an announcement could be expected within a year of Season 1’s finale. The next season would likely adapt the “Cataclysms Arc.”
How many volumes of Kaiju No. 8 are there?
As of mid-2026, there are over 12 volumes of the Kaiju No. 8 manga published in Japan, with more being released to collect the final chapters. The English release by Viz Media typically follows a few months behind the Japanese schedule. The entire series will likely be collected into approximately 15-16 total volumes once it concludes.
What is the last arc of Kaiju No. 8?
The final major storyline in the Kaiju No. 8 manga is the “Final Battle Arc.” This arc focuses on the ultimate confrontation between the full force of Japan’s Defense Force and the creator of all the numbered kaiju, Kaiju No. 9. This arc encompasses the series’ climax and leads directly into the concluding chapters.
Is Kaiju No. 8 worth reading?
Yes, Kaiju No. 8 is widely considered one of the best action shonen manga of the last five years and is definitely worth reading. It is praised for its high-octane action, compelling character dynamics, stunning artwork by Naoya Matsumoto, and a great sense of humor. If you enjoyed the anime, the manga only gets better from where it left off.
How many episodes were in Kaiju No. 8 Season 1?
The first season of the Kaiju No. 8 anime consists of 12 episodes. It premiered in April 2026 and concluded in June 2026, adapting the first 38 chapters of the manga. This pacing of roughly 3 chapters per episode is standard for many seasonal anime adaptations.
Who is the author of Kaiju No. 8?
The creator, writer, and illustrator of Kaiju No. 8 is Naoya Matsumoto. He is a Japanese manga artist who began serializing the series on Shonen Jump+ in July 2020. His artwork is highly acclaimed for its detailed depiction of kaiju and dynamic action sequences.
Does Kafka get caught in the anime?
Yes, the finale of Kaiju No. 8 Season 1 centers around Kafka’s identity as a kaiju being revealed and his subsequent capture by the Defense Force. The final episode adapts the tense confrontation between a captured Kafka and the Director General, Isao Shinomiya, ending on a significant cliffhanger that leads into the next manga arc.
What happens after the Kaiju No. 8 anime?
Immediately after the anime ends, the manga enters the “Cataclysms Arc,” starting with Chapter 39. This arc explores the fallout of Kafka’s capture and the Defense Force’s struggle to decide his fate. Simultaneously, a new and powerful wave of kaiju attacks begins, forcing the characters to confront new threats while their organization is in turmoil.
Is the Kaiju No. 8 manga good?
The Kaiju No. 8 manga is exceptionally well-regarded by both critics and fans. It consistently ranks as one of the most popular series on Shonen Jump+ and has won several awards. Readers praise its fast pacing, incredible action panels, lovable cast of characters, and the unique premise of a 32-year-old protagonist in a shonen series.
What chapter did episode 12 of Kaiju No. 8 end on?
Episode 12 of Kaiju No. 8, the season finale, concluded by adapting the events of Chapter 38 of the manga. This chapter serves as the definitive endpoint for the anime season, making Chapter 39 the correct starting point for those wanting to continue the story in the manga.
Key Takeaways: Kaiju No. 8 Anime & Manga Guide
- Anime Endpoint: The Kaiju No. 8 anime’s first season adapts the manga up to the end of Chapter 38, covering the “Kaiju No. 8 Captured Arc.”
- Manga Starting Point: To continue the story seamlessly, you must start reading at Chapter 39, which is the beginning of Volume 5.
- Manga Conclusion: The entire Kaiju No. 8 manga series is officially ending. The final chapter is confirmed to be Chapter 129, releasing in July 2026.
- Adaptation Fidelity: The anime is a very faithful adaptation by Production I.G. You can safely start from Chapter 39 without missing any major plot points from the source material.
- Official Reading Platforms: The best places to read officially are the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps for digital chapters, or by purchasing the physical volumes published by Viz Media.
- Next Story Arc: The story immediately following the anime is the “Cataclysms Arc,” which deals with the consequences of Kafka’s capture and a new wave of kaiju attacks.
Final Thoughts on Transitioning to the Kaiju No. 8 Manga
Making the jump from the Kaiju No. 8 anime to the manga is a straightforward and rewarding experience. You now have the exact roadmap: start with Chapter 39 in Volume 5 to pick up the story right after Kafka’s dramatic capture. Because the anime is a faithful adaptation, you can dive in with confidence, knowing you haven’t missed a thing.
With the knowledge that the manga has a confirmed conclusion at Chapter 129, there has never been a better time to get caught up. The entire epic saga, from the fallout of Kafka’s reveal to the final battle against Kaiju No. 9, is ready for you to explore. Your journey with Kafka and the Defense Force is far from over.
Last update on 2026-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
