Finished the Maken-ki! anime and feel like you’re missing a huge piece of the story? You’re not alone. Many fans are left wondering where to go next, especially after the confusing shift in the second season.
The first season of the Maken-ki! anime concludes its main story arc around Chapter 28 of the manga. Therefore, to continue the narrative directly after Season 1, you should begin reading from Chapter 29. The second season deviates significantly from this path, as it is composed almost entirely of anime-original content.
Based on detailed analysis of community-verified data, this guide provides the exact chapter numbers you need. You’ll discover the clear starting points after each season and understand why the manga is the only way to experience the complete, intended story with all its plot developments and character backstories.
Key Facts
- Season 1 Endpoint: The first anime season adapts the manga fairly faithfully, concluding its main storyline around Chapter 28.
- Season 2 Deviation: The second season, Maken-ki! Two, is almost entirely anime-original content, focusing on comedy and ecchi scenarios rather than the main plot.
- Manga is Complete: The source manga is fully finished, concluding with Chapter 146, which is collected in the 24th and final volume.
- Start from Chapter 1 for the Full Story: Due to skipped content and simplified character arcs in the anime, it is highly recommended to read the manga from the beginning.
- No Season 3 Expected: Given the anime’s age and the manga’s conclusion, a third season is considered extremely unlikely.
Where does the Maken-ki anime end in the manga?
The Maken-ki! anime’s connection to the manga is split into two very different parts: Season 1 is a relatively faithful adaptation with a clear stopping point, while Season 2 largely goes its own way with original content. This division is the primary source of confusion for viewers looking to transition to the manga. Understanding this difference is the key to seamlessly continuing the story of Takeru Ohyama and the students of Tenbi Academy.
The first season sets up the core plot and introduces the world of Makens, adapting the initial arcs from the source material. However, the second season takes a sharp turn, prioritizing episodic fan service over narrative progression. Because of this, finding a continuation point depends entirely on which season you have just finished watching. The following sections break down the exact chapter details for each season.
What Chapter Does Maken-ki! Season 1 End On?
The first season of the Maken-ki! anime, which aired in 2011, adapts the source manga from Chapter 1 up to approximately Chapter 28. To continue the story without missing key plot developments, you should begin reading from Chapter 29. The first season does a decent job of covering the initial major story arcs, introducing the main characters and the core conflict involving the Maken-wielding students of Tenbi Academy.
Verified chapter information from community resources like MangaUpdates confirms this transition point. For the best experience, you might consider quickly re-reading Chapter 28 of the manga. This will help refresh your memory of the final events of the anime’s main plot before you dive into the new material that begins in Chapter 29.
How Does Maken-ki! Two (Season 2) Align with the Manga?
Maken-ki! Two, the second season of the anime, does not follow the manga’s main storyline and is composed almost entirely of anime-original, episodic content. This is the most critical point of divergence and a major reason why viewers get confused. You cannot find a direct continuation point in the manga after watching Season 2, because the events of that season mostly do not exist in the source material’s main plot. This change in direction occurred alongside a switch in animation studios from AIC to Xebec.
Think of Season 2 less as a continuation of the main quest and more as a series of stand-alone side quests. The focus shifts dramatically from plot progression to character interactions, with an emphasis on:
- Episodic Stories: Each episode is a self-contained story that doesn’t contribute to the larger narrative.
- Comedy and Ecchi: The tone leans heavily into humor and fan service, a common strategy to boost Blu-ray sales.
- Lack of Plot Advancement: The overarching story involving Kamigari and the nature of Makens is put on hold.
Therefore, if you have finished both seasons, your true continuation point remains Chapter 29, picking up where the plot of Season 1 left off.
What are the key differences between the Maken-ki anime and manga?
The Maken-ki manga contains significantly more plot detail, world-building, and character development compared to the anime adaptation. While Season 1 is a condensed version of the story, Season 2 represents the largest deviation, abandoning the main plot entirely. For fans who only watched the anime, the manga offers a much deeper and more coherent narrative experience.
The core differences are not just about what was changed, but also about what was left out. The anime, for the sake of pacing, skips over several important subplots and character backstories that give the world and its inhabitants more depth. Here is a direct comparison of the key aspects.
| Feature/Aspect | Maken-ki! Anime | Maken-ki! Manga (Source Material) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pacing | Fast-paced, condenses multiple chapters per episode in Season 1. | More detailed and methodical, allowing for deeper world-building. |
| Story Arcs | Skips several minor and a few significant plot arcs for brevity. | Includes all story arcs, providing a complete narrative and character backstories. |
| Season 2 Content | Almost entirely anime-original, episodic, and comedy-focused. | Continues the main, overarching plot with serious and action-oriented arcs. |
| Character Development | Focuses more on harem and ecchi tropes; some character backstories are simplified. | Provides much deeper development and backstory for the entire cast, including Takeru. |
| Tonal Consistency | Shifts from action/plot in S1 to mostly comedy/fan service in S2. | Maintains a more consistent tone, balancing action, plot progression, and ecchi elements. |
Is the Maken-ki Manga Complete and What is the Final Chapter?
Yes, the Maken-ki! manga is complete. The series finished in with the release of Chapter 146. The entire manga saga, written and illustrated by the creator Hiromitsu Takeda, is compiled into 24 volumes. This offers a full and conclusive ending to the story that is not depicted in the anime adaptation.
For anyone hesitant to invest time in a story without a proper conclusion, this is a crucial piece of information. Unlike the anime, which leaves the main plot unresolved, the manga provides a definitive end to Takeru’s journey and the conflicts surrounding Tenbi Academy. Knowing the series is finished gives you the confidence that your reading will be rewarded with a complete narrative experience from start to finish.
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FAQs About where does the maken ki anime end in the manga
Should I read the Maken-ki! manga from the beginning?
Yes, it is highly recommended to read the Maken-ki! manga from the beginning. While you can start from Chapter 29 to continue after Season 1, the anime cuts out important character details and minor plot points even in its first season. Reading from Chapter 1 provides a much richer and more complete story experience.
Are the Maken-ki! OVAs canon to the manga?
The Maken-ki! OVAs are generally considered bonus, non-essential content similar to Season 2. They adapt small, often comedic, side-stories from the manga or are sometimes anime-original. They are not critical for understanding the main plot and can be watched at any time for extra entertainment without affecting the main narrative.
Will there be a Maken-ki! Season 3?
It is extremely unlikely that there will be a Season 3 of Maken-ki!. The second season was released many years ago in, it deviated heavily from the source material, and the manga itself has been complete since. The franchise is considered concluded in both its anime and manga forms.
What happens in the manga after the anime?
The manga’s story becomes much more serious and plot-focused after the point where the first season ends. It delves deeper into the nature of Makens, the history of Tenbi Academy, the goals of the antagonistic Kamigari organization, and provides significant development for Takeru’s powers and his relationships with the main cast.
How many episodes are in the Maken-ki! anime?
The Maken-ki! anime series has a total of 22 episodes across two seasons, plus 2 OVAs. Season 1 (“Maken-ki!”) has 12 episodes, and Season 2 (“Maken-ki! Two”) has 10 episodes. This brings the total amount of animated content to 24 episodes.
Who is the author of the Maken-ki! manga?
The creator of the Maken-ki! manga is Hiromitsu Takeda. He is both the writer and the illustrator for the entire 24-volume series. The manga was originally serialized in Fujimi Shobo’s Monthly Dragon Age magazine, a popular publication for shonen and seinen series.
What genre is Maken-ki!?
Maken-ki! primarily belongs to the shonen, ecchi, harem, and action-comedy genres. It is aimed at a young male demographic (shonen) and features a single male protagonist with multiple female love interests (harem), significant fan service (ecchi), and supernatural combat (action).
Does the Maken-ki! manga have an official English release?
As of February 2026, the Maken-ki! manga does not have an official physical or digital English release from a major publisher. Fans who wish to read the series typically rely on fan translations available online. It is always a good practice to check with major manga publishers for any future licensing updates.
What are some anime similar to Maken-ki!?
If you enjoy Maken-ki!, you might like other ecchi, harem, and action series such as High School DxD, Sekirei, To Love Ru, and Rosario + Vampire. These popular series share similar themes of a male protagonist in a school setting surrounded by super-powered girls, blending action with comedy and fan service.
Why is Season 2 so different from Season 1?
The primary reason for the change in tone was likely a combination of a new animation studio and different production goals. Season 2 was animated by Xebec, not AIC who produced Season 1. The focus shifted away from adapting the main plot to creating episodic, fan-service-heavy content, which is often easier to produce and is aimed at boosting home video sales.
Key Takeaways: Maken-ki! Anime to Manga Guide
- Season 1 Ends at Chapter 28: To continue the story directly after the first anime season, the correct starting point in the manga is Chapter 29.
- Season 2 is Anime-Original: The second season, Mken-ki! Two, does not follow the manga’s main plot and consists of mostly stand-alone, ecchi-focused episodes. It cannot be used to find a continuation point.
- Manga is Complete: The manga by Hiromitsu Takeda is fully concluded with 146 chapters collected in 24 volumes, offering a definitive ending to the entire story.
- Reading From Start is Recommended: Due to skipped plot points and simplified character development in the anime, the most rewarding experience is to read the manga from Chapter 1.
- Significant Plot Differences Exist: The manga features a more serious, in-depth plot with better world-building and character backstories compared to the more condensed and comedy-focused anime adaptation.
- No Season 3 Expected: With the manga finished for years and the long gap since Season 2, a third anime season is considered highly improbable.
- OVAs are Bonus Content: The two OVAs are non-essential side stories and are not required to understand the main narrative of the manga.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Maken-ki! Story
Navigating the transition from an anime to its source manga can be confusing, but for Maken-ki!, the path is clear. While the anime provides an entertaining introduction to the world and characters, it leaves the central plot unresolved. For fans seeking closure and the full narrative depth, the manga is not just an option—it is the definitive experience.
By starting at Chapter 29, you can directly continue the main plot, or by starting from the beginning, you can rediscover the story with richer detail and a more coherent progression. The manga offers the complete adventure, a more serious tone, and the satisfying conclusion that the anime never reached. Now that you know exactly where to begin, the complete story of Tenbi Academy is waiting for you.
Last update on 2026-02-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
