Wondering where the My Little Monster anime leaves off in the manga? You’ve come to the right place. Many fans feel the story ends just as it’s getting good.
The 13-episode anime of My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun) concludes around Chapter 16 of Volume 4 of the manga. To continue the story exactly where the anime leaves off, you should begin reading from Chapter 17. However, the anime does skip some important character moments.
Based on a direct analysis of the source material, this guide provides the definitive answer. You’ll discover not only where to start reading but also why the manga offers the complete, satisfying story the anime couldn’t. This reveals exactly what you’re missing.
Key Facts
- Anime Endpoint: The anime adaptation covers the story up to Chapter 16 of Volume 4 in the manga series.
- Manga Length: The complete manga series consists of 13 total volumes, meaning the anime only adapts about 30% of the full story.
- Incomplete by Design: The anime primarily served as a promotional tool to drive sales for the original manga, which is why it feels unfinished and a Season 2 was never produced.
- Full Closure: Unlike the anime’s open conclusion, the manga provides a definitive ending, including the resolution of the main romance and the future of the characters.
- Skipped Content: While the anime is mostly faithful, it skips or rearranges minor plot points, making a start from Chapter 1 the best way to get the full experience.
Where Does the My Little Monster Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The 13-episode anime of My Little Monster (Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun) ends at Chapter 16 of Volume 4 of the manga. This is the most direct answer for fans eager to see what happens next. If you want to jump straight into new content immediately after the anime’s final scene, starting your reading journey at Chapter 17 is the way to go. This chapter picks up right after the anime’s conclusion, continuing the story of Shizuku Mizutani and Haru Yoshida without delay.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the anime adaptation [a 13-episode series by Brain’s Base studio] is not a perfect 1:1 retelling of the source material. While it captures the main events of the first four volumes, it does condense certain scenes and omits some character interactions that add depth and context to the story. This is a common practice in anime adaptations.
Because of these differences, many dedicated fans will tell you that simply starting at Chapter 17 means you might miss out on subtle character-building moments. The anime focuses on the big plot points to fit into its limited run, but the manga [the original work written by Robico] offers a richer, more detailed narrative from the very beginning.
Why Does the My Little Monster Anime Ending Feel Unfinished?
The My Little Monster anime feels incomplete because it only adapts the initial setup of the story from the manga. The 13-episode series covers roughly the first 4 out of 13 total manga volumes, leaving major plotlines, character development, and the central romance unresolved. The anime serves more as an introduction to the world and its characters than a complete narrative. If you felt like you were left on a major cliffhanger, you’re right.
This situation is common in the anime industry. Often, a short, one-season anime is produced with the primary goal of boosting sales for the original source material—in this case, the manga. It acts as a large-scale commercial. Here’s why the ending leaves you wanting more:
- Covers Only a Fraction of the Story: The anime adapts approximately four of the thirteen manga volumes. This means over two-thirds of the story, including the entire conclusion, remains untold.
- Promotional Purpose: The anime was likely designed to get viewers hooked on the characters and then encourage them to buy the manga to find out what happens next.
- Unresolved Romances: At the end of the anime, the relationship between Shizuku and Haru is still in its very early, ambiguous stages. Their journey as a couple has barely begun.
- Incomplete Character Arcs: Key supporting characters like Natsume, Sasayan, and Yamaken have their own significant stories and development in the manga that are only hinted at in the anime.
Should You Start the My Little Monster Manga From Chapter 1?
For the best experience, you should read the My Little Monster manga from Chapter 1. The anime adaptation, while mostly faithful, skips or condenses small character moments and gags. Starting from the beginning ensures you don’t miss any of the original context and character-building from the source material. From our reading, the anime misses subtle character moments that become more important later on.
Deciding where to start comes down to your personal preference and how much time you want to invest. Here are the two main paths you can take:
- The Purist Path (Recommended): Start at Chapter 1. This is the ideal way to experience the story as the author, Robico, intended. You’ll catch all the small jokes, minor conversations, and nuanced character interactions that were cut for time in the anime. It provides a more complete and rewarding experience.
- The Express Path: Start at Chapter 17. If you are short on time and simply can’t wait to see what happens next, this is a perfectly valid option. You will be jumping directly into new plot developments and continuing the story from where the anime’s final credits rolled. You can always go back and read the earlier chapters later.
What Key Story Arcs Does the Manga Cover After the Anime?
The My Little Monster manga continues the story far beyond the anime, covering several major arcs that provide the depth and resolution fans crave. The remaining nine volumes transform the story from a simple high school comedy into a more developed coming-of-age romance. It fully explores the consequences of Shizuku and Haru’s relationship and their growth into adults.
Here are the key story arcs you’ll get to experience in the manga:
- Shizuku and Haru’s Official Relationship: The manga moves past the “will they, won’t they” phase and delves into the real challenges of Shizuku and Haru navigating the ups and downs of being a real couple.
- The Rise of Kenji “Yamaken” Yamaguchi: While present in the anime, Yamaken becomes a serious romantic rival for Haru in the manga, forming a compelling and genuine love triangle that challenges the main pairing.
- Haru’s Family Drama: The conflict with his older brother, Yuzan, is a central plot point. The manga deeply explores their troubled past and works toward a resolution for their family issues.
- Future and Careers: The story doesn’t end at high school graduation. It follows the entire cast as they make decisions about university and their future careers, showing where they all end up as young adults.
How Does the My Little Monster Manga End?
SPOILER WARNING: This section describes events from the final volumes of the manga.
Yes, the My Little Monster manga has a complete and satisfying ending. Unlike the anime’s abrupt stop, the manga provides full closure for its characters and their relationships. The story concludes with Shizuku Mizutani and Haru Yoshida getting married. The final volumes follow them through high school graduation and into their adult lives, providing the definitive happy ending that the anime adaptation is missing.
The final volume, a special collection of side stories, further solidifies this conclusion. It gives readers a glimpse into the lives of the supporting cast after the main story, ensuring that characters like Asako Natsume, Sohei Sasahara (Sasayan), and Kenji Yamaguchi also receive proper resolutions to their personal arcs. This commitment to closure is one of the biggest reasons why reading the manga is so rewarding for fans of the anime.
Where Can You Read the My Little Monster Manga?
You can legally read the official English release of the My Little Monster manga through several channels. Supporting the official release is the best way to show appreciation for the creator’s work. The series is published in English by Kodansha USA.
Here are your best options for reading the series:
- Physical Volumes: You can purchase the individual 13 paperback volumes or the complete manga box set. These are widely available from major online retailers and in local bookstores. The box set is often the most economical way to collect the entire series.
- Digital Platforms: For those who prefer reading on a tablet or phone, digital volumes are available for purchase on services like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play. This allows for instant access to the story.
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FAQs About where does the my little monster anime leave off in the manga
Is there a My Little Monster Season 2?
No, it is extremely unlikely that there will ever be a Season 2 of My Little Monster. The anime aired in 2012, and the manga it was based on concluded its run in 2013. Since the anime’s main purpose was to promote the now-finished source material, there is no financial incentive for a production committee to create a sequel over a decade later.
Is the My Little Monster manga finished?
Yes, the My Little Monster manga is complete. The series, written and illustrated by Robico, ran from 2008 to 2013. It officially concluded with 12 main volumes and a 13th special volume composed of side stories, bringing the entire narrative to a definitive close.
Does the My Little Monster anime follow the manga closely?
For the content it covers, yes, the anime is a mostly faithful adaptation of the manga. It accurately follows the main plot points of the first four volumes. However, to fit its 13-episode run, it had to condense or entirely skip some minor character interactions and comedic scenes, which is why reading the manga from the beginning is often recommended.
How many volumes of My Little Monster are there?
There are a total of 13 volumes in the My Little Monster manga series. This is composed of 12 volumes that contain the main story arc from beginning to end, plus a special 13th volume that includes extra side stories and epilogues about the characters’ lives after the main conclusion.
Do Haru and Shizuku get married in the manga?
(Spoiler Alert) Yes, Haru and Shizuku do get married in the manga. The final chapters of the series follow them after high school graduation as they start their careers, and their wedding serves as a key event in the story’s happy and conclusive ending for the main couple.
What happens to Kenji ‘Yamaken’ Yamaguchi?
(Spoiler Alert) Kenji Yamaguchi (Yamaken) becomes a significant rival and a central figure in a love triangle. He formally confesses his feelings to Shizuku, creating genuine conflict. While he does not end up with Shizuku, his character arc receives a satisfying resolution, and he remains on friendly terms with the group.
Does Natsume end up with Sasayan?
(Spoiler Alert) It is heavily implied that Asako Natsume and Sohei Sasahara (Sasayan) end up together. While not explicitly shown as a couple in the main story, the final chapters and epilogue strongly hint at their romance. For instance, Natsume catches the bouquet at Shizuku’s wedding, and later art shows a picture of her with Sasayan on her desk.
Key Takeaways: My Little Monster Anime to Manga Guide
- Direct Starting Point: The anime officially ends at Chapter 16 of Volume 4, so you can start reading at Chapter 17 to continue the story directly.
- Recommended Starting Point: For the full story experience, it’s best to start from Chapter 1, as the anime skips minor character moments and context.
- The Story is Incomplete: The anime only covers about 30% of the total story, leaving the main romance and all major character arcs unresolved.
- The Manga is Finished: The manga is a complete 13-volume series, offering a conclusive and satisfying ending that the anime lacks.
- A Second Season is Not Happening: Due to the age of the series and the fact that the manga it was promoting is long finished, there are no plans for a Season 2.
Final Thoughts on Continuing My Little Monster
Finishing the My Little Monster anime can feel both charming and frustrating. You’ve been introduced to the brilliant and socially awkward Shizuku Mizutani and the volatile yet endearing Haru Yoshida, only for the credits to roll just as their story truly begins. The good news is that the unresolved ending is not a dead end but an open door. The complete manga by Robico isn’t just more content; it’s the entire, intended narrative, filled with the character development, romantic progression, and satisfying closure the anime could only hint at.
By picking up the manga, you are choosing to see their journey through to its proper, heartfelt conclusion. Whether you jump in at Chapter 17 or decide to start fresh from Chapter 1 to savor every moment, you are guaranteed a richer story that fulfills the promise of its characters. For any fan left wanting more by the anime’s ending, reading the manga is not just recommended—it’s essential.
Last update on 2026-02-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
