Finished the One Punch Man anime and now you’re left with that massive cliffhanger? You’re ready to dive into the manga to see what happens next but don’t know the exact starting point.
To continue the One Punch Man story right where the anime’s Season 2 finale leaves off, you should start reading the manga from Chapter 85. This chapter, titled “Escalation,” picks up immediately after Saitama defeats Elder Centipede and Garou is captured by the Monster Association.
Based on a detailed analysis of the anime adaptation and official chapter logs, this guide provides the definitive starting points. You will get a complete anime-to-manga conversion map, discover what key details the anime skipped, and learn the best way to experience the story as intended.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: The Season 2 finale adapts manga content up to the end of Chapter 84, making Chapter 85 the correct place to continue the story.
- Manga is a Remake: The popular manga with hyper-detailed art by Yusuke Murata is a remake of the original webcomic, which was written and drawn by the creator, ONE.
- Anime Adapts the Manga: The anime series is an adaptation of the Yusuke Murata-illustrated manga, not the original webcomic by ONE.
- Skipped Content Exists: While the anime follows the main plot, it condenses fight scenes and omits character-building moments, which is why many fans recommend reading from the beginning.
- Next Major Arc: The story immediately after the anime’s end is the start of the massive Monster Association arc, one of the most celebrated storylines in the entire series.
Where Do I Start the One Punch Man Manga After the Anime?
The definitive answer is to start with Chapter 85 of the One Punch Man manga. This is the first chapter that contains entirely new story content you have not seen in the anime. Season 2, Episode 12 concludes by adapting the material from Chapter 84, so picking up at Chapter 85 ensures you transition seamlessly into the next part of the saga without repeating content or missing a single detail. This chapter marks the true beginning of the Monster Association’s assault on the heroes.
For those who prefer reading in collected volumes, Chapter 85 is found at the very beginning of Volume 17. Buying this volume is the perfect way to jump into the story in its physical format. Continuing from this point throws you directly into one of the longest and most action-packed arcs in the series, proving that the events of the anime were just a warm-up.
This starting point is critical because it’s where the manga’s narrative significantly expands beyond the anime’s scope. From here, you’ll witness the full scale of the Monster Association’s power, see incredible new fights, and watch characters like Garou undergo significant development that the anime has only hinted at.
What Chapter Does One Punch Man Season 2 Officially End On?
The final episode of One Punch Man Season 2, Episode 12, concludes by adapting the events of manga Chapter 84. This chapter covers Saitama’s decisive victory over Elder Centipede and, more importantly, the cliffhanger scene where the monster Phoenix Man abducts the defeated Garou. This event serves as the official entry point into the Monster Association arc, setting the stage for the events of Chapter 85 and beyond.
What Chapter Does One Punch Man Season 1 End On?
For those who have only finished the first season, One Punch Man Season 1 ends on Chapter 37. This chapter concludes the legendary fight between Saitama and the alien invader Boros. To continue the story from that point, you should start reading at Chapter 38, which is the beginning of Volume 8. This is where the anime’s second season, produced by J.C.Staff, begins its adaptation.
What is the Complete One Punch Man Anime to Manga Chapter Guide?
For a clear visual reference, here is a complete breakdown of which manga chapters and volumes were adapted for each season of the anime. This table provides an accurate chapter mapping to help you find your place, no matter where you stopped watching.
| Anime Season | Studio | Manga Chapters Covered | Corresponding Manga Volumes | Where to Start Reading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Madhouse | Chapters 1 – 37 | Volumes 1 – 7 | Chapter 38 (Volume 8) |
| Season 2 | J.C.Staff | Chapters 38 – 84 | Volumes 8 – 16 | Chapter 85 (Volume 17) |
This guide makes it simple: if you finished Season 2, you’ve covered the content up to Volume 16. The next step in your journey is Volume 17, which kicks off with Chapter 85 and the beginning of the war against the Monster Association.
What Key Content Did The Anime Skip or Change?
While you can jump straight to Chapter 85, you might be wondering if you missed anything important. The truth is, the anime, particularly Season 2, had to condense a significant amount of content from the manga. From our extensive experience comparing the two, the manga offers a much richer experience.
Here’s what you missed by only watching the anime:
- 💥 Extended and More Detailed Fights: Many of Garou’s battles and the fights during the hero raid on the monster hideout are significantly longer and more detailed in the manga. Yusuke Murata’s incredible artwork and paneling—the way scenes are laid out across the page—create a sense of motion and impact that the anime couldn’t fully replicate.
- 👤 Minor Character Arcs and Side Stories: The manga spends more time with side characters, fleshing out their personalities and motivations. Small sub-plots and humorous interactions that build the world of One Punch Man were cut from the anime for time.
- 🌎 Nuanced World-Building: Details about the Hero Association’s inner workings, the public’s perception of heroes, and the structure of the Monster Association are more thoroughly explained in the manga. These details add depth to the overall narrative.
- 🎨 Unparalleled Artwork: The single biggest reason to read the manga is to experience Yusuke Murata’s art. Every panel is packed with breathtaking detail. The epic two-page spreads and dynamic fight choreography are a visual feast that simply must be seen in their original format.
Expert Insight: The Garou vs. Genos fight in the manga, for example, is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The manga shows the intricate details of Garou’s martial arts and Genos’s cybernetic weaponry in a way the anime’s pacing couldn’t match.
Should You Read The One Punch Man Manga From The Beginning?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you read the One Punch Man manga from Chapter 1. While you can absolutely start at Chapter 85 and follow the plot, you would be missing out on what makes the manga a truly special experience.
For the completionists and fans who want the best possible version of the story, here are the main reasons to start from the beginning:
- Appreciate Murata’s Artistic Evolution: You get to see Yusuke Murata’s already-amazing art style become even more detailed and refined over time.
- Experience Every Joke and Character Moment: The manga’s pacing allows for more character-building and comedic moments that were cut from the anime.
- Witness Fights in Their Full Glory: Key battles, like Saitama vs. Boros, are even more spectacular in the manga. You get a better sense of the scale and power involved.
- No Adaptation “Nerfs”: You’ll see every scene as it was originally intended, with no compromises made for animation budget or runtime.
The Bottom Line: If you’re short on time, starting at Chapter 85 is perfectly fine. But if you truly love the world of One Punch Man and want the definitive experience, do yourself a favor and start your journey from Chapter 1. You won’t regret it.
What Is The Difference Between The Manga and The Original Webcomic?
A common point of confusion for newcomers is the difference between the “manga” and the “webcomic.” Understanding this distinction is key to navigating the One Punch Man franchise. The anime you watched is adapted directly from the manga, which is itself a remake of an even earlier work.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Feature | ONE’s Webcomic (Original) | Yusuke Murata’s Manga (Remake) |
|---|---|---|
| Story Creator | ONE | ONE |
| Illustrator | ONE (simple art) | Yusuke Murata (detailed art) |
| Story Content | The original, core storyline. | Follows and expands the webcomic’s plot. |
| Anime Source | Indirect source | Direct source for the anime. |
In short, the creator, ONE, started One Punch Man as a self-published webcomic with simple drawings but a brilliant story. It became so popular that it was remade into a professionally published manga, with the legendary artist Yusuke Murata redrawing and expanding on ONE’s original story. It is this Murata version that the anime adapts.
Where Can You Read The One Punch Man Manga Officially?
Supporting the official release is the best way to show your appreciation for the creators’ hard work. It also ensures you get the highest quality translation and artwork. Here are the best places to read the One Punch Man manga officially in English:
- VIZ Media Website: VIZ, the official English publisher, allows you to read the three most recent chapters of One Punch Man completely for free on their Shonen Jump platform as they are released in Japan.
- Shonen Jump App: For a small monthly fee, the Shonen Jump app gives you access to their entire digital vault. This includes every single chapter of One Punch Man released to date, making it the most affordable and comprehensive way to read the series from the beginning.
- Physical Volumes: If you prefer a physical copy, you can purchase the collected tankōbon volumes from online retailers or your local bookstore. To continue after the anime, you’ll want to start with Volume 17.
By using these official sources, you avoid low-quality, inaccurate fan translations and directly contribute to the continuation of the series you love.
FAQs About where does the one punch man anime leave off in the manga
Is the One Punch Man manga finished or still ongoing?
The One Punch Man manga is still ongoing. New chapters illustrated by Yusuke Murata are released periodically online. The story is far ahead of the anime, covering the massive Monster Association War and the arcs that follow, so there is a large amount of content for anime fans to read.
What is the current chapter of the One Punch Man manga?
The chapter count is constantly increasing, but as of late 2026, the manga has surpassed 200 chapters. Because the release schedule can be irregular, the best way to check the very latest chapter is on the official VIZ Media or Shonen Jump platforms, which update as soon as the English translation is available.
Is One Punch Man Season 3 confirmed?
Yes, One Punch Man Season 3 has been officially confirmed. However, as of late 2026, a release date and the animation studio have not yet been announced. Fans are eagerly awaiting news, and the new season is expected to begin adapting the highly anticipated Monster Association arc.
Does the anime skip any important manga arcs?
No, the anime has not skipped any major story arcs from the manga. However, it does condense or omit smaller sub-plots, character interactions, and the full choreography of certain fights. This is why many fans recommend reading the manga from the beginning for the complete experience.
Is the Monster Association arc in the anime?
Only the very beginning of the Monster Association arc is in the anime. Season 2 ends right as this massive storyline is about to kick off, with Garou being taken to the Monster Association’s headquarters. The entire arc, one of the longest and most celebrated in the series, is fully available to read in the manga.
How many volumes of the One Punch Man manga are there?
As of 2026, there are over 29 collected tankōbon volumes of One Punch Man available in English. New volumes are released every few months, collecting the chapters that were previously published online. The story in the volumes is significantly further along than the anime.
Is the One Punch Man anime accurate to the manga?
For the most part, yes, the anime follows the main plot points of the manga accurately. Season 1 is widely considered a very faithful and high-quality adaptation. Season 2 also follows the plot, but some fans criticize its pacing and animation quality compared to the manga’s detailed art.
Can I skip to Chapter 85 without being confused?
Yes, you can start at Chapter 85 and follow the main story without any major confusion. The plot continues directly from the end of Season 2. However, you will miss out on the added detail, art, and minor scenes that the anime adaptation condensed, which enrich the overall experience.
What’s the difference in the Garou fight: anime vs. manga?
The manga provides much more detail and extended choreography for Garou’s numerous fights. While the anime shows the key outcomes, Yusuke Murata’s illustrations in the manga showcase his “Monster Calamity God Slayer Fist” martial arts with incredible detail and flow that the anime couldn’t fully capture, especially in Season 2.
Is the original webcomic by ONE worth reading?
Absolutely, but it’s a different experience. The webcomic is the “rough draft” with simple art but contains the raw, original story and humor from the creator. Many fans read the manga first for the art and then read the webcomic to see the story’s origins and future plot points, as the webcomic is further ahead than the manga.
Key Takeaways: One Punch Man Anime to Manga Guide
- The Definitive Starting Point: To continue the story after Season 2, start reading at Chapter 85 of the Yusuke Murata-illustrated manga. This is the beginning of Volume 17.
- Reading from Chapter 1 is Recommended: For the full experience, you should read from the beginning. You’ll get more detailed fights, extra character moments, and can fully appreciate the world-class artwork the anime had to condense.
- Understand the Franchise Structure: The anime adapts the Manga (art by Murata), which is a remake of the Webcomic (story and simple art by ONE). Don’t confuse the manga and the webcomic.
- Season 1 vs. Season 2 Coverage: Season 1 covers Chapters 1-37 (the Boros arc), while Season 2 covers Chapters 38-84 (the lead-up to the Monster Association arc).
- The Monster Association Arc Awaits: The anime ends on a cliffhanger right at the start of the massive Monster Association arc. This entire epic storyline is available to read in the manga right now.
- Read Officially to Support the Creators: You can read the latest chapters for free on the VIZ Media website or access the entire backlog with a Shonen Jump subscription, which is the best and most affordable way to read legally.
Final Thoughts on where does the one punch man anime leave off in the manga
Navigating the transition from anime to manga can be confusing, but now you have a clear and definitive roadmap. Whether you choose to jump straight into the action at Chapter 85 or start from Chapter 1 to savor every detail of Yusuke Murata’s masterful artwork, you’re about to embark on an incredible journey. The story only gets bigger, bolder, and more exciting from where the anime left off. Enjoy the ride.
Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
