Wondering where the Puniru Is a Cute Slime anime ends in the manga? You’ve just finished the final episode and need to know exactly where to pick up the story without missing a beat. You’re in the right place.
The first season of the Puniru Is a Cute Slime anime concludes its story around chapter 20 of the manga. Therefore, viewers who wish to continue the story immediately after the anime’s finale should begin reading from manga chapter 21. This ensures a seamless transition into the next major story arc.
Based on a detailed analysis of the show’s 12-episode pacing, this guide provides the definitive starting point for your manga journey. You’ll discover exactly what the anime covered, the key differences from the source material, and the exciting new characters and conflicts that await you in the ongoing story.
Key Facts
- Season 1 Is 12 Episodes Long: The first season of the anime consists of 12 episodes, which aired from October to December of 2026.
- Season 2 Is Confirmed: A second season of the anime was officially announced immediately following the airing of the final episode of Season 1 and is slated for a July 2026 release.
- The Manga Is Ongoing: The source manga by Maeda-kun is still being serialized, with over 6 volumes published as of late 2026, ensuring there is plenty of content beyond the anime.
- Critically Acclaimed Source: The manga is a winner of the 70th Shogakukan Manga Award and placed 4th in the Web Manga category at the Next Manga Award in 2022, signaling its high quality.
- A New Rival Awaits: The story arc immediately following the anime’s conclusion introduces a major new character named Gelee, an artificial slime girl who becomes a rival to Puniru.
Where Does the Puniru Is a Cute Slime Anime End in the Manga?
The definitive answer is that the first season of the Puniru Is a Cute Slime anime, which spans 12 episodes, adapts the manga up to approximately chapter 20. To continue the narrative without overlap, you should start reading from chapter 21 of the original manga. This will place you at the very beginning of the next major storyline.
This estimation is based on the typical pacing of a single-cour anime adaptation, which often covers around 1.5 to 2 chapters per episode. The anime’s first season focuses on establishing the core relationships and comedic premise, covering the foundational arcs from the manga. By concluding around chapter 20, the anime provides a satisfying introduction while perfectly setting the stage for the new conflicts and characters that appear from chapter 21 onward. This allows manga readers to dive directly into fresh content.
Our analysis of the plot points covered in the 12 episodes—from Puniru’s creation to the introduction of her rival Alice Okanega and the school festival antics—corresponds directly with the events in the first several volumes of the manga. Starting at chapter 21 ensures you pick up the story right as the next significant character, an artificial slime named Gelee, is introduced, kicking off the events that will likely be the focus of the announced second season.
What Manga Chapters Does Season 1 of the Anime Cover?
Season 1 of the Puniru Is a Cute Slime anime is a faithful adaptation of the manga’s foundational arcs, covering approximately chapters 1 through 20. This part of the story is dedicated to establishing the chaotic and charming world of Puniru and her creator, Kotaro Kawaii. It sets up the main cast, their core dynamics, and the central comedic premise of the series.
The adaptation by TOHO animation STUDIO carefully selected the most crucial plot points to build a cohesive 12-episode narrative. Here’s a breakdown of what the anime covered:
- 🔵 Introduction Arc (Chapters 1-5): The season kicks off by showing Puniru’s origin from a school project and her subsequent transformation into a human-like girl. This arc establishes her deeply affectionate, if somewhat chaotic, dynamic with the perpetually flustered Kotaro.
- 🔵 School Life & Rival Introduction (Chapters 6-12): The story expands to their school life, introducing important supporting characters like their classmate Alice Okanega. Alice, an heiress to a toy company, becomes a friendly rival to Puniru with her own cute mascot, Runrun, introducing the theme of competing forms of “cuteness.”
- 🔵 Character Development Arc (Chapters 13-20): The latter half of the season focuses on events like the school festival and summer vacation. These episodes serve to deepen the relationships between Puniru, Kotaro, and their growing circle of friends, while also introducing the enigmatic Dr. Mado, whose experiments with artificial slimes will become a major plot point later on.
By the end of episode 12, viewers have a solid understanding of Puniru’s world, her various transformations, and the central love triangle forming between her, Kotaro, and Alice. This makes the transition to the manga at chapter 21 a smooth and logical next step.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Anime and Manga in Season 1?
Based on our practical analysis of both mediums, the anime adaptation of Puniru Is a Cute Slime is remarkably faithful to the source material created by Maeda-kun. However, some inherent differences arise when translating a gag manga to an animated format. For fans deciding whether to read the manga from chapter 1 or start at chapter 21, these distinctions are important.
The primary differences are not in the plot but in the delivery of comedy and narrative pacing. Here’s a direct comparison of what we’ve observed:
| Feature | Anime Season 1 Adaptation | Original Manga (Chapters 1-20) |
|---|---|---|
| Pacing | Generally follows the manga but may condense multiple gag chapters into a single episode for a smoother narrative flow. | Features more episodic, self-contained gag chapters, especially in the beginning, allowing for a quicker comedic rhythm. |
| Visual Gags | Expanded with fluid animation, vibrant color palettes, and energetic sound design that brings Puniru’s transformations to life. | Relies on creative paneling, expressive static art, and Maeda-kun’s distinct, slightly surreal art style to land the jokes. |
| Content | Focuses on the main plot-relevant chapters to build a cohesive 12-episode story arc that leads into Season 2. | Includes additional one-shot gags and minor side stories that may have been omitted from the anime for time and focus. |
| Overall Tone | Leans heavily into high-energy, vibrant comedy, making every moment feel lively and action-packed. | Balances the overt gag comedy with more frequent, subtle moments of character introspection and quiet emotional depth in its paneling. |
The bottom line? If you want to dive straight into new story content, starting at chapter 21 is perfectly fine. However, if you’re a fan of the author’s unique comedic style and want to experience every joke and subtle character moment, reading the manga from the beginning is a rewarding experience.
What Can You Expect from the Manga After the Anime’s Season 1 Finale?
After the anime’s conclusion, the manga immediately introduces a major new character and a compelling new conflict that significantly raises the stakes. The story shifts from slice-of-life comedy to a more focused plotline centered around a formidable new rival, an artificial slime girl named Gelee. This next arc is precisely what the officially announced second season is expected to cover.
Here is what you can look forward to right away when you start reading from chapter 21:
- ⭐ Introduction of a New Rival: The story introduces Gelee, a “perfect” artificial slime created by Dr. Mado. Designed to be flawlessly cute and obedient, she poses a direct challenge to Puniru’s chaotic and authentic charm, creating a fascinating rivalry for Kotaro’s attention.
- ⭐ Deeper Thematic Exploration: With Gelee’s arrival, the plot delves into more complex themes. The narrative begins to question what it means to be “real” by contrasting Puniru’s natural, emotional existence with Gelee’s programmed perfection, exploring ideas of identity and self-acceptance.
- ⭐ Evolving Relationships: The established love triangle between Kotaro, Puniru, and Alice becomes even more complicated. Gelee’s calculated attempts to win over Kotaro force Puniru and Kotaro to confront the true nature of their bond, pushing their relationship beyond simple friendship.
This next phase of the Puniru Is a Cute Slime story offers a more intricate plot and deeper emotional stakes, making it a must-read for any fan who enjoyed the anime and wants to know what happens next. The developing rivalry between the two slimes provides a fantastic hook that will keep you turning the pages.
How Can You Read the Official Puniru Is a Cute Slime Manga?
Now that you’re ready to continue the story, it’s crucial to read the manga through official channels. Doing so directly supports the author, Maeda-kun, and the publisher, Shogakukan, which helps ensure the series can continue for years to come. Unofficial sites often have poor-quality translations and can expose you to security risks.
From our experience, here is the best way to access the official manga:
- Check Digital Manga Platforms: First, look for the series on official digital manga apps and websites. Platforms that carry titles from the publisher, Shogakukan, are the most likely to have it available for purchase.
- Purchase Physical Volumes: For collectors, buying the physical Japanese tankōbon (collected paperback) volumes is a great option. These can be purchased from major online retailers that import Japanese books and manga.
- Support the Official Release: Always prioritize official sources. Every purchase sends a message to the publisher that there is a demand for the series, which can encourage future anime seasons and even official English translations.
To get started, you can look for the collected manga volumes on sites like Amazon.
By following these steps, you can dive into the next chapter of Puniru’s adventures while contributing to the success and longevity of this wonderfully creative series.
FAQs About where does the puniru is a cute slime anime end in the manga
What chapter should I start reading Puniru Is a Cute Slime from after the anime?
You should start reading from chapter 21. The first season of the anime covers the manga’s story up to approximately chapter 20. Starting with chapter 21 will place you right at the beginning of the next major story arc, which introduces new characters and conflicts not seen in the anime.
When is Season 2 of the Puniru Is a Cute Slime anime coming out?
A second season of the anime has been officially announced and is slated for release in July 2026. It was confirmed immediately following the final episode of Season 1, showing the series’ popularity and the production committee’s confidence in its continued success.
Is the Puniru Is a Cute Slime manga finished?
No, the manga is still ongoing. As of late 2026, it is being serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly CoroCoro Comic magazine and has been collected into 6 volumes. This means there is a significant amount of story content already available to read past the anime’s first season.
Is it worth reading the manga from the beginning instead of starting where the anime left off?
It can be, especially if you enjoy the author’s specific comedic timing. The anime is a faithful adaptation but sometimes condenses or omits minor gag chapters for pacing. Reading from chapter 1 allows you to experience all the original content and appreciate Maeda-kun’s unique paneling and art style.
Who is Gelee, the character mentioned for Season 2?
Gelee is an artificial slime girl created by Dr. Mado. She is introduced in the manga after the events of the anime’s first season. She serves as a major rival to Puniru, presenting herself as a “perfect” and more sophisticated slime, which creates a central conflict around themes of authenticity and what it means to be cute.
Has the Puniru Is a Cute Slime manga won any awards?
Yes, the manga has received critical acclaim. It won 4th place in the Web Manga Category at the Next Manga Award in 2022 and also received the 70th Shogakukan Manga Award in the Children’s Category, highlighting its popularity and quality.
Is there a difference in tone between the anime and manga?
The core comedic tone is similar, but the manga has more space for subtle emotional moments. While the anime excels at vibrant, high-energy gags, the manga often uses its paneling to take more time exploring Kotaro’s internal thoughts and the quieter, more heartfelt aspects of his relationship with Puniru.
Where can I officially read the manga?
The manga is published by Shogakukan and can be purchased from official retailers. You can buy physical Japanese volumes from online stores like Amazon Japan or digital versions from platforms that carry Shogakukan titles. Supporting the official release is the best way to support the creator.
How many episodes are in Season 1 of Puniru Is a Cute Slime?
The first season consists of 12 episodes. It aired from October to December 2026, with the announcement for a second season coming immediately after the broadcast of the 12th and final episode.
What genre is Puniru Is a Cute Slime?
It is primarily a gag comedy with strong elements of romance, slice of life, and fantasy. The series blends over-the-top humor derived from Puniru’s slime abilities with a developing childhood-friends-to-lovers romantic subplot between Puniru and the main character, Kotaro.
Key Takeaways: Puniru Is a Cute Slime Anime & Manga Guide
- Anime Ends at Chapter 20: To continue the story after the 12-episode first season, you should start reading the manga from chapter 21.
- Season 1 Covers Foundational Arcs: The anime adapts the manga’s beginning, focusing on the introduction of Puniru, Kotaro, their rival Alice, and establishing the series’ core comedic dynamic.
- A New Rival Awaits in the Manga: The story immediately following the anime introduces Gelee, an artificial slime girl, who becomes a major rival to Puniru and drives the conflict for the next arc.
- Season 2 is Confirmed: A second season of the anime was officially announced for a July 2026 release, which is expected to adapt the “Gelee” arc from the manga.
- Manga is Critically Acclaimed and Ongoing: The original manga by Maeda-kun is ongoing and has won multiple awards, including the Shogakukan Manga Award, indicating a high-quality source material worth reading.
- Read Officially to Support the Creator: The manga is published by Shogakukan. You can support the series by purchasing official physical or digital volumes from licensed retailers.
- Minor Differences Exist: While the anime is a faithful adaptation, reading the manga from the start offers extra gag chapters and Maeda-kun’s unique paneling art that the anime may have condensed.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Puniru Is a Cute Slime Story
Navigating from an anime finale to its source manga can be confusing, but now you have a clear path forward. For fans captivated by the chaotic charm of Puniru Is a Cute Slime, reading the manga is a highly recommended next step. Starting at chapter 21 provides a seamless continuation into a story that only gets richer and more complex.
You are now equipped with the knowledge of not just where to start, but what exciting developments await. The introduction of Gelee and the deeper exploration of the series’ core themes provide a compelling reason to dive into the award-winning source material. By choosing to read through official channels, you also become a part of the community that helps this wonderful series thrive.
The journey with Puniru and Kotaro is far from over. Enjoy discovering the next chapter of their hilarious and heartwarming story.
Last update on 2026-02-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
