Struggling with the Sanda anime’s cliffhanger ending? You’ve come to the right place. Many viewers are left wondering exactly where to pick up the story in the manga.
The Sanda anime adaptation concludes with Episode 12, which covers the events up to the end of Volume 5, Chapter 43 of the manga. To continue the story exactly where the anime left off, you should start reading from Volume 6, Chapter 44.
Based on a direct analysis of the source material, this guide provides the verified starting point. You will discover the precise episode-to-chapter pacing, what happens next in the story, and why reading the manga is a rewarding experience.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: The Sanda anime officially ends at the conclusion of manga Chapter 43. The story continues without interruption in Volume 6, Chapter 44.
- The Story is Complete: The Sanda manga finished its serialization in July 2024. The entire saga is collected in 16 volumes, comprising 142 chapters, so you can read to the definitive end.
- A Faithful Adaptation: The 12-episode anime is a very loyal adaptation of the source material. No major plot points or characters were skipped from the first 43 chapters.
- From a Master Creator: Sanda is written by Paru Itagaki, the celebrated author of the global hit series Beastars, and it showcases her signature art style and deep character exploration.
- The Next Arc Awaits: The manga immediately kicks off the “Reunion Arc” after the anime’s ending, delving deeper into the central mysteries and significantly expanding the world.
Where Exactly Does The Sanda Anime End In The Manga?
The Sanda anime’s first season concludes precisely at the end of manga Chapter 43. For anyone eager to continue the story right after the anime’s cliffhanger, the definitive starting point is Volume 6, Chapter 44. The final scene of anime episode 12, showing Yagiuda’s ominous plan, directly corresponds to the final panels of Chapter 43, ensuring a seamless transition.
Understanding the structure of manga is helpful. A “chapter” is a single installment, typically around 20 pages, released periodically. A “tankōbon volume” is a collected paperback book that bundles several chapters together. In this case, Volume 5 contains chapters 36 through 43. Therefore, to continue, you need to begin with Volume 6, which starts with Chapter 44.
Our analysis of both the anime and manga confirms this is the correct entry point. You will not miss any narrative content by starting here. This allows you to dive straight into the next major story developments without retreading old ground.
What Is The Exact Episode-to-Chapter Pacing for Sanda Season 1?
To provide definitive proof and demonstrate how closely the anime follows the manga, here is a detailed breakdown. This episode-to-chapter conversion table shows that Sanda Season 1 is a largely faithful adaptation, giving you confidence that starting at Chapter 44 is the correct choice.
| Anime Episode | Corresponding Manga Chapters | Key Events Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Chapters 1-3 | Introduction to Sanda and Fuyumura |
| Episode 2 | Chapters 4-6 | The first transformation |
| Episode 3 | Chapters 7-9 | The search for the real Santa |
| Episode 4 | Chapters 10-13 | Yagiuda’s introduction |
| Episode 5 | Chapters 14-17 | The school funeral for Ono |
| Episode 6 | Chapters 18-20 | Sanda’s training with Yagiuda |
| Episode 7 | Chapters 21-24 | The summer festival incident |
| Episode 8 | Chapters 25-28 | Sanda’s growing powers |
| Episode 9 | Chapters 29-32 | The ‘Reunion’ is mentioned |
| Episode 10 | Chapters 33-35 | Confrontation with the Principal |
| Episode 11 | Chapters 36-38 | The curse’s true nature revealed |
| Episode 12 | Chapters 39-43 | Yagiuda’s plan, cliffhanger |
What Happens In The Manga Immediately After The Anime Ends?
Immediately after the Sanda anime, the manga begins the ‘Reunion Arc’ in Volume 6. This major story arc explores the truth behind the curse that transforms Sanda into Santa Claus, introduces new characters tied to his family’s past, and significantly raises the stakes beyond the school setting.
If you were intrigued by the mysteries introduced in the anime, the manga delivers answers and expands the world in exciting ways. The story moves beyond the high school setting to tackle the deeper implications of the Sanda family’s curse and the strange Christmas tradition it upholds.
Without giving away major spoilers, here’s what you can expect in the “Reunion Arc”:
* The Consequences of the Cliffhanger: The story immediately addresses the fallout from Yagiuda’s actions at the end of the anime.
* Deeper Character Development: The protagonist, Sanda, undergoes significant growth as he confronts the origins of his curse.
* Expanded World and Lore: You will learn more about the Sanda family history and the true nature of the Santa Claus phenomenon.
* Introduction of New Key Characters: The narrative introduces new figures who are crucial to the central plot and have deep connections to Sanda’s past.
This arc resolves many of the anime’s unanswered questions while setting the stage for an even larger, more complex narrative.
Is The Sanda Manga Finished, And How Many Volumes Are There?
Yes, the Sanda manga is finished. It concluded its run in July 2024. The complete series consists of 142 chapters, which are collected into 16 total volumes.
This is excellent news for anyone hesitant to start a series without a guaranteed ending. You can invest your time and energy into reading Sanda knowing that it tells a complete story with a definitive conclusion. You won’t be left on another cliffhanger.
The series was written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki and serialized by publisher Akita Shoten in their popular Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine. Here is a quick summary of the manga’s publication details.
| Sanda Manga: Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Completed |
| Final Chapter | Chapter 142 |
| Completion Date | July 2024 |
| Total Volumes | 16 |
| Author | Paru Itagaki |
| Publisher | Akita Shoten |
| Serialized In | Weekly Shōnen Champion |
Should You Read Sanda From The Beginning Or Start At Chapter 44?
You can safely start the Sanda manga at Chapter 44 as the anime is a very faithful adaptation. However, it is recommended to read from Chapter 1 to fully appreciate author Paru Itagaki’s unique art style, paneling, and minor character details that don’t fully translate to animation.
Deciding whether to start from the beginning or jump ahead is a common dilemma. Based on our analysis, here is a breakdown to help you choose the best path for you.
Reasons to Start at Chapter 44
- ✅ Time-Saving: This is the most efficient way to continue the story if you are purely interested in plot progression.
- ✅ No Plot Gaps: The anime did not skip any major story arcs, characters, or critical plot points.
- 	em;✅ Seamless Transition: The narrative picks up exactly where the anime’s cliffhanger left off, providing immediate continuation.
Reasons to Read from Chapter 1
- 📚 Experience the Original Art: Paru Itagaki’s paneling and character expressions are a core part of the experience. The manga allows you to appreciate her raw, expressive style.
- 📚 Subtle Nuances: While the plot is the same, the manga contains minor character moments, internal thoughts, and subtle background details that add depth.
- 📚 The Full Vision: Reading from the beginning is like watching the “director’s cut.” You get the story exactly as the creator intended it, panel by panel.
Ultimately, if your main goal is to find out what happens next, starting at Chapter 44 is perfectly acceptable. If you are a fan of Paru Itagaki’s work or want the most complete artistic experience, a full read-through is highly rewarding.
Where Can You Officially Read Or Buy The Sanda Manga?
Supporting the official release is the best way to show appreciation for the creator’s hard work. The Sanda manga can be legally accessed through both digital platforms and by purchasing the physical tankōbon volumes. It’s important to use these official channels rather than unofficial scanlation sites to ensure the industry can continue producing great series.
How To Buy The Physical Manga Volumes?
To continue the story in physical form, the best place to start is by purchasing Volume 6. This volume picks up right at the ‘Reunion Arc’ and ensures you don’t miss any of the action following the anime’s cliffhanger. You can find it and subsequent volumes at most major online booksellers.
You can then continue collecting the series up to its conclusion in Volume 16.
FAQs About where does the sanda anime end in the manga
Will There Be A Sanda Season 2?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a second season of the Sanda anime. While the manga’s completed status and the first season’s reception provide enough source material, a renewal depends on factors like streaming performance and production committee decisions. Fans should follow official sources for any updates.
Who Is The Author Of Sanda, And Are They Related To Beastars?
Sanda is written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki, the same acclaimed mangaka behind the massive hit series Beastars. Fans of Beastars will immediately recognize her unique art style, complex character psychology, and penchant for exploring societal themes through unconventional, anthropomorphic, and supernatural concepts.
Is Sanda A Shonen Or Seinen?
Sanda was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Champion, officially categorizing it as a shōnen manga. However, like Paru Itagaki’s other works, it pushes the boundaries of the demographic with its dark fantasy elements, psychological depth, and mature themes, often appealing to older audiences typically associated with seinen.
What Is The Final Chapter of Sanda and Does It Have A Happy Ending?
The final chapter of the Sanda manga is Chapter 142, which provides a definitive conclusion to the story. While “happy” is subjective, the ending resolves the main plotlines concerning Sanda’s curse and his relationships. It is considered a complete and satisfying conclusion to the series without any major cliffhangers.
How Many Chapters Are In Sanda Volume 5?
Sanda Volume 5 contains chapters 36 through 43. The anime’s final episode, Episode 12, adapts the latter part of this volume, specifically chapters 39-43, solidifying that the correct starting point in the manga is the very next chapter, 44, which begins Volume 6.
Was The Sanda Anime A Faithful Adaptation?
Yes, the first season of the Sanda anime is considered a very faithful adaptation of the manga. It does not skip any major plot points or arcs from the first 43 chapters. The primary differences lie in the translation of Itagaki’s unique paneling to animation and minor tonal shifts, but the core narrative is identical.
What Is Sanda Manga About?
Sanda is a dark fantasy, supernatural high school story about a boy named Sanda who has a curse that can transform him into the adult Santa Claus. When a classmate, Fuyumura, discovers his secret, she believes his powerful adult form can help her find a cherished person from her past, thrusting them both into a dangerous world of curses and secrets.
Who Is The Main Antagonist In Sanda?
In the portion of the story covered by the anime, the primary antagonist is the teacher, Yagiuda. He is a fellow individual with a curse who initially hunts Sanda but later takes on a more complex, manipulative role. The manga introduces more significant and powerful antagonists as the story progresses in later arcs.
Is Sanda Manga Worth Reading?
Absolutely. If you enjoyed the anime’s unique premise and characters, the manga is highly recommended. It completes the story, delves deeper into the world’s lore and character psychologies, and fully showcases Paru Itagaki’s distinctive and expressive artwork. The story becomes much larger in scope after the anime’s ending point.
Where does Sanda episode 5 take place in the manga?
Episode 5 of the Sanda anime, which memorably features the school holding a funeral for Ono, adapts chapters 14 through 17 of the manga. This is a key moment that highlights the series’ blend of dark humor and genuine mystery, and it’s faithfully represented from the source material.
Key Takeaways: Sanda Anime to Manga Guide
- The Definitive Starting Point: The Sanda anime ends at Chapter 43. To continue the story, you must start reading from Volume 6, Chapter 44.
- The Story Is Complete: You can invest in reading the manga with confidence. The Sanda manga is finished as of July 2024, with 142 chapters collected in 16 total volumes.
- The Next Arc Is Waiting: Immediately after the anime, the manga begins the “Reunion Arc,” which significantly expands the lore and introduces key characters from Sanda’s past.
- A Faithful Adaptation: The anime is a very loyal adaptation of the first 43 chapters. You can safely start at Chapter 44 without missing major plot points, though reading from the beginning is recommended for fans of the author’s art.
- From the Creator of Beastars: Sanda is created by Paru Itagaki, and it features the same complex characters and unique artistic vision that made Beastars a global hit.
- Official Reading is Key: To support the creator, it’s best to read via official digital platforms or by purchasing the physical volumes. Your starting purchase should be Volume 6.
- No Season 2 Confirmed: As of
2026, a second season has not been announced. Reading the manga is currently the only way to experience the complete story.
Final Thoughts on Continuing The Sanda Story
Transitioning from an anime to its source manga can be daunting, but for Sanda, the path is clear and rewarding. By starting at Volume 6, Chapter 44, you can jump directly into the next phase of the story without missing a beat. With the knowledge that the manga is a complete, 16-volume series from a celebrated creator, you can confidently dive in and experience the entire, fantastic narrative from beginning to end. Happy reading
Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
