Wondering where the Slam Dunk anime ends and where to start the manga? You’ve reached the frustrating cliffhanger of episode 101 and need to know what happens next in the National Tournament.
To continue the Slam Dunk story after watching all 101 anime episodes, start reading the manga at Chapter 198, which is the beginning of Volume 22. This chapter marks the start of the unadapted National Tournament arc, leading directly into the highly anticipated Shohoku vs. Toyotama match.
Based on a direct analysis of the source material, this guide provides the exact starting point to seamlessly transition from anime to manga. You’ll discover why the anime ended, how the new movie fits in, and what incredible story arcs you have to look forward to.
Key Facts
- Anime Conclusion: The 101-episode anime series concludes right before the start of the National Tournament, leaving the most celebrated arc completely unadapted.
- Definitive Manga Starting Point: To continue the story without missing any plot, you must start reading at Chapter 198, which begins Volume 22 of the original manga release.
- The ‘First Slam Dunk’ Movie’s Role: The 2026 film adapts the final manga match (Shohoku vs. Sannoh) but is a reimagining from a different character’s perspective, not a direct sequel to the TV anime.
- Complete Story: The manga contains the full, definitive story with a conclusive ending, unlike the anime’s abrupt stop, resolving all major character arcs.
- Edition Differences: The manga has multiple versions; the original 31-volume
Tankōbonand the deluxe 24-volumeKanzenban. The starting volume number is different for each.
Where Does the Slam Dunk Anime End and What Manga Chapter Should You Start With?
The definitive answer is to start reading Slam Dunk at Chapter 198. This chapter kicks off Volume 22 of the original 31-volume manga release and throws you directly into the action of the National Tournament, the arc the anime never adapted. The final anime episode, 101, concludes as the Shohoku team departs for the Nationals, making Chapter 198 the perfect, seamless continuation of the story.
While the anime’s final few episodes (specifically 97-101) do cover the team’s training and preparation, they contain anime-original content. This means the events shown are slightly different from what happens in the corresponding manga chapters (190-197). Because of this deviation, jumping straight to Chapter 198 provides a cleaner transition and maintains the story’s momentum.
For absolute clarity, here is a breakdown of the divergence point:
| Content Point | Anime (Final Episodes) | Manga Equivalent | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter-High Prep | Episodes 97-101 | Chapters 190-197 | Anime-original training/practice matches |
| Departure for Nationals | End of Episode 101 | Chapter 197 | The anime ends as the team leaves |
| National Tournament Start | Not adapted | Chapter 198 | This is the recommended starting point |
Why Does the Anime Deviate Slightly in Its Final Episodes?
You might wonder if you are missing “canon” story by skipping the manga chapters that technically align with the last few anime episodes. The simple answer is no. The practice matches and training montages in episodes 97-101 are largely anime-original content, a common practice for shows in the 90s needing to create a conclusive finale for television.
In the world of anime and manga, “canon” refers to the events that happened in the original source material created by the author. Anything added by the animation studio is considered “non-canon” or “filler.”
Here’s what makes the final anime episodes different from the manga:
* Practice Matches: The anime features practice games against Shohoku alumni and other teams that are not present in the manga.
* Pacing: The anime expands on the training period to fill out its final episodes, whereas the manga moves more quickly toward the Nationals.
Pro Tip: While you can start reading from Chapter 190 to see author Takehiko Inoue’s version of the pre-tournament training, most readers find it more exciting to jump straight to the new material at Chapter 198. This lets you dive right into the unadapted story you’ve been waiting for.
Why Was the Slam Dunk Anime Cancelled Before the National Tournament?
The abrupt ending of the Slam Dunk anime before its most anticipated arc is a source of frustration for fans. While there has never been an official statement from Toei Animation or author Takehoku Inoue, there are two widely accepted theories for the cancellation.
The most likely reason is that the weekly anime production caught up to the manga’s publication schedule. This was a very common issue for weekly anime series in the 1990s.
* Production Pipeline Issues: The anime was releasing episodes every week, while the manga was being developed on a similar, if not slightly slower, schedule. Eventually, the anime ran out of source material to adapt.
* Avoiding Filler: Rather than creating a long series of non-canon “filler” arcs to wait for the manga to get ahead (a tactic used by other long-running shows), the studio likely decided to end the series at a logical stopping point—the conclusion of the Inter-High qualifying arc.
A second, less substantiated theory points to potential creative differences between the author and the animation studio, but this remains speculation. The production catching up to the source material is the most historically consistent and logical explanation for why the series concluded at episode 101.
How Does ‘The First Slam Dunk’ Movie Affect Your Manga Reading Order?
This is a major point of confusion for fans, but the answer is simple: the movie does not change your manga reading order. ‘The First Slam Dunk’ movie adapts the final manga arc, the Shohoku vs. Sannoh match, but it is not a direct sequel to the anime. It’s a reimagining that retells the story from the perspective of point guard Ryota Miyagi, adding new backstory not found in the original manga.
The film was written and directed by the series creator, Takehiko Inoue, himself. This gives it canonical authority, but it’s designed as a companion piece, not a replacement for the manga’s narrative. Watching the movie first will spoil the outcome of the entire National Tournament.
For the best, most impactful experience, follow this order:
1. Finish the 101-episode anime.
2. Read the manga starting from Chapter 198 all the way to the end (Chapter 276).
3. Watch ‘The First Slam Dunk’ movie to see the epic final match brought to life with a fresh perspective.
Following this path allows you to experience the story’s buildup and conclusion as Inoue originally wrote it, then enjoy the film as a brilliant alternate telling.
What Key Story Arcs and Character Growth Does the Anime Miss?
Finishing the anime is like stopping a seven-course meal after the appetizer. Reading the manga is absolutely worth it, as you are missing the most critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant parts of the entire series.
Here’s a spoiler-light preview of what you’ll get to experience:
* The Full National Tournament: The anime only covers the qualifiers. The manga details the entire national championship, where Shohoku faces Japan’s strongest high school teams.
* Shohoku vs. Toyotama: The first match in the Nationals is a brutal, fast-paced game against a team known for its aggressive “run and gun” style and dirty tactics.
* The Legendary Shohoku vs. Sannoh Match: This is the heart of the unadapted story. The match against the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo, is widely considered one of the greatest and most realistic portrayals of a game in sports manga history.
* Hanamichi Sakuragi’s True Awakening: Sakuragi’s journey from a loud-mouthed amateur to a genuine “Tensai” (genius) basketball player culminates during the Nationals. His development, including his mastery of the 20,000 jump shots training, is central to the final arc.
* The Story After the Story: ’10 Days After’: What many guides miss is this special epilogue. Years after the manga ended, Takehiko Inoue drew a short series on school blackboards showing what the characters were doing in the ten days following the manga’s conclusion. It’s a beautiful and essential piece of closure for fans.
Which Version of the Slam Dunk Manga Should You Read?
Once you decide to read, you’ll face one last choice: which version? The two main versions of the Slam Dunk manga are the original 31-volume Tankōbon and the 24-volume Kanzenban (Perfect Edition). The content is the same, but the formatting and volume numbering are different.
It’s crucial to know which one you are buying, as the post-anime starting volume number changes.
| Feature | Tankōbon (Original) | Kanzenban (Perfect Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Volumes | 31 | 24 |
| Starting Volume (Post-Anime) | Volume 22 | Volume 15 |
| Page Size | Standard manga size | Larger (A5) |
| Cover Art | Original 90s art | New art by Inoue |
| Availability | Common, often in box sets | Harder to find, premium price |
| Recommendation | Best for accessibility | Best for collectors |
The Tankōbon is the most common and what most online guides refer to when they say “start at Volume 22.” The Kanzenban is a premium, high-quality collector’s edition with larger pages that better showcase Inoue’s incredible artwork in the later chapters.
FAQs About Continuing Slam Dunk
How does the Slam Dunk manga end?
The Slam Dunk manga concludes after the National Tournament with a definitive but realistic ending. It resolves the main character arcs and the Shohoku team’s journey while leaving the future open-ended, reflecting the nature of high school sports. It does not end on a cliffhanger like the anime.
Does Shohoku win the National Championship?
This is the biggest question for anime-only fans, but revealing the answer would be a major spoiler. The journey through the National Tournament and the outcome of the Shohoku vs. Sannoh match is the core experience of the final manga arc. It is highly recommended to read it to experience the story as intended by Takehiko Inoue.
Is the Slam Dunk manga better than the anime?
Most fans agree the manga is superior, primarily because it tells the complete story. The anime is a beloved 90s classic, but Takehiko Inoue’s evolving artwork in the later manga volumes, especially during the Sannoh match, reaches a level of detail and dynamic intensity that the animation couldn’t fully capture.
How many chapters and volumes does the Slam Dunk manga have?
The original Slam Dunk manga consists of 276 chapters, collected into 31 tankōbon volumes. The updated Kanzenban (Perfect Edition) release contains the same story but is collected into 24 larger volumes.
What happens to Hanamichi Sakuragi at the end?
Sakuragi experiences significant growth and faces a major personal challenge during the final match. His final moments in the manga are iconic and perfectly encapsulate his journey from a delinquent to a true basketball player. His story concludes in a hopeful and fitting way.
Does Rukawa go to America?
Rukawa’s ambition to play in America is a key part of his character arc in the final manga chapters. The manga provides a clear resolution to his immediate plans after a pivotal conversation during the National Tournament, clarifying his path forward.
Is it okay to skip the manga and just watch ‘The First Slam Dunk’?
You can, but it is not recommended for the full experience. The movie assumes you know the characters and focuses heavily on Ryota Miyagi’s perspective. You would miss the buildup, the context of the other characters’ struggles, and the original narrative flow of the legendary Sannoh match.
Will there be a Slam Dunk anime remake or sequel?
There has been no official announcement of a full anime remake or a sequel series to the original 101 episodes. While ‘The First Slam Dunk’ movie was a massive success, it was a passion project by Takehiko Inoue. For now, the manga remains the only way to experience the complete story.
What is ‘Slam Dunk: 10 Days After’?
’10 Days After’ is a special epilogue that Takehiko Inoue drew on school blackboards in 2026 to commemorate the series. It shows what the main characters were doing in the ten days following the conclusion of the manga. It’s a short but meaningful piece of content that provides closure for fans.
Where can I read the Slam Dunk manga officially?
The Slam Dunk manga is licensed by Viz Media in North America. You can purchase physical volumes from bookstores and online retailers, or read it digitally through services like the Viz Manga app or the Shonen Jump app, depending on your region.
Key Takeaways: Continuing the Slam Dunk Saga
- The Definitive Starting Point: To continue the story after anime episode 101, begin reading at manga Chapter 198, which is the start of Volume 22 of the original 31-volume release.
- The Missing Arc is Crucial: The anime stops right before the National Tournament arc, which includes the legendary Shohoku vs. Sannoh match. This is widely considered the best part of the entire series.
- The Movie is a Reimagining, Not a Sequel: ‘The First Slam Dunk’ adapts the Sannoh match but retells it from Ryota Miyagi’s perspective. For the best, spoiler-free experience, read the manga first, then watch the movie.
- The Manga’s Ending is Complete: Unlike the anime’s abrupt stop, the manga provides a satisfying and definitive conclusion to Shohoku’s journey and the character arcs of Sakuragi, Rukawa, and the team.
- Choose Your Manga Edition Wisely: The manga is available in a 31-volume Tankōbon (original) and a 24-volume Kanzenban (deluxe) edition. The starting volume number differs between them, so be aware of which version you are buying.
Final Thoughts on Experiencing the Full Slam Dunk Story
Transitioning from the Slam Dunk anime to the manga isn’t just about continuing a story; it’s about experiencing the complete, unfiltered vision of a master storyteller. The anime brilliantly introduced you to the world of Shohoku High, but the manga is where the legend is forged. The unadapted National Tournament arc is a masterclass in sports narrative, character development, and artistic expression.
By starting at Chapter 198, you are stepping onto the court for the real finals. You are about to witness one of the most celebrated arcs in manga history and find a truly satisfying conclusion to a story that has captivated fans for decades. The journey is more than worth it.
Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
