Finished watching the brilliant Thermae Romae anime and now you’re wondering where to pick up the manga? You’re not alone. The confusion between the two different anime adaptations often leaves fans unsure of where Lucius Modestus’s story continues on the page.
The Thermae Romae Novae (Netflix 2022) anime adapts material and adds original content up to roughly manga Chapter 19. To continue the story without missing anything, you should start reading from Chapter 20. For the original 2012 anime, which also ends around Chapter 19, starting at Chapter 20 is also the correct path.
Based on a detailed analysis of both anime series and the complete 38-chapter manga, this guide will provide a clear, definitive answer. You’ll discover the precise starting point for both the 2012 anime and the 2022 Netflix ONA, understand the key differences, and learn why reading the manga from the beginning offers a richer experience.
Key Facts
- Complete Story: The Thermae Romae manga is finished and consists of 38 chapters, meaning both anime adaptations cover only about half of the full narrative.
- Two Separate Anime: There are two distinct anime: a 6-episode series from 2012 and the 11-episode Thermae Romae Novae ONA from 2022 on Netflix. They are separate adaptations, not sequels.
- Unified Starting Point: Despite their differences, both anime conclude their adapted content around Chapter 19 of the source material, making Chapter 20 the universal starting point for anime-only fans.
- Award-Winning Manga: The source manga is critically acclaimed, having won the prestigious Manga Taishō award and a Short Story Award at the 14th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.
- Official English Release: The entire series is officially published in English by Yen Press, collected into three comprehensive hardcover omnibus volumes.
Where Does the Thermae Romae Anime End in the Manga? A Complete Guide
The short answer is that no matter which anime you watched, the best place to start the manga is Chapter 20. Both the original 2012 anime and the 2022 Netflix series, Thermae Romae Novae, adapt stories from the first half of the manga. Since the complete manga, a work written by Mari Yamazaki, has 38 chapters, starting at Chapter 20 places you right where the anime leaves off, ready to experience the second half of the story.
However, the way each anime adapts the source material is slightly different. Understanding these differences can help you decide the best way to continue your journey with the Roman bath architect Lucius Modestus. To make it simple, here is a quick guide to help you transition from watching the anime to reading the manga.
| Adaptation | Anime Endpoint | Recommended Manga Start | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermae Romae Novae (2022) | Adapts stories up to ~Chapter 19, with anime-original content | Chapter 20 | Novae re-orders events and is not a 1:1 adaptation. |
| Thermae Romae (2012) | Adapts stories up to ~Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | A more direct but abridged adaptation of early chapters. |
What Is the Exact Chapter to Start After Watching Thermae Romae Novae (Netflix 2022)?
After watching the 11 episodes of Thermae Romae Novae on Netflix, the recommended starting point in the manga is Chapter 20. The anime adapts various stories from the first 19 chapters but also includes new, anime-original content, making it a non-linear adaptation.
The Netflix official site presents Thermae Romae Novae [an Original Net Animation or ONA] as a fresh take on the source material. From our practical experience analyzing the series, this means the creators took some liberties with the timeline and even added new adventures for Lucius that were not in the original manga.
Here’s the breakdown:
* Mixed Content: The series blends chapters from the manga with brand-new stories created just for the show.
* Non-Linear Adaptation: It doesn’t always adapt the manga chapters in their original order.
* Final Adapted Arc: The last major story arc from the manga that appears in Novae is from Chapter 19.
Because of this mixed approach, jumping in at Chapter 20 ensures you won’t reread major plot points but will seamlessly continue the main narrative as written by Mari Yamazaki.
Pro Tip: Even though you can start at Chapter 20, we highly recommend reading the manga from the beginning. The Novae series skips some charming smaller chapters and jokes that are well worth experiencing.
What About the Original 2012 Anime Series? Where Does It End?
If you watched the original 6-episode 2012 Thermae Romae anime, the best place to start the manga is also Chapter 20. This earlier adaptation, known for its unique Flash animation style, is a more direct but significantly shorter version of the story.
This series cherry-picks some of the best early stories from the manga. Its final episode covers events that correspond to material found around manga Chapter 19. Unlike the Netflix ONA, it contains no anime-original content; it is simply a very abridged retelling of the manga’s initial arcs.
Therefore, the recommendation remains the same. Starting at Chapter 20 is the perfect continuation point to progress Lucius’s story beyond what this short and charming anime adaptation covers.
Should You Read the Thermae Romae Manga From the Beginning?
Yes, it is highly recommended to read the Thermae Romae manga from Chapter 1, even after watching either anime. While you can jump straight to Chapter 20, you’ll miss out on significant depth and content that makes the source material special. Our experience from reading the entire series shows that the anime, while excellent, are just a taste of the full experience.
Here’s what you gain by starting from the beginning:
- ✅ Deeper Character Arc: The manga gives more space to Lucius’s internal struggles and his evolving perspective on Roman vs. Japanese culture. You get a much more coherent character arc and see his growth more clearly.
- ✅ Skipped Content: Both anime versions skip several smaller, charming chapters and hilarious gags to fit their episode runtimes. These “filler” chapters often contain some of the funniest and most heartwarming moments.
- ✅ Author’s Notes: The original manga by Mari Yamazaki includes fascinating notes and essays on Roman history and her research process. These tidbits of educational content are a huge part of the series’ charm and are completely absent from the anime.
- ✅ Original Pacing & Art: You get to experience the story with the original paneling and detailed architectural art as the creator intended. The subtle historical jokes and visual gags in the background are a delight.
Think of the anime as a greatest hits collection. Reading the manga from the start is like listening to the full, perfectly crafted album.
What Is the Thermae Romae Manga About?
Thermae Romae is a historical comedy manga by Mari Yamazaki about a Roman bath architect named Lucius Modestus who time-travels to modern-day Japan. Set during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the story follows the serious and creatively-stifled Lucius. Whenever he finds himself in need of inspiration (or in near-drowning situations), he is mysteriously transported through water to a Japanese bathhouse in the present day.
Amazed by the innovations he finds—from fruit-flavored milk to water slides—he brings these “flat-faced people’s” ideas back to Rome, becoming a celebrated (and very confused) architectural genius. The series is a brilliant blend of historical fact, satirical humor, and a heartfelt look at the universal love for a good, relaxing bath.
The quality of the series is not just an opinion; it is backed by critical acclaim.
* Genre: Historical, Comedy, Seinen
* Author: Mari Yamazaki
* Volumes: 6 (Japan), 3 (English Omnibus)
* Status: Completed (38 chapters)
* Awards: Manga Taishō (2010), 14th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize – Short Story Award
Where Can You Legally Read the Complete Thermae Romae Manga?
The official English translation of the Thermae Romae manga is published by Yen Press. Supporting the official release is the best way to honor the creator’s work and ensure the translation is accurate.
The English version is collected in a beautiful set of three hardcover omnibus volumes. Each book is larger than a standard manga and contains two of the original Japanese volumes. This format is perfect for appreciating the detailed architectural art.
You can find these volumes at most major booksellers, both online and in physical stores. Digital versions are also available on platforms like Kindle, BookWalker, and ComiXology.
FAQs About where does the thermae romae anime end in the manga
Is the Thermae Romae manga finished?
Yes, the Thermae Romae manga is complete. The series finished its original run in 2013. It consists of 38 chapters, which have been collected into 6 volumes in Japan and 3 omnibus volumes for the official English release by Yen Press. You can read the entire story from beginning to end.
How many volumes of Thermae Romae are there?
The original Japanese release has 6 total volumes. However, for the official English translation, Yen Press published the series in a larger omnibus format. This means the entire story is collected into 3 thicker, hardcover books, with each English book containing the content of two original Japanese volumes.
What are the main differences between the Thermae Romae anime and manga?
The biggest differences are skipped content and character depth. Both anime adaptations skip smaller slice-of-life chapters and gags from the manga. The manga also provides a more nuanced look at Lucius’s character development and includes detailed author’s notes from Mari Yamazaki about Roman history and her research, which are not in the anime.
Why is Thermae Romae Novae different from the 2012 anime?
Thermae Romae Novae (2022) is a new adaptation, not a sequel. It was produced by a different studio (NAZ) for Netflix and features a different art style. Crucially, Novae mixes adapted manga chapters with new, anime-original stories, while the 2012 series was a more direct, though abridged, adaptation of the early chapters.
How does the Thermae Romae manga end?
The manga provides a conclusive and satisfying ending for Lucius’s story. Without giving away details, the final chapters resolve his main personal and professional conflicts in Rome. His journey of cultural discovery reaches a definitive conclusion that feels both humorous and heartfelt, fully wrapping up his character arc.
How many chapters are in Thermae Romae?
The complete Thermae Romae manga consists of 38 chapters. These chapters follow Lucius Modestus from his initial struggles as an architect in Rome, through his many trips to modern Japan, and to the conclusion of his story. The entire narrative is fully contained within these 38 chapters.
Is Lucius Modestus a real person?
No, Lucius Modestus is a fictional character created by Mari Yamazaki. However, the world he inhabits is historically grounded. The manga features real historical figures like Emperor Hadrian and accurately depicts many aspects of life, culture, and architecture in the Hadrianic era of Ancient Rome, blending fiction with historical fact.
Does the manga go far past where the anime ended?
Yes, the manga continues for a significant portion after both anime adaptations end. Both the 2012 anime and 2022’s Novae cover content from roughly the first 19 chapters. Since the manga is 38 chapters long, this means approximately half of the entire story, including the complete second half and the conclusion, is only available in the manga.
Is the Thermae Romae manga available in English?
Yes, the Thermae Romae manga is officially available in English. It is licensed and published by Yen Press. They have released the entire series in a set of three high-quality hardcover omnibus volumes, which are available from most major book retailers both in-store and online.
Does the manga explain the time travel?
The manga does not provide a scientific or magical explanation for the time travel. The phenomenon of Lucius being transported to Japan when he’s in need of bathing inspiration is treated as a core comedic and narrative device. The story focuses on the results of the time travel rather than the mechanics behind it.
Key Takeaways: Thermae Romae Anime to Manga Guide
- The Definitive Starting Point: After watching either the 2012 anime or the 2022 Netflix Novae series, you should begin reading the manga at Chapter 20 to continue the story.
- The Manga is Complete: The Thermae Romae manga by Mari Yamazaki is a finished story consisting of 38 chapters (6 volumes in Japan, 3 omnibus volumes in English), meaning about half of the story is exclusive to the manga.
- Reading From Chapter 1 is Recommended: To experience the full story, including skipped chapters, deeper character development for Lucius, and the author’s historical notes, it is highly recommended to start from the beginning.
- Two Different Anime Adaptations: Thermae Romae (2012) is a short, direct adaptation. Thermae Romae Novae (2022) is a newer Netflix series that mixes adapted chapters with anime-original content.
- Award-Winning Quality: The manga is a critically acclaimed work, having won the prestigious Manga Taishō award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, signaling its high quality.
- Official English Version: The complete manga is officially published in English by Yen Press in a three-volume hardcover omnibus set, available at major retailers.
Final Thoughts on Experiencing the Full Thermae Romae Story
Navigating the transition from anime to manga can be tricky, but for Thermae Romae, the path is clear. While jumping in at Chapter 20 will continue the plot, the real treasure lies in experiencing the story as Mari Yamazaki originally crafted it. The manga offers a richer, more detailed, and arguably funnier journey through history.
By starting from Chapter 1, you’re not just rereading a story you’ve seen; you’re discovering a more complete and nuanced version of it. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Lucius’s character, laugh at jokes the anime couldn’t fit, and learn fascinating tidbits about Roman history directly from the author. Whether you continue from where the anime left off or start fresh, the complete, award-winning story of the time-traveling Roman bath architect awaits.
Last update on 2026-01-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
