Wondering where the Zatch Bell anime ends so you can jump into the manga? You’re not alone; many fans are left with an unsatisfying, anime-original conclusion. This creates a confusing gap when trying to find the story’s true ending.
To continue the Zatch Bell story after the anime, you must start reading the manga at Chapter 212. The anime adaptation begins to significantly deviate from the manga’s canon plot around Episode 139, which covers the start of the Faudo Arc. Beginning at Chapter 212 ensures you bypass the filler ending and transition directly into the manga’s authentic narrative.
Based on a detailed breakdown of both the anime and manga timelines, this guide provides the exact transition point. It clarifies the key differences you’ll encounter and explains what you missed. You’ll discover the manga-only final arc and the true conclusion to the Mamodo Battle.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: The anime diverges significantly starting at Episode 139, making Chapter 212 the universally agreed-upon starting point in the manga to continue the canon story.
- Incomplete Adaptation: The anime only covers approximately two-thirds of the manga, ending after 150 episodes and completely omitting the final story arc, the “Clear Arc.”
- Cancellation Context: The anime’s abrupt end was caused by the animation catching up to the manga’s publication, compounded by a legal dispute between the author, Makoto Raiku, and the publisher, Shogakukan.
- Incomplete English Release: The official English manga publication by Viz Media was cancelled at Volume 25, leaving the final eight volumes and the story’s conclusion untranslated.
- The Story Continues: A direct sequel manga, Zatch Bell!! 2, began serialization in March 2022, continuing the story years after the original manga’s finale.
Where Exactly Does the Zatch Bell Anime End in the Manga?
The definitive answer is to start reading at Chapter 212 of the Zatch Bell manga. While the anime technically ends at Episode 150, it begins to create its own original, non-canon story around Episode 139. This point marks the beginning of the Faudo Arc, where the anime and manga narratives split permanently.
For fans seeking the authentic story created by author Makoto Raiku, skipping the anime’s final episodes (140-150) is essential. These episodes present a rushed, anime-only conclusion to the Faudo Arc and the series as a whole. Starting at Chapter 212 places you right where the canon story continues, ensuring you don’t miss crucial character development and plot points that set up the true finale.
To avoid confusion and filler content, the community consensus is clear: finish watching up to Episode 138 of the anime, then immediately switch to reading the manga starting from Chapter 212.
This approach provides the most seamless transition from the anime’s canon material to the manga’s source material. It allows you to experience the Faudo Arc as it was intended, leading directly into the final, un-animated saga of the series.
Why Did the Zatch Bell Anime End Abruptly?
The Zatch Bell anime was cancelled mainly because it caught up with the ongoing manga, forcing Toei Animation to create an anime-original ending. This is a common issue with long-running shonen anime from that era. Production schedules for weekly anime are much faster than a monthly or even weekly manga release schedule. Once the anime runs out of source material to adapt, the studio must either create filler content or end the series.
A major contributing factor that complicated the situation was a serious legal dispute between the author, Makoto Raiku, and his publisher, Shogakukan. Raiku sued the publisher for losing several of his original color manuscript pages. This lawsuit created significant friction and soured the professional relationship, impacting the franchise’s overall momentum. With the anime already running out of material and the relationship between the creator and publisher strained, the decision was made to conclude the anime after 150 episodes rather than waiting for the manga to get further ahead.
How Does the Faudo Arc Differ Between the Anime and Manga?
The primary difference is that the anime’s Faudo Arc serves as a rushed, series-ending finale, while the manga’s version is a penultimate arc that sets up the true conclusion. The anime condenses and alters significant events to create a self-contained ending. In contrast, the manga uses this arc to introduce deeper character development and plot threads essential for the final saga.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature/Aspect | Anime Version (Episodes 140-150) | Manga Canon (Chapters 212-257) |
|---|---|---|
| Arc Conclusion | Creates a self-contained, anime-original ending. | Serves as a penultimate arc, leading into the final saga. |
| Kiyo’s Condition | The “answer-talker” ability plot point is altered and has a simplified resolution. | The “answer-talker” ability is explored more deeply with lasting consequences that are vital for the final battles. |
| Supporting Cast Fates | Many characters like Ted and Cherish have their roles reduced or their stories left unresolved. | Characters have complete, impactful arcs that contribute directly to the final battle against Clear Note. |
| Post-Arc Transition | The series simply ends. | The story transitions directly into the “Clear Arc” and the final stage of the Mamodo King tournament. |
What Is the Clear Arc? The Manga-Only Final Saga
The Clear Arc is the true final saga of the Zatch Bell manga and was never animated. Spanning from Chapter 258 to the final chapter, 323, this arc introduces the ultimate antagonist, Clear Note. His goal is not simply to win the tournament but the complete annihilation of the Mamodo World. This arc represents the culmination of the entire series, bringing back numerous characters for a final, desperate war.
If the Faudo Arc was the semi-final, the Clear Arc is the grand finale. It is the primary reason fans are strongly encouraged to switch to the manga.
What to Expect in the Clear Arc:
- The Final Antagonist: Meet Clear Note, a mamodo with terrifyingly powerful annihilation spells.
- Ultimate Spells: Witness Zatch, Brago, and other key characters unlock their most powerful “Shin” level spells.
- The True Winner: The tournament to decide the Mamodo King reaches its definitive and emotional conclusion.
- Character Payoffs: The character arcs for Zatch, Kiyo, Brago, Sherry, Tia, Kanchome, and many others receive their proper endings.
How Do You Seamlessly Switch From the Anime to the Manga?
Making the jump from watching the anime to reading the manga is straightforward if you follow these simple steps. This process ensures you don’t miss any canonical story while avoiding the anime’s filler ending.
- Confirm Your Position: Make sure you have watched the anime up to at least Episode 138. This covers all the canon material before the major divergence in the Faudo Arc.
- Locate the Manga: Find the Zatch Bell (also known as Konjiki no Gash!!) manga. You can look for it on digital manga services or check for physical volumes.
- Navigate to Chapter 212: This is your precise starting point. This chapter picks up during the Faudo Arc but follows the true canon storyline that the anime abandons.
- Read to the End: Continue reading from Chapter 212 all the way through the final chapter, 323. This will take you through the canon conclusion of the Faudo Arc and the entire, un-animated Clear Arc.
Pro-Tip: Be aware that the official English physical release by Viz Media is incomplete. They stopped publishing at Volume 25, which is before the manga’s conclusion. To read the final arcs, you may need to rely on fan translations available online, as there is currently no official English version of the complete story.
What Is Zatch Bell!! 2 and How Does It Continue the Story?
Zatch Bell!! 2 is the official manga sequel that began in March 2022, written and illustrated by the original creator, Makoto Raiku. The story is set years after the conclusion of the original manga’s Mamodo King tournament. It follows the characters as they face a new, devastating threat to the Mamodo World, forcing old heroes to return.
The existence of this sequel makes reading the original manga even more crucial. Zatch Bell!! 2 is a direct continuation of the manga’s canon ending, not the anime’s. Its plot and character statuses are based entirely on the events of the Clear Arc. For anyone interested in the current state of the franchise, reading the original manga through Chapter 323 is essential prerequisite knowledge. This new series is a significant piece of information gain, as most older guides were written before its release.
FAQs About where does the zatch bell anime end in the manga
Does Zatch become Mamodo King in the anime?
No, Zatch does not become Mamodo King in the anime. The anime concludes with an original, non-canon ending after a shortened Faudo Arc. The question of who becomes king is left entirely unresolved in the anime adaptation, making the manga essential for the true ending.
Is the entire Zatch Bell manga available in English?
No, the official English physical release of the Zatch Bell manga by Viz Media is incomplete. Due to the legal issues between the author and the Japanese publisher, Viz stopped publication at Volume 25. This means there is currently no official way to read the final arcs and the story’s conclusion in English.
Should I re-read the Faudo Arc in the manga or just skip to the end of it?
It is highly recommended to read the entire Faudo Arc from Chapter 212. The anime significantly changes major plot points, character development (especially for Kiyo), and the arc’s overall conclusion. Reading it in full ensures you understand the proper setup and stakes for the final Clear Arc.
How many chapters are in the Zatch Bell manga?
The original Zatch Bell manga series consists of 323 chapters. These chapters were compiled into 33 volumes (tankōbon) in Japan. The story is fully completed within these chapters, providing a definitive beginning, middle, and end.
Is it better to watch the Zatch Bell anime or read the manga?
For the complete, canon story, reading the manga is definitively better. While the anime is a faithful and enjoyable introduction for the first 100+ episodes, it ultimately tells an incomplete and altered story. The manga provides the true ending, superior character development, and the entire final saga that the anime completely misses.
What is the “Konjiki no Gash!!” name I keep seeing?
“Konjiki no Gash!!” (which translates to “Golden Gash!!”) is the original Japanese title of the series. “Zatch Bell!” was the localized name created and used by Viz Media for the English-language release of both the anime and manga. They refer to the exact same series.
Does Kiyo Takamine die in the series?
No, Kiyo Takamine does not die in the manga. He is put in a near-death situation during the Faudo Arc which becomes a pivotal moment for his character development and the evolution of his “answer-talker” ability. He survives and plays a crucial role until the very end of the series.
Are there any Zatch Bell movies?
Yes, there are two Zatch Bell movies: “Zatch Bell!: 101st Devil” and “Zatch Bell!: Attack of the Mechavulcan.” Both are non-canon side stories that do not affect the main plot. They can be watched for fun at almost any point after the first 50 episodes of the anime.
Who is the strongest mamodo in the series?
While debatable, the manga’s final Clear Arc establishes the main contenders as Zatch, Brago, and the powerful antagonist Clear Note. The final arc showcases incredible new spells and power levels far beyond anything shown in the anime, with Zatch ultimately unlocking his full potential as a mamodo.
Is the Zatch Bell anime censored compared to the manga?
Yes, the English dub of the Zatch Bell anime, especially the version aired on networks like Toonami, featured some censorship. This included altering dialogue to remove mature language, reducing or removing blood and violence, and even changing some character names (e.g., the mamodo Zofis was renamed Zeno Bell). The manga contains more mature themes.
Key Takeaways: Zatch Bell Anime to Manga Guide
- The Critical Transition Point: The anime’s canon story ends around Episode 138. To continue the true narrative without filler, you must start reading the manga from Chapter 212.
- The Missing Final Arc: The anime completely omits the final and most important saga, the “Clear Arc” (Chapters 258-323), which contains the true ending to the Mamodo Battle.
- Why It Ended: The anime’s premature cancellation was due to the production catching up to the manga’s release schedule, which was complicated by a legal dispute between the author and the publisher.
- Faudo Arc is Different: The anime created its own original ending for the Faudo Arc. The manga version is significantly different and essential for setting up the true finale.
- English Release is Incomplete: The official English manga from Viz Media stopped at Volume 25, meaning there is no official English translation for the story’s actual conclusion.
- The Story Continues: A direct sequel manga, Zatch Bell!! 2, began in March 2022, picking up the story years after the original manga’s ending.
Final Thoughts on Completing the Zatch Bell Story
Transitioning from the Zatch Bell anime to the manga is not just a suggestion; it is a necessity for anyone who wants to experience the complete and intended story. The anime serves as a wonderful introduction but ultimately leaves viewers with an unsatisfying, non-canon ending that omits the entire final war for the mamodo crown.
By following this guide and jumping to Chapter 212, you are not just continuing the story—you are uncovering the real one. You will witness the epic conclusion of the Faudo Arc, be introduced to the incredible threat of the Clear Arc, and finally see the emotional and definitive answer to who becomes the Mamodo King. With the story now continuing in Zatch Bell!! 2, there has never been a better time to dive into the source material and experience this classic shonen series in its entirety.
Last update on 2026-02-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
