2026 marks a major moment for fans of Chainsaw Man. Just days ago, creator Tatsuki Fujimoto released Chapter 232, bringing the long-running Academy Saga (Part 2) to its dramatic conclusion. With more than 230 chapters now published, the manga remains one of the most influential modern shonen series of the past decade. Meanwhile, the anime adaptation continues to expand the franchise’s global popularity. Whether you’ve just finished watching Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc or are waiting for Season 2 adapting the International Assassins Arc, many viewers are now asking the same question: where should you start reading the manga after the anime? In this 2026 guide, we’ll explain exactly where the anime ends in the manga and which chapter to start next. We’ll also cover the best free and paid platforms to read Chainsaw Man online, along with a collector’s guide to physical volumes, language editions, and box sets.
Chainsaw Man Manga Overview
Before diving into where to read, it’s essential to understand the structure of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s masterpiece. As of April 2026, the series is divided into two distinct primary sagas, totaling 232 chapters.
Part 1: Public Safety Saga (Chapters 1–97,Volumes 1–11)
The foundation of the phenomenon. This saga introduces us to Denji, Pochita, and the relentless world of Devil Hunters.
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Status: Completed in December 2020.
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Key Arcs: Introduction, Bat Devil, Eternity Devil, Katana Man, Reze (Bomb Girl), International Assassins, Gun Devil, and the Control Devil arc.
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Anime Coverage: Season 1 and the Reze Arc movie cover up to Chapter 52.
Part 2: Academy Saga (Chapters 98–232,Volumes 12–24)
The recently concluded second act. Shifting the focus to high school life and introducing the perspective of Asa Mitaka (the War Devil), this part elevated the series into a psychological and surreal exploration of trauma and fame.
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Status: Completed on March 24, 2026.
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Themes: While Part 1 was a chaotic action-horror, Part 2 leaned heavily into character study, social commentary, and mind-bending subversions of the "shonen" genre.
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Readability: You must finish Part 1 to understand the stakes of Part 2, especially the returning characters and the evolution of the Chainsaw Devil's role in society.
Individual Volumes
While the digital series is complete, the physical tankōbon are still catching up.
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Japanese Edition (Shueisha): 23 volumes are currently available. The final Volume 24 (containing the Chapter 232 finale) is set for release on June 4, 2026.
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English Edition (VIZ Media): Currently lags behind the Japanese release. Volume 20 is arriving on April 9, 2026, followed by Volume 21 on June 2, 2026.
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Collector’s Note: Expect the final English Volume 24 to hit shelves in late 2026 or early 2027.
Where to Start Reading Chainsaw Man After the Anime
With the manga now spanning well over 200 chapters, readers who finished the anime adaptation may wonder where exactly to continue the story. In the next section, we’ll break down where the anime ends in the manga and the best chapter to start reading next.
Scenario A: You’ve only watched Season 1 (12 Episodes)
The first season of the anime concluded with the Katana Man Arc (Chapter 38). If you want to continue immediately without waiting for the movie or Season 2:
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Start Reading from: Chapter 39
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Volume: Volume 5 (near the end)
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What happens next: You’ll enter the Bomb Girl Arc, meeting the fan-favorite character Reze for the first time.
Scenario B: You’ve watched the Reze Arc Movie
If you have seen the Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc (which covers chapters 40–52), you are ready for the most intense part of the Public Safety Saga:
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Start Reading from: Chapter 53
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Volume: Volume 7 (beginning)
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What happens next: You’ll begin the International Assassins Arc, where the scale of the story expands globally, and we are introduced to the terrifying Quanxi and the mysterious Santa Claus.
Scenario C: You want to jump straight to Part 2 (Academy Saga)
While we strongly discourage skipping the end of Part 1 (Chapters 53–97), some fans who have spoiled themselves may want to see Asa Mitaka’s debut:
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Start Reading from: Chapter 98
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Volume: Volume 12
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Note: Chapters 53–97 contain the most critical plot twists and the "true ending" of Denji's first journey. Do not skip these if you value the emotional payoff of the Chapter 232 finale.
Quick Reference Guide
| If you finished... | Start at Chapter... | Start at Volume... |
| Anime Season 1 | Chapter 39 | Volume 5 |
| The Movie: Reze Arc | Chapter 53 | Volume 7 |
| The Entire Part 1 | Chapter 98 | Volume 12 |
Pro-Tip for 2026 Readers: Since the manga is now officially complete at Chapter 232, we highly recommend starting from Chapter 1. Tatsuki Fujimoto’s "cinematic" paneling and raw, gritty art style offer a different atmosphere than the polished MAPPA animation.
Where to Read Chainsaw Man Manga (Digital Platforms)
As of April 2026, you don't need to wait for physical books to catch up. Since the series is officially completed at Chapter 232, these digital platforms are your best bet for an immediate binge-read.
Digital Reading Comparison Table
| Platform | Language | Access Model | Price (USD) | Why Choose This? |
| MANGA Plus (App) | English, Spanish, French, etc. | Hybrid / MAX Subscription | Free (First-Read) / $4.99/mo (Deluxe) | Best for Newcomers: Allows you to read every chapter once for free. Requires MAX Deluxe for unlimited rereads now that the series is finished. |
| Shonen Jump (VIZ) | English | Subscription | $3.99 / month | Best Overall Value: Access the entire 232-chapter vault and Fujimoto’s one-shots (Look Back, Eri) for the lowest monthly price. |
| BookWalker | Japanese, English | Individual Purchase | $6.99 or 543円/ vol | For Purists & Collectors: Best for buying the latest Japanese volumes (Vol. 23 is out; Vol. 24 arrives June 4). Excellent bookshelf UI. |
| Amazon Kindle / Comixology | English, Japanese | Individual Purchase | $6.99/ vol | Seamless Ecosystem: Ideal if you already own a Kindle. Offers the highest resolution for tablets. |
| Apple / Google Books | English, Japanese | Individual Purchase | $6.99 / vol | No App Required: Buy and read directly within your phone's native bookstore. Permanent ownership of the digital files. |
Deep Dive: Choosing the Right Platform in 2026
1. The "Subscription" Route (Best for Binging)
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Shonen Jump App (VIZ): As of 2026, the price has settled at $3.99/month. It is the most reliable way to read the English translation. Since the manga just ended, you can subscribe for one month and marathon all 232 chapters.
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MANGA Plus MAX: Be careful with the tiers! The Standard Plan ($1.99) usually only covers ongoing series. Since Chainsaw Man is now marked as "Completed" (as of March 24), you will likely need the Deluxe Plan ($4.99) to access the full library.
2. The "Ownership" Route (Best for Quality)
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Amazon Kindle / Apple Books: These are "Buy-to-Own." Volume 21 (English) is set for release on June 2, 2026, while Volume 22 is already up for pre-order (expected October 2026). If you want the highest possible image quality without compression, these are superior to the subscription apps.
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BookWalker: This is the go-to for Japanese learners. You can purchase the Japanese digital volumes immediately upon release in Tokyo, which is currently the only way to own the physical equivalent of the final chapters before the English volumes catch up.
3. The "Free" Catch
In April 2026, both MANGA Plus and Shonen Jump still offer the first three and last three chapters for free to everyone. If you just want to see how the Academy Saga (Part 2) ended three days ago, you can jump straight to Chapter 232 on these apps right now without paying a cent.
Physical Manga: The Collector's Guide
With the series officially concluding its 232-chapter run just few days ago (March 24, 2026), the secondary market and retail shelves are hit with "Finale Fever." If you' re looking to own a piece of history, here is the definitive breakdown of the physical editions now.
I. Languages & Editions: Which Version is Right for You?
Depending on your aesthetic preference and reading level, different international editions offer unique features that collectors often prioritize.
| Feature | English Edition (VIZ Media) | Japanese Original (Shueisha) | European Editions (e.g., French) |
| Size | Larger (approx. 5" x 7.5") | Compact (approx. 4.4" x 6.9") | Mid-size (Standard "A5" variant) |
| Dust Jacket | No (Art printed on cover) | Yes (Removable wrap) | Yes (Removable wrap) |
| Logo Design | Stylized "Chainsaw Blade" logo | Minimalist, vertical Japanese text | Sleek, modern typography |
| Paper Quality | Thick, cream-colored paper | Off-white, standard recycled pulp | Bright white, high-contrast ink |
| Best For... | General reading & shelf presence | Purists and Japanese learners | Fans of "Premium" print finishes |
Collector's Note (2026): For those seeking "Grail" items, the German Limited Editions by Egmont are highly sought after this year, featuring holographic variant covers for Volume 1 and Volume 12.
II. Box Sets: Current Status & Predictions
As of April 2026, the "Box Set" experience—a high-quality, themed storage chest—is primarily an exclusive feature of the English editions published by VIZ Media.
1. Part 1: Public Safety Saga Box Set (Volumes 1–11)
This remains the most popular way to start a collection.
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Status: Fully Available.
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Price: ~$114.99 USD (Current sale prices often dip to $79.99 on Amazon).
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Includes: Volumes 1–11, an exclusive double-sided color poster, and a decorative box.
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Verdict: Essential. Even in 2026, this is significantly cheaper than buying the 11 volumes individually.
2. Part 2: Academy Saga (Volumes 12–24)
Because the final chapter (Chapter 232) was released only three days ago, a complete Part 2 Box Set does not exist yet.
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Current Strategy: Collectors are currently buying Individual Volumes (Singles).
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English Release Tracking (VIZ): Volume 20: Releasing March 3, 2026 (Available now).
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Volume 21: Releasing June 2, 2026 (Pre-order open).
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Volume 22: Releasing October 13, 2026 (Pre-order open).
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Japanese Final Volume: Volume 24 (the series finale) hits Japanese shelves on June 4, 2026.
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Box Set Prediction: Based on VIZ Media’s schedule, expect a Part 2 Box Set to be announced in late 2026 for a Summer 2027 release.
3. Japanese "Full Sets" vs. Western "Box Sets"
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Japanese Marketplace: Note that Shueisha (Japan) rarely releases decorative "Box Sets" like VIZ. Instead, you can buy "Full Sets" (1–24 Complete) on Amazon JP or CDJapan, but they are typically standard volumes wrapped together in a plain shipping box rather than a stylized display case.
Where to Buy Physical Chainsaw Man Manga: Official Retailers
I. English Edition (VIZ Media)
Ideal for those who want the exclusive Part 1 Box Set or prefer the larger English print format.
| Retailer | Availability | Shipping Scope | Why Choose This? |
| Amazon | Vol 1–20 + Part 1 Box Set | Worldwide | Price Performance: Generally the lowest prices for the Box Set with the fastest international logistics. |
| Barnes & Noble | Vol 1–20 + Part 1 Box Set | USA | Physical Browsing: Best for US fans to pick up "Singles" in person and check for cover dings. |
| Indigo (Chapters) | Vol 1–20 + Part 1 Box Set | Canada | Plum Rewards: The best local option for Canadians to earn points while completing the Part 2 collection. |
| Waterstones | Vol 1–20 + Part 1 Box Set | UK / Europe | British Standard: The most reliable physical retailer in the UK; look for their "Manga of the Month" stickers. |
| Crunchyroll Store | Vol 1–20 + Part 1 Box Set | North America | Collector Packaging: Renowned for secure, "damage-proof" shipping specifically designed for manga collectors. |
II. Japanese Edition (Shueisha)
Best for the original "Dust Jacket" versions and the Volume 24 Finale (June 4, 2026).
| Retailer | Availability | Shipping Scope | Why Choose This? |
| Kinokuniya | Vol 1–23 (Singles) | Global Cities | In-Person Imports: Best for Sydney (CBD/Chatswood) and NYC fans to buy Japanese copies locally. (Note: No UK retail stores). |
| CDJapan | Vol 1–24 (New) | Worldwide | Pre-order Specialist: The most reliable service for securing First Edition prints and getting the finale on release day. |
| Amazon JP | Vol 1–24 (New) | Worldwide | Bulk Shipping: Offers the most competitive global flat-rates when buying 5+ volumes in a single order. |
| Manga Zenkan | Vol 1–24 (Full Sets) | Worldwide (via Proxy) | The Instant Library: Specializes in "Full Set" bundles; the fastest way to get all 24 volumes in one go. |
| Mandarake | Rare / First Prints | Worldwide | The Grail Hunter: The top choice for finding out-of-print volumes with the original promotional "Obi" bands. |
| Buyee / ZenMarket | Proxy Service | Worldwide | Exclusive Access: Use these to buy from Mercari JP for limited movie-collab merchandise or Jump Shop exclusives. |
Final Collector's Summary:
1. The "Volume 24" Countdown: We are currently 69 days away from the Japanese finale release. If you want a "First Print" copy, CDJapan is your most reliable option for early pre-orders.
2. Part 2 Box Set Status: Reminder—there is currently no official Box Set for Part 2. To own the Academy Saga (Vol 12–24) right now, you must buy the individual volumes. Expect an official VIZ Box Set announcement in late 2026/early 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there going to be a Chainsaw Man Part 3?
As of April, 2026, Shonen Jump+ has not officially confirmed a Part 3. The ending of Chapter 232 felt definitive for Denji’s personal growth, but Tatsuki Fujimoto is known for his "Rule of Three." Many fans point to the cryptic final page as a potential teaser. However, Fujimoto-sensei recently tweeted that he is taking a "long creative break," so don't expect a Part 3 announcement until at least 2027.
2. Is the manga "Volume 24" the final book?
Yes. Volume 24 will contain the final chapters of the Academy Saga and the series conclusion.
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Japanese Release: June 4, 2026.
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English Release (Estimated): Late 2027 (due to the current translation gap, as VIZ is currently on Volume 20).
3. Is the manga different from the anime?
The story is the same, but the "soul" is different.
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Vibe: The manga is raw, punk-rock, and chaotic. The anime is polished, cinematic, and atmospheric.
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Pacing: The manga is a sprint (fast and jarring); the anime is a stroll (slow and detailed).
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Content: The anime is 99% faithful. It cut one minor fight (Muscle Devil) but added beautiful "slice-of-life" scenes for Aki and Power.
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Art: Fujimoto’s sketchy, expressive panels have a unique energy that even high-budget animation can't perfectly replicate.
4. Does the "Universe Reset" mean Part 1 never happened?
Not exactly. Chapter 232 explains that Pochita "erased himself" from the world's history to break Denji's cycle of miser
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The Reality: The events of Part 1 (the tragedies) have been rewritten. Denji is now living a "normal" life as a teenager.
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The Collector's View: This has made the original Part 1 volumes (1–11) even more precious to fans, as they are now seen as a "lost timeline" that only the readers remember.
5. What is "Look Back" Live-Action, and why is it trending alongside the finale?
During the finale week, it was confirmed that the live-action adaptation of Look Back (directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda) will hit international theaters in late 2026. Fans are calling 2026 "The Year of Fujimoto" because we are getting the manga finale, the Reze Arc movie, and a prestige live-action film all in one year.
6. What should I read now that Chainsaw Man is over?
If you are suffering from "Chainsaw-withdrawal," here are the top 2026 recommendations:
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For the "Fujimoto vibe": Read his one-shots Look Back and Goodbye, Eri if you haven't already.
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For the "Dark Action": Check out Kagurabachi (which is hitting its peak in 2026) or Dandadan (written by Fujimoto's former assistant).
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For the "Surrealism": Try Centuria, the breakout hit of 2025/2026 on Jump+.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Chainsaw Man
With the release of Chapter 232, Tatsuki Fujimoto has officially brought Denji’s long, chaotic, and often heartbreaking journey to a close. Whether you are a newcomer starting from Chapter 1 or a veteran collector hunting for the final Volume 24 (releasing June 4), the "Academy Saga" has solidified Chainsaw Man as a modern masterpiece that defies all shonen tropes.
Summary for Readers & Collectors:
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For the Story: If you’ve finished the anime or the blockbuster Reze Arc Movie, start reading from Chapter 53 to experience the peak of the Public Safety Saga.
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For the Collection: Grab the Part 1 Box Set now, and prepare your shelves for the Part 2 Box Set expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
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For the Future: While the manga has concluded with a bold "Universe Reset," the franchise remains more alive than ever. With Season 2 (Assassins Arc) in production and Fujimoto’s live-action "Look Back" hitting theaters soon, 2026 is truly the "Year of Chainsaw Man."
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s work has always been about the struggle to find "normalcy" in a mad world. As Denji finally finds his peace in the finale, there’s no better time to own, read, and celebrate this iconic series. Thank you for reading, and as the final page of Chapter 232 says: "Please look forward to Fujimoto-sensei’s next work!"