As the Winter 2024 anime lineup begins to wind down, one of the earliest shows to reach its conclusion is the television anime adaptation of the Chained Soldier manga series.

While opinions among fans varied, with some expressing mixed feelings about the production, it undeniably generated significant buzz leading up to its debut.

Regardless of differing viewpoints, many viewers remained engaged with the anime throughout its inaugural season, intrigued by the unfolding narrative and the potential depth it could bring to the overarching storyline.

While the initial season may not have gone as deeply into these aspects as some had hoped, it lays the groundwork for future developments, hinting at potential plotlines to be explored in a second season, as depicted in the ongoing Chained Soldier manga.

In light of this, and with no official announcement regarding a second season following the conclusion of the anime, fans who have reached the end of the series are turning to the source material—the Chained Soldier manga—to continue their journey.

However, given the substantial content omitted from the television adaptation, some fans find themselves unsure about where to pick up in the manga to align with their desired experience.

For those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of the Chained Soldier universe, starting from the beginning of the manga is recommended.

This approach allows readers to immerse themselves fully in the rich narrative and character development that may have been condensed or altered in the anime adaptation.

However, for those eager to explore new plotlines introduced in the anime’s first season, starting from the corresponding point in the manga—typically indicated by the conclusion of the anime—offers a more streamlined transition while still providing access to fresh story arcs and character revelations.

Navigating Chained Soldier Manga After Season One

With the conclusion of the first season of the television anime adaptation, fans now have a clearer picture of how much of the Chained Soldier manga series made its way into the initial 12 episodes.

It’s revealed that the adaptation condensed a total of 44 chapters, averaging around 3.67 chapters per episode. While theoretically, readers could start from chapter 45, there are compelling reasons why starting earlier might be preferable.

The pacing of the adaptation, clocking in at a slightly higher-than-average rate of 3.67 chapters per episode, is notable. Typically, seasonal anime aim for around 3 chapters per episode, making Chained Soldier’s pacing faster than the norm.

This accelerated pace can be attributed to certain material being trimmed due to censorship constraints for Japanese broadcast television. Regardless of airing in a late-night slot, some scenes from the manga had to be excised.

While these cuts may not significantly impact the plot, they present an intriguing dilemma for fans looking to transition to the manga.

For those solely interested in continuing the narrative, starting from chapter 44 may suffice. While this revisits scenes from the season one finale, it ensures readers have the necessary context for the events unfolding in chapter 45.

However, for readers seeking the complete, unfiltered experience of the series, beginning from chapter 1 is recommended. This approach allows fans to go into the unabridged version of the story as originally envisioned by the mangaka, encompassing all the material omitted from the anime adaptation.

Though these excised segments may not drastically alter the overarching plot, they offer insights into elements of the manga that didn’t make it to the screen, potentially adding depth and intrigue to the reading experience.