If you’re wondering how many volumes of Chainsaw Man there are, the answer depends on whether you mean the original manga run, the ongoing sequel, or the total number released so far. As of the latest widely available publication information, Chainsaw Man is divided into two parts and has 20 tankōbon volumes in total across both parts.
Below is a simple reading guide that explains the series structure, how the volumes are organized, and what new readers should know before starting.
How many volumes of Chainsaw Man are there?
There are 20 volumes of Chainsaw Man so far. The series is split into Part 1 and Part 2, with Part 1 collected in 11 volumes and Part 2 continuing the story in additional volumes. Because the manga is still ongoing, the total may increase over time.
How the series is organized
Part 1: Public Safety arc
Part 1 is the first major section of the manga and introduces the world, the central cast, and the story’s core conflicts. It is collected in 11 volumes and is often the part most readers mean when they first ask about the series.
Part 2: The school-era continuation
Part 2 continues the manga after the events of Part 1 and shifts the focus to new circumstances while still connecting to the original characters and themes. It has been collected in additional volumes, bringing the current total to 20 volumes.
What is Chainsaw Man about?
Chainsaw Man, by Tatsuki Fujimoto, is a dark fantasy action manga that follows Denji, a young man trapped in poverty and debt before a violent transformation changes his life. The series mixes horror, absurd comedy, emotional vulnerability, and fast-paced action, which gives it a style that feels both chaotic and surprisingly intimate.
Why the story stands out
The manga is known for refusing to stay in one lane. It can move from brutal monster battles to awkward humor or sudden sadness, often within the same chapter, and that tonal instability is part of its identity.
Reading order for new readers
If you want to read the series in the clearest possible way, the order is straightforward:
- Read Part 1, Volumes 1–11
- Continue with Part 2, starting after Volume 11
There is no complicated side-series reading order for the main manga. If you are reading physically, the simplest approach is to begin with Volume 1 and proceed in numerical order.
What themes does the manga explore?
Desire and survival
At its core, the series is about what people want and what they are willing to sacrifice to get it. Denji’s early motivation is simple and almost painfully human, which makes the story’s larger emotional swings more effective.
Identity and transformation
The manga repeatedly asks what remains of a person when their body, role, or social position changes. That question is built into the premise, but it also appears through the supporting cast and the way the series handles power and agency.
Connection and loneliness
Despite its violence, Chainsaw Man is often most affecting when it shows characters struggling to understand one another. The story uses action and spectacle to underline how isolated many of its characters are.
Main characters readers usually meet first
- Denji — the protagonist, whose blunt practicality and emotional hunger drive much of the story.
- Pochita — the chainsaw devil who is central to Denji’s transformation and the series’ premise.
- Makima — a major early figure whose presence shapes the tone and direction of Part 1.
- Aki Hayakawa — an important supporting character whose role deepens the emotional stakes.
- Power — one of the series’ most memorable characters, known for her volatile energy and comic unpredictability.
Is Chainsaw Man hard to start?
Not especially. The opening is fast, direct, and easy to follow, even if the world itself becomes increasingly strange. New readers usually adapt quickly because the series explains its rules through action rather than long exposition.
What to expect in tone and style
Expect sharp shifts in mood, graphic violence, and a narrative that often uses shock as a storytelling tool. At the same time, the manga is carefully structured, with recurring motifs and emotional payoffs that become clearer as the story progresses.
Why the volume count matters for readers
Knowing how many volumes of Chainsaw Man there are helps you plan your reading pace, collect the series in print, or decide whether to start now or wait for more chapters. It also matters because the split between Part 1 and Part 2 affects how readers think about the story’s structure.
For collectors
If you prefer physical manga, checking the current volume count helps you avoid confusion between the original run and the ongoing continuation. Since the series is still being published, it is worth confirming the latest release list before buying.
For binge readers
If you like to read in large stretches, Chainsaw Man works well that way because its chapters are short, momentum-driven, and often end on strong hooks. The volume format also makes it easy to track major turning points in the story.
How Chainsaw Man compares to other manga
Readers often compare it to other dark fantasy or action manga, but it stands apart because of its tonal range. It is not simply grim or brutal; it is also playful, emotionally raw, and often deliberately strange, which makes it feel less formulaic than many genre peers.
Best fit for readers who enjoy
- fast-moving supernatural action
- unpredictable storytelling
- morally complicated characters
- dark humor mixed with emotional drama
- manga that balances spectacle with character psychology
Quick answer recap
How many volumes of Chainsaw Man are there? There are 20 volumes so far, with the manga divided into Part 1 and Part 2. If you are starting fresh, begin with Volume 1 and read in order through the current release list.
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