Manga Reading Order for Confusing Series
Introduction
Some manga series aren’t as straightforward as reading from Volume 1 to the final volume. Between prequels, spin-offs, sequels, alternate timelines, and adaptations, it can get tricky to figure out the correct manga reading order for certain titles. Whether you’re a newcomer or revisiting a favorite, this guide outlines how to read some of the most confusing manga series in the right order to avoid spoilers and fully understand the plot.
Fate Series
Recommended Manga Reading Order:
- Fate/Zero (Prequel)
- Fate/stay night
- Fate Route (rare in manga, mainly visual novel)
- Unlimited Blade Works
- Heaven’s Feel
Why It’s Confusing:
The Fate franchise spans multiple timelines and character versions. Reading chronologically can clarify the narrative, but publication order reveals plot twists more naturally.
Tokyo Ghoul
Recommended Manga Reading Order:
- Tokyo Ghoul (Vol. 1–14)
- Tokyo Ghoul:re (Vol. 1–16)
Why It’s Confusing:
Many readers mistake Tokyo Ghoul:re for a reboot rather than a direct sequel. Reading in order is crucial for understanding character development and lore.
Berserk
Recommended Manga Reading Order:
- The Black Swordsman Arc (Vol. 1–3)
- The Golden Age Arc (Vol. 3–14)
- Continue forward from Vol. 14 onward
Why It’s Confusing:
The story starts mid-journey, then flashes back to the beginning. While reading chronologically is possible, the publication order is preferred for pacing and impact.
Hellsing and Hellsing: The Dawn
Recommended Manga Reading Order:
- Hellsing (Vol. 1–10)
- Hellsing: The Dawn (Prequel chapters – optional after Vol. 5)
Why It’s Confusing:
The Dawn was published later as a short prequel. Reading it after the main story keeps spoilers minimal and enhances the backstory.
Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle & xxxHOLiC
Recommended Manga Reading Order:
- xxxHOLiC (Start Vol. 1–7)
- Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle (Read alongside xxxHOLiC Vol. 7–15)
- Alternate chapters from both series (or follow a crossover guide)
- xxxHOLiC (Continue to the end)
- Tsubasa (Finish the series)
Why It’s Confusing:
These CLAMP series are deeply intertwined. Characters and plot events cross over, requiring synchronized reading for full context.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Recommended Manga Reading Order:
- Phantom Blood (Part 1)
- Battle Tendency (Part 2)
- Stardust Crusaders (Part 3)
- Diamond is Unbreakable (Part 4)
- Vento Aureo (Part 5)
- Stone Ocean (Part 6)
- Steel Ball Run (Part 7 – alternate universe)
- JoJolion (Part 8)
- The JOJOLands (Part 9 – ongoing)
Why It’s Confusing:
The series resets its universe in later parts, and each part features new protagonists and timelines. Reading in order is key for understanding recurring themes and references.
Neon Genesis Evangelion (Manga vs. Anime)
Recommended Manga Reading Order:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (Main manga series by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto)
- Optional spin-offs (Shinji Ikari Raising Project, Campus Apocalypse, etc.)
Why It’s Confusing:
The manga diverges from the anime in several key areas. Reading the manga version first (or after the original anime) offers a deeper and more psychological take on the characters.
CLAMP Multiverse (Beyond xxxHOLiC & Tsubasa)
Recommended Manga Reading Order:
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Angelic Layer
- Chobits
- xxxHOLiC & Tsubasa
- Clamp School Detectives (Optional for crossover context)
Why It’s Confusing:
CLAMP characters and stories exist in a shared multiverse. While each series can be read alone, cross-references are common and best understood through a broader reading scope.
Final Thoughts
Navigating complex timelines and spin-offs can be overwhelming, but with the right manga reading order, even the most intricate series become accessible and more enjoyable. Whether you’re diving into psychological thrillers or multiverse adventures, following a guided order ensures you don’t miss crucial story beats or character arcs.
