Is the Anime Really Finished?#
If you are looking to dive into the world of Bakumatsu Rock -howling soul-, it is important to distinguish between the anime adaptation and the original source material. The anime, titled Samurai Jam -Bakumatsu Rock-, aired from July 2 to September 17, 2014. However, the manga series concluded later, on July 28, 2015.
Because the manga continued for nearly a year after the anime finished its run, those who watch only the anime may find the story incomplete. To get the full, satisfying conclusion to the narrative, you will likely need to continue with the manga after finishing the series. You can buy the Bakumatsu Rock -howling soul- manga here to see how the story truly ends.
Appeal and Audience#
Bakumatsu Rock -howling soul- is a unique blend of action and comedy centered around the theme of music. It features a fascinating premise where samurai-era figures, such as the rocker Ryōma, use the power of music in a historical setting.
This series is best suited for viewers who:
- Enjoy historical settings with a surreal or comedic twist.
- Are fans of music-themed anime.
- Appreciate high-energy action combined with humor.
If this sounds like your type of show, you can watch the anime on Prime Video (available via Crunchyroll collaboration in select regions).
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Depending on how much of the story you want to consume, here are the best paths for experiencing this series. For a detailed look at how these versions connect, please refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the series as it was released to the public:
- Samurai Jam -Bakumatsu Rock- (Anime)
- Bakumatsu Rock -howling soul- (Manga)
Completionist Order#
For those who want every single piece of content, including extras:
- Samurai Jam -Bakumatsu Rock- (Anime)
- Bonus Anime Episode (Originally bundled with the Bakumatsu Rock game)
- Bakumatsu Rock -howling soul- (Manga)
The “Full Story” Path#
For viewers who don’t mind switching mediums to ensure they see the entire plot from start to finish, we recommend watching the anime first to get a feel for the characters and music, then transitioning to the manga to cover the remaining plot points leading up to the 2015 finale.
Useful Extras#
If you’ve fallen in love with the samurai-rocker aesthetic, you might want to check out some Bakumatsu Rock merchandise to commemorate the series.
If you find our guides helpful in deciding which anime to commit to, please consider supporting our research on Ko-fi!
Bakumatsu Rock -howling soul- • manga • 2014-03-28 to 2015-07-28 (serialized in <i>Monthly Comic Zero-Sum</i>)
└─(related)→ Samurai Jam -Bakumatsu Rock- • anime • 2014-07-02 to 2014-09-17
