Is the Nanbaka Anime Really Finished?#
If you are looking to dive into the colorful world of Nanbaka (also known as The Numbers), the first thing you need to know is the relationship between the animation and the source material.
The anime adaptation consists of an initial series starting in October 2016 and a sequel that followed in January 2017. While the anime provides a vibrant introduction to the characters, it is important to note that the original manga began serialization back in 2013 and continued to expand long after the anime’s release—even entering its 4th part in June 2018.
Because the manga is far more extensive, viewers who watch only the anime will likely find themselves wanting more. To get the full story and a truly satisfying conclusion, you will need to buy the Nanbaka manga and continue from where the animation leaves off.
What is Nanbaka About and Who is it For?#
Nanbaka is a high-energy blend of action and comedy. The story centers on four distinct men assigned to a unique prison:
- Jūgo: A man whose obsession with breaking out of prison has only served to extend his sentence.
- Uno: A gambler with a particular interest in women.
- Rock: A brawler who loves to get into fights.
- Nico: A dedicated anime fan.
The series appeals to viewers who enjoy character-driven comedies, vibrant aesthetics, and lighthearted chaos. If you enjoy stories about mismatched personalities forced to coexist in an absurd environment, Nanbaka is a great choice. While you’re exploring the series, you might also want to check out some Nanbaka merchandise to celebrate your favorite prisoners.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Depending on how much of the story you want to consume, there are a few ways to approach this series. You can refer to the relationship tree provided on this page for a visual breakdown of these connections.
The Release Order (For Anime-Only Viewers)#
If you prefer to stick to the screen first, follow the release dates:
- Nanbaka (Anime) - Premiered October 4, 2016.
- Nanbaka Sequel (Anime) - Premiered January 4, 2017.
You can watch the anime on Prime Video to get started.
The Completionist Order#
For those who want the full experience including all the narrative depth and the most up-to-date plot developments:
- Nanbaka (Manga): Start with the 2013 serialization to get the most comprehensive version of the story.
- Nanbaka (Anime & Sequel): Watch the adaptations for the high-quality visual and comedic timing.
- Nanbaka (Manga Continuation): Read the later parts of the manga (including the 4th part) to see how the story evolves beyond the anime.
The “Hybrid” Order#
If you don’t mind switching mediums, watch the 2016 series and its 2017 sequel first to see if the style appeals to you, then transition to the manga to finish the story.
Final Thoughts#
Nanbaka is a wild ride of comedy and action, but the anime is essentially a gateway to the much larger world established in the manga. Whether you start with the manga or the anime, you’re in for a treat with these four chaotic protagonists.
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Nanbaka • manga • 2013 (serialized on Comico manga app)
└─(adaptation)→ Nanbaka • anime • 2016-10-04
└─(sequel)→ Nanbaka • anime • 2017-01-04
