Is the Anime Really Finished?#
If you are planning to dive into To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts (also known as Katsute Kami Datta Kemono-tachi e), you may be wondering if the anime provides a complete experience.
While the anime adaptation premiered in 2019, the source material—the manga—continued for several years after, finally concluding its run in June 2023 with its 15th volume. Because the manga spanned nearly a decade (2014–2023) and ended long after the anime’s release, viewers who watch only the anime will likely find themselves wanting more. To get the full, satisfying conclusion to the story of the Incarnates and Nancy Schaal Bancroft, you will need to continue with the source material.
You can buy the manga here to see how the epic struggle concludes.
Themes and Appeal: Who is this for?#
To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts is a dark fantasy tale that explores the grim aftermath of a protracted civil war. The story centers on “Incarnates”—monstrous super-soldiers created via dark magic to turn the tide of war. Now that peace has returned, these beings are hunted down, leading to a poignant conflict between those trying to survive in a society that fears them and the hunters tasked with their execution.
This series is best suited for fans who enjoy:
- Dark Fantasy: The world is gritty, focusing on the cost of war and the tragedy of artificial soldiers.
- Moral Ambiguity: The plot follows Nancy Schaal Bancroft, who begins by hunting a hunter, only to uncover the “hard truths” about the lives of the Sacred Beasts.
- Character-Driven Drama: The core of the story is the struggle for identity and peace in a post-war world.
If this sounds like your kind of story, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Navigating the relationship between the anime and manga is straightforward, though completionists will want to ensure they cover all the bases. For a detailed breakdown of how the works connect, please refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.
The Release Order#
If you prefer to experience the series as the general public did, start with the anime (2019). This provides a cinematic introduction to the world of Incarnates before moving into the written materials.
The Completionist Order#
For those who want every detail and the definitive ending, we recommend the following:
- The Anime: A great entry point to the setting and characters.
- The Manga: Start from the beginning or pick up where the anime leaves off to reach the conclusion found in the 15th volume.
The “Source First” Order#
If you prefer the original vision of the creator, you can read the manga from its 2014 debut through to its 2023 finish, then watch the anime as a supplementary adaptation.
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Additional Information for Fans#
For collectors and enthusiasts, there have been several physical releases for the series. North American fans can find Blu-ray discs and even vinyl soundtracks through distributors like Anime Limited. Whether you are looking for high-quality discs or exclusive merchandise, there are plenty of ways to support the series beyond just streaming.
To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts • manga • 2014-06-09 to 2023-06-09 (Bessatsu Shonen Magazine, Jul 2014-Jul 2023)
└─(adaptation)→ to the abandoned Sacred Beasts • anime • 2019-07-01
