Ever walked into a bookstore, or scrolled through a manga database, and felt that sudden, overwhelming sense of vertigo? You see a beautiful cover, you start reading, and then you realize you’re only on chapter five of a story that spans hundreds of volumes And it works..
It sounds simple, but the gap is usually here.
It’s a classic dilemma. You want to dive into a new series, but you need to know if you’re committing to a three-volume sprint or a thirty-volume marathon. Now, do you have the time? The mental energy? The extra fifty bucks for the physical books?
The question of how many volumes of Given there are is one of those things that sounds simple on the surface, but the answer depends entirely on how you choose to consume the story. Watching the anime? Are you reading the original manga? Or are you looking for the spin-offs that expand the world?
What Is Given
If you haven't encountered it yet, Given is a beautifully poignant manga series centered around music, grief, and the messy, complicated reality of first love. It’s not your typical high school romance. While it certainly has those elements, it’s much more grounded in the actual process of songwriting and the weight of losing someone.
The story follows Mafuyu, a quiet high schooler who has essentially shut himself off from the world, and Uenoyama, a talented guitarist who is looking for a reason to play again. When their paths cross through a broken guitar string, it sparks a musical and emotional journey that is as much about healing as it is about falling in love.
The Manga vs. The Anime
Here is the thing — you can't talk about the volume count without distinguishing between the source material and the adaptation. In the world of Japanese media, these are two different beasts It's one of those things that adds up..
The manga is the blueprint. It contains every nuance, every subtle facial expression, and every bit of musical subtext that might get lost in translation during an animation process. Here's the thing — it’s the original vision of the creator, Natsuki Kizu. The anime, on the other hand, is a highly acclaimed adaptation that brings the music to life through actual songs It's one of those things that adds up..
When people ask about the volumes, they are usually asking one of two things: "How many books do I need to buy to finish the story?" or "How many seasons of the show do I need to watch to get the whole plot?" The answer to both is slightly different That's the whole idea..
Why It Matters
Why does the volume count actually matter? Because Given is a series that relies heavily on pacing and emotional payoff The details matter here..
If you go into the manga thinking it’s a quick read, you might be surprised by the depth of the character arcs. If you start the anime without realizing there are multiple seasons and a movie, you might feel like the story ends abruptly right when it's getting good That's the part that actually makes a difference. Surprisingly effective..
Understanding the scope of the series helps you manage your expectations. It allows you to decide if you want to "binge" the story or savor it over several months. For a series that deals with heavy themes like suicide, depression, and the struggle to find one's voice, rushing through it can sometimes rob you of the emotional impact that makes the series so special That's the whole idea..
It sounds simple, but the gap is usually here.
How Many Volumes of Given Are There?
This is the part where we get into the actual numbers. Because the series has expanded through sequels and spin-offs, the answer depends on which "version" of the story you are chasing.
The Original Manga Series
The core story of Given—the one that follows the primary relationship between Mafuyu and Uenoyama—is complete. If you are looking to read the main narrative from start to finish, you are looking for 13 volumes.
This is the definitive version of the story. Once you hit volume 13, the primary character arcs of the main cast are resolved. On top of that, it’s a complete, self-contained journey. If you want the full, uninterrupted experience of the original plot, that is your magic number.
The Spin-offs and Sequels
But wait, it gets a bit more complicated. Just because the main story is "done" doesn't mean the characters are gone It's one of those things that adds up..
Natsuki Kizu has released additional material that expands the universe. There is a sequel series called Given: Hiiragi Mix. This isn't just a "side story"; it's a continuation that explores the characters as they move forward in their lives and music careers The details matter here..
It sounds simple, but the gap is usually here.
If you are a completionist—and let's be honest, if you're asking this question, you probably are—you need to account for these additional volumes. The "total" number of volumes increases once you factor in these follow-up stories. It's not just about the 13 core volumes; it's about the extra layers of storytelling that happen after the main conflict is resolved.
The Anime Adaptation
If you aren't a reader and you're strictly a viewer, you won't be counting "volumes," but you will be counting seasons and movies.
The anime adaptation is split into several parts:
- Which means 2. In practice, 3. The initial series (which covers the early volumes of the manga). Here's the thing — the Given: Sinfonietta series (which dives deeper into specific character arcs). The Given Movie (which serves as a massive, emotional climax for the main couple).
If you want the full story via the anime, you have to watch all of these. If you stop after the first season, you're essentially walking out of a theater halfway through the movie That alone is useful..
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
Here is what most people miss when they start diving into this series.
The biggest mistake is thinking that the anime is a complete adaptation of the manga. It isn't. ", it's because you haven't seen the later volumes of the manga. If you watch the anime and feel like "Wait, that's it?The anime is a brilliant, highly polished summary of the early volumes. The anime covers the setup, but the manga provides the resolution.
Another mistake is overlooking the importance of the music. And if you're watching it, pay attention to the lyrics. On top of that, the songs performed in the anime are actually used to convey what the characters are feeling when they can't find the words. Which means in most manga-to-anime adaptations, the music is just background noise. Think about it: in Given, the music is a character. They are often the key to understanding the subtext of a scene.
Finally, people often forget that Given is part of a larger "universe" of character studies. Don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to know more about the supporting cast. The series is excellent at making you care about everyone, not just the protagonists.
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
So, how should you approach this series? Here is my advice for the best experience.
If you are a reader: Start with the manga. Don't wait for an anime adaptation of every single chapter. The pacing in the manga is perfect, and you won't have to deal with the "wait time" between seasons. If you finish the 13 volumes and find yourself staring at the wall feeling emotional, go straight for Hiiragi Mix. That's where the real growth happens.
If you are a viewer: Watch the anime in order. Don't jump straight to the movie. The emotional weight of the movie relies entirely on the foundation built in the first season and Sinfonietta. And, please, use good headphones. The soundtrack is a huge part of why this series works.
If you are a collector: Check the editions. Manga often comes in different formats—tankobon (standard), deluxe editions, or digital. If you want the full experience, look for the editions that include the author's notes or extra sketches. It adds a layer of intimacy to the reading experience.
FAQ
Is the Given manga finished?
Yes, the main story arc of the Given manga is complete with 13 volumes. Still, there are sequel series and spin-offs that continue the story and explore the characters further.
Do I need to read the manga to understand the anime?
Not strictly. The anime is a standalone adaptation that tells a coherent story. On the flip side, the anime does not cover the entire manga. To get the full, complete story, you will eventually need to read the manga.
Why are there so many different versions of Given?
Like many successful series, Given has expanded
into multiple formats to serve different audiences. But the original manga, written and illustrated by Natsuki Kizu, remains the definitive source material. The anime adaptation, produced by Lerche, brings the story to life with its acclaimed soundtrack and voice acting. Beyond these core versions, there are stage plays, audio dramas, and live events that offer alternative interpretations of the story.
The different versions exist because Given resonates with people across various media. Some fans prefer the intimacy of reading the manga at their own pace, while others connect more deeply with the animated version's music and performances. The stage plays and audio dramas provide additional perspectives, often exploring side stories or offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into the characters' lives.
For newcomers, starting with either the manga or anime is perfectly fine. The choice depends on your preferred medium. Even so, be aware that the anime currently covers only the first portion of the manga's story, so you may eventually want to continue with the source material to see the complete narrative arc.
Conclusion
Given succeeds because it understands that healing isn't linear, love isn't simple, and growth takes time. Whether you experience it through manga panels or animated sequences, the story's power lies in its honest portrayal of how people help each other heal through music and connection Simple as that..
The series doesn't offer easy answers or quick fixes. Practically speaking, instead, it presents a realistic exploration of trauma, recovery, and the messy process of learning to trust again. Its enduring appeal comes from this authenticity—characters who feel real because they struggle with real emotions and real consequences.
By the end of your journey with Given, whether through manga, anime, or both, you'll understand why this series has touched so many hearts. It's not just about the music—it's about the courage it takes to play your own song, even when you're afraid of hitting wrong notes Took long enough..
