Shaman King Manga Order

It’s often said that there’s a manga series for every subject or hobby imaginable. For a creator, this can make it challenging to explore a new theme. Mangaka Hiroyuki Takei took on this challenge with Shaman King, introducing shamanism as a theme largely unexplored in manga at the time. Its unique blend of witchcraft and religious motifs from various cultures set it apart from other shōnen manga of its era, as did its unusually “laid-back” protagonist.

But what is Shaman King about? The story follows Yoh Asakura, a shaman in training—a medium between the worlds of the living and the dead. Yoh has a dream: he wants to become the Shaman King, the one shaman who can channel the power of the Great Spirit to reshape the world. To obtain this spiritual power, Yoh must win the Shaman Fight, a tournament of mediums that takes place every 500 years. He must train and grow up quickly if he wants a chance to achieve his goal!

Shaman King was originally published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump between 1998 and 2004, ending abruptly with an improvised conclusion. In 2009, Takei returned to give the story the ending he had initially envisioned. Since then, the world of Shaman King has expanded with a prequel, several sequel series, and a few side stories. The manga was adapted into two anime series: the first in 2001, which deviated from the original storyline and had a completely different ending, and the second in 2021 (with a sequel now green-lit).

Here’s a reading guide to explore the spiritual world of Shaman King.

Shaman King Reading Order

Credits where credit is due, this reading Order would have not been possible without Brndan’s guide!

Shaman King Manga Listing – The Shaman King universe consists of the original series, and several prequels and sequels:

Shaman King (1998–2004) – The original manga, with 35 volumes (300 chapters)
Shaman King: Zero (2011–2014) – A prequel story with 2 volumes (12 chapters)
Shaman King: Flowers (2012–2014) – A sequel manga, with 6 volumes (29 chapters)
Shaman King: Red Crimson (2018–2020) – A spin-off with 4 volumes (16 chapters)
Shaman King: Marcos (2020–2022) – A sequel manga, with 5 volumes (18 chapters)
Shaman King: The Super Star (2018–ongoing) – The follow-up to Flowers (ongoing)
Shaman King & a Garden (2021–2022) – A prequel side story in 4 volumes (16 chapters)
Shaman King Faust8: Eien no Eliza (2020–2022) – A prequel side story in 1 volume (2 chapters)

Shaman King, the main manga

Shaman King was originally released by Viz Media in North America until Kodansha acquired the rights to the series. The series was first republished in 35 volumes. Recently, they released a three-in-one omnibus edition, reprinting the manga in 12 big volumes:

Shaman King: Zero, The Prequel

Written and illustrated by Hiroyuki Takei, Shaman King: Zero is a series of one-shots exploring the backstories of Yoh and other characters. While this is a prequel, you need to read it after the original series.

This is also a good time to note that Butsu Zone, Takei’s previous manga series before Shaman King, is considered to be set in the same universe. If you’re interested in reading it, it’s recommended to do so after the original Shaman King manga and before Shaman King Zero.

Shaman Kings: The Sequels and Spin-offs

What happened after the original series? It’s time to reconnect with the characters of Shaman King through several sequels!

There are a few ways to approach reading the sequels. You can follow the release order, starting with Flowers, then continuing with Red Crimson, Marcos, and finally the still-ongoing The Super Star. Alternatively, you can opt for a more chronological approach: Red Crimson, Marcos, Flowers, and The Super Star.

For first-time readers, following the release order is recommended to ensure key revelations have their maximum impact!

Shaman King: Flowers

The sequel of Shaman King is centered around Hana Asakura, Yoh’s son finds that being the son of Yoh & Anna Asakura isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and his boredom has him itching for any kind of excitement. But when a fight comes straight to his doorstep, it’s from a place he least expects—his own family? The battle for Asakura supremacy begins!

Shaman King: Red Crimson

Available in Digital only. Written by Hiroyuki Takei and illustrated by Jet Kusamura, Red Crimson follows the adventures of Tao Jun and Li Pairon in their battle against the Red Crimson!

Shaman King: Marcos

Available in Digital only. Marcos is the direct sequel of Red Crimson from Jet Kusamura. What should be a bright future for the X-Laws is shadowed by the absence of Marco. Where could he have gone, and is something sinister behind it?

Shaman King: The Super Star (Digital Only)

Available in digital only, Flowers concluded in 2014 due to the sudden cancellation of Jump X magazine. The story was left unfinished until Shaman King: The Super Star, which picks up where Flowers left off.

While Shaman King: The Super Star approaches its conclusion, be assured that the story will continue in a new manga series, Shaman King Yard.

Prequel Side Stories

The two following series can be read independently from the rest, as they expand on the backstory of specific characters but have no ties with the main story.

Shaman King & a Garden

Available in Digital only. Discover more about Canna, Matilda, and Marion in this manga series:

Shaman King Faust8: Eien no Eliza

The story of Faust and Eliza’s encounter is told in the light novel Faust8: Eien no Eliza, which was later adapted into a manga. Neither format has been licensed in English yet.