Summary
- Anime series like Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon were adapted from manga, while recent popular anime adaptations are based on light novels, a unique literary format in Japan.
- Light novels are serialized and aimed at a teen and young adult audience, often dismissed as cheap and disposable, but they remain popular and accessible now with translations and online availability.
- Fantasy light novels are particularly popular, but other genres like supernatural slice-of-life and space opera also exist, and some light novels have been the basis for movies like Edge of Tomorrow.
Throughout the history of the medium, it's been very common for anime series to be adapted from manga. Iconic series like One Piece all started as manga series that were then adapted into animated TV series. Recently, the popularity of light novels has seen a growing number of popular anime adaptations based on light novels. Light novels aren't as common in the west compared to in Japan, so it can be a bit tricky to get into them.
Much like anime, light novels are a medium all to their own. The basic shared feature of all light novel series is that the individual books are fairly short and serialized. Light novels will often have new entries published several times a year. For context, The Lord of the Rings was published as three books, each one about 400 pages in its first addition, while the original Spice and Wolf light novel series is currently 24 books long, with each book at about 200 pages.
Light Novels Are A Unique Literary Format In Japan
Haruhi Suzumiya (2006-2009)
There isn't really a clear equivalent to light novels in Western Pop Culture or literature. The two closest comparisons are YA literature and Pulp magazines that peaked in the mid 20th-century. Light novels are usually written in a fairly informal style and aimed at a teen and young adult audience. Like Pulp magazines, light novels are meant to be both published and read quickly, to the point they're often dismissed as cheap and disposable. Even so, light novels remain popular, and retain general readership. Writing contests are frequently held in Japan and many light novel writers got their start by winning one of these contests.
Fantasy light novels are particularly popular. Goblin Slayer, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and Konosuba were all originally light novels that were eventually adapted into anime. Other popular light novels have come from different genres as well. Haruhi Suzumiya is an eccentric, supernatural slice-of-life series, and Bodacious Space Pirates is a light-hearted Space Opera. Notably, although it hasn't been adapted into an anime, the sci-fi action light novel All You Need is Kill was the basis for the Tom Cruise movie Edge of Tomorrow.
Light Novels Are more Accesible Now Than Ever
The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019 - 2023)
A growing number of popular light novels are being translated and published in English. Interested fans have several options for buying light novels online. The two most prominent English-language translators and publishers of light novels are Yen Press and Seven Seas Entertainment. The catalog of light novels published by Yen Press and Seven Seas Entertainment is available online at most book retailers in both print and digital copies, though neither company's website as its own dedicated storefront.
After acquiring Right Stuf in October 2023, Crunchyroll has become one of the best places to buy English light novels online. The Crunchyroll Store has an extensive catalog of available light novels from multiple publishers, including the catalog previously available from Right Stuf. Most significantly, the light novels available at the Crunchyroll Store tend to be less expensive than at other online retailers.
Light novels are very popular in Japan. The medium has inspired some of the most famous anime in recent years. The growing popularity and prominence of light novels means that a growing number are being translated and published for English audiences.
Source: Yen Press, Seven Seas Entertainment, Crunchyroll Store
