
Apothecary newspapers is a historical mystery drama with Maomao, a brilliant apothecary that uses its vast medical knowledge to solve many bizarre problems within the imperial palace. The series is easily one of the most popular anime to be released in recent years, with exciting and complex intrigues, a rich historical framework and realistic characters. Adapted from the light novel of the same name, the animated version of Apothecary newspapers was a safe blow with new and old fans. But while the anime faithfully follows source material, there are some differences struck between the two.
Regarding the main scenario, Apothecary newspapers The anime is almost identical to light novels. However, as with any adaptation, a few things have been modified to suit by means of animation. Most of the differences between the anime and the light novels are small and barely perceptible, but there are some changes which are much more obvious. These differences are not necessarily a bad thing, although they do not please fans of light novels as much. However, it can be interesting to see how the anime adapts certain scenes and how they compare themselves to source material.

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Maomao and Jinshi hair colors have been modified for anime
Maomao and Jinshi both have black hair in light novels
No matter the version of Apothecary newspapers Fans prefer, Jinshi and Maomao are undeniably two of the most beautiful characters in the series. However, anime fans only may not know that there are some differences between their anime conceptions and the way in which the light novel describes them, in particular their hair. In the anime, Maomao’s hair is dark green, while Jinshi’s is a long succulent purple. These hair colors are absolutely emblematic and work very well for them, but shocking, it is not their original hair colors. In light novels, Jinshi and Maomao both have black hair, without any suspicion of color in their reflections.
It is not uncommon for anime adaptations to change the colors of the hair of their main characters, especially when their hair is originally brown or black. This is generally made to bring them out more among the secondary characters, because the brighter and non -natural hair draws the attention of the eye much easier. Apothecary newspapers The anime actually changes the colors of the hair of a few characters, although none is as drastic as the change in the hair of Maomao and Jinshi. It is undeniable that they both distinguish themselves from the rest of the distribution, so well considered, the change was probably a good idea.
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Light novels focus more on mysteries, while the anime emphasizes romance
The mysteries are much more complex and complex in light novels
One of the best things on Apothecary newspapers is its unique story that combines medical mysteries and the intrigue of the palace. The series is full of complex scenarios that do not seem to be linked to the beginning, but slowly create a global strata in layers. The anime and the light novel tell a deep story of political drama and hidden plots, but not in the same way. The version of the anime in the story is much more rationalized and simplified, with greater visual tips to help viewers understand things faster. Meanwhile, the light novel uses subtlety and care to tell its story, deeply plunging into the finest details of each mystery.

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The light novel definitely has a much more important accent on these mysteries, while the anime focuses more on the drama and romance of the palace. The emerging relationship between Jinshi and Maomao is particularly highlighted, and many scenes receive a stronger romantic traction than in light novels. The emphasis is much more important on the romantic tension between the two, even very early, and it generally has priority on mysteries. For some, this simplified version of each case can be a little disappointing, but so far, the anime has managed to find a fairly decent balance with the main plot and the Jinmao relationship.
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The design of Joka’s characters is completely modified in the anime
Anime Joka and the light novel Joka look like two completely different characters
Joka is one of the three famous princesses of the house green in Apothecary newspapers. She is the youngest in the trio, as well as the coldest, often causing herself for herself compared to the paillin and Meimei. As one of the most upscale courtesans of the Verdigre house, Joka is revered for its beauty and widely desired by customers. But while it is an undeniable beauty both in the anime and the light novels, its appearance changes radically according to the version of the story that fans choose.
In the light novel, Joka is thin and modestly dressed, with black hair and long vaporous fringes hanging over her eyes. This is a complete contrast to the anime, in which it is described as voluptuous and attractive, with deep indigo hair which is complex and out of her face. This design is based on the way Joka appears in the manga of Apothecary newspaperswhich was released before an official illustration of Joka was published in Légeurs. Since there was little description from the appearance of Joka, the manga took creative liberties, which resulted in two very different versions of the same character.
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The light novel actually shows how Lakan is injured his back
The anime leaves aside a hilarious moment when Lakan acts recklessly
In Apothecary newspapers Season 2, Lakan enters into action when he discovers that Maomao was kidnapped. After joining Jinshi and the troops, they decided to look for it, desperate to save her from the clan shi. However, despite his eagerness to join us and recover his daughter, Lakan does not participate in the rescue. It is because he injures his back and is forced to wait and rest while Jinshi and the others take care of business.
The anime never shows exactly how Lakan hurts himself, but the light novel does it, and it’s absolutely hilarious. With Maomao in danger, Lakan is panicked and does not think as clearly as he would normally. In his panic, he jumps from a moving car, making him be quite struck. It is a clumsy and out of characteristic moment that shows not only how Lakan loves his daughter, but also how physically inept in relation to other military officials. Although it is hardly a necessary scene and its deletion does not change history, it is a pity that fans could not see it animated because it is simply too funny.
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Rikuson makes an early appearance in the anime
Rikuson is not supposed to appear until volume 5 of light novels
Rikuson is a favorite character of fans who makes his official introduction into volume 5 of Apothecary newspapers Light novels. It is a beautiful and gentleman young civil servant who works under Lakan and respects him a lot. He is lively and worker, using his skills to help Maomao in various situations during his stay in the Western capital. He is also an interesting new rival for Jinshi, because he potentially seems to have a romantic interest in Maomao himself. This definitively shakes up history and adds a relational drama that makes the dynamics between Maomao and Jinshi even more interesting.
Although Rikuson does not present himself until much later in history, Apothecary newspapers The anime presents it very early. Although it is only brief, he actually appears in the first season of the series, and he even has a small role of speech. He is not in anime for a very long time, just long enough to give a little teas at fans, but it is more than sufficient. Its appearance in the anime establishes at least its link with Lakan and the fact that it is its sub-bordé. This little treat made the fans delighted to see its official introduction in the future, which will most likely adapt volumes 5 and 6 of the light novel.
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Some of the most intense moments in the light novel are censored in the anime
Certain moments of the light novel are too much and must have been attenuated
Given his premise, it is no secret that Apothecary newspapers is an intense series. The story addresses many heavy subjects and mature themes, from sexual exploitation to classism and oppression, and more. The series does not fuck any punch with regard to these moments, and there are many violent and suggestive themes that most would not dare to represent. These raw and honest scenes can be difficult to monitor for some, but they are always managed with respect and sensitivity.

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The anime definitively plunges into these more adult subjects, but it is far from being as intense as light novels. Although the adaptation is quite perfect, some scenes are simply too much to show on television, so they had to be censored or modified. The most rated moments in particular history have been attenuated to make them more suitable for anime. It is frustrating for some fans of light novels, because this type of censorship can often reduce the impact of a scene. For example, many moments between Jinshi and Maomao have been softened in anime, inadvertently modifying the dynamics between them.
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The anime gives more clues to Jinshi’s true identity
Certain scenes of the anime involve Jinshi’s royal status long before it was revealed
There are a lot of mysteries throughout Apothecary newspapersBut few are as confusing as the true identity of Jinshi. When presented for the first time, he turned out to be more than a very beautiful eunuch, but it quickly becomes obvious that there is much more for him than to meet the eye. He seems to have much more freedom than most in his position, and he even seems to be a sort of exceeding some of the highest officials. Finally, Jinshi is forced to reveal himself and the fans learn that he is the prince of the moon, the younger brother of the current emperor.
This revelation occurs in the same way in the animated and light novels, although one is a little more shocking than the other. The light novel of Apothecary newspapers Plant some clues about this result, but they are subtle and can be easy to miss. Meanwhile, the visual narration of the anime makes it much easier to arrive at this conclusion long before it was confirmed. Some scenes almost give this twist, such as when Jinshi transports an injured maomao from the altar of the Sapphire sky and each official embodies. From that alone, fans can bring together that Jinshi is probably royal blood.
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Maomao does not try happily to amputate his own finger in the light novel
This moment is much darker and serious, but the anime makes him humorous
At the end of Apothecary newspapers Season 2, Maomao returns to the pleasure district after the end of the rebellion of the Shi clan. Just before Jinshi met with her, there is a brief scene where she is apparently represented about to amputate her own finger. Curiously, she seems quite excited by the idea, with a large smile on her face. This scene seems unimportant and forgettable, but it is in fact a major moment in the light novels which depicts Maomao to one of its lowest points.
In the light novel, it is a very serious and melancholic moment for Maomao. Just a few moments before trying this, she thinks she is how she feels alone. She lost her life she knew, the friends she had, and even Jinshi is far beyond her scope now. Her thoughts show that she is in a very vulnerable and emotional state. The fact that the anime plays this moment as a comic is very strange given the emotional weight and the gravity of the original scene. Without forgetting, it is just incredibly out of character for Maomao given the trauma that she always transports around her little finger of the actions of Fengxian during her childhood. Overall, the representation of the anime of this moment is very questionable and completely modifies the tone of the scene for no valid reason.
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An important part of Maomao’s rescue is ignored in the anime
The fans were very disappointed that a major moment of Jinmao was deleted
In the second half of Apothecary newspapers Season 2, Maomao is kidnapped during the rebellion of the Shi clan, causing panic throughout the rear palace. Characters such as Jinshi and Lakan are determined to recover it unscathed, anyway. During its rescue mission, there is a time when Maomao looks at the fighting in progress and sees a familiar face. Jinshi leads the forbidden army as they take Stronghold. It is a brief moment that viewers could easily miss. However, in light novels, this scene is much more important.

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When Maomao looks at the battle, all faces are vague, except for one – and that of Jinshi. In all chaos, it is the only thing it can see and the only figure that seems clear. It is a major moment which deeply connects the two and shows how their relationship has already progressed. Unfortunately, the anime more or less removes this part, reducing it to something that seems without consequences. Unsurprisingly, this radical change has changed many fans who can’t wait to see this lively moment. Its withdrawal also considerably reduces the impact of Jinmao during this arc, which makes them much less developed than they have it.
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Maomao is an unreliable narrator in light novels
Although its point of view is the main one, Maomao’s monologues often contradict reality
In Apothecary newspapersEverything is told and shown in Maomao’s point of view. It is he who tells the story, and everything that is going on is his own personal experiences. Viewers and readers get all their information from her, as well as all her interior thoughts and feelings. But while Maomao is quick to let the public know what she thinks of something, her words cannot always be raw, especially in light novels. One of the biggest differences between animated and light novels is Maomao’s credibility as a narrator.
In light novels, it is obvious quite early that she is an unreliable narrator, who often lies to herself and, by extension, the readers. She can say that she does not care about something or someone, but her actions clearly contradict this. Fans of light novels know that Maomao’s Word cannot trust completely, because she does not even fully understand her own feelings. The anime has shown a bit, but it’s much more difficult to resume. Without forgetting, a large part of the Maomao monologue is removed in the anime, replaced rather by a visual narration. Although this change makes sense, it is more difficult to realize that Maomao often says one thing but means another.

Apothecary newspapers
- Release date
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October 22, 2023
- Network
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Japanese TV, Rab, TVI, YBC, JRT
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Takeo Otsuka
Jinshi (voice)