Summary
Anime series such as Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon have been 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 teenage and young adult audiences, often written off as cheap and disposable, but remain popular and accessible through translations and online availability. Fantasy light novels are particularly popular, but there are also other genres such as supernatural slice of life and space opera, and some light novels have been the basis for films such as Edge of Tomorrow.
In the history of media, anime series adaptations from manga have been the most common. Popular series such as Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and One Piece started as manga series and were later turned into animated TV series. Recently, the popularity of light novels has seen an increasing number of popular anime adaptations based on light novels. Light novels aren’t as common in the west as they are in Japan, so it can be a bit difficult to get into them.
Like anime, light novels are all their own medium. The basic common characteristic of all light novel series is that the individual books are short and sequential. Light novels often have new entries published several times a year. For context, The Lord of the Rings was published as three books, each with about 400 pages added to the original, while the original Spice and Wolf light novel series currently has 24 books, with each book having about 200 pages.
Light novels are a unique literary format in Japan.
Haruhi Suzumiya (2006-2009)
There is no clear equivalent in Western pop culture or literature to light novels. The two closest comparisons are YA literature and pulp magazines, which peaked in the mid-20th century. Light novels are often written in a non-judgmental way and are aimed at teenagers and young adults. Like pulp magazines, light novels are both intended to be quickly published and read, and are often dismissed as cheap and disposable. Even so, light novels remain popular, and retain a general readership. Writing contests are held frequently in Japan, and many light novel writers get their start by winning one of these contests.
Fantasy light novels are especially popular. Goblin Slayer, Rise of the Shield Hero, and Konosuba were all originally light novels that were eventually turned into anime. Other popular light novels have come from different genres as well. Haruhi Suzumiya is a supernatural slice-of-life series, and Bodacious Space Pirates is a light-hearted space opera. Notably, although not adapted into anime, the sci-fi action light novel All You Need to Kill was the basis for the Tom Cruise film Edge of Tomorrow.
Light novels are more accessible now than ever.
Rise of the Shield Hero (2019 – 2023)
More and more popular light novels are being translated and published in English. Interested fans have many options for purchasing light novels online. Two of the most popular English 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 versions, although the company’s website is its own storefront.
After acquiring Right Stuff in October 2023, Cruchiroll has become one of the best places to buy English light novels online. The Crunchyroll Store has an extensive catalog of light novels from multiple publishers, including the previous catalog from Right Stuff. Most significantly, the light novels available at Crunchyroll Store are priced lower than other online retailers.
Light novels are very popular in Japan. The medium has inspired some of the most popular anime in recent years. The increasing popularity and popularity of light novels means that they are being translated and published for English audiences.
Source: Yen Press, Seven Seas Entertainment, Crunchyroll Store