Don't think that anime can only be manga adaptations or original concepts. Nowadays, light novels are gaining more and more popularity, which is being exploited by major anime studios.
A light novel is a kind of Japanese teen literature. Usually, light novels are short prose works with manga-style illustrations. Light novels can be of various genres — from romance to horror.
So there are very different anime adaptations of light novels and here are some excellent examples.
Slayers can easily be called the most classic light novel adaptation. This is a case of old but gold. The story about the adventures of the sorceress Lina Inverse, who wanders through a dangerous fantasy world, has undergone several anime adaptations (both TV series and feature films) since 1995.
The series may seem like a typical fantasy seinen, but today it is much more interesting to watch as a parody of the genre, mocking the most common clichés (like pretentious phrases and deliberate heroism).
Classroom of the Elite (Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e) is an option for those who want to immerse themselves in the school atmosphere. The learning process here is greatly exaggerated. The competition for good grades is embodied in a strict ranking system where you have to fight for prestige points.
At the center of the story is a quiet guy who is assigned to the class of losers. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji is smart and uses his manipulative skills to climb up the hierarchy. All the trappings of a high school drama (like intrigue, adorable uniforms, and charismatic teachers) are there, so you won't be bored!
It's easy to guess from the title that the action takes place in a fantasy world where there are contracts for murder. While carrying out one of these contracts to kill goblins, a group of mercenaries is exterminated. Only one girl, rescued by a mysterious stranger in armor, manages to escape.
This is a very gruesome story in a dark setting, often shocking with its graphic violence, sexual imagery and crude humor. Those who can't wait for another Berserk adaptation might like this project.
Overlord flips typical expectations of the isekai genre. Although the action takes place in a video game, we do not follow the heroes, but the villains. The main character becomes the key boss that players need to defeat.
The difficulty is that the user, once in the game, can no longer leave it. The project from Madhouse studio stands out for its impeccable gothic aesthetics, which is difficult for other series to compete with.
Narita Ryogo is one of the most famous authors among light novel fans. If we are to choose the best of his works, let it be Durarara!!. At first glance, Durarara!! seems like a typical crime drama about a high school student who ends up in a bad neighborhood.
But Ryogo masterfully combines realistic action with a supernatural setting framed by a coming-of-age story. The detective elements, as in the original light novel, are brilliantly executed.
Not just manga.
Don't think that anime can only be manga adaptations or original concepts. Nowadays, light novels are gaining more and more popularity, which is being exploited by major anime studios.
A light novel is a kind of Japanese teen literature. Usually, light novels are short prose works with manga-style illustrations. Light novels can be of various genres — from romance to horror.
So there are very different anime adaptations of light novels and here are some excellent examples.
Slayers can easily be called the most classic light novel adaptation. This is a case of old but gold. The story about the adventures of the sorceress Lina Inverse, who wanders through a dangerous fantasy world, has undergone several anime adaptations (both TV series and feature films) since 1995.
The series may seem like a typical fantasy seinen, but today it is much more interesting to watch as a parody of the genre, mocking the most common clichés (like pretentious phrases and deliberate heroism).
Classroom of the Elite (Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e) is an option for those who want to immerse themselves in the school atmosphere. The learning process here is greatly exaggerated. The competition for good grades is embodied in a strict ranking system where you have to fight for prestige points.
At the center of the story is a quiet guy who is assigned to the class of losers. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji is smart and uses his manipulative skills to climb up the hierarchy. All the trappings of a high school drama (like intrigue, adorable uniforms, and charismatic teachers) are there, so you won't be bored!
It's easy to guess from the title that the action takes place in a fantasy world where there are contracts for murder. While carrying out one of these contracts to kill goblins, a group of mercenaries is exterminated. Only one girl, rescued by a mysterious stranger in armor, manages to escape.
This is a very gruesome story in a dark setting, often shocking with its graphic violence, sexual imagery and crude humor. Those who can't wait for another Berserk adaptation might like this project.
Overlord flips typical expectations of the isekai genre. Although the action takes place in a video game, we do not follow the heroes, but the villains. The main character becomes the key boss that players need to defeat.
The difficulty is that the user, once in the game, can no longer leave it. The project from Madhouse studio stands out for its impeccable gothic aesthetics, which is difficult for other series to compete with.
Narita Ryogo is one of the most famous authors among light novel fans. If we are to choose the best of his works, let it be Durarara!!. At first glance, Durarara!! seems like a typical crime drama about a high school student who ends up in a bad neighborhood.
But Ryogo masterfully combines realistic action with a supernatural setting framed by a coming-of-age story. The detective elements, as in the original light novel, are brilliantly executed.
