English-Translated Isekai Anime Light Novels
English-Translated Isekai Anime Light Novels
Anime Light Novels and their Adaptations: A Whirlwind of Fun, Tropes, and Delicious Food
When it comes to anime adaptations of light novels, it’s a bit of a gamble. Some stay faithful to the source material and adapt it all the way through, like the quirky and unpredictable “Durarara.” Others, like “The Saga of Tanya the Evil,” take an extended break after faithfully adapting a few volumes. And then there are those like “Violet Evergarden” that take bold liberties with the story. But fear not, fellow fans of isekai anime! The English translations of our beloved light novels are now widely available, so we can dive deeper into the stories we love.
9. Konosuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World!
- Author: Natsume Akatsuki
- Artist: Kurone Mishima
- Publisher: Yen Press
“Konosuba” had a game-changing impact on the isekai genre when it was first released. The anime stayed true to the light novel’s characters and story, revolutionizing how isekai anime subverted tropes, played with plot expectations, and seamlessly switched tones. Unfortunately, the main anime series only covered the first four volumes, and the 2018 movie, “Legend of Crimson,” adapted volumes eight and nine. To experience all 17 volumes of this fantastic series, you’ll have to pick up the light novels.
8. Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill
- Author: Ren Eguchi
- Artist: Momo Futaba
- Translator: Kevin Chen
- Publisher: J-Novel
“Campfire Cooking” stands out from other comfy cooking isekai because of its focus on fantasy ingredients, interspecies relationships, and the joy of exploring a new world while taking it easy. The mouthwatering descriptions in the light novel and manga were perfectly captured in the anime adaptation by MAPPA. The manga is still catching up to the light novel, so anime-only fans have plenty of material left to enjoy. In fact, author Ren Eguchi released the 14th volume in April 2023.
7. Re:Zero − Starting Life In Another World
- Author: Tappei Nagatsuki
- Artist: Shinichirou Otsuka
- Translator: Dale DeLucia
- Publisher: Yen Press
Poor Subaru has been stuck in a cycle of death for nearly 10 years in the real world, or 11 if we count its original publication date. In that time, author Tappei Nagatsuki has crafted an impressive 33 volumes of the series, with two arcs still in progress out of a total of eight. The anime managed to cover up to arc five in just 50 episodes, an impressive feat. Nagatsuki also wrote several side novels and short stories, one of which, “The Frozen Band,” received an OVA adaptation.
6. Ascendance of a Bookworm
- Author: Miya Kazuki
- Artist: You Shiina
- Translator: quof
- Publisher: J-Novel
“Ascendance of a Bookworm: I’ll Stop at Nothing to Become a Librarian” has a staggering 31 volumes split into five story arcs, chronicling the adventures of Urano Motosu, now known as Myne, as she strives to fulfill her dream. The first three seasons of the anime covered the first four arcs, or volumes 1 to 21. English translations of the novels are catching up, with J-Novel Club offering up to volume 25.
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5. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
- Author: Rifujin na Magonote
- Artist: Shirotaka
- Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
While the anime adaptation of “Mushoku Tensei” is just getting started, the light novel series is already complete as of 2022. With 26 volumes, this immersive isekai world is packed with depth and character development. The first season of the anime covered up to volume 7, and with each volume containing so much content, it won’t be surprising if it takes a few more seasons and some OVAs to fully adapt this epic series. The light novels have reached 10 million copies in print, giving hope that all 26 volumes will be faithfully adapted.
4. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
- Author: Fuse
- Artist: Mitz Vah
- Translator: Kevin Gifford
- Publisher: Yen Press
2023 marks the 10th anniversary of this fantastical isekai. To celebrate, a three-episode OVA featuring a completely new story will be released, along with other works unrelated to the main anime series. The anime is a bit behind the light novels, which currently have 20 volumes. To uncover the full story, fans might want to turn to the light novels, especially since Fuse and Mitz Vah announced that Volume 22 will be the series’ planned ending. English translations of the light novels are available up to volume 16.
3. The Saga Of Tanya The Evil
- Author: Carlo Zen
- Artist: Shinobu Shinotsuki
- Translator: Kevin Steinbach, Emily Balistrieri
- Publisher: Yen Press
Finally, after a six-year wait, “The Saga of Tanya the Evil” will receive its second season later this year. The first season of the anime covered only the first three volumes, and the movie covered chapters 1-5 of volume four. If you’re an anime-only fan and want to catch up, you’re in luck! Almost every volume of the light novel is now available in English, with volume 12 set to be released on September 19, 2023.
2. Overlord
- Author: Kugane Maruyama
- Artist: so-bin
- Publisher: Yen Press
The wait for “Overlord” season 4 was agonizing, but the season’s build-up and terrifying finale delivered, just like the corresponding light novels. Season 4 covered volumes 10-14, leaving volumes 12 and 13 for the upcoming film. With the gripping conclusion of season 4, fans might find themselves eager to dive into the light novels before the film’s release. English translations are available up to part one of volume 16. Luckily, Kugane Maruyama has confirmed that “Overlord” will end with volume 18, so fans have plenty of time to catch up with their favorite undead ruler.
1. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
- Author: Ryo Shirakome
- Artist: Takaya-ki
- Publisher: J-Novel Club (digital); Seven Seas Entertainment (physical)
“Arifureta” concluded in 2022 with 13 volumes, a prologue, and other side stories. With 12 volumes already available in English and the 13th on the way, fans eagerly await the third season of the anime, which covered volumes one to six. The anime adaptation received mixed reviews due to its deviations from the source material, making the light novels a must-read for those seeking the true experience. With seven volumes left to enjoy, now is the perfect time to join the adventure.
And there you have it, fellow gamers and anime enthusiasts! These light novels and their anime adaptations offer a vast array of genres, deep storytelling, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a fan of subverting isekai tropes, exploring new worlds through delicious food, or experiencing the thrilling adventures of reincarnated heroes, there’s something for everyone. So grab your light novel, put on your favorite anime soundtrack, and immerse yourself in the fascinating worlds of these incredible series.
