Reader’s Question:
I’ve recently gotten into “The Apothecary Diaries” because of the anime, and I’m wondering whether I should buy the light novel or the manga. I already own the first volume of the manga from the Gangan version, but I didn’t continue buying it back then because I wasn’t really
into it. Now, I’m considering either the light novel or the manga. Could you please let me know which one is closer to the anime? Also, should I read the version on “Shousetsuka ni Narou”? Lastly, could you tell me which volumes of the books correspond to the currently airing anime?
Choosing Between “The Apothecary Diaries” Light Novel and Manga
So, I recently found myself deep into the world of “The Apothecary Diaries,” all thanks to the captivating anime that’s been airing. I was in a bit of a pickle, though—should I dive into the light novels or stick with the manga? I already have the first volume of the Gangan manga version, but let’s just say my enthusiasm fizzled out back then. Now, I’m reconsidering my options, and it got me thinking about how to approach this. After chatting with a friend who’s well-versed in the series, they leaned towards recommending the light novel. They mentioned that the web version on “Shousetsuka ni Narou” is pretty much a rough draft compared to the polished light novel. The story has evolved quite a bit during the publication process, and the anime is currently adapting the fourth volume of the light novel. So if you want a seamless experience that aligns closely with what’s happening in the anime, the light novel is definitely the way to go. Now, about the manga—my friend pointed out that there are two versions: the one by倉田三ノ路 (Kurata Minoru) and the one byねこクラゲ (Neko Kurage). They both have their own flair, but it seems like the Neko Kurage version is closer in art style to the anime. However, here’s the kicker: both manga adaptations are still running, and they might catch up to the anime pretty soon. So if you start reading now, you might find yourself left hanging for new content! I had a funny moment while we were discussing this—imagine me, snacking on way too many mochi while trying to wrap my head around all these adaptations. It’s like I was on a quest to find the best version, but I ended up more confused than ever, like a character trying to solve a mystery with a mouth full of sweets! As for the web novel, my friend warned that it might be a bit disorienting if I tried to read it alongside the anime, since many elements have been changed or added in the light novel. It’s like trying to watch a movie adaptation after reading the book and realizing key scenes are totally different. So, in a nutshell, if you’re looking for the closest experience to the anime, go for the light novel. But if you’re curious about different interpretations and enjoy the art, the manga could be fun too—just be ready for some surprises! Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you read the light novel or manga? Did you find it hard to keep track of the differences? Share your experiences or any tips you might have for diving into “The Apothecary Diaries” in the comments!
