Reader’s Question:
Is it worth reading the Legend of the Galactic Heroes novels after watching the anime? I stopped reading the novels after the part where Kirchheis dies. I was shocked by that and found the writing style a bit too dense for my taste, so I decided to watch the
rest of the story in the anime instead. Now I’m wondering if there are things in the novels that I might miss out on. Should I consider reading the novels after all?

Should You Dive Back into the Legend of the Galactic Heroes Novels After Watching the Anime?

So, you’ve made it through the gripping and dramatic universe of “Legend of the Galactic Heroes” (LoGH) and you’re left wondering whether it’s worth your time to pick up the novels again. I get it. The anime was a masterpiece in itself, right? The characters, the intricate plots, the epic battles—everything just seemed to come together beautifully. But let’s take a moment to chat about whether you should take a leap back into the literary world of this saga.

The Shock of Kirchheis’ Death

First things first, I totally understand where you’re coming from with the shock of Kirchheis’ death. I mean, it’s a pivotal moment that hits you right in the feels. I remember watching that episode and being like, “What just happened?!” I had to pause for a moment to gather my thoughts. It’s a heavy blow, and for many, it’s a point where you might want to turn away from the source material. The writing can indeed be dense, and not everyone is a fan of that style, which is completely valid. If you found the prose a bit too rich—like trying to enjoy a gourmet meal when you’re really just looking for a snack—it makes sense that you’d gravitate towards the anime. It’s more accessible, and let’s face it, the animation and voice acting add layers to the story that can sometimes make the heavy themes easier to digest.

What You Might Miss in the Novels

But here’s the kicker: reading the novels can provide you with a depth that the anime simply can’t capture. I mean, think about it. The novels delve into the characters’ inner thoughts and motivations in a way that the visual medium can only hint at. There are nuances in their relationships that might fly over your head if you stick strictly to the anime. For example, the motivations behind certain political maneuvers, the philosophical debates about leadership and morality—they’re all explored in greater detail in the written form. If you’re a fan of character development and love to see how characters evolve over time, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by what the novels offer. Another thing to consider is the side stories. The anime does incorporate some of these, but the novels are packed with additional narratives that enrich the lore of the universe. You know those moments when you get a backstory on a beloved character that just makes you go, “Oh, that’s why they’re like that!”? Yeah, you’ll find a lot of those nuggets in the books.

Should You Go Back?

Now, the question remains—should you go back to the novels? If you’re looking for a leisurely read that offers escapism and a chance to dive deeper into the story, I’d say go for it! Just take it at your own pace. You don’t have to power through it all at once. You can treat it like that friend you haven’t seen in a while; take your time reconnecting, and enjoy the moments as they come. However, if you’re content with the anime and feel like it wrapped up the story to your satisfaction, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. The anime stands strong on its own and is a fantastic way to experience the narrative. Heck, it even gives you the visual treat of epic space battles, and those glorious ship designs—who can resist that?

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference. Do you crave details and depth? Or do you prefer a more straightforward, visually driven experience? There’s no right or wrong answer here. Just know that whatever you choose, you’re part of a rich universe that continues to capture the hearts of many. So whether you pick up that novel again or stick with the anime, I hope you enjoy the journey. After all, both formats have their charm, and in the grand scheme of things, we’re all just fans exploring the epic saga of “Legend of the Galactic Heroes.” Happy viewing or reading—whichever path you choose!