Mangas and light novels often share the same shelves in stores and libraries, but they are distinct forms of storytelling. This article will highlight the key differences between them, helping you understand and appreciate both formats.
What is a Manga?
I know that this is a completely trivial question to most of you but for thoroughness’ sake I will give a brief definition:
Manga 漫画 is the Japanese term for Comic, irrespective of their country of origin. In the rest of the world, the word Manga is used for Comics from Japan or Comics that resemble a typical Japanese Comic. Mangas are typically serialized, combining intricate artwork with brief textual content to narrate stories.
What is a Light Novel?
A light novel (ライトノベル or ラノベ) is a style of Japanese novel primarily targeting teenagers and young adults. The term “light” signifies its approachable and easy-to-read nature. Light novels often feature furigana (phonetic guides for kanji) and colloquial language, making them accessible to younger readers. They incorporate illustrations similar to manga, which punctuate the narrative, usually appearing at the beginning or end of chapters.
Appearance and Structure: What do Light Novels look like?
(c) Kusanagi, Mizuho, Fujitani, Touko
The covers often look like Manga covers because there are detailed drawings of the characters on them, but it depends on the light novel of course. They are presented in bunkobon size which is roughly 105 × 148 millimeters or 4,13 x 5,82 inches, which makes them slightly smaller than a regular paperback book – although this can’t be generalized as well, it depends on the publisher. Light novels have up to 300 chapters, so don’t be fooled by the name: It doesn’t mean that you get less content. Here is a quick comparison:
Light Novels:
Typically smaller than standard paperbacks (105 × 148 mm or 4.13 × 5.82 inches).
Covers often resemble manga covers with detailed character illustrations.
Can have up to 300 chapters, offering substantial content.
Mangas:
Emphasize visual storytelling, with art playing a central role and text complementing the imagery.
Serialized in magazines like Shounen Jump, Dessert, or Hana to Yume, before being compiled into volumes.
Manga vs. Light Novel – When did light novels become popular?
Many popular Anime or Manga series like “Attack on Titan” or “Neon Genesis Evangelion” have their standalone Light Novel. Let’s take Akatsuki no Yona for example. There is an ongoing Manga for the story and an additional Light Novel that consists of short stories that are supposed to enrich the story.
In Japan Light Novels are very popular. The sales really took off in the 90s and this new lighthearted way to tell a story really became iconic. So the Japanese market for light novels is huge and makes at least more than 100 Million dollars every year. In recent years, light novels have also become more popular in the US, but they are still sold on the same shelves as Manga. That’s also a reason, why some readers are confused about what the difference is.
What comes first: Light Novel or Manga?
With many popular Manhwa, you can definitely say that the light novel comes first and if it gets enough sales, it gets adapted into a Manhwa. With Manga it’s often the same, so the hierarchy goes like this: light novel > Manga > Anime. So, if the light novel is popular, it gets adapted into a Manga and if the Manga is popular it gets an anime. But obviously, it’s not always like that. “Akatsuki no Yona” for example got a light novel after the Manga series started getting more and more attention.
Manga vs. Light Novel – what‘s the difference?
Manga
Light novel
Pictures:
In Mangas the pictures are the base of the book and text is only the secondary part of a Manga – but still necessary.
In Light Novels the pictures are there to loosen up big passages of text or are placed at the beginning and the end of a chapter.
Depth:
The depth of the feelings for each character is shown through the drawing and text. It depends on the Manga, but the reader is supposed to get to his own conclusions.
As the Light Novel mainly consists of text, certain situations or feelings can be explained more thoroughly than in a Manga, as the author can tell the reader exactly what he is supposed to feel.
Text:
Manga consists of two things: text and pictures. Text is only shown in small speech bubbles or as a narrative in small panels.
Light Novels are completely text-based. It is still a light novel though, so not too heavy vocabulary.
Readability:
Manga depends on pictures as well as text, so when the art is a bit messy or the panels are chaotic it can be hard to follow. Additionally, there are many Kanji in Mangas – depending on the target audience though.
The focus of Light Novels is their readability. They are written in prose with easy-to-understand vocabulary and in Japan light novels are written with Furigana – to ensure that a younger audience can understand them.
Serialization:
There are many publishers who offer anthologies with chapters of different Mangas each week or month. For example Dessert, Shounen Jump, Hana to Yume.
Light Novels often appear on their own and are not published chapter-wise but as a standalone book.
Where can I read Light Novels?
Amazon Kindle: Offers a wide range of officially translated light novels; Accessible on various devices with the Kindle app.
BookWalker: A digital platform dedicated to manga and light novels; Offers regular promotions and discounts.
Yen Press: Publishes popular light novels in English. Books available in print and digital formats.
J-Novel Club: Specializes in translating and publishing light novels; Offers subscription services for early access to new chapters.
Kobo: Sells a variety of light novels, accessible via Kobo eReader and app.
Crunchyroll Manga: In addition to manga, offers some light novels through their subscription service.
Tapas:Offers a wide range of officially translated light novels; Accessible on various devices with the Tapas app.
These sites are based on fan-translations most of the time, so I am not sure if it is completely legal. I am guessing that this works like mangadex – but for novels and light novels. Here is a short overview, of some of the most popular ones:
lightnovelpub
readlightnovel
webnovel
novelonlinefull
Do you want to know where you can read Manga and Webtoons legally? Check out this article: Where can I read Manga and Manhwa legally?
Here are some publisher-imprints, who focus on selling light novels:
Dengeki Bunko (from ASCII Media Works)
Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko (from Kadokawa Shoten)
MF Bunko J (from Media Factory)
Kōdansha Ranobe Bunko (from Kōdansha)
Manga vs. Light Novel – which is better?
It all comes down to your personal preference. If you are into visuals – like myself – reading Manga is probably the better choice, as some Manga are just stunningly drawn and you spend minutes just looking at the beautiful panels. And there is one big upside for Manga as well: kissing scenes just hit harder when you get so see how the author envisioned it.
If you want to let your imagination run wild and like to picture scenarios in your head, I think you will be very happy with a light novel. Although the occasional picture is a treat for the eyes, you can still read a light novel as a normal book but written in a more lighthearted way.
At the end of the day, I think light novels and Manga really complement each other well and if you are a fan of one particular series it would probably be best to read them both, as light novels often add additional information to the story. Here is a quick summary:
Manga:
Ideal for visual enthusiasts.
Stunning artwork enhances the reading experience.
Visual scenes, such as romantic moments, can be more impactful.
Light Novels:
Great for imaginative readers.
Allows for detailed narrative exploration.
Occasional illustrations provide visual treats without dominating the story.
Manga vs. Light Novel – Here are some examples for well-known light novels:
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World
Overlord
A Certain Magical Index
Sword Art Online
Monogatari Series
Toradora!
The Saga of Tanya the Evil
My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected
Do you need some good Manga recommendations? Check out these lists:
I have read more than 1000 Romance Manhwa, Webtoons and Manga - TV-Series and books not included. So I hope to bring a deep and nuanced understanding of the genre to every review and recommendation.
As a journalist with seven years of experience, I've dedicated my free time to exploring and writing about the intricacies of romance in various forms.
A light novel (ライトノベル or ラノベ) is a style of Japanese novel primarily targeting teenagers and young adults. The term “light” signifies its approachable and easy-to-read nature. Light novels often feature furigana (phonetic guides for kanji) and colloquial language, making them accessible to younger readers. They incorporate illustrations similar to manga, which punctuate the narrative, usually appearing at the beginning or end of chapters.
It all comes down to your personal preference. If you are into visuals – like myself – reading Manga is probably the better choice, as some Manga are just stunningly drawn and you spend minutes just looking at the beautiful panels. And there is one big upside for Manga as well: kissing scenes just hit harder when you get so see how the author envisioned it.
If you want to let your imagination run wild and like to picture scenarios in your head, I think you will be very happy with a light novel. Although the occasional picture is a treat for the eyes, you can still read a light novel as a normal book but written in a more lighthearted way.
At the end of the day, I think light novels and Manga really complement each other well and if you are a fan of one particular series it would probably be best to read them both, as light novels often add additional information to the story. Here is a quick summary:
A light novel (ライトノベル or ラノベ) is a style of Japanese novel primarily targeting teenagers and young adults. The term “light” signifies its approachable and easy-to-read nature. Light novels often feature furigana (phonetic guides for kanji) and colloquial language, making them accessible to younger readers. They incorporate illustrations similar to manga, which punctuate the narrative, usually appearing at the beginning or end of chapters.
It all comes down to your personal preference. If you are into visuals – like myself – reading Manga is probably the better choice, as some Manga are just stunningly drawn and you spend minutes just looking at the beautiful panels. And there is one big upside for Manga as well: kissing scenes just hit harder when you get so see how the author envisioned it.
If you want to let your imagination run wild and like to picture scenarios in your head, I think you will be very happy with a light novel. Although the occasional picture is a treat for the eyes, you can still read a light novel as a normal book but written in a more lighthearted way.
At the end of the day, I think light novels and Manga really complement each other well and if you are a fan of one particular series it would probably be best to read them both, as light novels often add additional information to the story. Here is a quick summary:
