The Apothecary Diaries' colorful world is taking the anime community by storm! For those who want more content, find out if The Apothecary Diaries is based on a light novel or manga, and what its status is.
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Is The Apothecary Diaries Based on a Light Novel?
The Apothecary Diaries is based on a light novel series penned by Natsu Hyuuga and illustrated by Touko Shino (and by Megumi Matsuda in its single-volume release).
The author of the novel series has also written Requirements for a "Crack" Detective, Seijo ni Uso wa Tsuujinai, and other light novels.
Initially, the novel series was self-published by the author before being picked up by Shufunotomo.
The Apothecary Diaries has been officially released as a light novel series since 2014.
Nine out of its 12 volumes have been translated into English and they are available via most major retailers. Plans for the remaining volumes' translation are also in place.
Is The Apothecary Diaries Based on a Manga?
While the light novel series came first and is considered to be the main source material, it has also inspired not one but two manga series.
The best-known manga adaptation is being written by Itsuki Nanao (also the author of Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina) and illustrated by Nekokurage (Soushoku-kei Danshi).
It has been serialized since 2017 via Square Enix. Like the light novel series, it counts 12 volumes, most of which have been translated into English.
Following the manga's success, another alternative manga series began serialization in 2019.
This one is illustrated by Minoji Kurata (Shosei Katsuragi Shinjirou no Nichijou and Assassin's Creed: China).
It goes by the long, isekai-like title, The Apothecary Diaries: The Palace Cloister Mystery-Solving Notebook of Mao Mao.
While both manga are fun and smart in their own right, the first manga adaptation is better-rated and most fans prefer it, so we recommend it as a starting point for new fans who want to find out what the hype is about!
What Is The Apothecary Diaries' Latest Status?
Both the manga and the light novel series of The Apothecary Diaries are currently ongoing.
As such, we don't expect the recently premiered anime adaptation to be the last.
It's too early to give the show a definitive conclusion since the writer of The Apothecary Diaries has more to say about Maomao's adventures.
That being said, The Apothecary Diaries operates in a partially episodic format, so its unfinished status doesn't mean you won't enjoy it if you start now.
Discover more of our insights and the latest anime news by following us on X (formerly Twitter) @epicstreamanime.
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