Is The Eminence in Shadow Based on a Light Novel or Manga?

Is The Eminence in Shadow Based on a Light Novel or Manga Cid Kagenou
Credit: Nexus


Is The Eminence in Shadow Based on a Light Novel or Manga Cid Kagenou
Credit: Nexus

The second season of The Eminence in Shadow is finally here, but is there more content for fans? Is The Eminence in Shadow based on a light novel or manga, and is it finished? Here's what we know!

RELATED: When Will The Eminence in Shadow Be Dubbed in English?

Is The Eminence in Shadow Based on a Light Novel?

Is The Eminence in Shadow Based on a Light Novel
expand image
Credit: Nexus

Yes, The Eminence in Shadow is based on a light novel that's written by Daisuke Aizawa and illustrated by Tōzai.

When it started serialization in 2018, the light novel appeared on the user-generated website Shōsetsuka ni Narō before being picked up by Enterbrain.

The light novel is well-loved due to its focus on humor, as opposed to the overt focus on female characters being kidnapped which was negatively commented upon, especially in the early episodes of the anime adaptation.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Who Does Cid End Up With in The Eminence in Shadow?

Is The Eminence in Shadow Based on a Manga?

Is The Eminence in Shadow Based on a Manga Cid
expand image
Credit: Nexus

Yes, The Eminence in Shadow light novel was followed by a manga written by Aizawa with illustrations by Anri Sakano.

A spinoff manga titled Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute! Shadow Gaiden, with art by Seta U also commenced serialization in 2019.

Therefore, there is plenty of additional content for those currently enjoying The Eminence in Shadow.

In fact, fans of the source material might even find the light novels preferable to the anime adaptation, given the latter's tendency to lean a bit too much on tired isekai tropes.

So, Are The Eminence in Shadow Manga and Light Novel Complete or Ongoing?

Are The Eminence in Shadow Manga and Light Novel Complete or Ongoing
expand image
Credit: Nexus

The Eminence in Shadow light novel currently has five volumes. The sixth novel is scheduled to be released on October 30, 2023.

As for the manga, it is also currently ongoing. Currently, 11 tankobon volumes have come out. The 12th volume will be released on October 26, 2023.

Like the original manga, the spinoff was serialized by Comp Ace, and so far, there's a total of five tankobon volumes available. The sixth volume will also be released on October 26, 2023.

If you're looking to read either work in printed translation, both the manga and light novel of The Eminence in Shadow have been serialized in English by Yen Press.

With the second season finally out, both the light novel and manga are a great way to keep up with the Shadow Garden.

The Eminence in Shadow Light Novel vs. Manga Comparison

Eminence in Shadow Manga vs Light Novel Cid
expand image
Credit: Nexus

While both the manga and the light novel of The Eminence in Shadow tell a similar story, fans can seem to agree on which one is their favorite.

The consensus seems to be that the light novel offers a deeper, more detailed story compared to the manga.

If you read the light novel, you might be able to take more from the story, as fans agree that the novel series adds context to elements that might seem confusing otherwise.

Those who prefer the manga cite its humor and great visuals as its strong points. Depending on your priorities, you might even want to check out both.

Regardless, the original light novel and manga are both good starting points to find out what the story is all about.

Want the latest on all things anime? Make sure you follow us on Twitter!

How Well Do You Know Fullmetal Alchemist?

How well do you know the Fullmetal Alchemist manga and Brotherhood anime?

READ NEXT: Best Sites to Read Manga Legally Online

This Article's Topics

Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!

AnimeQueriesThe Eminence in Shadow