Slayers

Next one on the list of the best light novels for adults in Slayers. Hajime Kanzaka authorizes the Japanese light novel series, Slayers, while Rui Araizumi is the illustrator. Since 1989, the books have been serialized in Dragon Magazine. Later, they were released as standalone volumes.

Kanzaka worked as a salaryman after graduating from Kobe Art Technical College until he decided to enter Slayers in the first Fantasia Awards on a whim. His following has increased by releasing science-fiction and fantasy novels via Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko in addition to his publications with Fujimi Shobo. Rui Araizumi is one of the two main creative factors behind Slayers' creation.

They chronicle the travels of young sorceress Lina Inverse and her friends across the world. They fight overreaching wizards, demons out to destroy the planet, and the occasional unfortunate band of robbers with strong magic and swordplay. Lina tells the tale of her many experiences, from lighthearted and humorous to dramatic and even downright dangerous situations, in which she and her traveling companions get entangled wherever they go.

Slayers has been converted into multiple manga titles, anime television series, anime films, OVA series, role-playing video games, and other media. It has served as the inspiration for various spin-off novel series. There are more than 20 million copies of the novels in print, not counting the spin-off series. One of the most well-liked anime series of the 1990s is thought to be this one.

Out of all the media comprising the Slayers brand, the anime has garnered the greatest audience and is regarded as one of the most well-liked shows from the 1990s, domestically and internationally. Because it is a parody of the high fantasy genre, the humor in the series primarily consists of references to other specific anime or more general genre clichés and tropes.

By making fun of its own flaws, Slayers has managed to maintain a sizable fan base. It is "the very definition of an all-encompassing media franchise," according to Joseph Luster of Otaku USA. Slayers has that in their unforgettable cast, and no matter your age, they'll probably cast a spell on you."

Authors: Hajime Kanzaka, Rui Araizumi
Year of publication: 1990
Status: Finished