Anime, Manga and Lightnovels : An experience

I have long been an avid reader of manga, manhua, and their kin. But, as with any passionate pursuit, there came a greater craving—an itch to go beyond the confines of panels and speech bubbles. This thirst for something more nuanced in storytelling made me discover the world of light novels and web novels, which offered a different dimension of depth and immersion.

This is perhaps the biggest enjoyment from light novels: they can actually expand the stories I got accustomed to through manga or manhua adaptations. Most of the time, light novels will already be ahead in terms of storyline, and these offer a treasure trove of chapters that the visual adaptations haven't yet reached. It is similar to finding hidden rooms in a beloved house where surprises and revelations await at each turn.

This shift from manga to light novels also re-ignited the old battle of words against visual media. Where movies and comics have their strengths, there is something profoundly enriching about good prose. Words can do things that other media can't; they can fill in gaps that no visual technology can create, take characters to their innermost thoughts and desires, and craft worlds alive in ways even the most advanced 3D and VR technology fails to come close to replicating.

A well-crafted narrative can take readers on a journey that transcends the boundaries of imagination. This is one reason why storytelling games like RimWorld, Crusader Kings, and Dwarf Fortress have gained such popularity. These games allow players to either craft their own stories or be guided through narratives where they have agency over certain elements. Similarly, light novels and web novels transport readers into intricately woven tales offering them the chance to live vicariously through the characters.

My journey into light novels introduced me to platforms like Royal Road and Webnovel. The websites are more than a repository for stories; they are vibrant ecosystems where authors and readers interact. Writers receive real-time feedback, and readers feel like active participants in the creative process. It's a form of democratic storytelling, where the author retains their creative power while considering audience reactions to shape the narrative.

This interaction highlighted the collaborative potential of art. It was fascinating to watch how the reader engagement could go on to mold a story's direction. Some authors would adapt their plots based on feedback, while others deliberately subverted expectations, knowing full well the reactions their choices might provoke. It thereby highlighted the dynamic relationship between the creator and consumer in the digital era.

Another revelation was the possibility of making a living through writing. The cream of the crop really stands out on these platforms, where some authors make amounts of money that used to seem unimaginable. It was this success that led me to a much broader consideration of art and its funding. Can art be crowdsourced effectively? Can creators find sustainable ways to produce and share their work while securing the financial stability they need?

Having been involved in local art scenes, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles many artists face. For many, the dream of creating full-time remains elusive, constrained by the need to meet basic human needs. Artists in less developed countries often lack the platforms and resources available to their counterparts in more privileged regions. The disparity in opportunities underscores how upbringing and environment shape one’s ability to pursue art.

Yet hope beckons within this new wave: digital age beacons are Patreon, Kickstarter, and such newer novel sites directly connecting an artist or a writer with his audience. These mediums can fill this gap and allow artists to survive off their craft even as they maintain creative output.

Light novels and web novels are indeed a kind of art if one's heart loves the art of storytelling. These works may not be comparable to the giants of literature, such as Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. That's just not important. Classics have their niche, as do contemporary serial works. Not to mention that most great novels-those like Anna Karenina, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and The Hound of the Baskervilles were actually published serially. Not the format but the storytelling and the ability to give the audience that resonance with the stories that make those works classic.

Light novels and web novels are open to genres and themes that mainstream literature might have left untouched or explored in a rather niche way. They embrace everything from high fantasy to science fiction, slice-of-life, and romance, making them diverse enough for everyone.

So, here’s my invitation: dive into the realm of light novels and web novels. Discover the joy of serialized storytelling, the thrill of exploring uncharted narrative territories, and the satisfaction of supporting creators directly. Whether you’re a casual reader or a seasoned bookworm, these platforms offer an experience unlike any other.

Let the words of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke resonate in your ear: "The only journey is the one within." Let these stories take you to such unbelievable places, open all doors to new visions, and new ideas. Who knows? Maybe even a new hobby, or another favorite author, or in some way a new perspective toward the world.

This world of light novels and web novels is vast and varied, with each chunk overflowing with potential and creativity. It's a space where stories flourish, where art meets community, and where readers and writers come together to celebrate the magic of storytelling. Take the leap—a new world awaits.