The popular anime The Apothary Diaries, which perfectly mixes the quintessential genres of mystery, romance, and comedy, has captivated a wide audience. Set in the ancient Chinese harem, it follows the story of Maomao, a lowly apothecary girl who uses her precious knowledge to solve mysteries. The power struggles among the emperor’s high-ranking consorts, known as the senior consorts, are just the tip of the iceberg. The true essence of The Apothecary Diaries lies in the mysteries, everyday human drama, and comedy that unfold. Even the backgrounds of the main characters, Maomao and Jinshi, remain shrouded in mystery, drawing keen interest in the anime’s future developments.
The anime series of The Apothecary Diaries is adapted by Toho Animation Studio and OLM from Natsu Hyuga’s original light novel that has been published since 2014. It started airing with its first season in October, 2023, and finishes with 24 episodes in March, 2024.
However, only a fraction of the story has been adapted into anime from the already published light novels, leaving many mysteries unresolved in the anime. Those who have finished all the current episodes of The Apothary Diaries anime might be itching to see what happens next. This introduces the options of continuing the story through light novels and manga, suggesting fans check where the anime ends in the light novels and manga of The Apothary Diaries.
(Photo on top: ©日向夏・イマジカインフォス／「薬屋のひとりごと」製作委員会)
How many volumes does The Apothecary Diaries have?
The original novel of The Apothecary Diaries was first released by the author Natsu Hyuga on the user-generated novel publshing website Shosetsuka ni Naro in 2011. The physical light novel series has been published by Shufunotomo since 2014, with the illustrations by Touko Shino. There are 15 volumes in the light novel series of The Apothecary Diaries published so far (the latest 15th volume released in March, 2024). Its English edition has been lisenced and published overseas by Square Enix since 2021.
The Apothecary Diaries has been adapted into two types of manga adaptation: the first one published by Square Enix and the second one by Shogakukan, both since 2017.
Square Enix’s manga series titled The Apothecary Diaries consists of 13 volumes so far (the latest 13th volume released in March, 2024). The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Rear Palace Mystery-Solving Notebook by Shogakukan has 18 volumes (the latest 18th volume released in March, 2024).
Which should you choose, light novels or manga?
The following story after The Apothecary Diaries anime can be enjoyed in both the light novel and manga formats. Many anime based on light novels also have manga adaptations, offering two ways to enjoy the continuation of the story. Often, people choose manga because it’s easier to read. However, the manga version tends to progress more slowly, and it’s common for the anime to surpass the manga. Therefore, when both manga and light novels are available, it’s frequently recommended to enjoy the original world and story through the light novels for their stories and illustrations.
However, The Apothecary Diaries is an exception where both the two existing manga adaptations’ quality is high, so both the light novel and the manga are recommended. For those who prefer reading novels, it’s advised to read the light novel version. Manga enthusiasts should check out the manga version.
Nonetheless, the manga offers less progress in terms of the story continuation compared to the anime, so there’s not a lot of content to read through. Naturally, the light novel is the furthest along in the story, so for those eager to enjoy more of the narrative sooner, choosing the light novel would be wise.
Which manga adaptation should you read?
Actually, there are two kinds of manga adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries. Both trace the same light novel from the beginning, so the overall story doesn’t change. Of course, the art style is different, and the elements that are emphasized also differ.
For example, Square Enix’s The Apothecary Diaries has a cute art style and focuses more on rom-com elements than on mystery. On the other hand, Shogakukan’s The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Rear Palace Mystery-Solving Notebook has a cool art style and pushes the mystery elements more than the rom-com aspects.
Both have their own different charms and are popular in their own rights. However, to conclude, if you’re reading in English, you have no choice but to choose Square Enix’s The Apothecary Diaries. This is because only Square Enix’s The Apothecary Diaries has been translated into English and published overseas.
The Apothecary Diaries: Which Volume to Read after the Anime Series
Let’s guide you on how to enjoy the continuation of the story in both the light novel and manga formats after finishing the currently airing anime of The Apothecary Diaries.
Light Novel: Which volume of The Apothecary Diaries to read after the anime?
The first season of The Apothecary Diaries anime concludes with Episode 24 “Jinshi and Maomao,” which corresponds to the end of Volume 2 in the original light novel.
So, to conclude, the perfect way to smoothly transition from the anime to enjoying the continuation through light novels is to start reading from Volume 3 of the light novel.
*Regarding the light novel series of The Apothecary Diaries, the publication on Kindle is far ahead of the physical books. For those who wish to read further ahead, I recommend reading on Kindle rather than waiting for the print publication of the light novels.
Season 1: From Volume 1 to Volume 2
Season 2 (Upcoming): From Volume 3
In the first season of the anime, a bit about the protagonist Maomao’s parents, as well as Jinshi’s hidden background, were revealed. There are still many mysteries, and the changing relationships among the characters are also something you can’t take your eyes off. Why not immerse yourself in the real world of The Apothecary Diaries through the light novels?
Manga: Which volume of The Apothecary Diaries to read after the anime?
As I mentioned earlier, there are two types of manga for The Apothecary Diaries, but currently, only the version by Square Enix has been fully translated and published in English. So, I’ll mainly talk about that version.
The first season of The Apothecary Diaries anime ended with Episode 24, “Jinshi and Maomao,” which corresponds to Volumes 8 Chapters 38 to 40 in the manga. Therefore, to continue the story from where the anime left off, one should start reading from Volume 8 Chapter 41, “Book.”
Season 1: From Volume 1 Chapter 1 to Volume 8 Chapter 40
Season 2 (Upcoming): From Volume 8 Chapter 41
For the sake of completeness, I’ll also mention the other version, Shogakukan’s The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Rear Palace Mystery-Solving Notebook. To continue the story seamlessly after the anime, you should start reading from Volume 8 Chapter 31.
When will The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 air?
What a joyous announcement! Right after the conclusion of the first season, it has been decided that The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 will air in 2025. A teaser visual and a short movie for the new season have also been released. It’s exciting to look forward to the story of Maomao getting entangled in further incidents. However, since it’s still a bit of a wait, those who can’t wait are encouraged to enjoy the light novels and manga.
For those who like The Apothecary Diaries, I highly recommend the following light novels, manga, and anime. If you’ve completed the anime and either the light novel or manga of The Apothecary Diaries, why not try a different series?
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