A new isekai series has once again made its debut. The Eminence in Shadow, which is a typical Naro-kei type and harem anime series, gained popularity almost instantly upon its release.
Cid Kagenou, a boy reincarnated from the real world to an alternate world, happily embraces his role as the Eminence in Shadow in this new setting. The girls he nonchalantly took under his wing end up mistaking and worshipping him as the Shadow, leading Cid to unknowingly become a genuine hidden powerhouse and eventually leading the shadow organization Shadow Garden.
The original light novel series began in 2018, with a manga adaptation following shortly thereafter. By 2022, an anime adaptation had also become a reality. The first season aired with 20 episodes in 2022-2023 and the second season with 12 episodes in the end of 2023, produced by Nexus.
There must be some who, having finished watching the The Eminence in Shadow anime, want to enjoy more of the story. In this guide, I’ll explain how to enjoy the continuation of the anime through the original light novels and manga adaptation without having to wait for the anime’s sequel. Let’s check where the The Eminence in Shadow anime ends in the light novel and manga, and where you should start reading.
(Photo on top: ©逢沢大介・KADOKAWA刊／シャドウガーデン)
How many volumes does The Eminence in Shadow have?
The light novel series of The Eminence in Shadow (陰の実力者になりたくて!), which originally began its serialization in the novel publishing website Shosetsuka ni Naro in 2018, has been published since 2018. The author of the series is Daisuke Aizawa, with illustrations handled by Tozai. There are 6 volumes in the The Eminence in Shadow light novel series so far (the latest 6th volume released in October 2023).
It has been adapted into a manga series with art by Anri Sakano since December 2018. The manga series contains 12 volumes as of now (the latest 12th volume released in October 2023).
Which should you choose, light novels or manga?
There are two ways to enjoy the following story after the anime ends. Then, which should you restart The Eminence in Shadow with, light novels or manga? If you want to experience the authentic world of The Eminence in Shadow, the original light novel series is recommended to choose. Naturally, the light novel is the furthest ahead in the story. However, if you prefer a more accessible form of entertainment, the manga might be a good option. Be aware, though, that the manga might eventually be caught up to by the anime.
So, from which volume should you start reading both the light novel and the manga?
The Eminence in Shadow: Which Volume to Read after the Anime Series
Light Novel: Which volume of The Eminence in Shadow to read after the anime?
The anime first season of The Eminence in Shadow ends with Episode 20 “Advent of the Demon,” and it corresponds to the end of Volume 2 of the original light novel.
And, the second season finishes with Episode 12 “Highest,” which is equivalent to the middle of Volume 4 of the light novel series.
So if you want to read the continuation of the latest The Eminence in Shadow anime, you should start from the middle of Volume 4 of the light novel.
Season 1: From Volume 1 to Volume 2
Season 2: From Volume 3 to Volume 4
Movie: From Volume 4
▽If you want to read the light novel series after watching the first season’s episodes, re-start with Volume 3!▽
Manga: Which volume of The Eminence in Shadow to read after the anime?
As for the The Eminence in Shadow manga adaptation, after broadcasting 20 episodes of the anime, six and a half volumes have been covered. The second season of the anime corresponds to the manga from Volume 7 to midway through Volume 12.
Therefore, you can enjoy the continuation of the anime from the middle of Volume 12 of the manga.
Season 1: From Volume 1 to Volume 7
Season 2: From Volume 7 to Volume 12
Movie: From Volume 12
▽For those who want to read the manga series to follow the first season, get the Volume 7 onwards!▽
When will The Eminence in Shadow Season 3 air?
Before the decision for the third season, it was decided to produce a new anime movie, The Eminence in Shadow: Lost Echoes (劇場版 陰の実力者になりたくて! 残響編). This means that the story following the second season will be depicted in this anime movie, and then continued in Season 3. Given the popularity of this anime series, the likelihood of further seasons being animated is very high. Let’s wait for more news.
▽Have you already checked these lists of the best series of all time?▽
<<Best Light Novel Series of All Time>>
<<Best Manga Series of All Time>>
<<Best Anime Series of All Time>>
If you’re looking for recommendations in the similar category as The Eminence in Shadow, please make use of the following selection of manga and anime.
▶︎▷▶︎▷10 Best Isekai Light Novels of All Time
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