At the time of writing, KADOKAWA is currently hosting the Sneaker Bunko 35th Anniversary Festa online event. Unsurprisingly, anime adaptations of a few Sneaker Bunko light novels were announced as part of the festivities.
Here are the anime adaptations we will be getting (all are currently in pre-production):
Magical Explorer: Reborn as a Side Character in a Fantasy Dating Sim
Originally a Shousetsuka ni Narou web novel, Iris‘ light novel series (with illustrations by Noboru Kannatuki) is an eroge-themed isekai. The first volume was published in 2019, and Volume 9 is set to be released on September 29, 2023. It also has a manga adaptation by Yukari Higa.
Yen Press describes the plot as:
Few titles are more revered among horndogs-(ahem) connoisseurs of Japanese erotic video games-than Magical Explorer. One day, our smut-loving hero wakes up to find he has been reincarnated into the body of the game’s dreamboat protagonist! Or rather, his hapless comic-relief best friend, Kousuke Takioto. But with his unparalleled knowledge of Magical Explorer and Kousuke’s unorthodox abilities (a scarf that doubles as a fist?), our hero vows to turn the game’s unluckiest loser into its mightiest heartthrob. In this world, nothing is out of reach when you’ve got the know-how!
Class de 2-banme ni Kawaii Onnanoko to Tomodachi ni Natta
Takata‘s light novel series (originally a web novel published on Kakuyomu) follows the relationship between high school student Maehara Maki and his only friend, Asanagi, who happens to be the second cutest girl in his class (the cutest being Asanagi’s best friend, Amami). The romantic comedy began in 2021 and has four volumes as of June 2023, with all but the first being illustrated by Azuri Hyuuga (Volume 1 is credited to Tom Osabe). It has also inspired a manga adaptation by Rin Ono.
Tenkousaki no Seiso Karen na Bishoujo ga, Mukashi Danshi to Omotte Issho ni Asonda Osananajimi datta Ken
Since its debut in 2021, Yu Hibari‘s romantic comedy light novel series (originally a Shousetsuka ni Narou web novel) has spawned six volumes, with a seventh set to be released on November 1 this year, and a manga adaptation by Kina Ooyama (Shiso illustrates the light novels). The story involves its male protagonist discovering that the cutest and most proper female student of his high school is actually his childhood friend, who he had thought was a boy.
The Insipid Prince’s Furtive Grab for The Throne
The insipid prince of the title is Arnold, the Adrasia Empire’s seventh Imperial Prince. Despite his unflattering public image, however, he is actually one of the continent’s five SS-ranked adventurers.
Volume 1 of the light novel series, which is written by Tanba and illustrated by Yuunagi, was released in 2019. Volume 12 is set to be published on September 29 this year, and there is also a manga adaptation by Yukino Amagai.
Bookwalker Global describes the manga as:
Arnold, the seventh Imperial Prince of the Adrasia Empire, is called “THE INSIPID PRINCE” among people since his twin brother is genius and respected by all people. However, he has a secret identity -SILVER, one of the only five -SS-rank adventurers in the continent. When his younger brother Leo decides to aim for the throne, Arnold starts running things behind the scenes to support his brother. Unexpectedly the most beautiful lady becomes his assistant. The secret struggle of the strongest prince begins!
Sources: @kadokawasneaker, @tenbin_sneaker
