Goblin Slayer is a controversial dark fantasy anime, but where did all the gore first come from? Is Goblin Slayer based on a manga or light novel, and what's their status?
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Is Goblin Slayer Based on a Light Novel?
As is the case with several anime taking place in a pseudo-European medieval setting, Goblin Slayer started as a light novel.
The novel series is written by Kumo Kagyu and illustrated by Noboru Kannatuki.
Like the anime, it follows the blood-soaked adventures of the titular Goblin Slayer, a single-minded killer devoted to eradicating goblins, and his party, which includes a young priestess, a dwarf, and a lizard priest.
Goblin Slayer's light novel series counts 16 volumes. If you would like to read them, you're in luck, as they've been translated into English.
Is the Goblin Slayer Light Novel Finished or Ongoing?
The Goblin Slayer light novel that started it all is currently ongoing.
Goblin Slayer has come a long way since the series began in 2016. So far, there has been no announcement as to when the light novel might be ending.
In the meantime, here's where you can read the Goblin Slayer light novel online.
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Does Goblin Slayer Have a Manga?
Other than the light novel series, Goblin Slayer has also received not one, but two manga adaptations.
The first manga started its serialization in 2016. It is written by Kousuke Kurose and it is a largely straightforward adaptation of the light novel's plot.
The second adaptation is by Masahiro Ikeno. It is a spinoff titled Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One, and its first chapter came out in 2017.
Between 2018 and 2019, Ikeno released an additional shorter spinoff known as Goblin Slayer: Brand New Day.
Is the Goblin Slayer Manga Still Ongoing?
Both Goblin Slayer manga are ongoing, the former with 14 volumes. The first spinoff counts 11 volumes as of writing.
Goblin Slayer: Brand New Day, on the other hand, is completed, with only two volumes.
To complicate matters even further, Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One has an (equally ongoing) light novel adaptation.
None of the manga series other than the one completed spinoff have a known end date.
With no ending in sight, we may be able to expect many more Goblin Slayer episodes even after Season 2 is done.
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