Are There Any Best Reads Of 2016 With Anime Adaptations?

2016 was packed with phenomenal anime adaptations, and I’ve spent way too much time dissecting them. 'Your Lie in April' had already begun in 2014, but its 2016 episodes wrapped up the heartbreaking story of Kosei’s musical revival and Kaori’s vibrant yet tragic influence. The manga’s emotional beats were amplified by the anime’s stunning visuals and soundtrack.

Then there’s 'Orange', a manga adaptation that blended sci-fi and romance flawlessly. The story of Naho receiving letters from her future self to prevent a friend’s suicide was poignant and beautifully animated. On the lighter side, 'March Comes in Like a Lion' adapted Chica Umino’s manga about a depressed shogi player finding family and purpose. Its introspective tone and unique art style made it a critical darling.

For action lovers, 'Bungo Stray Dogs' brought Kafka Asagiri’s superpowered literary detectives to life with style. The mix of humor, noir, and explosive fights was addictive. 'Mob Psycho 100', based on ONE’s manga, was another highlight, with its psychic battles and quirky character growth. The animation by Bones was jaw-dropping, especially Mob’s emotional outbursts.

I remember 2016 being a fantastic year for anime adaptations of light novels and manga. One standout was 'Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World', which took the isekai genre by storm. The story of Subaru's brutal time loops and emotional struggles was gripping, and the anime did justice to the source material. Another gem was 'Erased', a suspenseful time-travel mystery based on Kei Sanbe's manga. The tension and emotional depth made it unforgettable.

For fans of fantasy, 'Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash' offered a more grounded take on the genre, with beautiful watercolor-like visuals and a focus on survival. 'KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!' was pure comedy gold, adapting Natsume Akatsuki's hilarious LN with flair. Lastly, 'My Hero Academia' debuted in 2016, quickly becoming a shonen Icon. Its manga was already popular, but the anime skyrocketed its fame with stellar action and character growth.

2016 felt like a feast. 'A Silent Voice' (originally a manga by Yoshitoki Oima) got a movie adaptation that year, and it wrecked me in the best way. The story of Shoya’s redemption and Shoko’s quiet strength was handled with incredible sensitivity. The anime’s use of sign language and sound design elevated the source material.

'Drifters', based on Kouta Hirano’s manga, was a wild ride—historical figures tossed into a brutal fantasy war. The anime’s gritty action and dark humor matched the manga’s energy perfectly. 'Flying Witch' offered a cozy contrast, adapting Chihiro Ishizuka’s slice-of-life manga about a witch adjusting to rural life. Its calming vibe and whimsical charm were pure serotonin.

For thriller fans, 'The Morose Mononokean' adapted Kiri Wazawa’s supernatural manga, blending humor and ghostly mysteries. 'Tanaka-kun is Always Listless’ was another standout, turning Sōichirō Yamamoto’s laid-back manga into a hilarious ode to laziness. The anime’s pastel colors and deadpan comedy were a perfect match.