"Ascendance of a Bookworm: I'll Do Anything to Become a Librarian" was serialized on the novel submission website "Shousetsuka ni Narou" from 2013 to 2017. Currently, the series is also a hugely popular anime, but today we'd like to introduce the author and manga artist.
Who is Miya Kazuki, the original author and novelist? ①
The original work is by novelist Miya Kazuki. When it first appeared on "Shousetsuka ni Narou," it was common for her to post almost daily during the serialization period. This work was also Kazuki's debut, and the fact that it was decided to be published as a book by TO Books less than two years after its serialization shows that it was an incredibly popular work even back then.The published book then went on to win first place in the paperback/novels category of "This Light Novel is Amazing!" for two consecutive years, further increasing its popularity.
Who is Kazuki Miya, the original author and novelist? ②
Kazuki's profile information, such as her age and photo, is not publicly available. However, information on her Twitter and in the "Ascendance of a Bookworm Fanbook" reveals that she is married and has resumed her previous writing career after her child's upbringing. Although this is her debut work, she seems to have put particular effort into the setting, worldview, and depiction of the book-making process, which is the core of the story. Details can be found in the fanbook mentioned above and in the setting collection on the "Let's Become a Novelist" website. The entire novel version is still available to read on the "Let's Become a Novelist" website, so if you want to know more about "Ascendance of a Bookworm" than the anime version, we recommend checking it out.
About Novelist and Illustrator Yu Shiina
Yu Shiina was responsible for the cover and illustrations for this book. Shiina is an illustrator who has created numerous covers and illustrations for light novels, as well as character designs for children's books and games. As mentioned earlier, "Ascendance of a Bookworm" was originally a web novel without any art, so illustrations were later added to fit the story's world. Both the book's cover and illustrations perfectly capture the essence of the work through Myne's facial expressions and artistic touch, and Myne's world is literally brought to life in vivid color.
About Suzuka, Illustrator of Parts 1 and 2 of the Manga
Suzuka is the manga artist who illustrated Parts 1 and 2 of the "Ascendance of a Bookworm" manga. The introductory parts, which are essential to this work, are beautifully portrayed, including the young expression of Myne, the girl who is reincarnated into this world, the cityscape that forms the basis of the story, and the scene at the temple in Part 2. Part 1 is completed in 7 volumes, and Part 2 is also scheduled to be completed in 7 volumes, so it's a quick read. Additionally, Suzuka's short manga has been published in the "Ascendance of a Bookworm Fanbook" and official comic anthologies, so if you're interested, we highly recommend checking those out as well.
About Ryo Namino, Artist of Part 3 of the Manga
Ryo Namino is the manga artist currently working on Part 3 of the manga. While Part 2 is still being serialized in the manga, due to production constraints, Part 3 has already been published simultaneously. Part 3 frequently depicts the lives of aristocrats and the noble district, so it's exciting to see how they'll be portrayed in the manga. If you'd like to prepare for the broadcast of the Part 3 anime with this manga, why not pay attention to the intricate decorations and architectural details?
About Hikaru Katsuki, Illustrator of Part 4 of the Manga
Hikaru Katsuki is the manga artist behind Part 4. He's also the creator of the popular manga "Baby Steps," which was also adapted into an anime, so he's probably well-known for that. Perhaps because he's been serializing a serious tennis manga for 10 years, Part 4's manga has a more distinct tone. As the story approaches its second half, Myne's efforts and new challenges are depicted with even greater impact.
Summary
What did you think? Surprisingly, many of the people involved in "Ascendance of a Bookworm" became famous through this work, so you must have been surprised at the level of completion, which is hard to believe. Also, with this being Kazuki-sensei's debut work, it has already been published as a book, adapted into a comic, and made into an anime, showing just how rapidly his popularity is accelerating. His other short stories are also listed on "Let's Become a Novelist," so if you're interested, be sure to check them out.
