When it comes to my passion for light novels, there’s a part of me that yearns for something more – more diversity, more voices, and more characters who look like me, an African American. While I’ve fallen head over heels for these captivating stories, it’s hard to ignore the glaring absence of representation for Africans and African Americans within this beloved genre.
But before we dive into this, let’s be clear: I don’t believe this underrepresentation is intentional. It’s a complex issue rooted in demographics, cultural nuances, and the classic advice to “write what you know.” Japan, the birthplace of light novels and a haven for anime and manga, is not exactly teeming with African or African American communities.
The truth is, I can count on one hand the number of African American or black characters that come to mind from the vast world of light novels and their anime adaptations. The most notable is Agil, aka Andre Gilber Mills, from the SAO series. Yet, while Agil is a memorable presence, he remains a supporting character, never quite taking center stage in a way that truly impacts the narrative.
This lack of representation, I believe, has a ripple effect on African American fans like me who are drawn to the fantastical worlds of light novels. It’s not that these novels aren’t exciting or brilliantly written – they are! But the absence of characters who resemble us makes it difficult to fully immerse ourselves in these stories.
Consider this: how many times have you seen African American fans passionately discussing light novel series or cosplaying as characters from these worlds? The numbers are nowhere near as high as they should be, and I think the dearth of representation is a significant factor.
But fear not, for it’s not all doom and gloom. While specific light novels with prominent black characters are a rarity, they do exist. For instance, the creator of “Soul Eater,” Atsushi Ōkubo, introduced us to Kilik Rung, a character he crafted precisely to address the issue of representation. Kilik has since become a fan favorite and a symbol of progress.
Additionally, “Shaman King” gave us Chocolove McDonell, a character whose initial design might have raised eyebrows, but whose development has allowed him to grow beyond stereotypes. Though I haven’t had the chance to read about Chocolove, the fact that his creators have made efforts to evolve his character is promising.
Even though light novels might not be the primary domain for strong African American representation, there’s hope in the broader world of manga and anime. “Bleach,” for instance, introduced us to Yourichi, a prominent and multi-dimensional character who has captured the hearts of fans, myself included.
In conclusion, while African American representation in light novels might be a work in progress, it’s essential to celebrate the steps that have been taken and the characters who are slowly but surely breaking free from stereotypes. As fans, we can continue to support and promote greater diversity in this beloved genre, encouraging authors and creators to explore the rich tapestry of African and African American experiences. And who knows, we might just see more characters like Kilik and Yourichi gracing the pages of light novels in the future, making the genre even more inclusive and exciting for fans of all backgrounds.
