For anyone following The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, 薬屋のひとりごと) manga, you may have noticed that it has not one but TWO concurrent adaptations based on the original light novel.
Here’s a quick overview:
Title: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
Artist: Nekokurage
Publisher: Square Enix
- Serialized in Monthly Big Gangan (shonen)
- Started in June 2017 issue
- Comparatively cuter character designs, more emphasis on the romance/relationships
Title: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto ~Maomao no Koukyuu Nazotoki Techou~
Artist: Kurata Minoji
Publisher: Shogakukan
- Serialized in Monthly Sunday GX (seinen)
- Started in September 2017 issue
- More emphasis on the mystery side of the story
Both manga began publishing at around the same time and release at roughly the same pace, so neither is very far ahead of the other. If you can, try reading both versions of the same story to experience different perspectives!
As for why there are two adaptations, even the original author, Hyuga Natsu, is at loss. She has posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) in response to a fan’s question on this topic, “I don’t know either, so I was confused.” Somehow contracts were signed to authorize both adaptations without exclusivity.
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