The Summer Hikaru Died Light Novel Gives Supporting Characters More Time

Different adaptations of stories can each become an opportunity to enhance the tale or offer new insights into actions. With The Summer Hikaru Died light novel, I’ve noticed more thought and explanation put into characters’ thoughts and supporting cast. However, at the same time, some moments and situations don’t hit the same in the book as they do in the manga. 

Editor’s Note: There will be some light spoilers for the first volume of the light novel adaptation of The Summer Hikaru Died.

Going in to the first volume of The Summer Hikaru Died light novel, it is important to note that it basically covers the same part of the story as volume 1 of the manga. Yoshiki is aware his friend Hikaru died, and the being known as “Hikaru” who’s been around for a while isn’t really him. It starts with a confrontation about this fact, which leads to Yoshiki being the secret keeper and one closest to an entity basically wearing the skin of his best friend and crush. What follows is a look at life with such a being by your side and the danger and consequences that come from that. 

The biggest takeaway I have is that the light novel features a lot more asides with the supporting characters. Things start out with Hikaru, rather than “Hikaru” getting a moment. Then in a nod to things going wrong in town, we get a little more time with Mrs. Matsuura in a critical moment. When Yuuki and Asako, Hikaru and Yoshiki’s classmates, are introduced, there is far more effort put into their introduction, defining them as characters, and setting up their friendship. There’s also a little bit of insight into the personality of Kaoru, Yoshiki’s sister, as a result. 

While this is generally a good thing, there are also times when I feel like the light novel adaptation of The Summer Hikaru Died loses some of its punch with this new approach. For example, the introduction begins with us seeing the actual Hikaru’s last moments. I felt this lessened the effect and introduction of “Hikaru” in the first chapter of the book. That moment is perfect in the manga and so notable because of that jolt. It also doesn’t feel as well written and executed as that moment in the manga when it happened as well. 

There are also some moments when the extra internal insight from Yoshiki feels like a bit much. Some of his reactions and deterioration throughout the manga version of The Summer Hikaru Died is effective because we’re inferring or actually seeing the strain through the art. The bags under his eyes. His hair. His injury that just doesn’t heal. That doesn’t come across the same in text. There’s a point at which Yoshiki thinks, after “Hikaru” says something notable, “Hikaru never said a thing like that before.” I didn’t like how it came across, and appreciated the nuance in the manga when you could tell from the art that Yoshiki realized a response or behavior was off, but didn’t say anything about it. 

I feel like The Summer Hikaru Died light novel is an interesting option, but not the ideal adaptation. There is so much nuance to the manga, and that doesn’t always come through here. Yes, we do get some extra supporting character insights. That’s fun. However, I’d recommend the first volume of the manga over the first volume of the light novel any time. 

The first volume of The Summer Hikaru Died light novel is available now through Yen Press, and the company handles the manga as well. The anime will air on Netflix in July 2025.

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