The Japanese light novel series Classroom of the Elite has garnered significant popularity since it first debuted in 2015. The ongoing series was created by author Shōgo Kinugasa and artist Shunsaku Tomose and was published by Media Factory. So far, 18 volumes have been released under the MF Bunko J label. That is why fans of the series want to know: Is Classroom of the Elite Light Novel Finished?
Beyond the original novels, Classroom of the Elite has been adapted into various other media as well. A manga adaptation illustrated by Yuyu Ichino has been serialized since 2016 in Media Factory’s Monthly Comic Alive magazine. Between 2017-2018 there was also a spin-off manga series based on the intellectual property. In addition, a 12-episode anime adaptation was produced in 2017 by studio Lerche and aired on television.
Owing to the continued interest in the franchise, a second season of the anime series aired in 2022. A third season has been confirmed for release in 2023. With new novels still being published on an ongoing basis and additional manga and anime projects in the works, it is evident that the Classroom of the Elite franchise remains popular and active.
There is likely much more still to come for fans of this thought-provoking series about students in an elite academic environment.
What Is the Classroom of the Elite Light Novel Is All About?
The Japanese light novel and anime series Classroom of the Elite centers around an elite high school called Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School. On the surface, the school seems like a paradise where students can enjoy many luxuries.
However, the reality is that students are divided into classes A through D based on academic merit. The higher-ranked Class A contains the top students, while Class D has the lowest-performing ones.
A student’s class determines how they are treated by the school. Those in Class D face discrimination, with a higher risk of expulsion over minor issues. Their monthly allowance for necessities is also smaller, tied to the overall class academic achievement.
The main character, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, is a student placed into Class D. He has to navigate the unfair school system and prevent his struggling classmates from being expelled. Ayanokouji gains the assistance of Suzune Horikita, a coldly logical female student who cares little for others.
The premise of an elite school with a dark side is engaging, made more plausible by the fact that high school is optional in Japan. Initially, the full nature of the school is not revealed. The story starts with Ayanokouji’s first day and month of adjusting to the new environment and befriending classmates, unable to connect well with Horikita right away.
The beginning of the Classroom of the Elite light novel almost reads like a normal slice-of-life high school story. There are mundane events like grocery shopping, club activities, and after-school hangouts. As a slice-of-life fan, I still found the slow start to drag on. The truth behind the school’s true intentions isn’t revealed until about halfway through the book, which is around 200 pages in.
While it does drop hints and has important character development, I think some parts of the beginning could have been shortened or removed to pick up the pace. For example, 10 pages about a grocery store trip isn’t very interesting.
One chapter focused on a co-ed swim class mainly for fan service could have been cut entirely, especially since some of the male characters make inappropriate comments about the female students.
Once the big reveal happens, the book becomes impossible to put down. Learning the school’s secret fascinates the reader. And the new sense of urgency with students struggling not to fail and running out of allowance makes the story more engaging.
Is Classroom of the Elite Light Novel Finished? Explained
The original Classroom of the Elite light novel series is written by author Shōgo Kinugasa and illustrated by Shunsaku Tomose. It is published by Media Factory under their MF Bunko J imprint. The first volume was released on May 25, 2015.
The initial part of the series consists of 14 total volumes – 11 main volumes and 3 additional volumes. Then, in January 2020, the sequel titled Classroom of the Elite: Year 2 began publication, marking the start of the second part.
In North America, the light novels are published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. After the first volume debuted in 2015, the series continues to release new volumes on an ongoing basis. With the recent launch of the sequel, it is evident the Classroom of the Elite light novel franchise is still actively in progress.
