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Baccano!

Baccano! is a Japanese light novel series written by Ryohgo Narita and illustrated by Katsumi Enami.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Baccano! is a Japanese light novel series written by Ryohgo Narita and illustrated by Katsumi Enami. Set largely in the United States across multiple time periods, especially the Prohibition era, it follows overlapping stories involving immortals, alchemists, gangsters, and thieves. The series was adapted into a 16-episode anime television series.

Premise

Baccano! follows several initially separate storylines that gradually intersect. The series is known for its ensemble cast and for mixing crime fiction, fantasy, and historical elements.

Publication history

The light novel series was written by Ryohgo Narita and illustrated by Katsumi Enami. The first volume was released in 2003, and the series has continued with multiple volumes published by ASCII Media Works under the Dengeki Bunko label.

Anime adaptation

The anime adaptation consisted of 16 episodes and was directed by Takahiro Omori. It was produced by Brain's Base and Aniplex.

Style and themes

The series is noted for its non-linear storytelling, pulp-fiction tone, and use of supernatural crime elements. Common themes include immortality, alchemy, gang warfare, and consequences of violence.

Key facts

  • Baccano! began as a light novel series and later received an anime adaptation.
  • The story uses a non-linear structure and multiple points of view.
  • Its setting includes a fictionalized United States, with major events tied to the 1930s Prohibition era.
  • Characters include alchemists, immortals, thieves, mafiosi, and other criminal figures.
  • The first novel was published in 2003 under ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Bunko imprint.

Frequently asked questions

What is Baccano!?
Baccano! is a Japanese light novel series by Ryohgo Narita, with illustrations by Katsumi Enami, later adapted into a 16-episode anime series.
What does the story focus on?
It follows multiple interconnected stories involving immortals, alchemists, gangsters, thieves, and other characters, mainly in the United States during the Prohibition era.
When was Baccano! first published?
The first light novel was published in February 2003 by ASCII Media Works under the Dengeki Bunko imprint.
How many episodes is the anime?
The anime adaptation has 16 episodes.
What genre is Baccano!?
It is commonly classified as action, comedy, horror, and supernatural.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baccano!
    Supports: Japanese light novel series, author, illustrator, setting, first publication date, and anime adaptation details.
  2. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7492
    Supports: Anime genres, themes, and plot description.
  3. Anime.com — https://www.anime.com/shows/baccano
    Supports: Anime premise and release context.