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I know that original animes weren't based on light novels or mangas (see:
[this](https://anime.stackexchange.com/questions/3408/what-is-the-first-ever-
produced-anime-and-manga)). However, I think there are some early shows that
are based on mangas (Astro Boy for example, I think). What was the first anime
based on a manga? Also, what was the first anime based on a light novel?


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anime-history
What were the first anime based on manga and light novels?


While not the most scientific method, one could generate a list of anime
entries over at [Anime News Network](http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/), sort
it by order and see what is the earliest entry in their database that fits the
criterion we're looking for. [Here would be an example of such a
list.](http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime-
list.php?showdate=1&limit_to=&showT=1&showO=1&licensed=&sort=date)

Obviously the service's database is most likely incomplete, but regardless, it
is still an authoritative source for anime information, and given the size,
and time range of the database, it can be trusted as a good estimation.

  * **First anime based off of manga** : 
    * [Astro Boy, 1963](http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=422)
  * **First anime based off light novels** : 
    * [Legend of the Galactic Heroes (OAV) 1988](http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1786)
    * [Slayers (1995)](http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=657)


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Nya, "Norakuro", maybe? I'm not sure if that was the first anime based on a
manga, but, anyway, the first anime of Norakuro predates Astroboy anime and
predates too the Second World War


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Technically, Tetsuwan Atom (1963) is the first anime to exist and was also
based on a Manga, but if you do not get too technical on what anime means and
just refer to animation from Japan you get Shou-chan no Bouken (1924) as the
first such "anime" that was based on a "manga".

The first anime based on a Light Novel is Kikansha Yaemon: D51 no Daibouken
(1974) and the first "anime" based on a normal novel is Saiyuuki: Son Gokuu
Monogatari (1926).

Though, what we commonly refer to as anime nowadays - the whole subculture
stuff - only originated around 1978-1982, so none of the titles above fit if
you go by that understanding of anime.


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