Baccano! - from the 1700s

The Baccano! series, created by author Ryohgo Narita and illustrated by Katsumi Enami, debuted in 2003 as a light novel collection under the Dengeki Bunko imprint. The narrative is uniquely structured around a non-linear timeline, centering on a collection of immortality-themed vignettes set primarily in Prohibition-era America, though the lore extends deep into the 1700s via the 'Advenna Avis' alchemical expedition. Narita sought to subvert traditional character-driven storytelling by focusing on a chaotic, ensemble cast of characters whose lives intersect through chance and coincidence.

The aesthetic design of the series, particularly the early volumes, leans heavily into pulp fiction and hardboiled noir sensibilities. Katsumi Enami’s illustrations were instrumental in establishing this distinct visual identity, emphasizing sharp, angular character designs and a gritty, cinematic atmosphere that complements Narita's rapid-fire prose style. Upon release, the series was received as a refreshing departure from standard light novel tropes, garnering significant critical acclaim and eventually spawning a cult-classic anime adaptation that solidified its reputation for stylistic complexity.