Here's a breakdown:
* Common: Illustrations are very common in light novels, often serving as:
* Character designs: Showcasing the appearance of main characters.
* Visualizing scenes: Depicting important moments or setting the mood.
* Adding visual appeal: Enticing readers with attractive artwork.
* Not mandatory: Some light novels are published without illustrations, especially those focusing on heavier themes or more mature audiences.
* Digital vs. Physical: Illustrations are more likely to be found in physical editions of light novels, whereas digital versions might lack them due to cost and format constraints.
Ultimately, the inclusion of illustrations depends on the specific light novel and its publisher's choice.