Which reminds me I need to start reading those again. The author is really brilliant at writing~ But it is quite tricky to read them if you don't know where to get fantranslations or do not want to read fantranslations - official English translations are non-existent at the moment, though Yen Press has finally announced that they've licensed Durarara!! this year. I don't even want to start thinking of how long they'll take to catch up to the Japanese books, though... I bet the second series of books will be finished before the English is finished with the 13 novels of the first. It is guaranteed that the anime will cover all the novels before the official translations do - and I cannot express in words just how excited I am for that. (After the five year drought being rewarded with three seasons within two years is a great and wonderful thing.)
(Btw, SAO suffers from the same problem also. At this pace, the anime will most likely get up to the 12th novel and beyond before the official translations will - and fantranslations stopped when the official translations began. *sigh* *is frustrated that she needs to rely on anime to fulfil cliffhanger problems*)
As for Simon... I do not like Simon because he is particularly peaceful. More because he seems to be a strong character who doesn't get lost in rage like Shizuo does. He has more ... practicality? Less irritability also. Also, black Russian guy working at sushi bar in Ikebukuro. If that's not something interesting, what is?
*is now tempted to check out Working.* Worth watching at all?
Completely support you on the novels, I was eagerly reading chapter by chapter as they were translated on Livejournal (yes it still exists) I even remember printing them out in school and reading, as I didn't have such things as tablets and e-readers, and my eyes hurt from reading on the laptop. Ah, good times...You have to admit tho, we had a bit of a wait I mean it has been what 5 years since the 1st season of the anime came out! I was beginning to loose hope, but now Oh Sweet Potato Lord we finally have it!! The novels also have their difference with the anime like Izaya's age and some behavioural points. I find it curious...When they do get their official translations I am buying them all and locking myself inside with tea and no one to bother me, forsake food and daylight!
They do classify as supernatural Young Adult mystery crime novels, which I think is an amazing concept.
As for working if you want something funny and refreshing it is the thing for you, a must for Spring and Summer, it will definitely make you laugh a lot!!
Simon...reminds me of a russian friend of mine...He is not exactly like him...tis difficult to describe how ...gah I got myself confused.. .