Although isekai manga have had their share of ups and downs, the genre’s also been responsible for some classic series over the years. Fans of the genre enjoy isekai because they offer interesting fantasy settings while remaining relatable through their grounded protagonists.
While several of the best isekai manga and anime get their start as light novels before being adapted into anime, some others actually started out as manga. Conversely, it’s also a popular format to see adaptations of popular material retold. Despite the reputation some of these isekai series have, many isekai manga are quality reads and are often better than their anime adaptations.
Updated on April 12th, 2024 by Sage Ashford: Somehow, isekai continues to get even bigger as a genre. New series are released all the time, taking familiar tropes and finding creative new sales to keep fans invested. These series enter with a high level of quality, all to compete in an incredibly crowded market. This article has been updated to add even more amazing isekai manga that fans should be reading.
35 Hero Union BBS Follows Isekai Heroes Through The Multiverse
Themes: Anthology, Inexperienced Heroes, RPG
Hero Union BBS is an anthology series that takes the isekai concept in a fun new direction. Instead of focusing on a single character, every chapter follows a different “retired” hero talking about their prior adventures on an online message board. Sharing their adventures aids a Hero Union, a group of adventurers with powers that can travel across a massive multiverse.
Hero Union BBS is a series for fans who are aware of all the usual tropes of a isekai series. It’s not afraid to get silly, and being an anthology means they can stuff in as many tropes as they want. Best of all, it’s a short series at only 28 chapters, meaning fans can just dive in over a weekend.
34 The Unique Cheat of the Man Dragged in by the Four Heroes Follows An Innocent Bystander
Themes: Edgy Protagonists, RPG Stats, Overpowered Protagonist
The Unique Cheat of the Man Dragged in By the Four Heroes follows Hiro Okamura. Hiro was summoned to another world alongside four other students, where they were meant to help protect the humans of that world from the demonkin. However, while the other four students all wield the “Hero” class, Hiro instead wields the “Innocent Bystander” class, as he was never supposed to be there at all. Free of any obligations, Hiro abandons the quest to fight demons, instead learning about his own power: Word Magic.
The Unique Cheat is another standard style isekai with a protagonist that’s anything but. While other overpowered protagonists use their powers to cause sweeping changes in the world, Hiro has no interest in any of that. Instead, he’s refreshingly selfish, using his powers merely to explore the new world he’s been summoned to. It’s also fun seeing a series where the protagonist isn’t automatically overpowered, and occasionally finds himself in situations where he’s the weaker fighter, so he has to win using his intelligence.
33 Eminence in Shadow Follows A Man Running A Secret Empire Without Realizing It
Themes: Delusional Hero, Overpowered Protagonist, Fantasy
Eminence in Shadow follows Cid Kagenou, a boy who was reincarnated into another world after being hit by a truck. In this new world, Cid’s goal is to achieve what he could not in his old world: to become a powerful mastermind that manipulates the world from the shadows. Cid’s desire to be important causes him to make up a story about him wielding a vast organization known as Shadow Garden, who battles against an evil group known as the Cult of Diablos. What Cid doesn’t realize is that the Cult of Diablos actually exists, and his actions are actually affecting their aims for global domination.
Eminence in Shadow is unlike any other isekai out there. Sure, tons of isekai series have overpowered protagonists, but none of them follow one that’s literally delusional. The manga still features battles against the Cult of Diablos, but Cid still thinks everything that’s happening around him is a game that everyone is in on. In that way, the series manages to be both parody and completely serious at the same time.
32 Reincarnated as the Lazy and Villainous Noble… Explores Someone Fighting Against Their Inner Personality
Themes: Villain Protagonist, OP Protagonist, Harem
Reincarnated as the Lazy and Villainous Noble follows a man who gets reincarnated as Weiss Vincent, the starter villain of the game “Noblesse Oblige”. Weiss’ destiny is being defeated by the Hero of the game on the first day of school, then to eventually be used as a shield by the game’s main villain. Terrified of suffering from this fate, the “new” Weiss immediately begins training under an S-Rank Adventurer to change his future.
Villainous Noble is a newer series in the villain isekai subgenre, but it’s still better than readers might expect. For one, unlike many other series, it’s teased that the original, villainous “Weiss” is still around inside the protagonist’s body. This adds some additional intrigue, as Weiss doesn’t know if or when he’ll lose control of his body for good. It’s still early days, but this is a series with tons of potential.
31 Reincarnated Into a Game as the Hero’s Friend
Themes: Underpowered Protagonist, Demon King, Nobility
Reincarnated into a Game as the Hero’s Friend follows Werner Zehrfeld, a man reincarnated into a video game he beat in a previous life. However, Werner isn’t the Hero—instead he’s merely a nameless NPC. Though Werner initially plans to avoid the actual Hero as much as possible, the two become best of friends on the Hero’s quest to take down the demon lord.
Reincarnated into a Game as the Hero’s Friend feels like a far more serious version of My Next Life As A Villainess. Though the protagonist isn’t a villain, like Katarina he builds his entire life around avoiding the game wiping him out since he’s only an NPC. Though he trains himself to be a talented warrior though, he’s never the most powerful. Instead, it feels more like a traditional fantasy series, where everything is about the hero relying on their wits to stand a chance against their opponents.
30 I'm In Love With the Villainess Stars a Relatable Protagonist
Themes: Yuri, Magic, Politics
Villainess isekais are ever popular, but I’m In Love With the Villainess has likely missed some new fans due to it being a yuri isekai. While romance truly is the core of this manga, it also features some intriguing political discussions among classes and an interesting magic system. Rei finds herself reincarnated as the protagonist of her favorite dating sim. The game only allowed for Rei to romance one of the three princes, but now that she finds herself in control, her eyes are set on Claire Francois.
Claire is the classic antagonistic villainess of the series. Despite Claire having a cold exterior and an ego, Rei is determined to get her love through. This manga is full of Rei’s goofy shenanigans and «down-bad» behavior, but the story is rather inspiring. It tackles themes of homophobia and classism in rather exceptional ways. Not to mention that Claire has incredible and believable character development.
Summary
I’m in Love with the Villainess (Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou, or Wataoshi) is an isekai light novel and manga series written by Inori that spins the original villainess formula. Oohashi Rei is an office worker who is literally worked to death in Japan and finds herself reincarnated as protagonist Rae Taylor in her favorite game titled Revolution. But Rei’s interest isn’t in the game’s three possible romanceable princes; she has a less conventional love interest in mind — the game’s antagonist, Claire Francois.
29 The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady Is More Than a Romance
Themes: Yuri, Politics, Underpowered Protagonist
Anisphia remembers her previous life and how she was always dazzled by the concepts of magic. Now, as a princess in a magical world, she finds that she’s unable to use magic. Because of that, Anis becomes something of a scientist, always cooking uo gadgets and plans that will allow her to use magic in one way or another. When Anis’ older brother dramatically breaks up with his fiancee, Euphyillia, in a rather humiliating manner, Anis offers Euphy to stay with her.
From the get-go, Anis is all over Euphy. From teasing remarks and comments about marriage, it seems completely one-sided at first. Except, Euphyillia actually ends up being the one to fall much harder. Aside from an awesome yuri story, Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady is an isekai manga that is far more than just a love story. It goes incredibly in-depth with its magic and Anis’ research. Plus, there’s some incredible plot twist and political games of chess.
28 The Executioner and Her Way of Life Puts a Spin on Isekai
Themes: Anti-Isekai Heroes, Action, Yuri, Gore
A young hero wakes up in a fantasy world to find themselves severely overpowered and ready to tackle everything their new environment has to throw at them. Except, in this case, there are executioners following the Faust Church set on eliminating any person who finds themselves «isekai’d». The summoned heroes, called «Lost Ones», have been the leading cause of some rather disastrous events. Because of that, Faust is determined to eradicate them before things go awry.
When Menou attempts to kill a Lost One named Akari, Menou soon discovers that Akari is capable of reversing her very own death. Because of that, Menou has no choice but to travel with Akari and keep an eye on her until she can find a way to kill her. The Executioner and Her Way of Life is such an entertaining isekai because it pits the typical heroes of isekai as the villains. The world is tired of the summoned outsiders coming and wrecking havoc. This story also has very intricate world-building all surrounding the concept of outsiders bringing new knowledge and technology to the fantasy world.
27 Otherside Picnic Isn't a Typical Isekai
Themes: Horror, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, Yuri
When most readers think of isekai, they are sure to think of modern people being reincarnated or trapped in another world — particularly, a fantasy world. Now, imagine the characters are able to leave and enter the world at many different times and locations. That’s Otherside Picnic. Playing off of the supernatural and legends of myth, Otherside Picnic follows two modern paranormal-hunters named Toriko and Sorawo. In search of Toriko’s old mentor, Satsuki, the two delve into the «Otherside» which is a haunting land of mystery and pure horror.
While not every single second of this story takes place in the Otherside, every part of this story has to do with Toriko and Sorawo’s findings. There are hellish ghouls, hauntings and curses that make this isekai manga, at times, frightening to read. After an incident in the Otherside, Toriko and Sorawo both find that they have new powers, a staple for any manga airing on the side of isekai. Otherside Picnic is such an engaging story, that it’s hard to believe it’s as underrated as it is.
26 I Got a New Skill Every Time I Was Exiled… Dips Into New Game+
Themes: RPG, Demon Kings, OP Protagonist
I Got a New Skill embraces the idea of a “new game plus” isekai manga. The lead protagonist, Ed, starts at the end of his story. He’s been banished from one hundred different hero parties, gaining exotic skills after each banishment. After revisiting the first world he left, he learns the Demon King there took over, inspiring him to start over from zero.
While the overpowered protagonist isn’t anything new, I Got A New Skill is still a good isekai manga thanks to its unique premise. The hero is determined to travel to one hundred worlds to see if he can fix what went wrong, giving him a sense of duty lacking in most isekai heroes. The artist’s offbeat sense of humor and the quirky characters also give even experienced isekai readers a reason to check the series out.
25 The Death Mage Has Multiple Reincarnations
Themes: Multiple Deaths, Underpowered Hero, Curses
Dying with an unfulfilled life and being reincarnated seems like a nice hand-out. Except, Hiroto dies again in his second life. Once again, he dies with unfulfilled wishes and meets a rather tragic, premature death. The cause of this being an oversight from the God of reincarnation himself. Thus, Hiroto actually gets a third try at life. How will it fare this time around?
A typical isekai usually features a one-and-done reincarnation. The Death Mage raises its stakes by having the main character meet multiple untimely demises. It’s a refreshing take on the isekai genre, making this isekai a manga that fans should definitely check out. It can be bittersweet and delves into the topics of life and death in rather fantastic ways while the hero deals with his curse of death.
24 Wise Man's Grandchild Is Full of a Strong Cast of Characters
Themes: Multiple Overpowered Characters, Magic Systems, High School
Not every isekai manga on a grossly overpowered protagonist who hoards the glory for himself. In Wise Man’s Grandchild, the protagonist does the exact opposite. The reincarnated Shin is raised by a legendary magician, Merlin Wolfford. After years of training, Shin exceeds even his grandfather in every way possible and begins attending high school. There, he makes a number of new friends and begins teaching them his absurd skills as well.
Wise Man’s Grandchild experiments with the isekai formula by making its entire main cast feel valuable. Rather than having the protagonist do everything, it’s fun watching Shin train those around him to make them competent as well. The series also excels at writing several believable romances, giving the reader characters to care about outside the lead.
23 The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey To Pick Up Trash Has an Interesting Premise
Themes: Underpowered Protagonist, Coming-of-Age
Not all isekai manga need to be about overpowered leads capable of crushing every opponent. The Weakest Tamer follows a young child named Ivy, who seems to have exceptionally weak magical powers and talents. Her taming ability is so weak she’s only able to tame a single transparent slime, who becomes her main ally on her journey.
Even fans who’ve read the best isekai manga are unlikely to have ever experienced anything like The Weakest Tamer before. Tonally, it’s not all comedy or grim and edgy, but often sad and bittersweet. It’s impossible not to root for Ivy as she struggles to make a place for herself in the world. It takes an underpowered protagonist and gives the readers a lovable character that readers want the best for.
22 Trapped In a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough For Mobs Features a Haughty Protagonist
Themes: Dating Sim, Intelligent Protagonist
Many isekai manga feature their lead being reincarnated into their favorite games. Trapped in a Dating Sim though has Leon Fou Bartfort being reincarnated into a game he had no interest in at all — an otome game where women hold all the power while most men hold none. That premise alone sets this isekai manga apart from many of its peers.
Trapped in a Dating Sim is a fun read if only because of how different its lead is from most isekai manga protagonists. Leon is crafty and unafraid to manipulate situations around him to benefit him and his friends. He’s also all too willing to rub his victories in the face of everyone who looks down on him without ever being cruel. Leon is a unique main character that readers can’t help but root for.
21 I Got Caught Up In a Hero's Summons But the Other World Was At Peace! Is a Relaxing Tale
Themes: Slice of Life, Harem
Isekai that trade intense combat scenes for slice-of-life scenes are becoming more common these days, and I Got Caught Up In A Hero’s Summons is another such manga. As hinted in the name, Kaito Miyama is summoned to a world that’s completely at peace, and he’s been given a year to explore this peaceful planet at his leisure. Typically, heroes get summoned into worlds that are in the midst of chaos, but not in this manga.
I Got Caught Up In A Hero’s Summons is a relaxing read that gradually builds up its world and characters but keeps the conflict to a minimum. It’s worth the time to check out for people who don’t mind trading the edgelord hero for a harem protagonist. It’s low-stakes story makes this isekai a journey that readers can simply immerse themselves in for some needed pleasure.
20 The Reprise of the Spear Hero Gives a Character a Second Chance
Themes: New Perspective, OP Protagonist
Reprise of the Spear Hero is proof that good writing can make any character likable. Spear Hero’s character is one of the most annoying characters in the already controversial The Rising of the Shield Hero series, yet Reprise of the Spear Hero gets fans to resonate with him by keeping the story from his perspective. It was certainly an interesting choice for the creators to focus on him, but it doesn’t disappoint.
In the world of this isekai manga, Motoyasu loses his life in battle and is sent back to the very first day he was summoned. He maintains his same strength and knowledge but chooses instead to look after the very Shield Hero he spent the last timeline denying. As wrong as it feels to see the Shield Hero and Spear Hero working together, Reprise of the Spear Hero is a cute alternate universe series that super-fans will find easy to get into.
19 My Next Life As a Villainess Side Story: On the Verge of Doom! Brings More Love to an Isekai
Themes: Villainess, Otome, New Perspective
In this My Next Life As A Villainess (itself an otome-based series that’s one of the best isekai manga) side story, Katarina doesn’t realize she’s living through the last otome game she played until she’s in her teenage years. This helps the isekai manga from simply retreading the storyline of the main series. Entertaining readers, it’s just as funny as before while still being fresh.
Without the cushion of several years, this series features a Katarina who has to work much harder to undo all the mistakes she made before she got her memory back. My Next Life As A Villainess Side Story: On The Verge Of Doom! raises the stakes to levels the original was never able to achieve. It’s a fantastic way to build more on the story/world and to keep readers engaged with Katarina.
18 Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship! Takes Readers to the Great Beyond
Themes: Sci-Fi, Space, Piloting, Space Pirates
Reborn as a Space Mercenary has something almost no other isekai manga series has: outer space. The series begins with its lead transported into a universe that resembles his favorite online game, operating a powerful starship that makes fighting pirates a breeze. With that power, Satou Takahiro decides to traverse the universe, building a name for himself and helping others.
Reborn as a Space Mercenary is exactly the manga needed for fans who want a break from all the classic isekai manga fantasy tropes. The manga’s still got the usual harem shenanigans for Satou, but it isn’t afraid to get serious for a few chapters or try out some creative sci-fi ideas to keep fans invested long-term. For its environment alone, Reborn as a Space Mercernary deserves plenty of attention as it delivers an isekai for fans of galactic battles.
17 Mushoku Tensei Has Come a Long Way
Themes: Magic, Companionship, Fresh Start
Mushoku Tensei is a sweeping isekai epic full of character development and rich worldbuilding that no fan will want to miss out on. Rudeus Greyrat has been reincarnated into another world after a life full of regret in his old one. Although he struggles with many of his old habits, he recognizes he has another chance.
Taking destiny into his own hands, Rudeus Greyrat decides to try and live life to the fullest with his second chance. Mushoku Tensei is considered one of the best isekai manga ever, namely due to how well-written it is. Largely avoiding lazy tropes, it explores the isekai manga concept to its fullest, becoming a sterling example of the genre. Putting the controversial romance aspects aside, Mushoku Tensei offers plenty of stellar story-telling for isekai fans.
16 MAR Plays With the Concept of Gravity
Themes: Shonen, OP Protagonist, Action
Marchen Awakens Romance is creator Nobuyuki Anzai’s next series after the end of the successful battle shonen Flame of Recca. MAR’s protagonist is Ginta Toramizu, a nerdy little kid who gets transported to another world and gets a boost in strength from its weaker gravity. The series’ narrative elements make it closer to a traditional battle shonen than an isekai manga.
Given the task ahead of him, Ginta needs more than strength to fight the Chess Army, a group of sadistic warriors who want to take over the world. MAR is the perfect series for someone who just wants to enjoy a great shonen series with isekai elements. The battles are well-planned, the characters stand out from modern shonen series, and the series doesn’t wear out its welcome at less than 200 chapters. These days, it’s actually one of the more underrated battle shonen series around.
