Summary
Otome isekai manhwa offer complex, character-focused stories with a variety of themes and relationships, setting them apart from shōnen isekai. Unlike shōnen isekai, otome isekai protagonists often have unique backstories and even flaws, with these series exploring mature themes such as abuse and trauma. Otome isekai manhwa offer more than just romance, with protagonists pursuing a variety of goals and instead finding love in unexpected ways.
When it comes comicLike anime and manga, this medium has something for fans of every genre, niche, and theme. One such genre in manhwa and webtoon Medium is otome isekai, more commonly known as the villain genre due to its extensive use of the common villain motif. While such stories are certainly numerous and often blend together, the otome isekai genre is what makes me love manhwa, and it's all because of one main reason that sets it apart.
Isekai fantasy manhwa like Solo Leveling and Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint were some of the first manhwa I read when I first discovered manhwa. While I certainly enjoyed reading these series and was fascinated by the bright and beautiful artwork of the medium, it wasn't until I stumbled upon villain manhwa that I really started devouring manhwa left and right.
Custom image by Merlyn De Souza
On the surface, otome isekai may seem like frivolous romances, especially to those who are hesitant to pursue the shoujo and josei genres. However, after reading many of the best manhwa that the otome isekai genre has to offer, it's clear that these manhwa are give their main characters much more depth of character than shonen characters while also exploring complex, mature issues That really impressed me.
What is Otome Isekai and how is it different from regular Isekai Manhwa?
Otome Isekai and Shōnen Isekai Manhwa are two sides of the same coin
Essentially, otome isekai manhwa are not much different from other isekai fantasy genres in that the general premise is that the main character (in this case female) is transported to another world and must adapt to it. In the case of shōnen series, this new world often takes the form of a high fantasy novel or role-playing game.
Given the popularity of Solo Leveling, many manhwa have also begun to utilize the concept of reverse isekai, where a fantasy world is superimposed onto a seemingly normal world through the appearance of some form of portal or portal. Meanwhile, the otome isekai setting often takes the form of a historical novel or otome game where the characters are thrust into aristocratic society.
While otome isekai Most see their protagonists reincarnated as villains in the story.shōnen isekai often feature protagonists who are reincarnated as weak characters, who are then given some extraordinary ability that makes them stronger. In both cases, the main goal is usually survival, but while the shōnen isekai protagonist avoids death at the hands of monsters and beasts, the otome isekai protagonist must navigate through the complex social conventions and rituals of aristocratic society, where, as the story's antagonist, death and destruction are inevitable fates.
In this case, Both sides of the isekai genre are said to be very similar but also very different at the same time. with very common yet interesting writing styles found in each work. However, there is one area where the otome isekai genre excels above the rest, and that is strong character-focused writing.
Otome Isekai Manhwa It's Better to Highlight Their Main Characters
This genre explores surprisingly mature themes.
While the main characters in shōnen isekai manhwa certainly have their quirks and comedic moments, few have much more than that. While I enjoyed Solo Leveling, Jinwoo can be said to have a cardboard cutout personality, and while his lack of emotion may be an important plot point, his personality seems superficial even before the fact. Most shōnen isekai manhwa fail to give their main characters memorable or unique backstories Most character origins revolve around the protagonist being bullied or belittled in one form or another, which then becomes the basis for a common power fantasy.
Even though I enjoyed these stories, I had no intention of reading more until I discovered isekai otome manhwa.
This isn't to say that all isekai shōnen manhwa or power fantasy manhwa are bad, as I found myself enjoying series like The Greatest Estate Developer, Teenage Mercenary, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, and even The Beginning After the End. The fact that I couldn't see myself in these main characters has nothing to do with gender or demographics but the simple truth is that these characters lack conviction. while i may enjoy these stories, i had no desire to read further until i discovered otome isekai manhwa.
The otome isekai genre isn't afraid to tackle more issues complex, mature topics like abuse, trauma, and even eating disorders. For example, Ruby from How to Win My Husband Over is shaped throughout by the abuse she endured in both her past and present life. Her difficulty in trusting people and constant need for reassurance stemming from her abusive past can be seen in every relationship she has throughout the series, creating a mature, grounded portrait.
Otome Isekai includes diverse and even flawed characters
Another aspect that really surprised me is that the otome isekai genre is fearless. accept flawed protagonists. Penelope from Villains Are Destined to Die is a prime example of a protagonist who is inherently flawed and constantly treads the line of frustration with the decisions she makes. Her inability to see the characters around her as real people with emotions rather than game characters and her own desperation to survive ultimately warps her judgment and causes her to make questionable choices throughout the story.
As such, although many protagonists are often portrayed as villains, each manhwa can be said to take a different path. Some protagonists like Meldenique from The Villainess' Stationery Shop choose to stay away from the villainous life and pursue their dreams, while others like Roxana Agriche from Roxana find out for themselves what truly makes a villain and embrace their role as an anti-hero or follow the path of revenge.
Otome Isekai Manhwa offers more than just simple romance
As the word otome implies, many of these stories include romance, but it It is not always the focus and never the only goal. Some protagonists choose to use their new lives to pursue their dreams like in The Evil Maid's Stationery Shop, where Meldenique, the main character turned evil maiden, decides to use her second chance in life to open her own shop and make children happy with her unique snacks and sweets.
Meldenique recalls the rare kindness she was shown in her previous life at such a store when she was young and wants to spread that happiness. In this case, as with many other manhwa, Love is something that the main characters in otome isekai simply find along the way, often in the most unexpected ways.
From toxic relationships like in I Tamed My Ex-husband's Mad Dog and Wished You Were Dead to romances filled with healthy communication like Bring the Love and Villainess in Love, isekai otome manhwa explore such a diverse range of relationships and romances that it's impossible not to find a story you can relate to.
Overall, the otome isekai genre is still underrated for what it has to offer, but thankfully, anime adaptations of series like Doctor Elise have started to bring attention to the genre, which honestly is more than worth it. the villain metaphor Otome Isekai Manhwa turned me into an avid manhwa reader and it probably will turn you into one too.