7 Isekai Manhwa Where Protagonists DESPISE Their New Worlds

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Summary

  • Characters opposing typical isekai archetypes feel psychological stress from being trapped in a fantasy world.
  • Protagonists in these manhwa stories are desperate to go back home, facing dark challenges.
  • Unique narratives focus on protagonists who hate being isekai’d, dealing with unfamiliar situations and dangers.

In many isekai stories, the main character adapts swiftly to their new environment and embarks on a mission to carve out a living for themselves within this strange realm. Conversely, certain tales depict getting isekai’d as a nightmare scenario, where the protagonist detests the fantasy world they’re trapped in and yearns for a means to return home. Their existence could be under threat or the world may be unforgiving, but either way, their feelings towards this alternate universe are deeply negative.

Characters who strongly dislike being transported into other worlds defy the usual protagonist stereotype. They aren’t solitary figures nor do they lead detached lives, but rather, their longing to return is intensified by their deep connections and involvement in everyday life. Their experiences of isekai transportation feel more distressing because they must contend with psychological turmoil alongside the other challenges they face.

1. Please, Let Me Return Home

Running Away From Her Killer Fiancé

  • MyAnimeList Score: N/A
  • Published: 2021 to 2023
  • Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation
  • Author: EZ
  • Illustrator: EZ

Being transported into a romance novel might be a fantasy for some, but for the main character, it occurs at an inconvenient moment. Upon encountering her crush after school, she accidentally falls into a mirror and transforms into Beatrice Ayinphilos, the story’s leading lady who meets a tragic end at the hands of her fiancé. Now, she finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery where she must clear her name.

Unlike many isekai stories based on comics or novels, this tale centers around a protagonist completely oblivious to the world she now inhabits. This character stands apart due to her lack of knowledge about the narrative’s context or conclusion. Given her ignorance, it’s challenging for her to dodge potential perils indicated by ‘death flags.’ The innovative approach adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the story.

2. Is This Hero For Real?

Born To Be Normal, Forced To Be A Hero

  • MyAnimeList Score: 6.70
  • Chapters: 101
  • Published: 2022 to 2023
  • Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai
  • Author: Parnar
  • Illustrator: Ppayong

It can be quite disheartening when you’re compelled to participate in something significant, like saving an entire world. In the story, Hansoo Kang is the sole exception among his class who refuses this call, only to find himself stranded in a dark forest instead of being returned to Earth. To add insult to injury, he’s also cursed. However, luckily for him, a mysterious deity is prepared to aid him in his journey back home.

In many manhwa, the protagonist eagerly embarks on a journey to another world. However, in this particular story, our hero, Hansoo, has no desire to leave his own world. This distinct characteristic gives the narrative an unusual twist, making it less about enchanting adventures and more about a struggle for survival. Due to the goddess’s manipulation, Hansoo finds himself cast as a villain. Throughout the story, he tirelessly strives for one thing: returning home.

3. Escape From Another World

Getting Isekai’d And Become A Convicted Felon

  • MyAnimeList Score: N/A
  • Published: 2024 to Present
  • Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Mystery
  • Author: Kim Jun-Hyung
  • Illustrator: Kim Jun-Hyung

In most instances, being transported to another world is thrilling, particularly when endowed with unique powers. However, in this manhwa, Kim Seojoon finds himself falsely accused of murdering a princess and sent to a high-security prison upon arrival. Despite his innocence, he becomes entangled in a power struggle among various factions, learning that trust is only something he can extend to himself. He must maneuver through the ensuing turmoil while simultaneously seeking a means to return home.

Escape From Another World can be rephrased as an exhilarating journey that reveals the ominous aspects of the isekai genre. Instead of a lighthearted fantasy escapade, Seojoon experiences torment, confinement, and life-threatening battles to stay alive. Driven solely by his loved ones left behind during his isekai transition, he must transform radically to confront the obstacles ahead if he ever hopes to reunite with them.

4. FFF-Class Trash Hero

The Most Evil Hero To Ever Exist

  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.20
  • Published: 2019 to Present
  • Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai, Time Travel
  • Author: Parnar
  • Illustrator: Kkangmu

In the realm of isekai stories, being chosen as a hero is a frequent occurrence, and many would seize the opportunity. That was Hansoo Kang’s initial reaction too, until he actually lived through it. Summoned to the fantasy world of Fantasia, he embarked on a decade-long quest to vanquish the Demon Lord, which he successfully accomplished. However, contrary to his expectations, his victory didn’t result in a return home; instead, he was sent back to the start of his journey due to his failure to meet the standards of a true hero.

FFF-Class Trash Hero is a humorous take on conventional hero tales, revolving around a character who despises being transported to other worlds (known as isekai). The story employs typical isekai tropes to highlight Hansoo’s discontent with the world, driving him to perform more mischief than good deeds. It’s an engaging manhwa that enjoys poking fun at its characters and extravagant circumstances.

5. Returning With Absolutely Nothing

The Time Travel Story Without Any Power-Ups

  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.51
  • Published: 2022 to Present
  • Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Time Travel
  • Author: Mongma
  • Illustrator: Gangaji Master

In this manhwa, time travel offers second opportunities for character development, making the protagonist stronger than ever before. However, unlike other stories, this one infuses a dose of pessimism. The main character, Sungmin, is thrust into the perilous world of Aeria, a realm that links dimensions and mercilessly eliminates the feeble. For years, he endures as a classless individual until an unexpected event triggers his demise. Remarkably, a unique artifact transports him back to his initial day in Aeria, giving him another shot at survival and potential success.

The phrase “Returning With Absolutely Nothing” intrigues us as it accurately reflects its title. Sungmin initially finds himself transported to Aeria with no specific class, leading to a challenging, perilous existence that few would willingly choose. In his second life, he depends solely on his memories to grow stronger. What keeps him going despite the hardships is his determination to outsmart the system and strive for a superior way of living.

6. Kill The Villainess

The Girl Who Hates Being Isekai’d

  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.85
  • Published: 2021 to 2024
  • Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Isekai, Psychological, Villainess
  • Author: Sawol Saeng
  • Illustrator: Haegi

In contrast to many isekai protagonists who enthusiastically embrace their transfer to a fantasy world, the protagonist of “Kill the Villainess” is not pleased about it at all. From the very beginning, Eris Miserian, our main character who has been turned into a minor villainess, detests her isekai existence and has been desperately searching for ways to get back home. Unfortunately, she’s forced to see her role through until the end, which has led to several attempts at taking her own life.

This manhwa effectively explores the challenge of suddenly assuming someone else’s role, particularly focusing on Eris’s indifference towards the fantasy realm and her suspicion of other characters. Unlike many isekai stories, it delves deeply into the identity clash that occurs when one becomes another person. Few stories provide as much depth in this aspect beyond initial mentions. This portrayal makes Eris’s cynical viewpoint more relatable and provides a solid reason for her actions within the narrative.

7. Villains Are Destined To Die

Living As The Villain In A Game World

  • MyAnimeList Score: 8.39
  • Published: 2020 to Present
  • Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Reverse Harem, Villainess
  • Author: Gyeoeul Gwon
  • Illustrator: SUOL

In essence, although otome games are generally considered safe, they can be as perilous as reality for a villainess character. When a college student finds herself catapulted into the world of a popular otome game, she’s no longer enjoying a fantasy romance; instead, she’s living a terrifying nightmare as Penelope, the despised daughter of the Eckhart family. Instead of a fairy tale, her life becomes a tragic story where one wrong move could lead to her demise.

In many aspects, the game’s fantasy world mirrors the protagonist’s real life, and they are almost indistinguishable. She adopts a different identity in the game, but it’s clear she sees herself in the character of Penelope. Her dislike for the game world isn’t overtly expressed, yet it’s hinted at through her empathy with Penelope’s hardships. As the danger intensifies, her longing to escape becomes more intense.

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2025-01-26 05:08