Best Isekai Anime & Manga Villains

Key Takeaways

Isekai villains are crucial in the genre and some, like Myotismon, exhibit high intelligence and pose a real threat.
Fenrir from “Eminence In Shadow” is a powerful and evil swordsman obsessed with eternal youth.
Tanya from “Saga Of Tanya The Evil” is a disgustingly evil character with a cunning and psychopathic nature.

In my humble opinion, these three characters are truly remarkable, each with their unique backstory and motivations that drive them to become formidable adversaries. Amongst them, I find myself drawn to Oliver Schtrom, the Duke of the Bluesphere Empire. His transformation from a selfless ruler who cared for his people to an absolute threat, seeking revenge on those who betrayed him, is a tale as tragic as it is captivating.

Isekai stories wouldn’t be the same without worthy opponents to antagonize the summoned heroes. And though in recent years, isekai villains have turned quite dumb and satirical, the genre holds some of the most heinous and evil characters that have ever tried to destroy a fantasy world.

From a creature born out of dark human desires that took shape into one of the most evil destroyers of the Digital World to a reincarnated psycho that decided to wage war and cause bloodshed out of pure lust for violence. These examples are some of the best isekai anime and manga villains, who are capable of destroying everything just to pursue their obsessions.

8 Myotismon

The Scariest And Most Cunning Villain In The Digimon Universe

A genuine villain should possess three key elements: strategic thinking, impeccable timing, and the ability to pose a significant danger to the primary characters. Myotismon from “Digimon Adventures” embodies these traits brilliantly. He is exceptionally intelligent, capable of maintaining a threat level hidden in the background for an extended period. Moreover, he consistently obstructs the progress of the Chosen Children as they navigate the Digital World. His tactics have come close to causing the children’s demise on numerous occasions and even managed to create a significant divide among them, bringing him closer to triumph.

In the end, after transforming into Venom-Myotismon, he turned into a constant catastrophe and one of Japan’s most formidable adversaries from the Digital World. Thankfully, Tai and Matt (known as Yamato in the Japanese version) joined forces to summon Omnimon, managing to halt him in his tracks. Reflecting on this encounter, it’s worth noting that Myotismon was already a powerful force before evolving into his final form, but after that transformation, he reappeared as MaloMyotismon (Belial-Vandemon), significantly more powerful than ever. This second incarnation retained the intelligence of the original villain, which had been diminished during the evolution process.

7 Fenrir (Eminence In Shadow)

Seeking Eternal Youth, He Sacrificed Countless Students

First Appearance: Eminence In Shadow – Manga Chapter 58
Affiliation: Diabolos Cult
Type of Personality: Psychopathic, Cold, Ruthless

In the captivating series “Eminence in Shadow,” an abundance of remarkable characters are presented, many of whom can be categorized as villains or anti-heroes. Among this diverse ensemble of personalities from this isekai anime, Fenrir, a member of the fifth seat on the Round Table within the Diabolos Cult, stands out as one of the most compelling. Fenrir’s history is intricately linked with the origins of Shadow Garden and the cult’s objectives to revive the Demon Lord – which turns out to be none other than Witch Aurora, now reborn as Cid Kagenou’s sister.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at Fenrir’s might as a swordsman, but it’s not just his battle prowess that sets him apart. He’s a centuries-old warrior with a mind twisted by evil, and a relentless craving for eternal youth that propels him as an isekai antagonist like no other. Regrettably, his pivotal role in the story was truncated when Shadow stepped in during the Academy Hostage takeover arc. If not for the main character’s swift action, this brilliant strategist would have effortlessly wiped out all the students, even those as powerful as Princess Alexa and Claire Kagenou, who were no match for his unparalleled abilities.

6 Ainz Ooal Gown

An Absolute Evil And Inhuman Tyrant, Seeking World Domination

Readers who follow Overlord understand that Ainz Ooal Gown is a reincarnator and a former player of the New World online RPG game. However, this doesn’t change the fact that this main character may not be the hero but rather the true antagonist of the story. Summoned heroes from another world often serve a purpose, yet it becomes increasingly evident as the narrative unfolds that Ainz seeks global domination under the governance of the Sorcerer Kingdom. His subordinates exhibit varying degrees of sociopathy and are even more ruthless than he is. Given his power, one might wonder why Ainz doesn’t take action to stop them himself.

In a nutshell, Ainz appears to exhibit compassion and control, but when considering the bigger picture, he could be shaping up as one of the most formidable villains in isekai anime history. This development, though, is perfectly acceptable. As the narrative progresses, it’s likely that Ainz will continue shedding his remaining human qualities, eventually transforming into the ultimate evil overlord in the New World.

5 Dilandau Albatou (The Vision Of Escaflowne)

The Most Emotionally Scarred And Disturbed Villain From The 90’s

First Appearance: The Vision Of Escaflowne Ep 1
Affiliation: Zaibach Empire
Type of Personality: Narcissistic, Psychopathic, Obsessive

In the realm of ’90s isekai anime, Dilandau stands out as one of the scariest, bloodthirsty villains still remembered today, and he’s particularly known for his disturbed mental state. Some fans have drawn parallels between his actions and those of Dio Brando from “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.” In the storyline of “The Vision Of Escaflowne,” Dilandau spares no mercy as he tirelessly hunts Van across the continent, leaving destruction in his wake. As a highly proficient Guymelef (the giant mechas from the anime) pilot, Dilandau has shown himself to be a significant menace, even for Van and his loyal Escaflowne.

His past has deeply wounded him psychologically, leading him to feel broken and overwhelmed by loneliness. This isolation triggers severe agoraphobia, an intense fear of open spaces, and a crippling panic when cornered. Frequently, these instances are followed by intense outbursts of uncontrolled anger, prompting him to destroy everything around him. Indeed, his character, crafted skillfully by the series’ author, makes for a formidable adversary.

4 Zagato

An Evil Priest Who Became The Ultimate Villain For Love

In a well-known phrase, power often leads to corruption, yet love provides redemption. However, when it comes to the character Zagato from a 90’s isekai series, he might be an exception to this rule. Interestingly, the story of Zagato and Emeraude, his beloved priestess, shares a striking resemblance with the plot that later became Anakin Skywalker’s fall into the Dark Side in George Lucas’ Star Wars saga, even though it was written much earlier. Zagato served as High Priest in Cephiro under Empress Emeraude and was her right-hand man. With immense magical abilities learned from the Sage Clef, Zagato was set for greatness; however, his deep affection for the Empress frequently clouded his judgment, hindering this villain’s ability to see the broader context.

Tethered to the Cosmic Pillars of Existence, Emeraude was compelled to devote her life to the planet’s welfare and sacrifice personal joy. This heart-wrenching fate left Zagato shattered into countless fragments. Aware that his cherished High Priestess might thwart her destiny, she sealed herself within a watery crypt, simultaneously conjuring the Three Enchanted Warriors from another realm to obstruct him. Though it was never openly admitted, Zagato’s underlying purpose had always been to shield Emeraude. The animated and comic adaptations exhibit significant differences in portraying his motivations.

In the original manga, Emeraude voluntarily secludes herself within the Water Temple Dungeon, while Zagato assumes guilt for love’s sake, even keeping the secret until his death. On the other hand, the anime presents a more ominous portrayal of Zagato, as he kidnaps the Empress and demonstrates a level of cruelty and power that surpasses his manga counterpart. Despite these variations, both versions of the character are captivating and worthy of recognition on any list.

3 Emperor Dornkirk (The Vision Of Escaflowne)

A Man So Obsessed With Fate That He Would Even Sacrifice His Children

How does one define destiny? What is the objective of existence? These questions puzzled Emperor Dornkirk (also known as Lord Dornkirk in the light novels), driving him almost to insanity. Originally an Earth scientist named Isaac, he was actually Sir Isaac Newton, transported to the world of Gaea after his death. There, he continued his intellectual journey, seeking understanding of the force that drew people together. Fascinated by uncovering the answers to his questions, he dedicated his life to studying the magic that ruled this realm and eventually established the Zaibach Empire. By sharing his past-life knowledge with the inhabitants of Gaea, he significantly advanced their society.

In his quest for unraveling Fate’s secret, Dornkirk shifted his focus towards the enigmatic lost city of Atlantis following the demise of his research partner, Leon Schezar, who withheld information on its whereabouts. This tragic event marked the beginning of the central conflict in the anime.

2 Oliver Schtrom

An Evil Mastermind With A Tragic Past, The Perfect Villain

As Oliveira von Schtradius, a noble-hearted Duke hailing from the grand Empire of Bluesphere, I was destined by birthright to ascend the throne. However, it wasn’t just the title that defined me; I was deeply moved by the wellbeing of my people. With unwavering commitment, I aimed to uplift their lives and make a difference in our domain.

In the end, their actions led to a plot against him, falsely accusing him of heinous acts, spreading lies and manipulating public opinion until a revolt ignited. Regrettably, the very people that Oliveira and Aria cherished turned against them during this uprising. As they were barricaded within their manor amidst the riot, Oliveira watched in despair as his home was burned to the ground, along with Aria and his unborn child. This event drove the duke to madness, leading to a transformation into a malevolent being. His sorrowful past combined with his formidable magical powers make him an imminent danger to the world, for he seeks revenge against those who are selfish and intends to transform all those wronged like him into demons. Oliver Schtrom serves as the main antagonist of Shin Wolford, aiming to demonstrate that even the most noble among us can become a demon when betrayed.

1 Tanya Von Degurechaff (Saga Of Tanya The Evil)

Absolutely Disgusting, Evil Incarnated

In a different rendition, Tanya Degurechaff represents the second manifestation of an individual who dared to challenge God in a mental duel and emerged victorious. Transformed into a young girl in a realm filled with war and sorcery, the seemingly innocent countenance of this petite lady conceals her dark and psychopathic personality, capable of committing the most horrific atrocities during conflict. Despite being a despicable character, Tanya is both intriguing and repulsive to the audience of this isekai series, and she has earned a notorious reputation as one of the most wickedly evil characters in anime history.

Under an outward mask of a model soldier, she conceals a morally decayed character, devoid of compassion and driven solely by the need to demonstrate her worth to her superiors. This propensity leads her to perform some of the most deceitful and ruthless acts of violence in pursuit of her ambition – her ultimate goal.

2024-09-11 08:05