Best Lesser-Known Isekai Manhwa

Best Lesser-Known Isekai Manhwa

Key Takeaways

  • Isekai manhwa offer a unique escape to another world with witty main characters and engaging plots.
  • Lesser-known manhwa like “I’m All Out of Health!” and “The Adorable Princess of Doom” have captivating and wholesome stories.
  • “The Grand Duchess of The North Was Secretly A Villainess” and “As You Wish, Prince” provide light-hearted reads with strong, complex characters.

As a seasoned reader of manga and manhwa, I must say that diving into “The Grand Duchess of The North Was Secretly A Villainess” was quite the refreshing change of pace. Eloise, our chilly yet calculative Duchess, is a strong female lead who knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. And Caien, oh dear Caien, he’s as cunning as they come, which makes for an intriguing male lead.


For quite a while now, Isekai manhwa (comics) have been gaining more and more fans because many people love the idea of a character leaving their world behind for a new one. It offers something different from the usual romance or action stories we see, and it’s very good at keeping readers engaged in the genre.

Less commonly recognized isekai manhwas similar to “Villains Are Destined To Die”, “The Beginning After The End”, and “The Greatest Real Estate Developer” have gathered significant attention within the isekai genre. However, there are other lesser-known gems that equally merit some recognition. Here are several isekai manhwas that may not be as familiar to the community, but offer compelling stories and artwork for readers to enjoy on occasion:

1 I’m All Out Of Health!

The Girl With Zero HP And Her Scary Bodyguard

Release Date2021
CreatorsLee Haron (Story) Vanilla (Artist)
Chapters94
StatusCompleted

Ninenya Seiah’s misfortunes started from the moment she was born, as a very sick infant, to a mother who had treacherous relatives. After her mother passed away, her father had no choice but to send his daughter far away and swear not to see her until she reached adulthood. Tragically, he died before they could ever meet, or so it seemed, until one morning our protagonist found herself awakening in Ninenya’s body. All she had were memories of this underprivileged character and a determination to survive. Now, with these recollections and her will to live, she embarks on a journey to regain her health.

In a humorous twist, Ninenya’s health situation is less than ideal in this new world. Even the simple act of getting out of bed leaves her coughing violently. The intimidating Count Kaiser Adelman, tasked with helping her, only intensifies the discomfort. Despite their stark differences, they form an effective team. As they gradually improve Ninenya’s health, their bond deepens into a heartwarming and endearing friendship.

2 How To Be A Dark Hero’s Daughter

A Sweet Story Of A Lonely Child And Her Doting Father

Release Date2021
CreatorsGomdel, Lisabel (Story) Pina (Artist)
Chapters40
StatusHiatus (due to author’s illness)

In the realm of Father-Daughter tales, “How To Be A Dark Hero’s Daughter” is a must-read. The protagonist discovers she has been reborn into a book she once knew before passing away, which leads her to aid the novel’s main character, who will later become her father, Callen Deu Luwelton. Impressed by her intellect, he takes her under his wing and provides her with a life brimming with affection and nurturing – a kind of upbringing that Leticia has never experienced in any of her past lives.

The story gives readers an inside look into her daily life as the daughter of a so-called “dark hero” who’s known for his murderous aura. But the more she spends time with her new family, the more people begin to see a different side to the “murderous villain” her father has been dubbed as. Callen and Jade (her brother) always make sure Leticia is happy, healthy, and always loved, making this a heartwarming read.

3 The Adorable Princess Of Doom

The Summoned Demon Princess Trapped In An Unfamiliar World

Release Date2021
CreatorsHan Seram (Story) Gae Nyangppa (Artist)
Chapters102
StatusCompleted

Eun Lee, who’s always faced tough times, miraculously wins the lottery one day, only to be mysteriously transported to another world on the same night. She finds herself inhabiting the body of a 5-year-old girl who is said to be the princess of the demon realm. Her father, Kaon Mahana, intends to keep her and has renamed her Rue, planning to integrate her into their family. However, as they spend more time together, he begins to discern hints of his deceased lover’s essence.

This “Enchanting Demon Realm’s Princess” deviates from the usual Father-Daughter isekai manhwa genre due to its emphasis on action, sorrow, and enigma. Readers might find it challenging at first as Kaon initially appears aloof, but as they progress, they may become captivated by the emotional depth and fragility of the characters. Rue’s journey involves grappling with her past, present, and future as she navigates her role as the true princess of the demon realm.

4 I Became The Crazy Emperor

An Average Office Worker Trying To Save The World As A Tyrant Emperor

Release Date2022
CreatorsRyoo Seung Han (Story) Maru Comics (Artist)
Chapters70
StatusOngoing

In the twist of fate, Park Gwangseok steps into his beloved web novel, only to discover himself seated on the throne and inhabiting the body of Emperor Axeltrion. However, the disadvantages overshadow the advantages, as it turns out that Emperor Axeltrion is the antagonist of the story. To make matters worse, Axeltrion’s insatiable thirst for violence frequently tempts him towards carnage, creating immense challenges in his quest for a tranquil realm.

Readers might find a unique perspective in “I Became The Crazy Emperor,” since Axel lacks complete control over his body compared to other transmigrated main characters. He’s in a constant struggle between righteousness and wrong, striving hard not to succumb to the true Axel’s impulses. This manhwa offers a delightful dose of humor amidst the violence, intrigue, scheming, and politics, making it a tale that readers should definitely not skip.

5 The Lady’s Butler

A Heartwarming Love Story That Travels Worlds

Release Date2020
CreatorsHa YaeJi (Story) Cheomji (Artist)
Chapters95
StatusCompleted

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Woori is devastated when her beloved book character, Lancelot, sacrifices his life for an unrequited love with the heroine. However, in an unexpected twist of fate, Woori finds herself transformed into the novel’s protagonist, Charlotte. Determined to change Lancelot’s destiny, she embarks on a journey to give him a more fulfilling life. As The Lady’s Butler, Lancelot is unique in his role, possessing magical abilities because he’s also the secret Master of the Magic Tower.

Apart from its central romance, this manhwa delves into multiple themes of sorrow, despair, and yearning that many people might identify with. The story revolves around Woori’s struggle for existence, Lancelot’s growing affection for her, and the antagonists who aim to eliminate them both. It’s truly touching to see how consistently Lancelot puts Woori first, regardless of the challenges they face together. This narrative is undeniably captivating because each character is so relatable and endearing.

6 How To Live As A Villain

The Loser That Grew Stronger By Being Deceitful

Release Date2021
CreatorsGamsakk (Story) Lee Masik (Artist)
Chapters165
StatusOngoing

Yoo Seonghoon, contrary to popular belief, is not a heroic figure. Prior to his arrival in the world of “The Mission,” he was just an ordinary office worker who tried to keep a low profile and suppress his more sinister tendencies. However, once he entered this new game-like realm, he began to act freely and do as he pleased. It turns out that being a villain is actually where he excels.

Instead of typical main characters, Seonghoon chooses to navigate this world without concealing his cunning nature. He’s remarkably ruthless, with questionable morals, performing actions solely for personal gain. The story Living Like a Villain offers a unique perspective, as the protagonist has no qualms about being unsympathetic and will stoop to any level necessary to emerge victorious.

7 The Grand Duchess Of The North Was Secretly A Villainess

The Cold Duchess Uses The Two-Faced Emperor To Survive

Release Date2022
CreatorsHae Seoram (Story) Marucomics (Artist)
Chapters102
StatusCompleted

In the conclusion of “The Crown of Blood,” Grand Duchess Eloise Wayana is tragically put to death by Emperor Caien Halisis, revealing her as the unforeseen antagonist despite her previous heroic image. However, when Kim Dakyung, a passionate reader, finds herself in Eloise’s past after passing away and waking up in her body, she decides to alter destiny and protect her territories. Fate smiles upon her, as a young Caien Halisis, the future emperor, unexpectedly visits her home, providing an opportune moment for her to win him over.

As a gamer, I found “The Grand Duchess of The North Was Secretly A Villainess” to be surprisingly humorous and straightforward, without getting bogged down in excessive subplots that might complicate the narrative. Taking on the role of Eloise, the main character, I found myself adopting a cold, strategic mindset that perfectly suited her position as the Duchess. She’s definitely a strong female lead, always keeping her sights set on the ultimate goal and never once playing the damsel in distress. Caien, however, is a fascinating twist on the male lead character – he’s almost borderline yandere, but his shrewdness adds an exciting edge to the story.

8 As You Wish, Prince

The Author Who Fell Inside Her Novel And Had To Save Her Characters

Release Date2019
CreatorsMokgamgi (Story) Antstudio (Artist)
Chapters93
StatusCompleted

By day, Yoonsoo is a diligent office employee, but after hours, she’s a renowned novelist, penning the third installment of her popular book series. Suddenly, the antagonist from her stories, Prince Einzen Kyte, steps out of fiction and abducts her. Now, she’s trapped in the world she imagined, where the menacing prince threatens to punish her for the hardships she wrote about him.

In a unique twist on many isekai tales, the author Vasser (pen name) finds herself in a predicament she orchestrated herself. This manhwa could resonate with readers who are fellow writers, as it delves deeply into the significance of world-building and character development. Furthermore, despite an initially strained bond, the dynamic between Vasser and Kyte is captivating due to Vasser’s unconventional portrayal as a female lead who is neither the typical damsel in distress nor helplessly dependent on her male counterpart.

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2024-10-26 20:05