Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters

As I delve into these tales of reincarnation and new beginnings, I can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for our protagonists. Here they are, thrust into worlds so different from their own, each grappling with their unique challenges.


Prior to the coinage of the term ‘isekai‘, it was commonly known as ‘being transported to another world.’ Essentially, the isekai genre transports viewers into unfamiliar territories, where the central character experiences a transformation or reincarnation in a world unlike their own ordinary existence.

Occasionally, the primary character maintains a human shape but undergoes a transformation in status and appearance. Yet, there are instances where the protagonist is reborn as a monster or non-human entity. In this altered form, the main character must grapple with their new circumstances and strive to endure in this fresh environment.

14 Tama

I’m a Behemoth, An S-Ranked Monster, But Mistaken For A Cat, I Live As An Elf Girl’s Pet

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters

  • Japanese Title: S-Rank Monster no “Behemoth” dakedo, Neko to Machigawarete Elf Musume no Pet toshite Kurashitemasu
  • Year of Release: 2018
  • Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Ecchi
  • Creator: Shinonome, Tarou (Art), Ginyoku, Nozomi (Story)

Originally, the knight passes away, only to be granted a second life in another realm. In this fresh start, the knight is transformed into the mighty creature, Behemoth. Despite his immense power, at first glance, he appears as a fluffy kitten. Frequently mistaken for one, he navigates his new world. One day, young Behemoth finds himself in peril, but luckily Aria, an elf, steps in to save him. She decides to adopt the creature and names him Tama.

The comic story follows the transformation of Behemoth into Tama, as he adapts to his fresh environment. Tama expresses gratitude towards Aria for providing him shelter, promising to safeguard her against potential dangers, including any hostile creatures that might pose a threat.

13 Pig

Butareba: The Story of a Man Who Turned into a Pig

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters

In the tale “Butareba: The Story of a Man Who Became a Pig“, our main character is an ordinary laborer who unfortunately passes away at his workplace upon consuming raw pig liver. Upon reviving, he discovers himself in a peculiar realm, now transformed into a pig and unable to free himself from a pen, as he’s baffled by the unfamiliar surroundings.

Fortunately, Pig stumbles upon Jess, a gifted young psychic, enabling him to converse for the first time since his transformation. Grateful for this newfound ability, Pig soon discovers that Jess harbors her own struggles. However, assisting her proves more challenging than anticipated as he lacks any supernatural abilities in this world. The only asset at his disposal is his recollections from his past life.

12 Routa

Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir!

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters
  • Japanese Title: Wanwan Monogatari: Kanemochi no Inu ni Shite to wa Itta ga, Fenrir ni Shiro to wa Ittenee!
  • Year of Release: 2018
  • Genres: Fantasy
  • Creator: Koikuchi, Kiki (Art), Inumajin (Story)

In the tale of “Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Doted-Upon Poodle, Not Fenrir!”, the main character was previously a tirelessly laborious individual hailing from Japan. Unlike most, he knew his post-life aspirations – he wished to come back as a pet dog of a wealthy family, enjoying nothing but their indulgence and lavish care.

Despite his posthumous desires not being realized exactly as he intended, he was reborn not as an ordinary dog but as a colossal, formidable creature reminiscent of Fenrir, the fearsome wolf from Norse mythology. As fate would have it, he was born into affluence, much like he had wished, and this manga chronicles Routa’s struggles to adapt to his new life and eventually live out the existence he had envisioned, albeit in a somewhat unexpected form.

11 Alraune

Plant Monster Girl Diary

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters
  • Japanese Title: Shokubutsu Monster Musume Nikki: Seijo Datta Watashi ga Uragirareta Hate ni Alraune ni Tensei shiteshimatta node, Korekara wa Kougousei wo Shinagara Shizuka ni Shokubutsu Life wo Sugoshimasu
  • Year of Release: 2021
  • Genres: Action, Fantasy
  • Creator: Minase (Story), Guu (Art)

The “Diary of the Plant Monster Girl” narrative revolves around themes of deception, despair, and resolution. In this tale, the central character meets an untimely demise, only to find herself reborn as a plant monster rather than a saint, due to her partner’s betrayal. Aware of the duplicity that led to her present predicament, it is reasonable for her to desire vengeance; however, she finds herself unable to act upon it.

Born with a unique existence, blending human and flora traits, this girl is known as Alraune, the plant-like entity. Overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness, she acknowledges her deep-rooted nature, much like a planted tree. She eventually learns to embrace her situation, seeking solace in the simple pleasures life offers: basking under the sun and nurturing herself with water.

10 Hiroto

The Death Mage

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters
  • Japanese Title: Yondome wa Iya na Shizokusei Majutsushi
  • Year of Release: 2018
  • Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy
  • Creator: Densuke (Story), Kojima, Takehiro (Art)

Hiroto has had more than his fair share of unfortunate lives. His run of bad luck began when he was tragically killed along with some classmates, attempting to rescue a girl he barely knew. After being reborn, Hiroto’s misfortune continued in his second life due to an error by the divine powers that be. The unfairness enrages him, and he yearns for retribution against God, but as a mortal, there is little he can do. Despite God’s assurance of a peaceful fourth life, Hiroto refuses another chance at existence and is weary of endless reincarnation.

In a more challenging twist, the character we know as Hiroto is no longer entirely human. Now, he goes by the name Vandalieu, a dark-elf vampire in this manga. The story unfolds, depicting Vandalieu’s tumultuous and unfortunate journey through life. Though retaining some human traits, his abilities are monstrous, and he navigates among creatures of the undead realm, given his Dhampir status.

9 Rentt Faina

The Unwanted Undead Adventurer

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters

becoming a vampire.

Underneath his mask, Rentt appears skeletal in form, yet hidden behind this perpetual disguise lies a beastly nature. His monstrous persona is concealed by the mask he dons, which serves as both a curse and a blessing. It’s a curse because it labels him as a monster in the eyes of fellow adventurers, who would instantly eliminate him upon seeing his true visage. But it’s also a saving grace, for the mask prevents them from doing so.

8 Ja

Salesman To Dragon

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters
  • Japanese Title: Jaryuu Tensei
  • Year of Release: 2016
  • Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
  • Creator: Hashimoto, Yuuji (Art), Seto, Meguru (Story)

The protagonist from “Jaryuu Tensei” was initially an ordinary salesman who met an untimely and sorrowful demise in a car crash. As a way to compensate for this, he is reborn as a powerful dragon in another realm. Moreover, he possesses the unique talent to assume human form.

In a realm unlike my own, I transform into none other than Ja, a formidable dragon, feared by adventurers and travelers alike for simply being a dragon. Yet, these adversaries stand little chance against the strength that surges within me. Among them is Kuroe, whose unsuccessful attempt at slaying me sparks an unexpected emotional bond between us. From there, we embark on a journey across this vast world together.

7 Arc

SkeletonTraveller

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters

Prior to assuming the identity of Arc, he was a Japanese gaming enthusiast who dozed off during a gaming session. Upon awakening, he found himself immersed in the very game he had been playing, embodied as a skeletal character. Staggered by this turn of events, he embarked on a journey to traverse the game’s world.

In his online gaming persona, he’s known as Arc, and this character roams through various landscapes with the goal of completing quests for financial rewards. Currently, Arc is embarking on a journey, discovering new realms, rescuing those in peril, and more significantly, concealing his identity from others to dodge inquiries about his true self.

6 Akira

Life As A Goblin

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters
  • Japanese Title: Tensei Goblin dakedo Shitsumon Aru?
  • Year of Release: 2020
  • Genres: Fantasy
  • Creator: Miki, Nazuna (Story), Araki, Tsukasa (Art)

Akira Yagami was a kind and unselfish individual. Few people embody such altruism, and the world lost one of its rare unselfish individuals with Akira’s passing. His unselfish character ultimately led to his demise, as he sacrificed himself by shielding a young child from an approaching vehicle.

In a surprising twist, Akira meets his demise and is reborn as a goblin. Readers might ponder why his fortunes took a turn for the worse, given his selfless nature. However, it becomes clear later on that unlike most goblins who only live for seven days, Akira has been granted an exceptional lifespan of 80 years as a goblin.

5 Kumoko

Arachnid Ascent

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters

Previously, Kumoko was deeply engrossed in video gaming. She would often immerse herself completely, spending countless hours indoors playing games. Unfortunately, an explosion occurred which claimed her life along with her classmates. However, luck varied for others as some students were reborn as royalty – princes, princesses, and nobles. Unfortunately, Kumoko’s fate was different; she found herself reborn in a new form – as a spider.

In simpler terms, “So I’m a Spider, So What?” is about the journey of a character named Kumoko, who has been transformed into a spider. She navigates through a mysterious world filled with dangerous creatures, constantly trying to evade being eaten by them. Her goal is to survive and grow stronger in this unfamiliar realm.

4 Illusia

Dragon In Exploration

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters
  • Japanese Title: Tensei shitara Dragon no Tamago datta: Ibara no Dragon Road
  • Year of Release: 2017
  • Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Creator: Necoco (Story), RIO (Art)

In the captivating realm of “Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling,” I find myself transformed into an unhatched dragon’s egg, a complete stranger to this fantastical world teeming with fearsome beings. My memory of my former life is lost, and I stand helpless in the face of these daunting creatures that inhabit this new realm.

From its shell emerges Illusia, embarking on a fresh journey. He strives to break free from conventional dragon stereotypes, opting instead for a welcoming demeanor. As he ventures through this new realm, he absorbs knowledge along the way, gradually transforming himself into a more compassionate being.

3 Rimuru

Slime Sovereign

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters

In my own words, I’d say: I, once an ordinary man, found myself trapped in the monotony of daily life. As I stared death in the face, I couldn’t help but lament the choices I made, particularly the lack of a meaningful romantic connection. Yet, fate had other plans; I found myself awakening in a strange realm, no longer as a human, but transformed into something entirely unexpected – a slime.

In the novel world, Satoru forms an alliance with a mystical creature, adopting the name Rimuru Tempest. Invigorated by this second chance and his unusual form possessing unique abilities, Rimuru aspires to lead a joyful and extraordinary existence, far removed from his past human life.

2 Goburou

Goblin’s Greed

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters
  • Japanese Title: Re: Monster
  • Year of Release: 2012
  • Genres: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
  • Creator: Kanekiru Kogitsune

In another turn of events, experiencing an agonizing death is one thing, but waking up as a goblin named Goburou is quite another nightmare for Tomokui Kanata. Regrettably, this is the fresh start Tomokui finds himself in.

In a strange new realm, Goburou learns that by consuming various creatures, he inherits their strength and abilities. Struggling to adapt in this alien form, he delves into the challenges of being a beast while recalling fragments of his former existence.

1 Momonga

Gamer To Overlord

Isekai Anime & Manga Protagonists Who Are Reincarnated As Monsters

In a typical twist for online games, Overlord narrates the tale of Suzuki Satoru. Moved by the impending closure of his beloved game, he opts to remain logged in, savoring the gaming environment before it vanishes. The game goes offline, leaving Satoru mysteriously trapped; unable to log out and transformed into his in-game character, Momonga.

As Momonga, he notices that even those who aren’t characters within the game are becoming alive, leaving him perplexed. He ponders if other players like himself might be stuck inside this virtual world too. With this thought in mind, Momonga embarks on a journey to locate fellow players and unravel the mystery surrounding his predicament.

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2024-11-04 11:24