Isekai Light Novels That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into An Anime

As someone who has spent countless hours delving into the realms of fantasy and is no stranger to the intricate world of light novels, I must say that these three stories present quite an interesting mix.

Isekai is a fantasy sub-genre that is raging all over the world. Since its humble origins back in the early 90s, an incredible number of publications with many colorful characters have invaded the minds of thousands of fans. Second only to romance manga in popularity, Isekai has its main source of anime in the Light Novel series.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but ponder over the fact that not every Light Novel Isekai finds its way onto the animated stage. A myriad of factors contribute to this—ranging from financial constraints and the complexities of maintaining plot fidelity, to straightforward rejections by producers unwilling to take on a particular series. Here’s a list of some intriguing Isekai Light Novels that might prove challenging to adapt into an anime.

5 Reincarnated As A Dragon Hatchling

Would Break Any Animation Company Budget

Original Title: Tensei Shitara Dragon No Tamago Datta ~ saikyō igai mezasanee~
Author: Nekoko
Number of Volumes: 16
Official English Available: Yes (Up to Volume 7)

In a mystical, shadowy realm filled with enchantment and beasts, an ordinary Japanese office worker finds himself transformed into an unhatched dragon’s egg. After hatching, he unearths a peculiar game-like mechanism that alerts him of his newborn dragon status.

A survival story begins, where the mysterious system will allow the hero, lately named Irushia, to evolve into the most powerful dragon in the world. The Light novel is quite interesting but has some drawbacks due to the graphic nature of some of the topics it deals with. Additionally, it was licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment for an official translation into English. The Light Novel has a lot of fighting scenes between colossal dragons, and that’s really complicated to animate — the budget for the series would be out of the charts. So, it is unlikely that this series will be having an adaptation to anime soon, but its fans still have hope.

4 Herscherik: The Reincarnated Prince And The Kingdom In Woe

Starts Really Well But Got Axed After Volume 5

Original Title: Herscherik R: Tensei Ouji no Eiyuutan
Author: Nobiru Kusunoki
Number of Volumes: 5
Official English Available: Yes (Up to Volume 2)

In “Herscherik”, I, as a die-hard Otaku, find myself unexpectedly reborn in another world, but instead of being a regular Joe, I’m now a prince! Surprisingly, I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. The light novels kick off with an engaging plot, a breezy mood, and crucially: lots of thrilling action. The initial two volumes have already garnered a significant following, and the story has received rave reviews from platforms like MyAnimelist.

Around the third volume, the narrative pace noticeably slowed as the kingdom was engulfed in political strife, and Herscherik was busy traversing the world to address its issues. The action became sparse, and it seemed to take forever for the main character to fully transition into a prince. It’s possible that this prolonged development may have contributed to the series being canceled, although the exact reasons remain unknown, as neither the editors nor the author have provided any additional explanations. Regrettably, this leaves little hope for an anime adaptation for fans of the series.

3 Full Clearing Another World Under A Goddess With Zero Believers

Has Lost Popularity Due To Its Plain MC

Original Title: Shinja Zero no Megami-sama to Hajimeru Isekai
Author: Oosaki Isle
Number of Volumes: 9
Official English Available: Yes (Up To Volume 7)

In a new fantasy world, video game enthusiast Makoto Takatsuki and his schoolmates find themselves reborn, with Makoto taking on the role of a Mage Apprentice as the main character. The twist is that he’s given just 10 years to live, and his classmates ridicule him for being the weakest among them, having the lowest stats in this new life.

One evening, a deity manifests in his dreams, requesting him to be her inaugural devotee. In exchange, she promises him a blessing and a sacred weapon. From then on, Makoto embarks on a journey of ascension, demonstrating his exceptional skills, gradually amassing power, despite a rocky beginning. His ultimate goal is to free the goddess, who is confined within a dungeon. The Light Novel garnered generally positive reviews, but its popularity appears to have waned due to the protagonist’s ordinary and predictable nature, making it unlikely that it will grow enough momentum to transform into an animated series.

2 Record Of Wortenia War

Toning It Down Would Destroy Its Core Essence

Original Title: Wortenia Senki
Author: Ryota Hori
Number of Volumes: 26
Official English Available: Yes (Up to volume 24)

Chronicles of Wortenia’s Conflict narrates the tale of Ryoma Mikoshiba, a high school student with a passion for martial arts, who gets transported to another realm. The arrogant nobles at the O’ltormean court force him to get stronger by battling and killing other creatures and enemy soldiers. As time passes, Ryoma uncovers the corrupt and repugnant nature of these powerful yet detestable rulers. In a bid to avenge himself against this court member, he escapes to the borderlands, where he encounters two sisters who have been outcast due to their magical talents.

In unison, they embarked on a voyage encompassing survival, dominion, and love. The comic book version has been significantly muted compared to the explicit material found in the books – with the graphic portrayals of warfare and destruction becoming increasingly intense throughout the narrative. Regrettably, it seems unlikely that any producers would risk adapting this series without making significant tonal adjustments, which could potentially alter the very essence of the story.

1 Otherworld Nation Founding Chronicles

Too Much Politics And No Action

Original Title: Isekai Kenkokuki
Author: Sakuragi Sakura
Number of Volumes: 4 (published out of 9)
Official English Available: No

The “Tales from Beyond: Village Rebirth” is an engaging survival narrative that follows a band of orphaned children stranded near the borders of a devastated hamlet in a treacherous woodland. Leading them is a reborn Japanese officer, who assumes command and imparts vital skills to ensure their survival. Gradually, they establish a new settlement, winning the approval of the forest’s most fearsome inhabitant – the Gryphon King.

Eventually, adults grow cautious towards this expanding settlement within their lands, leading nobles to attempt seizing their resources. However, the orphans show remarkable strategic skills that outwit the nobles. The children and the protagonist are subsequently welcomed into the Kingdom, with the monarch proposing to make the village leader his son and marry him to his daughter. Unfortunately, as the story progresses, it loses its engaging quality and pace, becoming rather dull and tedious.

2024-09-14 08:05