Highlights
- Every isekai story incorporates elements from varied genres like josei, enhancing the storyline and adding depth for readers to enjoy.
- Characters in isekai shows often find themselves in unique predicaments – like dealing with the Cheshire Cat’s relentless flirtation – adding humor.
- Romance, fantasy, comedy – the genres combined in isekai manga titles explore themes like marriage and love, adding a layer of complexity.
In recent years, the isekai genre has become one of anime and manga’s most popular genres, as shown by series such as The Devil is a Part-Timer and Ascendance of a Bookworm. While each isekai title involves characters being transported to another world in some way, the following story always varies from series to series.
Due to the varying nature of every isekai story, they must inevitably incorporate elements from other genres. One such genre, the josei genre, features prominently in many isekai titles, as shown by these particular titles, which seamlessly blend the mature josei elements with the quirky elements of isekai.
Alice in the Country of Clover: Cheshire Cat Waltz
Rating TBA on Book Walker
- Written by: Quinrose
- Illustrated by: Mamenosuke Fujimaru
- Genres: Fantasy, Harem, Romance
For many fantasy fans, the title Alice in the Country of Clover may bring the iconic Lewis Carroll novel Alice in Wonderland to mind. Indeed, many of the aspects, characters, and settings in this manga are a clear reference to the famous novel, with the story itself being the only original feature of the manga.
In Alice in the Country of Clover, the titular heroine of the manga, Alice, finds herself reincarnated in Wonderland; in addition, she also makes a fast friend and suitor in the form of Boris the Chesire Cat. Unfortunately, Alice finds herself dealing with a unique conflict regarding Boris: he just won’t stop flirting with her.
I’ll Never Be Your Crown Princess!
Rated 4/5 on Book Walker
- Written by: Saki Tsukigami
- Illustrated by: Natsu Kuroki
- Genres: Fantasy, Romance
As with many titles in the isekai genre, I’ll Never Be Your Crown Princess follows a recently-reincarnated heroine set to marry the crown princes of the world in which she has recently arrived. But seeing as how this manga falls under the josei genre, this story is far more mature than many similar shojo stories.
In I’ll Never Be Your Crown Princess, Liddy, after arriving from Japan, is reincarnated as the next bride of Friedrich, the crown prince of her new world. Unfortunately, after discovering that Friedrich already has many wives to his name, Liddy sets out to jeopardize her betrothal by seeking out somebody new.
I’m a (Fake) Saint Who Was Summoned to Another World, But Apparently I’m Fated to Die If I Don’t Marry the Prince
Rating 8.2/10 on MangaGo
- Written by: LALA
- Illustrated by: LALA
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy
I’m a (Fake) Saint Who Was Summoned to Another World follows a case of mistaken identity, a crisis that is not unknown to many isekai protagonists. What is also not unknown to many isekai protagonists is that they often bear a striking resemblance to a sacred figure or deity from the new world in which they have found themselves.
In this manga, Sara is dropped into a new world and the arms of Crown Prince Ars after an untimely accident in the real world, causing her to be mistaken for the kingdom’s saint and savior, who is also named Sara. Initially struggling to cope with her new circumstances, Sara eventually learns that by marrying the prince, she can find a way back home.
Housekeeping Mage from Another World: Making Your Adventures Feel Like Home!
Rated 4.5/5 on Book Walker
- Written by: Yoh Fugurama
- Illustrated by: Akihiko Ono
- Genres: Fantasy, Slice of Life, Romance
Upon seeing the title for the first time, readers may pick up on the fact that they are also reading a slice-of-life isekai manga and a josei manga. This is shown by the fact that Shiori, the female lead for Housekeeper Mage from Another World, uses her powers to make her household chores far simpler than they would be in the real world.
In this manga, while visiting an adventurer’s guild, Alec, the manga’s male lead and a seasoned adventurer, meets Shiori, and the two start living and pursuing quests together. As time passes, Alec falls in love with Shiori, but the discovery of a secret Shiori has struggled to keep hidden threatens to tear them apart.
Outbride: Beauty and the Beasts
Rated 4.5/5 on Book Walker
- Written by: Tohko Tsukinaga
- Illustrated by: Tohko Tsukinaga
- Genres: Fantasy, Harem, Romance
The isekai genre is no stranger to having its protagonists form harems of different sizes, and Outbride: Beauty and the Beasts is no exception to this. In this case, the protagonist finds herself amassing a harem (or in this case, reverse harem) of monster boys upon being thrust into a world full of beings known as Celestials.
After meeting her demise in the real world, Mashiro is approached by four handsome Celestials who wish for her help in repopulating their species. Being the only female in the world upon her reincarnation, Mashiro is naturally reluctant to fulfill their wishes due to suffering from androphobia, or an irrational fear of men.
On a Quest to Find a Husband in Another World
Rated 4.5/5 on Book Walker
- Written by: Motoo Miyuki
- Illustrated by: Motoo Miyuki
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Even in different worlds, marriage is still a goal that many characters pursue, especially if they cannot do so in the real world. But while some characters can net the one they love, others may find themselves in more hijinks than romantic encounters with their love interest, as shown in the manga On a Quest to Find a Husband in Another World.
The main protagonist of this manga, Rinko Kuraki, is greatly motivated by her desire to find a husband; in fact, she finds herself transported to another world during one of her matchmaking events! But despite the change in setting, Rinko continues her search in her new world, even going as far as to give monsters a chance for love!
