Isekai Series

Isekai manga and anime are all the rage right now, for better or worse. The basic idea is that a person dies and wakes up in another world, usually one based on Western fantasy tropes. I personally predict that this trend will slow down soon, given how saturated the market is with these stories right now. But in the meantime, here are a couple of series I've enjoyed.

I Shall Master This Family

I Shall Master This Family is a story by Roah Kim, later converted into a manhwa with art by Mon. Firentia Lombardi witnessed the fall of her family before dying in a carriage accident. She wakes up--and she's back in her old life, only now she's 7 years old! She can't tell anyone what happened or they'll believe she's crazy, but Firentia must do what she can to prevent the Lombardi family's ruin. She has her sights on becoming the family matriarch, creating profitable business deals to keep the family going, and preventing her father's untimely death. But can she do these things while stuck in the body of a child?

It's hard not to love Firentia's spirit and determination, and her relationships with the people around her change (sometimes for the better) during her second chance at life. The princes of the kingdom also start sniffing around Firentia as she grows older, hoping to romance the girl who's slowly blossoming into a great beauty. All in all, it's a satisfying escape into a world full of drama, intrigue, and gorgeous Renaissance-inspired costumes.

Uncle From Another World

Uncle From Another World features the main character's uncle Yosuke, who has been in a coma for 17 years--except he insists he's been living in a fantasy kingdom for thoase 17 years. He can speak a language that no one on Earth recognizes or understands. He can do magic. So he really has been in a fantasy world, somehow. But did he have the ideal life that isekai protagonists tend to have?

No.

Yosuke's not that handsome by Earth standards, and by the standards of the world of Granbahamal, he's downright ugly. A few people were kind to him out of gratitude when he saved their lives, but life was a lot less "royal banquets" and a lot more "torches and pitchforks."

While living with his nephew Takafumi, Yosuke tries to make a living through YouTube, and to save money by flying to the places where his eBay orders are sold from to avoid paying shipping charges. Uncle From Another World is a great send-up of isekai tropes that will keep you laughing.

This Isekai Maid Is Forming a Union!

Bridgette is a maid who's been isekai'ed multiple times, and always comes back as a maid, never the protagonist. In a world where servants are often beaten or killed, Bridgette is tired of the abuse and starts a union. Meanwhile, she has to watch out for the scheming of a young nobleman, the isekai'ed "Main Character" girls, and racism by the people of Teffrah against people from the nation of Limpette. And what's up with the royal family of Knut?

An excellent commentary on how nasty so many isekai nobles act toward their servants, and a witty reminder that none of us should have to put up with workplace abuse. I became deeply emotionally invested in the characters from the beginning, and the continuing intrigues through Seasons 1 and 2 have me patiently awaiting the resolution in Season 3.

The story gets dark in places, so be sure to read the author's content warnings at the beginning of most chapters. You can read it here.