As popular as the Isekai trope is, many of these stereotypical anime series has become rather predictable, often causing viewers to lose interest, so creators have had to revitalize these dead-horse tropes to spark the audience's interest once again. Combining the Isekai blueprint with other fan-favorite anime genres is a great place to start, and has produced some truly exceptional viewing experiences along the way.
However, the target audience seems to be rather male-orientated, and the ladies would like some Isekai attention too; this is the 21st century, after all! Utilizing a dating-sim scenario in another world adventure set-up is a clever way to keep a diverse range of fans satisfied, particularly considering how amusing and entertaining the results have been.
Saving Isekai From Monotony
The fashionable Reverse-Isekai sub-genre is still effectively going strong with series such as The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid and The Devil is a Part-Timer to boast of. However, this form of narrative regularly gets superseded by the RPG-based Isekai adventures, like Sword Art Online, The Rising Of The Shield Hero, Overlord, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, and Re: Zero, which all dominate the competition with their substantial fanbases. Despite their best efforts to emphasize originality, both these sub-genres have essentially become flooded with formularized content that not all viewers are thrilled by.
Similarly, Shojo has also had its ups and downs in the anime industry and, although it has been around since Osamu Tezuka's Princess Knight arrived on the scene in the 1960s, this female-orientated content is generally overshadowed by the highly celebrated Shonen creations. Action and adventure appear to be the main draw card in most admired anime; and yes, even female viewers enjoy this high-energy excitement as well as calm, character-orientated love stories. So why not combine the two? Most Isekai storylines include an intriguing romantic subplot of some kind, but Otome reincarnations take things to another level by inserting the (unfortunate) protagonist into a dating-sim scenario. RPG, romance, and otherworldly adventures, all packaged into a hilarious bundle of joy; just the refreshing facelift that Isekai needs!
Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs
As the title suggests, Leon Bartfort is not having the easiest time in this new alternate reality, despite knowing all the ins and outs of the Otome storyline that seemingly controls this world. Suffering from a fate worse than Villainess reincarnates, Leon is barely a blip on the radar and has entered the life of an insignificant mob character with a desolate future ahead of him. To make matters worse, men have no authority in the Holfort Kingdom, so if he wishes to succeed at all in life, Leon needs to attend an expensive romance-orientated Academy, locate the perfect partner, and somehow get her to fall for him.
While many Isekai protagonists quickly adapt to their new surroundings and assimilate into the hero role, their character development can often be choppy and unnatural; simply going through the motions so that they can quickly "get to the good stuff." Leon's progression through the storyline is very relatable and gives a genuine viewpoint of how the average guy might react to dealing with such a life-changing experience. The Old Human also ensures to point out how absurd Otome storylines can be, especially when the random action-packed sci-fi adventure scenes are uncomfortably crammed in to try and to keep the boys entertained.
Romantic Killer
Netflix recently got in on the action with a hilarious parody of the Isekai genre, led by the rambunctious redhead named Anzu Hoshino, who has absolutely zero interest in cultivating real romantic relationships and no intention of changing her tune anytime soon. A shapeshifting Wizard named Riri does their best to inspire affectionate feelings from the girl by dangling the most delectable paramours in from of Anzu's nose, but is rebuked at every turn, in the funniest ways possible, of course!
Like most Otome Isekai "victims," Anzu is completely aware of the plot of the dating sim she was inserted into and uses that wisdom to her advantage. However, instead of going with the flow of the storyline, this no-nonsense anti-hero does her best to avoid fulfilling expectations and refuses to play by the rules. Romantic Killer's whole vibe certainly stands out against the other 2022 Isekai newbies, and will likely inspire similar content in the future (holding thumbs!)
I'm a Villainess So I'm Taming The Final Boss
Sarasa Nagase decided to spice up the Otome Isekai trope even further by creating a titillating and charming main character and then inserting her into the antagonist's role, destined for death at any moment. Aileen Lauren Dautriche is unceremoniously knocked off her pedestal from the get-go, as she is publically humiliated by her fiance, Prince Cedric, and swiftly replaced by another woman. Aileen wastes no time in forming new alliances with the "enemy" and promptly becomes the apple of the Demon King's eye.
This 2022 Fall anime favors the Shojo genre considerably, as the romantic tension and character developments are emphasized throughout the storyline, often delivered in a humourous tongue-in-cheek style. Similarly to Romantic Killer, Nagase has ensured that the lead female character conducts herself in such a way as not to deter the potential male audience; both series have arguably succeeded on this front.
What To Look Out For Next
My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999 is not exactly Isekai; however, all gamers know from personal experience how playing on their favorite console can feel like being transported to another world. Nevertheless, this narrative completely revolves around romance and video games, whereby Akane Kinoshita learns the hard way that in-game relationships can be more meaningful than she initially presumed. Fans can watch this vengeful heroine using mob monsters as punching bags and inadvertently finding love along the way, as Akane makes her debut in 2023, thanks to Madhouse Inc.
Other popular Otome Isekai Manga titles (yet to receive an anime adaptation) include:
- Concubine Walkthrough
- This Villainess Wants a Divorce!
- Saving My Sweetheart
- The Villainess Is a Marionette
- Into the Light Once Again
- Who Made Me a Princess
Here's to hoping some studios take the hint that many Isekai fans enjoy the dating-sim reincarnation combination and deliver some more side-splitting content in the not-too-distant future!