Summary
As a media format originating in Japan, it’s only natural for most anime and manga to feature protagonists of Japanese origin at the forefront, a fact that holds true forthe isekai genreas well. However, a few mangakas have taken a slightly unconventional approach by putting non-Japanese main characters at the helm, resulting in a somewhat novel yet intriguing premise.
Since manga are primarily set in Japan, these narratives usually feature protagonists based in the archipelago. However, isekai anime and manga are set in all manner of fantasy settings, giving these storylines a bit more leeway in terms of incorporating foreign elements. With unique cultural norms and mannerisms,non-Japanese protagonistscan add a fresh spin to the narrative, an element that these isekai anime and manga certainly embody.
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Japanese Title
Chihou Kishi Hans no Junan
The Ordeals of Regional Knight Hansis an isekai manga that flips the script with itsparodical take on the isekaitheme’s many formulaic tropes. For starters, the manga isset in a peaceful medieval world, one where a group of Japanese people show up from another world with superhuman abilities. In a way, a character that would normally be an NPC is the protagonist, presenting the narrative from the other world’s perspective.
The manga follows Hans’ adventures as he teams up with otherworldly Japanese visitors to protect his countryside station from encroaching monsters.The Ordeals of Regional Knight Hanspresents a largely comedic narrative, with a bit of action, adventure, and fantasy dotted throughout the manga.
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Kouchuugun Shikan, Boukensha ni Naru
With a mix ofisekai and sci-fi themes,Captain Corinth: The Galactic Navy Officer Becomes an Adventurerencapsulates the genre’s tropes, albeit with an unconventional method of isekai travel. Instead of being summoned or reincarnated, Alan Corinth finds himself on an unknown planet after his spaceship is attacked by an alien race.
While such a premise would normally be categorized as sci-fi, themanga sheds its initial science-fiction theme and leaves Alan in a fantasy worldwith swords and magic, almost identical to any other isekai. Manga rarely blends these two themes so effortlessly, yetCaptain Corinth: The Galactic Navy Officer Becomes an Adventurerpresents a refreshing premise where technology and magic work hand-in-hand. While Alan’s nationality is never exactly specified, his European name hints toward a Western ethnicity.
Ya Boy Kongming!isn’t marketed as an isekai anime, since it primarily features atactician from ancient China time traveling to modern-day Japan. However, the setting of China’sWarring States Periodin the third century and today’s Tokyo are worlds apart, meaning it isn’t much of a stretch to deem this anime an isekai.
Kongming’s adventures in modern-day Tokyo become even more bizarre as he comes across an EDM idol, a chance encounter that marks the beginning of their music career in the modern world. While the anime never exactly took off in terms of popularity,Ya Boy Kongming!offers a truly unique premise within the isekai landscape.
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Author
Yasushi Baba
The Ride-On Kingis a satirical manga based on the current Russian president, with an absurd yet oddly engaging premise. Purchinov, the President of a fictional nation called Prusia, is known for his innate desire to ride and conquer all manner of things, be it machines, wild animals, or even humans.
With nothing left to ride and conquer in this world, Purchinov luckily ends up in a fantasy world, allowing him to ride mythical creatures such as orcs and wyverns. While the premise is as bizarre as it can get,Ride-On King’snarrative islaced with comedy, meaning the manga doesn’t take itself too seriously. Purchinov might be a dictator, yet hecomes off as a likable character, and the manga does an excellent job of presenting a fleshed-out protagonist.
Summer 2024’s most anticipated isekai entry,Suicide Squad Isekaibridges the gap between DC Comics and anime with an otherworldly spin on the superhero comic scene. This rendition ofSuicide Squadfeatures Harley Quinn at the helm, coupled with a roster of recurring members such as Deadshot, Peacemaker, and King Shark. When a portal connecting Earth to a fantasy world pops up, A.R.G.U.S. forms a task force to investigate the new world, although with a few juvenile members leading the charge.
SinceSuicide Squad Isekaiis currently airing, it’s too soon to determine the anime’s success. However, fans ofSuicide Squadshould still check out this anime to witness the anime version of their favorite DC characters in action. Regardless of how well the series performs, thepremise is certainly an unconventional one within the isekai landscape,making the series well worth the watch.
