Summary
Theisekaitheme is all aboutescapist fantasies in mystical realms, and while these narratives have a charm of their own, the contrary premise of finding respite in the human world can be a refreshing change.Reverse isekai storylinescan be rather difficult to come across in the manhwa landscape, though the few options available certainly do the theme justice.
Since the reverse isekai theme is less explored when compared to its counterpart, manhwaga have plenty of opportuinty to explore novel premises that can double as engaging storylines. Froma villainess’ adventurein the human world to a dramatic love affair that transcends dimensions, thesereverse isekai manhwafeature all manner of unique narratives that immediately catch the readers’ eye.
2020
50
Serialization
Naver Series
Tenants from Another Worldblurs the line between fantasy and reality, featuring an overworked office employee’s misadventures with a trio of princes from another world. Haeseo Han gets entangled in a prophecy that deems her responsible for choosing the next successor to a kingdom in another world, and the three princes in-line for the ascension show up at her doorstep to win her over.
This manhwa is akin to any harem narrative, though the reverse isekai twist coupled with a reverse harem situation adds a bit of novelty to the premise. The unique personalities of each prince and their eccentricities further thecomedic elements of the manhwa. However, the main character can, at times, come off as a bit unpalatable, though her eventual growth redeems her in the end.
2019
42
Bomtoon
Evergreenrevolves around a fated encounter between two men from different dimensions that leads to a tempestuous affair, though not without its fair share of scandalous events. The manhwa differentiates itself from the usual BL tropes with its reverse isekai theme, along with a number of mature elements that add nuance to the narrative.
Despite being held down by past affairs, Seojin and Harold are able to kindle a new relationship, one more passionate than any of their previous romantic escapades. As customarywith most BL manhwa,Evergreenis laced with a few raunchy scenes, though these panels only reflect the gentle emotions that the two men hold for each other.
2021
62
Alternative Title
Angnyeo 18-se Gongnyakgi
Rewriting the Villainessputs a twist on the usual isekai villainess theme by transmigrating the villainess in question from a webtoon to the real world. The premise becomes even more bizarre as Liza Mary finds herself in the body of the very author who created her. With the entire webtoon being based on the author’s friends, Liza finds familiar faces in this new world, though the complexities of their relationship leads to a chaotic start.
The premise ofRewriting the Villainessis thoroughly refreshing, asthe transmigrated villainessnot only controls the author’s life but also rewrites her own by changing the webtoon’s narrative. With detailed art, engaging characters, and a one-of-a-kind premise,Rewriting the Villainesshits all the right notes.
2017
49
Foxtoon
A romantic account between lovers from different worlds is a common premise within isekai and reverse isekai manhwa, yetMeeting Himstill manages to present a unique narrative that captivates readers from the get-go. An emperor from an ancient times is isekai-d to present-day Korea, all in the search for his deceased lover who promised to meet him once more in another life.
The manhwa candelve into some heavy themes, with Emperor Jun projecting his sentiments onto Shiwoo Myung, a lookalike of his lover. Coming to terms with loss is a major theme in the manhwa, though accepting that loss is what leads to an earnest relationship between the two men. While the art is a little rough around the edges,Meeting Himmakes up for it through its wholesome BL account.
211+
Jeonjijeok Dokja Sijeom
Reverse isekai narratives involve characters being isekai-d to the human world, yetOmniscient Reader’s Viewpointbrings an entire fictional world to the mortal realm. When the novel “Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse” engulfs the real world and brings the titular apocalypse to Earth, one avid fan of the novel rises to the occasion to save the world. With knowledge as his only weapon, Dokja is in a race against time to survive the events of the novel and save mankind.
BrandingOmniscient Reader’s Viewpointas a reverse isekai is debatable to some extent, as the manhwa only loosely fits the description of the theme. However, with an entire world overlapping onto Earth, the manhwa still fits the bill, as characters from the fictional world still need to adapt to being on Earth. The pacing can initially seem rather slow, though this translates to fleshed-out characters down the line. As a story thatrevolves around an apocalypse,Omniscient Readercan trend towards some dark and grim themes, yet this heaviness is exactly what lends the manhwa its appeal.
