Summary
Despite originating in China, Manhua tend to embody similar themes and tropes as their manga and manhwa counterparts, and isekai narratives are no different. Rooted in the notion of escapism, isekai manhua are all about forgoing one’s past existence for a new life of action and adventure.
Whether it’s the tried-and-tested reincarnation trope or the newly emergingtransmigrated villainess theme, isekai manhua take on all manner of intriguing narratives. While manhua within the isekai landscape are yet to take off, several manhua titles have already made a name for themselves in the genre, even giving their manhwa counterparts a run for their money.
2021
161+
Serialization
Bilibili
In true isekai fashion,My Harem Consists Entirely of Female Demon Villainsfeatures a comedic narrative filled with an assemblage of beguiling beauties. Chenxi Zhixing, or Dawn Star, is transported to a world resembling a video game, but he’s in for a ride, as the game’s entire roster of female villains has already entered a marital pact with him.
With a bizarre premise and aridiculously large harem,My Harem Consists Entirely of Female Demon Villainsstays true to the absurdities of the isekai theme. While the plot and characters can feel lackluster at times, the manhua makes up for it through sheer comedy gold and pop culture references.
2019
480+
Chinese Title
Wo Wei Xie Di
Way To Be The Evil Emperoris one of many “cultivation” narratives that populate the manhua landscape. The notion of cultivation revolves around extending one’s lifespanthrough martial artsand spiritual energy, with manhua using this very concept as a power system.
Way To Be The Evil Emperoruses a similar concept, as Xie Yan awakens new powers after his reincarnation, which he can infinitely improve through cultivation. The manhua largely focuses on Xie Yan’s adventures as he traverses countless worlds, all while meeting new faces and gaining stronger cultivation techniques along the way.
2018
288+
I’m the Girl With the Hacks!is a quintessential isekai that takes on many of its manga counterpart’s tropes. Thepremise of reincarnationwith cheat skills in a fantasy world isn’t anything too unique, yet the element of immortal cultivation adds a touch of novelty to this tried-and-tested narrative.
Staying true to its namesake, the manhua focuses on Lucy Liu’s escapades in a cultivation world, all while she hacks her way through the system. While the characters are equally interesting and well-written, the manhua’s ancillary characters can, at times, seem a bit underdeveloped.
2017
602+
Fang Kai Na Ge Nu Wu
Release That Witchis a classic isekai manhua that features a premise similar to its manhwa and light novel parallels, yet it manages to present a truly distinct storyline. An engineer from modern-day China gets reincarnated as a prince in a world of magic, sorcery, and witches, giving way to a classic isekai adventure filled with royal escapades.
However,Release That Witchdifferentiates itself by bridging thegap between magic and technology, as Ronald utilizes his engineering background to craft modern-day items in this fantasy world. Unlike other isekai storylines that feature self-insert protagonists, Ronald stands out as a likable main character, arguably due to his inventive and logical personality.
2011
629+
Douluo Dalu
With a mystical setting,Soul Landfollows the journey of self-improvement of a reincarnated martial artist. The premise isn’t too unique, especially with the manhua’s martial arts theme andshonen-like powers, yetSoul Landmanages to stand out with its roster of fleshed-out characters.
With over 600 chapters, the manhua spends a considerable chunk of its panels developing Tang San’s character, and the two time skips allow the manhua to focus on different parts of Tang’s life.Soul Land’s success landed the manhua an on-screen adaptation in the form of a Donghua (Chinese counterpart of anime).
94+
Please Bully Me, Miss Villainess!starts similar to any otherotome villainess narrative, with a transmigrated character finding herself as the villainess of a video game. In this case, however, the game’s protagonist flips the script by forcing herself onto the villainess, turning the entire premise into an odd masochistic ordeal.
The premise ofPlease Bully Me, Miss Villainess!is unlike anything else within the isekai landscape, though the initial plot is reminiscent of the otome villainess seriesI’m in Love With the Villainess. With a similar Girls Love theme, fans of the former are sure to enjoy this classic villainess manhua.
131+
Eren Xiang Yao Qiangjiu Yixia
The manhua landscape isdotted with BL narratives, yet only a few mesh together Boys Love with an isekai theme.I Want To Be A Big Baddiedoes just this, albeit with a touch of transmigrated villain melodrama. Reincarnated as the villain in a novel, Wang Yi has no interest in taking up his antagonistic role, yet he does so only to ensure his step-brother’s storyline remains unaltered.
There’s a twist, however, as Wang Yi’s step-brother has the power to read minds, meaning he’s aware of the former’s true intentions. With a dramatic plot, a BL affair, and a step-sibling romance,I Want To Be A Big Baddiechecks all the boxes for a compelling isekai manhua. It’s worth noting that the initial chapters can be a bit distressing due to some instances of violence and abuse, though these themes eventually subside as the manhua progresses.
