Summary
The isekai genre is one of the most prominent of all anime genres. With isekai shows comes an overpowered character who reincarnates into a fantasy world. However, that’s only for the typical isekai show. Some characters decide to flip the usual isekai script, whether by choice or circumstance, defying the typical isekai narrative of righteousness and peace.
In flipping the script, these unconventional isekai protagonists usually do not acquire strength on a platter of gold, nor do they have their lives as one in which they defeat all their adversaries. Better still, they’d much rather do without the moniker of hero and live their life as they want, even if they become dastardly and selfish villains.
Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon
The very act of being reincarnated as a vending machine defies the typical script present in various isekai shows, and the seriesReborn as a Vending Machinehas always stood out for its plot. Like the entirety of the series itself, the vending machine main character is nothing like the usual, particularly with respect to his build.
As a vending machine, the main character is capable of sight and hearing but is unable to speak beyond the words typically programmed for a vending machine to welcome customers. Named Boxxo by a young adventurer who comes across a strange device in a fantasy world, Boxxo journeys in a fantasy world as a vending machine, not primarily to save lives or be a hero, but simply to serve others.
The protagonist of theKonosubaanime series is one of a kind.Unlike the typical herowho seeks to defeat the demon king and become a hero who brings justice and fairness to all, Kazuma is more of a lazy individual who would rather just sit back and live a luxurious life.
Kazuma finds the very idea of heroism to not be his style, as he always hesitates to put himself in danger for others; moreover, in terms of abilities, Kazuma is more or less a normal human who reincarnated into another world with no abilities whatsoever, not even a commendable amount of stamina.
Shaped By Pain And Perseverance Rather Than Overpowered Abilities
Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-
Based on Tappei Nagatsuki’s popular novel series, Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World follows Subaru Natsuki, a directionless and self-conscious teenager who is summoned to a fantasy world and quickly becomes involved with a half-elf princess named Emilia. Blending action, horror, and comedy, Re:Zero is a challenging isekai anime that touches upon themes of perseverance, depression, and self-esteem.
Natsuki Subaru is the definition of an emotionally vulnerable character. At the start of the series, Subaru might seem like the typical isekai hero; however, the first few episodes show him for what he truly is—an emotional mess.
Like Kazuma, Subaru initially sought to take the easy route in his dealings; however, the consequence always came in the form of grueling death. While being reborn each time he died was the only ability he had,the deaths were nonetheless painful. But by walking through repeated failures, which is quite unusual for an isekai protagonist, Subaru forges ahead and tries to prove himself through resilience rather than ability.
This anime character defies having her fate planned out for her. Despite being a skilled and respected combatant, Tanya Von Degurechaff refuses to be a hero and only strives to leave her life peacefully. Moreover, she’s willing to become a devil to her enemies to achieve that goal of hers.
Apart from defying the normal isekai trope figuratively, throughout theSaga of Tanya the Evil,Tanyagoes against Being X, the being responsible for her reincarnation. Usually, most isekai characters would comply with whichever god they meet upon reincarnating, but not Tanya Von Degurechaff. Reincarnated as a skilled combatant or not, Tanya only seeks to fulfill her desires and not be held down by heroic ideals.
Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation
A 34-year-old NEET getting reincarnated into a fantasy world with a talent for magic is typical of isekai shows; however, Rudeus defies the trope by being severely affected by the consequences of his actions, whether past or present. Whether it be rejection from the female lead, erectile dysfunction, complex relationships, and various forms of trauma, Rudeussuffers through them all.
As an isekai character, Rudeus shows that while he does have a greater affinity for magic than others, that’s all. In terms of the trauma he experiences and the loss he suffers, Rudeus is nothing like the average isekai character and might be better off as an average human.
Arifureta: From Commonplace To World’s Strongest
Most isekai characters either go through the more common hero route or the slice-of-life route, as they prefer to live out their new life free from all troubles. However, Hajime Nagumo decides to take revenge on his classmates.
After reincarnating into a new world with his classmates, someone orchestrates his death. On surviving, Nagumo gains power, but he’s not satisfied withsimply being strongerthan those who looked down on him; he would much rather trample on them and seek them out to do just that. Instead of becoming a traditional hero, Hajime embarks on a path fueled by vengeance and a desire to settle the score.
As an avid book lover who got reincarnated, Myne didn’t decide to embark on heroic passions or live out the rest of her life in a carefree manner. Instead, she decided to impact her world like most isekai heroes, but not through combat or magic, but rather through literacy, knowledge, and books!!
Reincarnating into a world where books are only preserved for the high and mighty, Myne decided to make hers. As a character, Myne bears an incredible resemblance toSenku ofDr. Stoneand is like his isekai version. With inventions, innovations, and lots of books, she strives to change the world.
So I’m A Spider, So What?
This character’s journey is truly very different from typical isekai narratives. Kumoko starts out as a human who isreincarnated into a spiderin a labyrinth; however, unlike Rimuru Tempest, who quickly adapted to reincarnating as a slime, Kumoko’s situation was more of having a teenage mind in a spider body. She found it strange and utterly disgusting to eat certain insects and monsters for survival in order not to starve.
Moreover, most of Kumoko’s journey is more about surviving as a lesser species in a dungeon, unlike the typical isekai hero, who’d be granted the ability alongside the vision of conquering the dungeon. For Kumoko, her body underwent reincarnation, and then her mind was slowly but surely reconditioned to that of a spider.
