The Isekai genre, characterized by stories of characters being transported to fantastical worlds, has seen a surge in popularity since its inception in the early 1990s. This genre, which ranks just behind romance manga in terms of fan following, often finds its source material in light novels. Despite the genre’s wide appeal, some Isekai light novels face significant hurdles in making it to the anime adaptation stage. These challenges range from high production costs to complex narrative elements that are difficult to translate into animation. Here are five Isekai light novels that might be particularly difficult to adapt into anime.
1. Reincarnated As A Dragon Hatchling
Original Title: Tensei Shitara Dragon No Tamago Datta ~ saikyō igai mezasanee~
Author: Nekoko
Number of Volumes: 16
Official English Available: Yes (Up to Volume 7)
“Reincarnated As A Dragon Hatchling” follows a Japanese office worker who is reborn as a dragon egg in a dark fantasy world. After hatching, he discovers a game-like system that poses numerous challenges. The series involves extensive battle scenes between colossal dragons, which would require a substantial animation budget. This high cost and the complexity of animating large-scale dragon battles make it unlikely for this series to receive an anime adaptation soon.
2. Herscherik: The Reincarnated Prince And The Kingdom In Woe
Original Title: Herscherik R: Tensei Ouji no Eiyuutan
Author: Nobiru Kusunoki
Number of Volumes: 5
Official English Available: Yes (Up to Volume 2)
“Herscherik” begins with a strong premise as Ryoko Hayakawa is reincarnated as a prince in a fantasy world. Initially, the series captivates with action and a compelling storyline. However, as the narrative progresses into political intrigue and slower character development, the series lost its momentum. The discontinuation after volume 5, coupled with unclear reasons for its cancellation, casts doubt on the potential for an anime adaptation.
3. Full Clearing Another World Under A Goddess With Zero Believers
Original Title: Shinja Zero no Megami-sama to Hajimeru Isekai
Author: Oosaki Isle
Number of Volumes: 9
Official English Available: Yes (Up To Volume 7)
In this series, Makoto Takatsuki is reincarnated in a fantasy world with minimal powers and a looming deadline. A goddess offers him a chance to prove himself and rescue her from a dungeon. Despite a promising premise, the series has struggled with audience engagement due to its protagonist’s unremarkable characteristics. This lack of distinctive appeal may hinder its chances of becoming an anime.
4. Record Of Wortenia War
Original Title: Wortenia Senki
Author: Ryota Hori
Number of Volumes: 26
Official English Available: Yes (Up to Volume 24)
“Record Of Wortenia War” chronicles the story of Ryoma Mikoshiba, who is summoned to another world and must navigate complex political and martial challenges. The novel’s mature themes and graphic depictions of violence would need significant modification to fit the anime format, potentially stripping away the core essence of the story. This substantial alteration makes it an unlikely candidate for adaptation.
5. Otherworld Nation Founding Chronicles
Original Title: Isekai Kenkokuki
Author: Sakuragi Sakura
Number of Volumes: 4 (published out of 9)
Official English Available: No
This series focuses on a group of orphans, led by a reincarnated Japanese officer, who build a new village in a hostile fantasy world. The novel’s political and tactical elements, combined with a decline in narrative quality, pose challenges for adaptation. With ongoing publication issues and a decrease in quality, the series faces significant barriers to a successful anime adaptation.
While these Isekai light novels offer intriguing stories and unique worlds, their adaptation into anime faces considerable obstacles, ranging from budget constraints to narrative complexity. Fans of these series may need to manage their expectations as they await potential adaptations.