I was Thrown into an Unfamiliar Manga Novel Review

My Thoughts on I was Thrown into an Unfamiliar Manga

"I was Thrown into an Unfamiliar Manga" is quite the ride, a blend of genres that somehow manages to be both hilarious and, at times, surprisingly touching. The premise alone grabbed my attention: a guy gets tossed into a rom-com manga as a side character. It's a setup ripe for parody, and from what I've read, it largely delivers.

First Impressions

Initially, I was hooked by the protagonist's grounded reaction to his bizarre situation. Instead of immediately trying to become the hero, he focuses on surviving in this strange new world, even hitting the gym to prepare for the inevitable dangers of a manga setting. This "outsider looking in" perspective is what made the beginning particularly engaging, as the MC just observes the tropes and does his own thing.

What Works Well

The humor is a major draw. The story leans heavily into parody, poking fun at familiar rom-com and battle shonen tropes. The main character's personality is a highlight for me. He's basically a buffed JoJo character with a calm and mature demeanor, creating a hilarious contrast between his appearance and his personality. I found his interactions with the other characters, particularly the heroines, to be genuinely entertaining. I also appreciate the author's willingness to acknowledge and mock Japanese clichés from a Korean perspective, adding another layer of humor to the story.

Areas of Concern

As the story progresses, the initial charm seems to wane for some readers. A common criticism is that the MC slowly devolves into a typical rom-com protagonist, getting caught up in harem antics and losing some of his initial edge. Some feel the plot loses focus and originality, becoming a standard harem story with less emphasis on the parody aspect. The power scaling in the battle portions can also feel a bit absurd, even within the context of a manga world.

Final Verdict

Despite some concerns about its later direction, "I was Thrown into an Unfamiliar Manga" offers a unique and entertaining experience. If you're a fan of rom-coms, battle manga, and enjoy a healthy dose of self-aware humor, this might be right up your alley. While it might not maintain its initial brilliance throughout, the journey is still worth taking for its comedic moments and engaging characters. I would definitely recommend giving it a try, especially if you're looking for something a little different in the isekai genre.