Top 19 Japanese Necromancer Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

19 Novels

Necromancer protagonists occupy a weird space in Japanese web novels. The power fantasy is obvious, since commanding undead armies is inherently cool, but the genre also attracts authors interested in exploring themes of death, mortality, and societal rejection. Results vary from pure power trips to surprisingly thoughtful character studies.

Many of these feature isekai setups where the protagonist gains necromancy in a new world. Japanese entries tend to focus more on the strategic and empire-building aspects rather than pure horror. You'll see skeleton knights, zombie dragons, and ghost assassins used as tools for conquest or survival. The darker moral implications get explored in some, ignored entirely in others.

1
TOP PICK
Overlord (LN)
4.5
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
In 21st century, world entered a new stage of VR games…and “YGGDRASIL” is considered top of all MMORPG…but, After announcing that all its servers will be off, the internet game ‘Yggdrasil’ shut down…or so was supposed to happen, but for some reason, the player character did not log out some time ...
First Impressions
"Overlord" is a web novel that really grabbed my attention, and I can definitely see why it has such a dedicated following. It's a unique take on the isekai genre, and while it might not be for everyone, it offers a compelling experience that sets it apart from the usual light novel fare. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a player trapped in a game as an all-powerful undead overlord. It's a classic setup, but "Overlord" quickly establishes its own identity. The main character, Ainz (formerly Momonga), isn't your typical hero. He's a complex character, still clinging to his human past w...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
The Girl Who Ate a Death God
4.8
(812 ratings)
Genre: action, fantasy, mature
What happens when one eats Death? Personally, I don’t really know.
First Impressions
"The Girl Who Ate a Death God" is a dark fantasy war story that really sunk its teeth into me. It's not always a comfortable read, but it's a compelling one, following a unique protagonist through a brutal and unforgiving world. Initially, I was a little hesitant. The first few chapters felt somewhat dry, focusing heavily on military formations and the political landscape, which made it difficult to connect with the story. However, I'm glad I stuck with it, because as the story progressed, I found myself increasingly invested in Schera's journey and the world around her....
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated (WN)
4.2
(916 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I opened my eyes to find myself in another world. But for some odd reason, I ended up as a sword.
First Impressions
Okay, let's dive into "I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated." This web novel has been on my radar for a while, and after looking at what readers are saying, I've got a pretty good feel for it. It seems like a fun, if somewhat uneven, ride. The initial chapters seem to be a sticking point for many. Several readers found them boring, describing them as a simple grind of skill acquisition. I can see how a sword just floating around, leveling up, might not grab everyone. It sounds like a bit of a slow burn, but I also see where others were happy to watch the MC explore and get stronger....
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Evil God Average
4.3
(776 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
When she stands, she’s like a white peony. When she sits, she’s like a tree peony.
First Impressions
"Evil God Average" is definitely an interesting title, and after diving in, I can see why it's garnered so much attention. It’s a story about a high school girl who gets transported to another world and, thanks to a trickster god, ends up with the aura of an "average" evil god. The premise alone had me intrigued, and the execution... well, it's a mixed bag, but ultimately a fun ride. The initial chapters are a whirlwind of isekai tropes turned on their head. I was immediately drawn to the main character, Anri. She's not your typical overpowered protagonist seeking world domination. Instead, sh...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?
4.5
(226 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Now that he enters his high school career, Satomi Koutaro begins his life living alone in an apartment that only costs him 5000 yen per month, an extremely cheap deal even for this small apartment. There’s a catch: the apartment is apparently haunted by a cute ghost that has driven its prior occ...
First Impressions
"Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?" initially struck me as another generic harem comedy, but after diving in, I found myself pleasantly surprised. It's a series that demands patience, rewarding those who stick around past the first few volumes with a surprisingly intricate and engaging story. Admittedly, the premise – a young man trying to hold onto his cheap apartment against a host of otherworldly invaders, all of whom are cute girls – didn't exactly scream "originality." The early volumes felt like a typical introduction to the harem, with each girl vying for Koutarou's attention and the room its...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Reincarnated into a Werewolf, the Demon Lord Servants
4.3
(324 ratings)
Genre: adventure, fantasy, romance
Protagonist Veit, who was reincarnated as a werewolf magician, becomes the Vice Commander of the Third Division of the Demon Lord’s Army. Having captured a frontier trade city, he is in charge of controlling and protecting it.
First Impressions
"Reincarnated into a Werewolf, the Demon Lord Servants" caught my eye with its unique premise. A Japanese person reincarnated as a werewolf serving under a Demon Lord? I was immediately intrigued. After diving in, I found a story with a lot to offer, though not without a few potential drawbacks. The initial chapters set a solid foundation. The reincarnation aspect is handled deftly, not overplayed, but rather used to give the main character, Veight, a unique perspective. He retains human empathy, which colors his actions and decisions as he navigates the demon world. I appreciated how the stor...
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7
#7 PICK
The Strange Adventure of a Broke Mercenary
4.2
(409 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
After the soldiers’ mercenary group where he used to work had been utterly destroyed, Loren, who survived the disaster, decided to walk the adventurer’s path as a way to make a living. However, for Loren who had no acquaintances and nothing but an empty pocket on him, receiving a single quest se...
First Impressions
"The Strange Adventure of a Broke Mercenary" certainly grabbed my attention with its intriguing title and promise of a unique take on the fantasy genre. After diving in, I found a story with a lot to offer, though it does have some quirks that might not appeal to everyone. Initially, I was drawn to the premise of a seasoned mercenary transitioning to the life of a novice adventurer. It's a refreshing change from the typical isekai power fantasy. The first few chapters hooked me with the MC's grounded personality and the grim, realistic atmosphere. There's no reincarnation or overpowered abilit...
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8
#8 PICK
The Undead King of the Palace of Darkness (WN)
4.4
(193 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
I don’t want to die. I want to be free.
First Impressions
This web novel was a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. "The Undead King of the Palace of Darkness" blends dark fantasy elements with a surprisingly touching romance, and while it has its flaws, the overall experience was quite enjoyable. Initially, I was hooked by the unique premise: an undead protagonist, End, who just wants to live (or, well, exist) and a pure-hearted holy knight, Senri, who takes pity on him. The first volume really sets the stage, establishing the grim world and the complex dynamic between these two unlikely companions. I app...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Yuusha, Aruiwa Bakemono to Yobareta Shoujo (LN)
4.4
(119 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
That girl once called “Hero”, She was seen as the savior of Humanity, and as the ultimate obliterator of Demons plaguing the world. Her magic was rule-breaking, her healing powers almighty, her weapon mastery unparalleled, and her will was of steel.
First Impressions
"Yuusha, Aruiwa Bakemono to Yobareta Shoujo" immediately caught my attention with its intriguing premise: a hero, possibly a monster, grappling with a world at peace after the Demon King's defeat. It's a setup ripe with potential for exploring identity, purpose, and the lingering scars of war. I was ready for a deep dive into a character-driven narrative, and for the most part, that's what I got. The strength of this novel lies squarely in its characters. I found myself deeply invested in the protagonist's journey, an amnesiac "hero" struggling to define herself beyond her demon-slaying abilit...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
The Death Mage Who Doesn’t Want a Fourth Time
4.1
(2.3K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Amamiya Hiroto is unlucky. His life consisted of misfortune after misfortune, culminating in an unlucky death during an incident on a school boat trip, trying to save a girl he barely knew.
First Impressions
"The Death Mage Who Doesn’t Want a Fourth Time" is a web novel that certainly sparks a lot of discussion, and after delving into the available information, I've got some thoughts. It's a story with a dark premise that seems to evolve in unexpected ways, which has both captivated and disappointed readers. The initial setup is undeniably intriguing. A protagonist, repeatedly screwed over by fate and a rather incompetent god, promises revenge. This revenge-driven narrative, coupled with a reincarnation theme, drew me in immediately. The early chapters paint a picture of a world where the MC faces...
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Conclusion

This list ranks Japanese necromancer novels by reader ratings. The tag captures everything from serious dark fantasy to comedic skeleton hijinks, so expect variety. If you want something specific like kingdom-building with undead or psychological exploration of death magic, checking individual novel descriptions will help narrow things down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Overlord (LN)

First Impressions

The Girl Who Ate a Death God

First Impressions

I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated (WN)

First Impressions

Evil God Average

First Impressions

Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!?

First Impressions

Reincarnated into a Werewolf, the Demon Lord Servants

First Impressions

The Strange Adventure of a Broke Mercenary

First Impressions

The Undead King of the Palace of Darkness (WN)

First Impressions

Yuusha, Aruiwa Bakemono to Yobareta Shoujo (LN)

First Impressions