#My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! by Satoru Yamaguchi

[betterbooksandthings]

"Villainess manga highlights the brilliance of using baddie antiheroes to manipulate story expectations. With a villainess as the hero, our main character’s actions are limitless. Nothing as simple as a rule, law, or social expectation will stop them from doing the right thing. At the end of the day, only a villainess’s strong will to survive drives the plot."

[utopikia]

 take you for a ride on my big green yellow tractor

cr. tribute illustration by kazuya minekura, posted on her official twitter

[lilium-dragomir]

[alley-cat777]

Book Review: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Volume 1 by: Satoru Yamaguchi

Initial Thoughts: My Next Life as a Villainess is a Japanese light novel. What is a light novel, you ask? It is a short novel, usually no more than 50,000 words, with fast-paced storyline and often accompanied by illustrations (usually in manga-style). Light novels are usually geared towards young adults or even middle school students. I think light novels are great for reluctant readers who want…

[quirkycatsfatstacks]

Manga Monday: My Next Life as a Villainess Vol. 9

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! (Manga) Vol. 9Writer: Satoru YamaguchiArtist: Nami HidakaPublisher: Seven SeasReleased: April 23, 2024Find it on Goodreads | More My Next Life as a Villainess Summary: You know how the story goes. A high school girl wakes up to a new life – quite literally, for she’s been reborn as Catarina Claes, a villainess and spoiled daughter of a…

[maboroshi-no]

Hamefura LN14 SS (Satoru Yamaguchi's blog)

Series: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Story Title: The Foundation Anniversary Party ~Geordo ~ Source: Satoru Yamaguchi’s Blog Synopsis: Geordo's POV of the party in Chapter 1. Translation: maboroshi-no

The Foundation Anniversary Party ~Geordo~

Katarina: Prince Geordo, Happy 9th birthday!

With a whole-face smile, my fiancée Katarina Claes handed me a present.

It had always been the servants who told me "Happy Birthday" and gave me presents from my family, so it was the first time someone had happily handed me a present with such a whole-face smile.

I was bewildered by that strange tingling feeling I had never experienced before and could not respond immediately. In front of me, Katarina happily started speaking.

Katarina: This is a cake from that recently popular confectionary shop, and this is…

Looking at her explaining the presents that she apparently couldn't narrow down to one, I could tell she put all her thoughts into each of them.

Katarina gave me delicious recommended dishes as presents, which was very much like her who liked eating. In front of her many presents, I said…

Geordo: Thank you very much.

After I had sorted my feelings and replied this,

Katarina: Since there are a lot of them, I think you will surely find something you like.

Katarina made a fist and said this with a smile.

Then, just as she said, I found something that I apparently liked, and before long, Katarina would frequently bring it to me.

After having this very nostalgic and happy dream, I woke up.

Today, the Sorcier Foundation Anniversary Party would be held at the castle. Many visitors from inside and outside the country were scheduled to come.

Without any time to bask in that dream, I got ready and perfectly conducted myself as a member of the royal family.

There were many foreign visitors, so the greeting queue was considerably longer than usual. Even so, I put on a smile, looked sideways at my younger twin brother Alan showing a tired face, and interacted with people the same way as always.

After the long greetings ended and my family split up and moved separately, I was immediately surrounded by ladies.

The foreign visiting noble ladies were more assertive than the Sorcier ones, and they really didn't know when to give up.

I wanted to go to my fiancée quickly and was gradually getting more and more irritated even if I didn't show it in my attitude. But then, I saw coming towards me the figure I had eagerly been waiting for. 

I ignored the ladies surrounding me and immediately started walking towards her.

Geordo: Katarina

Now that I had called her, I would smoothly escort her.

Geordo: Since my fiancée has arrived, I shall end our conversation here. 

Taking advantage of the situation, I showed a fabricated smile to the ladies gathered around me.

The usual Sorcier ladies would have pulled back here, but today, there was a tenacious one.

Foreign Lady: Even if she is your fiancée, it is just a political engagement, right? In my country, it is now commonplace to love outside of political marriage and marry after finding true love.

The lady uttered this of all things and stepped forward. While I felt like snickering, I put on the usual smile and told her,

Geordo: Is that so? While there may be some political aspects, I truly love Katarina here from the bottom of my heart, so there should be no problem, right?

When I declared this, as could be expected, no one raised further objection.

Despite declaring so many times that I loved Katarina, many people to this day still uttered such foolish things. I wished those foolish people would understand a little after this statement, but this might be too much to ask of them. 

For some reason, women of this kind only believed whatever suited them. This was how they were, I guess. I could not hold the faintest interest in them.

Geordo: Well then, ladies, I will now excuse myself.

I declared this with a smile and started escorting Katarina away.

Since I had been yearning to see her, escorting Katarina like this would have normally put me in an elated mood, but that was not the case right now.

Because a scene I had seen earlier while greeting the foreign visitors crossed my mind.

At today's party, as a royal, I entered the venue separately from the other nobles and thus moved separately from Katarina.

But despite the large venue, I had an idea where Katarina could be.

Katarina loved to eat, so she was probably heading to the buffet.

When I cast my eyes there, I really spotted her figure relishing food at the buffet and I naturally let out a smile at her delighted face. 

But right after, Katarina was called out by Prince Cezar of Ethenell and I witnessed the two of them talking.

Prince Cezar of Ethenell was most likely interested in Katarina. But as always, Katarina did not notice this sort of thing at all.

I had many rivals to this day because of this charmer Katarina, but Prince Cezar of Ethenell… His composed attitude and political skills gave me the feeling that if he ever became serious, I might be no match for him. 

Just recently, because I was deceived by Jeffrey, my jealousy made me lose control and I kissed Katarina (what's more, passionately) right in front of Prince Cezar, then threatened him.

After that, I came to my senses and felt embarrassed by my mistake. I was feeling awkward during today's greetings but unlike me, Prince Cezar greeted me with no sign of anything dwelling on his mind.

His composure flustered me again.

When we arrived at a room serving as a resting room, I turned to Katarina and immediately started speaking.

Geordo: Earlier, what were you talking about with the Ethenell prince?

Katarina did not answer immediately as she seemed to be thinking of something. While it was not such a long pause, I felt impatient and…

Geordo: Katarina.

After I called her name,

Katarina: Umm, we talked a little about things like how I was feeling. Then, Prince Cezar immediately left to call Keith for me.

…She replied that.

For now, I was relieved by her answer.

Geordo: …I see. I thought he approached her again.

Because I had inadvertently muttered this,

Katarina: Could it be because you were worried about it that you looked different from usual during the greetings?

Katarina asked me this.

I was surprised. I should have been doing it perfectly like always.

Geordo: I… looked different?

Katarina: Yes. Like, you were tired, or not feeling well.

Geordo: I see… I thought I was doing it the same way as always, though.

Katarina: It's okay. The other people didn't seem to have noticed. I could only tell because I have been with you for a long time. I think it is the same with our childhood friends.

Despite what Katarina said, I had been able to put on such a good act that my family, and even my servants since childhood, could not tell when I was unwell. And yet, Katarina, only Katarina always could.

Geordo: I think only you can tell so well.

Katarina: No, that's not…

As Katarina was about to deny it, I raised my index in front of her mouth.

Geordo: Yes, it is. Whenever I am weakened, you always tell me the words I need and come to my side. It is because you are here that I can do my best. That’s why I want you to stay by my side forever, Katarina.　

After I had said this, a blush tinted Katarina's cheeks. This fact made me so happy that I felt like jumping with joy.

While she was my fiancée and I kept telling her my feelings, for some reason, the person herself would not notice them (take them seriously). After spending long years in this strange situation, my feelings had finally reached her, but… she was still barely conscious of me and there were times when she thought she did not have enough charm.

But after reaching so far, she had finally come to blush at my words like this. I felt like my long one-sided love was rewarded just a little.

And that was why I would not…No, could not be satisfied with this. I wanted to have you.

I softly extended my hand to her red-colored cheeks and approached my face.

As I set my aim on her full red lips and moved closer, Katarina seemed to hit upon a realization and put her palm on my forehead. Then,

Katarina: It's hot?! Wait, Prince Geordo, you are extremely hot. You definitely have a fever!

She said this in a loud voice.

Crap. She found out about my fever… And I thought this time for sure, I could fool her into believing it was just a little fatigue. I got careless because Katarina was too cute.

Yes. It was true that I had a fever since morning. But I had been able to do everything with willpower.

I was confident I could get through it without anyone noticing, like always.

Geordo: It is fine.

After I had said this, Katarina…

Katarina: No, this fever is not “fine” at all! You've been like this since the greetings, haven't you? You knew it and you still pushed yourself!

…She pressed me.

Anyhow, I could not deceive her anymore since she had figured so much, so…

Geordo: I was out of sorts a little while ago but I had been like this since I woke up this morning. Still, if it is only this much, I can manage without anyone noticing, so there is no problem.

I said this, but immediately after…

Katarina: There is a problem.

She said it like that. There, I too became just a little bit pissed.

Geordo: I will not cause trouble, so it is fine.

Katarina: No, it is not.

Geordo: I can properly do my work.

I prided myself on having been able to properly do my work until now, and when I asserted this, Katarina's eyebrows shot up.

Katarina: Geez, this is not about work! You're pushing yourself while you're in such a bad state and I can’t help worrying about you!

Katarina's unexpected words left me stunned and speechless.

Katarina: Now, please wait here a little, Prince Geordo. I will contact a suitable party.

Still dumbfounded, I obediently sat on the furnished sofa just as Katarina pressed me to, and then she left the room.

Now left alone, my head finally started to work.

I knew Katarina was worried about me, but after seeing it so clearly on her face and hearing her say it to me like that, I felt a somewhat tingling feeling.

"I would take care of myself by myself." Even though, I had followed this thought and led my life so no one would notice it whenever I was out of sorts… I really had completely changed because of Katarina.

While I was overwhelmed by this tingling feeling, Katarina came back, bringing Jeffrey with her.

Jeffrey: I heard the situation from Lady Katarina. Please don't overwork yourself so much. You have dependable brothers, so you can depend on us as much as you like.、

Because Jeffrey had said this with the face of an older brother, the tingling feelings swelled even more, and…

Geordo: I am not that sick.

When I shortly replied this, Katarina quickly came towards me and touched my forehead again.

Katarina: It is still hot. It is not “fine” at all. You will stop this tough act right now.

Having said this, Katarina now extended her hand to my head.

Katarina: Prince Geordo, your job is now to rest. I will not accept any objection. You must stop being unreasonable and rest properly.

While saying this, she lightly tapped my head.

Geordo: …"unreasonable"…

This was something no one had ever said to me… Somehow, her older person act made me feel complicated feelings.

Jeffrey: That’s right, you will stop being unreasonable and rest like a good boy.

Riding on Katarina's words, Jeffrey said this and grabbed my shoulders.

Jeffrey: Alright, your room is ready so let's go.

Then he dragged me along.

If it were like always, I would absolutely resist but the will to resist didn't rise in me, maybe because of my poor condition, or maybe because of that very indescribable tingling feeling swirling in my chest.

While dragged by Jeffrey, I saw Katarina watching me worriedly, so…

Geordo: Thank you very much.

…I muttered in a low voice.

Because of this complicated feeling where I was somewhat embarrassed and yet happy, I felt my already hot face getting even hotter. 

Katarina: Please have plenty of rest and get well soon!

I could hear from behind Katarina's voice saying this.

Somehow, my face became even hotter.

[butterscotchhooves]

My favorite “Villainess” manga/ manhwa/ light novels!!! ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

These are in no particular order. ♡ Take this as a recommendation list— if you want to get into the “villainess” subgenre. ♡

(Note: I haven’t finished all of the stories on this list, but I have read enough to form an opinion.)

(Note #2: this list will change over time!!)

“The Villainess Doesn't Need a New Husband!” by Eun Solim (manhwa)

“Lily the Vicious Villainess” by Eunrok (manhwa)

“The Villainess Turns the Hourglass” by Sansobee (manhwa)

“The Villainess Stans the Heroes: Playing the Antagonist to Support Her Faves!” by Yamori Mitikusa (manga)

“The Perks of Being a Villainess” by Gokim Mang (manhwa)

“Villains Are Destined to Die” by Gwon Gyeoeul (manhwa)

“This Villainess Wants a Divorce!” by Nokki (manhwa)

“Master Villainess the Invincible!” by Will Bright (manhwa)

“The Villainess’s Blind Date Is Too Perfect” by Jooa Chae (manhwa)

“My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!” by Satoru Yamaguchi (manga)

“I’m in Love with the Villainess” by Inori (light novel)

“The Tyrant’s Only Perfumer” by Yojeongyong (manhwa)

“The Villainess Who Has Been Killed 108 Times: She Remembers Everything!” by Namakura (manga)

“A Lily Blooms in Another World” by Ameko Kaeruda (light novel)

“I’m in Love with the Villainess: She’s so Cheeky for a Commoner” by Inori (light novel)

[zoeyslayter]

2024 To Read List (plus reasons as needed):

TW for Columbine/school unaliving mention and conversion mentions (homophobia). If I've missed your trigger let me know so I can fix the tags accordingly.

All book titles connected to their respective Goodreads pages.

A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold - Reading this out of pure spite in response to an-in my opinion- unfair video about Sue. Won't link it so the guy doesn't get harassed but it made my blood boil. Side note: I have a special interest in Columbine but I in no way am interested in joining Tumblr's TCC. Eric and Dylan should not be fangirled over imho.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett - I like faerie books

Murder Your Employer: The McMaster's Guide of Homicide by Rupert Holmes - No particular reason; saw it at B&N and thought it seemed interesting. R.L. Stine apparently liked it so hey, why not?

We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix - I've been looking at this author for a while, and I own some of his books on audible, but I've been trying to get back into physical media

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom by Satoru Yamaguchi, illustrated by Nami Hidaka, and translated by Shirley Yeung - Whole series, but I'm on the second book. One of my all time favorite animes. Can't wait for the Switch game to come out in NA.

Fire Dancer by Catherine Jones Payne - I met this author about 2 years ago at a convention and she is awesome. I'm almost done with her Breakwater series, which I also recommend if you like mermaids.

Split Image: The Life of Anthony Perkins by Charles Winecoff - Perkins has been said to be bisexual, but based on further research I genuinely think that he might have been a homosexual. This topic surrounding him has interested me for a while. especially since I have reason to believe that this came from conversion therapy.

RWBY: After the Fall by E.C. Meyers - I love RWBY and also fanfiction reasons. I also got Before the Dawn and Roman Holiday for similar reasons.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Okay so I read the first book around the time the first movie came out but I only watched the movies past that, and I suddenly got hooked back in by people mentioning small details that Collins wrote, as well as Panem Academy and Emhahee on tiktok

[entamewitchlulu]

Prompt: Sweater

Ship: Sophia Ascart/Katarina Claes

Series: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!!

Tags: Fluff, Pining

It's cold when Sophia leaves the library, and she forgot to bring something warm to wear. Luckily, Katarina has an extra sweater.

[teragames]

Lanzan un avance de "My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!"

Lanzan un video promocional de la película "My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!" (@hamehura).

La película My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! presentará una historia original del autor Satoru Yamaguchi y llegará a cines japoneses el próximo 8 de diciembre, de acuerdo con el nuevo trailer y el arte visual: 🎬#劇場版はめふら🎬📢ティザービジュアル解禁　◤ 　　 　　　 　　　　　　　　　　◥　　劇場版　　『乙女ゲームの破滅フラグしかない　　　　悪役令嬢に転生してしまった…』　　　✨2023.12.8 ROADSHOW✨　◣　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　◢#はめふらhttps://t.co/LAEPPKyvwC…

[lilium-dragomir]

[bewhereeveryouare]

My favorite background/scenery + architecture from the anime “My Next As A Villainess” episodes 1-5.

[quirkycatsfatstacks]

Manga Monday: My Next Life as a Villainess Vol. 8

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Manga Vol. 8Series: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! MangaWriter: Satoru YamaguchiArtist: Nami HidakaPublisher: Seven SeasReleased: August 22, 2023Received: Own Find it on Goodreads | More My Next Life as a Villainess Summary: You know how the story goes. A high school girl wakes up to a new life – quite literally,…

[maboroshi-no]

Katarina's 18th Birthday SS Story Translation

I have translated Satoru Yamaguchi’s SS Story about Katarina's 18th birthday:

Series: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Story Title: Katarina's 18th Birthday Source: Satoru Yamaguchi’s Blog Credits: maboroshi-no

Translation below ⮟

Katarina's 18th Birthday

Monkey Girl: Uwaah! It's pouring down!

As I was about to leave through the doorway, I finally realized that it was pouring down outside.

Because I slept in and got ready in a panic, I didn't have time to check the weather outside. 

I had planned to ride my bike to my meeting place with Acchan, but with how things were, I would be soaking wet by the time I arrived. 

Monkey Girl: What should I do?

After I had muttered this, as I was gazing outside confused over what to do, behind me…

???: Hey, what's wrong? Go out already.

Someone told me this.

When I looked back, it was my second older brother wearing nice clothes. He was probably going out too.

Monkey Girl: Well I'd like to, but it's pouring down outside. Now I'll be soaking wet by the time I arrive.

When I replied this, my older brother grinned.

Monkey Girl's Brother: I'm borrowing the car, so no problem for me.

He said this while flaunting the car's keys. It seemed like my older brother, who already had his driving license, had borrowed the car from our parents to go out.

Monkey Girl: Eeeeh, so lucky! Give me a ride!

When I promptly asked him, my brother said "Eh~" with a reluctant voice, but he asked me where I was going in a "Let's still ask…" way. 

Then, when I told him,

Monkey Girl's Brother: Aaah, I have no choice then. It's on the way, so I'll give you a ride.

He said.

Monkey Girl: Thank you.

After I had thanked him,

Monkey Girl's Brother: I'll have you return the favor when you have your license. 

After he had said this, I told my brother,

Monkey Girl: Okay~

…I cheerfully replied.

Like this, I had my brother drive me to my destination and I fully enjoyed myself without getting soaked. 

Then, around the time I went back, the rain had already stopped so I happily skipped back home.

Afterward, I happened to hear from my mother that my brother's destination and mine were in completely opposite directions.

It seemed like he had said "It was on the way" so I wouldn't feel bad about it.

On a general basis, my brother treated me roughly and I wouldn't say that he talked nicely, but I had known for a long time that he was actually incredibly nice. 

Alright, once I had my license, I would drive my brother this time. I decided this in my heart.

Anne: …rina, Lady Katarina, please wake up. It's morning.

When I opened my eyes after being called, Anne was standing there like always.

This was my familiar room in the Claes house.

It seemed like I had a very nostalgic dream. Not of my current life, but of my previous one.

I often had these dreams when I was 8 after I had regained memories, but I mostly hadn't these last few years. As I thought it was unusual…

Anne: Today is your birthday, isn't it? Happy birthday.

Anne said this with a smile.

Right. Today was my 18th birthday.

18 years old. I had finally exceeded the age I had in my past life. It might have been why I had that dream.

In my past life, I died in an accident when I was 17 years old.

Because I didn't reach the age of 18, I couldn't get my driving license… and as a result, I couldn't drive my older brother anywhere.

Even though I wanted to repay what he had done for me, I couldn't repay him.

I couldn't thank him for all he'd done for me or anything. I felt a throbbing pain in my chest. 

Anne: Lady Katarina, is something wrong?

Anne, who was sensitive to my changes, asked this with a worried expression.

Katarina: No, it's nothing. I was just dazed after waking up.

I said this because I didn't want to worry Anne.

Anne: If it seems like you're unwell, please tell me immediately. Otherwise, everyone coming to the party will worry.

Since she had said this,

Katarina: Okay, I understand.

I replied this.

Today, my birthday party was scheduled to be held.

Even though I had said "party", it wouldn't be anything as big as the one held for my 15th birthday. It would be an intimate one with only close friends and family.

It seemed like Father and Keith had planned on a family celebration at first, then everyone got wind of this and eagerly asked to join the celebrations, so they decided to hold a party.

I didn't know the details, but… How should I put it? Last year and the year before, it also ended up like this, with everyone celebrating my birthday. How long would this continue? Maybe until I got married? 

I was a little embarrassed but I certainly felt happy.

I shook off the earlier pain that was running through my chest and firmly raised my face.

Feeling down because of things of the past (life) would be improper to everyone celebrating my birthday.

Today, I would smile and express lots of gratitude to everyone celebrating my birthday.

?: Happy birthday.

?: Happy birthday!

The party started and I received birthday wishes from everyone.

Then I received presents. Farming tools, top-grade seedlings, and romance novels.

Everyone knew my tastes well.

Geordo: Katarina, look, these sweets are popular. Please enjoy them.

Geordo said this with a smile, then put the sweets on a plate and offered them to me.

With the same smile, Mary came over, and…

Mary: Lady Katarina, this is the new creation of your favorite pastry shop. Please enjoy it.

After saying this, she presented a plate to me.

Everyone really knew my tastes well.

Just from this, I felt incredibly happy and started smiling.

Geordo: Lady Mary, I was just recommending these sweets to Katarina.

Mary: And I have a different recommendation. When it comes to recommendations, there should be no rule stipulating that the swiftest wins.

Geordo: No, this is not what I meant. What I am asking you is to please refrain from getting in between a couple of fiancés engaging with each other.

Mary: In that case, I shall also ask you to refrain from getting in between friends engaging with each other.

As the two of them started bantering like this with smiling faces,

Keith: Big Sister, these are the sweets that you said you wanted to eat the other day…

When Keith came over and said this, Geordo and Mary directed, this time, their smiles toward him.

Geordo / Mary: I was just recommending sweets to (Lady) Katarina!

Because they had said this in a clear voice, Keith froze.

Sophia: Lady Katarina, let's discuss romance novels! About this new book that has just come out yesterday…

Nicol: Sophia, don't run. Calm down.

A sparkling-eyed Sophia and Nicol came over.

Maria: Umm, Lady Katarina. I have baked some new sweets for today.

With a shy smile, Maria gave me my favorite homemade sweets.

Alan: Hey, I'm borrowing that stage for a bit.

After saying this, Alan played violin for me on the small stage in the venue. A beautiful exhilarating melody flowed in the air.

For me to get such a celebration, I sincerely thought I was such a blessed person.

And then, it was time for the lively party to come to an end.

Geordo: You seem to have cheered up.

Geordo told me this in a voice only I could hear.

Katarina: ?

As I was confused because I didn't know what he meant, Geordo said,

Geordo: When the party started, you seemed a little down, so I was worried.

…he readily told me.

Katarina: You noticed?!

Even though I had been smiling so they wouldn't notice…

That's right. In the end, I couldn't shake off the memory of the dream from this morning, and the pain in my chest didn't disappear.

Even so, it was the party where everyone celebrated my birthday, so I put on a smile.

While doing so, I had fun, I felt happy, and before I knew it, I was really smiling.

Geordo: Yes, of course. I am your fiancé after all… or so I would like to say, but everyone else seems to have noticed as well.

After Geordo chuckled and said this, he moved his gaze to everyone. Curious, I looked in that direction.

When they noticed my gaze, each one smiled at me.

Everyone had noticed my gloom and been worried about me.

Katarina: Umm… I'm sorry. For making you worry.

After I had said this, Geordo was a little wide-eyed.

Geordo: Please don't worry about this. After all, this is something we did of our own accord.

Katarina: But…

Geordo: Besides, you'd do the same, Katarina. If I or the others were cheerless, you would also worry about us, right?

Katarina: Well, of course!

After I had firmly nodded and answered this, Geordo…

Geordo: And that's why we also worry about you in the same way. We are just repaying what you do for us. And when you cheered up during the party, we felt incredibly relieved and happy.

He said this and smiled. It was a very gentle smile.

Geordo: So please do not worry about this and just smile cheerfully.

Katarina: Thank you very much.

I thanked him from the bottom of my heart.

Mom, Dad, Big Bros, Acchan, everyone from my past life…

In this world I was reborn in, I met truly wonderful people.

To these gentle people precious to me, I would also repay the things that I couldn't during my past life.

Because I thought my precious people in my past life would surely say "It's fine".

[shazzeaslightnovels]

[Manga] Hamefura: Zettai Zetsumei! Hametsu Sunzen-hen

Mangaka: Nishi

Original Creator: Satoru Yamaguchi

Original Character Design: Nami Hidaka

Label: ZERO-SUM Comics

Release Date: 25 May 2020

I don’t usually cover manga on this blog but I decided a while ago to make an exception for manga spin-offs. The premise of this series is “what if Katarina regained her memories during the story of the game, instead of years before it began?” It starts out with Katarina bullying Maria and throwing her home-made muffins on the ground and stepping on them before tripping, bumping her head and regaining memories of her previous life and, unlike the original, these memories return when she is only a year away from the end of the game which means she has a year to turn things around and avoid her doom.

Unlike the original light novel, most of this volume focuses on Katarina setting things right with the people that she’s wronged, especially with regards to her bullying of Maria and Keith, and attempting to avoid her doom. The plans she comes up with to do this (i.e. getting into farming to increase her magic, for example) are mostly the same as the original but there are a few twists added. Keith isn’t in this volume much but seeing Katarina attempt to make it up to Maria is incredibly rewarding and leads to my favourite gag in this manga: Katarina saving Maria from other bullies while “disguising” herself wearing a simple cloth over her face because she’s worried that Maria would get scared if she interacted with her directly. It’s good stuff and really charming.

While Nicol and Sophia do not make their debut in this volume, the rest of the gang is still here, though their personalities are quite different due to not having encountered Katarina as a child. Mary is probably the most different as, while she is still affectionate towards Katarina as a friend, she’s not really in love with her like she is in the light novels. There are some new characters to enjoy here as well, most importantly Shiena, a girl who aided Katarina in bullying Maria because she was jealous of her magic and she’s a pretty interesting and likeable character so far and I enjoy her relationship with Katarina.

Like in the original, Katarina has conferences inside her head to decide what to do about her upcoming doom and she still has a big appetite and will eat food off the ground but we get to know more about the villainess Katarina before she regained her memories than we do in the original and, while she definitely had her many flaws, Ann and Shiena still seemed to like her a lot and I like that the manga still keeps those little elements from the original while adding some new stuff to satisfy pre-existing fans.

I think this is Nishi’s professional debut, given that I can’t find anything else from them on BookWalker, and their art is really nice and I enjoyed the visual gags so I look forward to seeing more from them.

Overall, this was a good start to the spin-off and, while I wouldn’t call it a must-read, I would recommend most fans of the original to give a try because it is enjoyable so far. If you haven’t read the original, you definitely don’t need to have to enjoy this spin-off so give it a go if you’re interested in it. I’ll be getting the next volume.