In the vast world of manga, certain works achieve iconic status, captivating readers through every chapter until the story reaches its planned conclusion. Notably, some lucky few have even become global cultural symbols, like Dragon Ball or Naruto. However, there are also many series that, despite their potential, face unfortunate “cancellation” for various reasons, leading to disappointment among devoted fans.
Even the popular genre of Isekai has not been immune. Over the last decade, it has seen its fair share of “safe spaces” that are far from perfect. Some titles may have been cut short due to poor quality, yet many others started strong, particularly those set in dark realms, only to encounter unexpected abrupt endings. Whether due to these reasons or others, these captivating Isekai manga have faced unfortunate “cancellations” before their full potential could be realized.
1. Thanks To The Parallel World
Thanks To The Parallel World features a familiar setup: after many decades, VR technology has created an astonishingly immersive gaming experience. Jin, an elderly man, has longed for this moment and ultimately decides to build a new life in a virtual world alongside the adventurous Elesa, the sorceress Rachel, and the cleric Aria with Samantha.
The story begins with Jin noticing peculiarities regarding the NPCs, which he can’t quite explain. However, the details surrounding Jin’s character remain vague post-chapter 14, leaving readers puzzled about his fate.
2. What Should I Do In A Different World?
The adaptation of What Should I Do In A Different World (Japanese title: Isekai ni Kita Mitai Dakedo Dousureba Yoi no Darou) into manga faced challenges. Initially illustrated by Yukinatsu Mori, it later transitioned to a version by Kohitsuji Amano, known as Shachiku SE no My Pace Boukenki (The Adventures of a Wage Slave Systems Engineer at My Pace), in 2022.
Both versions depict Akihiro, a regular office worker, who is transported to a hidden dimension, where he can only use his limited communication skills to survive. The specific reasons for Mori’s version being canceled remain unclear. The speculation points towards poor sales or creative differences behind the scenes.
3. Ester De Valonia
Similar to Overlord, Ester De Valonia tells the story of a player trapped in a VR game, but the protagonist Charon is not a “game hack” like Ainz. Instead, he faces a significant decline in his power, which makes him feel distressed. The story initially presents a compelling narrative but was ultimately canceled due to low sales, and its web novel counterpart also faced a “quiet death.”
4. The Villainess Who Became A Nightingale
The Villainess Who Became A Nightingale centers on Leysritt, an unfortunate girl reincarnated as a villainess in her own story. She wishes to assist others using her nursing skills inspired by Florence Nightingale. To achieve this, she must navigate the original narrative’s plot, which becomes increasingly challenging, especially with the royal family involved.
Unlike most adaptations from light novels, the manga version of Nightingale was directly realized by the author. However, by chapter 22, the story faced cancellation. Suzuka Oda was prepared to restart the series, but ultimately both she and Sato agreed with the publisher to halt its production, with the light novel continuing on its own.
5. Isekai Nation Alchimaira: The Weakest King And Matchless Army
While factors leading to cancellations often revolve around poor sales, the storyline of Isekai Nation Alchimaira is different. The plot follows Helian, a top-ranked player in the strategy game “Tactics Chronicles,” who must lead his troops to reclaim his kingdom’s sovereignty.
The manga has drawn comparisons to Overlord and Ester De Valonia, with hopes that it won’t suffer a premature cancellation like Ester. However, the manga faced serious creative hurdles during its production, which affected its continuity. Despite Helian’s adventures being rich and engaging, the series ultimately met its end too soon.
6. Kujonin
The cancellation of a series like Kujonin can be disheartening, but it’s an unavoidable reality if it fails to create a memorable impact or threatens the author’s health. Sometimes, stories can take on a very personal tone behind the scenes. In Kujonin, a character named Naoki, a humble employee, finds himself in another world where he must use his unique abilities to survive.
This series began as a promising venture, but after the author Hanabokuro encountered difficulties with the publisher Kadokawa and faced creative block, it was forced to stop abruptly. Fortunately, the light novel, which inspired it, continues to be published.
7. I Want To Become The Hero’s Bride
Many Isekai stories center around individuals who become valiant warriors or clever strategists to transform their worlds. However, I Want To Become The Hero’s Bride stands apart. The main character, Berlina, reincarnates as the “goddess of Cupid” when she sees Chris, a “heroic prince.”
From the start, she has exerted all her effort to win his heart, traversing dark paths with the hope of one day becoming his bride. Unfortunately, this dream is cut short as the manga was canceled after 13 chapters without a clear reason.
8. I Won’t Become A Villainess. I’m Just A “Normal” Duke’s Daughter!
There are numerous manga, light novels, and web novels featuring characters reincarnated into otome games as villains. Whether they are young girls, office workers, or noblewomen, they must navigate the characters’ roles or find ways to alter their fates, much like Rosalind in I Won’t Become A Villainess. I’m Just A “Normal” Duke’s Daughter!
In her case, her attempts to avoid a tragic fate lead her into numerous “death flags” presented by the game. However, by choosing to remain an ordinary girl (or striving for normalcy), she unlocks a new path. Unfortunately, the first manga adaptation has been canceled with no clear explanation, though some speculate it was due to the author’s struggles with health, while Shun Akira continues to develop the original story.
9. The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess To Savior
Most titles in this list often have light novels that continue to follow their manga counterparts if they encounter issues. In the case of The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess To Savior, the protagonist, who has been reincarnated, aims to change her fate and become a hero. The manga was unfortunately canceled, but the light novel has been quite successful without needing the manga, even spawning a 12-episode anime in 2023.
The narrative follows a Japanese high school girl reborn as Pride Royal Ivy, the last boss of the otome game “Our Ray of Light.” Typically, she is held responsible for all wrongful deeds, but Pride wishes to do good, transforming from a villainess into a heroine. The manga was abruptly ended when Bunko Matsura faced challenges with its distribution. Afterward, Akiko Kawano continued the story with a sequel a year later, but the manga’s cancellation remains a significant setback for the series.
Source: Gamerant
