Top 10 Mind-Blowing Isekai Anime & Manga with Fascinating Gender-Bending Leads

The isekai trend in anime and manga has captured audiences for the past decade. Characters venturing into different realms, whether through time travel, magic, or virtual reality, provide an intriguing concept. Certain isekai stories go beyond the norm by altering the heroes themselves. Examples include Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation and That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime. These series not only transport protagonists to new worlds but also change their genders, adding an extra layer of fascination.

10 El Hazard: The Magnificent World

Before the term "isekai" came into existence, both Eastern and Western literature had numerous "portal fantasy" stories. However, the El Hazard OVA series, released in 1995, stands out as one of the earliest to combine this concept with elements of gender twisting. In this series, a group of high school students named Makoto, Katsuhiko, Nanami, and their teacher Masamichi find themselves unexpectedly transported to the world of El Hazard.

During their journey, Makoto and Masamichi encounter Rune, the princess of Roshtaria. She is on a quest to find her missing sister, Fatora, who holds the key to activating the powerful superweapon known as the Eye of God. If activated, this weapon could potentially serve as their ticket back home. Unfortunately, the search for Fatora proves to be fruitless, but Makoto bears an uncanny resemblance to her. Despite his reluctance, Makoto reluctantly assumes Fatora's identity, hoping to gain more insight into the technology and deities of El Hazard.

9 This Is Screwed Up, But I Was Reincarnated as a GIRL in Another World!

Going beyond mere role-playing, modern works explore the concept of transformation alongside fantastical elements like magic. Originally penned as a light novel by Ashi and beautifully illustrated by Kaomin, this captivating series was subsequently adapted into a manga by Keyaki Uchiuchi and is now accessible in English through Seven Seas Entertainment.

The narrative revolves around Ren, a young girl living in a mystical realm. On the verge of being ensnared by a corrupt merchant, Ren begins experiencing visions. These visions transport her back to a world called Earth, where she had worked as a male research scientist. Armed with her prior scientific expertise and newfound magical abilities, Ren becomes a prominent figure in this unfamiliar realm.

8 Only Sense Online

Based on Aloha Zachou and Yukisan's light novel, Hani Kuraun's manga offers a unique twist on the concept of Sword Art Online. Only Sense Online is a virtual reality MMORPG that immerses players in a realistic virtual world. In this game, players can create their own avatars and choose specific skills or "Senses" to enhance their gameplay experience.

Yun, a novice player, is reluctantly thrust into the game by his older sisters. Unfortunately, he starts off with the weakest "Senses" and equipment in the game. To make matters worse, a glitch in the system mistakenly transforms his in-game character into a female. However, Yun soon discovers her true potential as a support class, which could potentially revolutionize the way the game is played.

7 Reborn as the Hero’s Daughter! Time to Become the Hero Once More!

Haruka Kaburagi and Amane Kotodera’s manga takes a unique approach to the isekai genre, as the protagonist doesn't find himself in a different world. However, they still present a fresh perspective by introducing the half-human, half-demon hero Reid, who meets his demise in a fierce battle. In the realm beyond, a mysterious goddess assures him that his journey is far from over, and he will be reborn. When Reid finally awakens, he realizes that he has been reincarnated as Nicole, the daughter of his former colleagues.

Initially, the prospect of transforming into a young girl may appear unfavorable. Nevertheless, the goddess's words hold truth. As Reid, his demonic lineage posed challenges in his quest to be a hero. However, as Nicole, possessing her parents' virtuous blood and armed with the combat skills from her previous life, she harbors immense potential to combat evil forces.

6 The Saga of Tanya the Evil

The Sage of Tanya the Evil, also known as Yōjo Senki, originated as a novel written by Carlo Zen. It was later adapted into a light novel by Shinobu Shinotsuki in 2013, and a manga by Chika Tōjō in 2016. NUT then animated the manga in 2017. The story revolves around a dying salaryman who is reprimanded by God for his lack of faith in life. In order to improve his spirituality, God reincarnates him as Tanya, a young orphaned girl from Germany. Tanya grows up in a world where magic is utilized as a weapon and World War I occurs in the 1920s. To avoid facing the consequences of her past life's sins, Tanya joins the Empire's Mage Corps instead of fighting on the front lines of battle. As she advances in rank, Tanya transforms into a merciless soldier, accumulating sins that make her previous life appear virtuous in comparison.

5 A Wild Last Boss Appeared!

Originally a web novel by Firehead, A Wild Last Boss Appeared has evolved beyond its light novel form. Illustrated by YahaKo, it has now expanded into a manga version drawn by Tsubasa Hazuki, the talented artist known for Sword Art Online spin-offs Fairy Dance and Mother's Rosario.

In the virtual world of Exgate Online, Lufas Maphaal had once reigned over Midgard with an iron fist until her adversaries ultimately overcame her. However, in a surprising turn of events, one of Exgate's players is reborn as the resurrected Lufas, two centuries after her downfall. Now faced with the challenge of rebuilding Lufas' reputation, forging new alliances, and unraveling the mystery behind his reincarnation, he must navigate the perilous game world to uncover the truth.

4 Herscherik R: Heroic Tale of the Reincarnated Prince

Gender-swapping stories usually focus on a change from male to female, with very few instances of a female-to-male transformation, especially within the isekai genre. However, Nobiru Kusunoki and Yuyu Yuzuki's manga brilliantly explores both perspectives.

After being tragically killed in a car accident on the eve of her 35th birthday, Ryōko Hayakawa, an office lady, unexpectedly finds herself reincarnated into a magical world as Prince Herscherik, a privileged young boy enjoying a life of luxury. Unable to ignore the suffering caused by the corrupt court, she is determined to utilize her past administrative skills and the Prince's influence to bring about positive change for the kingdom's people.

3 Yakuza Reincarnation

Despite its title, Takeshi Natsuhara and Hiroki Miyashita’s manga for Sunday Gene-X and Seven Seas Entertainment is a captivating tale that defies expectations. Ryumatsu Nagamasa, an aged member of the yakuza, finds himself unexpectedly transported to a different world where he assumes the role of a princess. Despite being unfamiliar with royal etiquette, he retains his distinctive back tattoo and his formidable strength. As Sanaria “Ryu” Lundberg, he may prove to be the hero that this fantastical realm desperately needs, provided they can embrace her unorthodox, yakuza-inspired code of chivalry.

2 Final Girl

The issue with the isekai genre lies in its predictability. Many stories revolve around an ordinary individual, or even a complete outcast, who unexpectedly becomes the linchpin in a new world. Sometimes, they undergo training to become the ultimate hero, while other times, they are already exceptional and solely need to sway others to recognize it. Yō Kokikuji's one-shot strip, Final Girl, takes a different approach by placing its protagonist at a significant disadvantage.

In this story, a Japanese man wakes up as one of the characters in the slasher movie "18th Day Sacrifice." Unfortunately, he is Summer, the attractive and flirtatious character who typically meets an early demise, following the usual trope. However, if Summer manages to survive until dawn, she will defy expectations and become the "final girl" who emerges unscathed.

1 Life with an Ordinary Guy Who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout!

The formula remains unbeatable. Yū Tsurusaki and Shin Ikezawa's manga for Cycomi was licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment and animated by OLM in 2021. However, what sets it apart is its exploration of the complexities of a friendship that transcends traditional gender boundaries. In simpler terms, can a close male friendship develop into a romantic relationship?

Tachibana desperately longs for a girlfriend but finds himself overshadowed by his charismatic and attractive friend Jingūji. Frustrated, Tachibana wishes that he could become an irresistible woman. His wish is granted by the Goddess of Love, who transports them to a fantasy world and transforms Tachibana into the most beautiful woman in that realm. As they face the task of saving the world from a demon lord, they also grapple with their emerging romantic feelings for one another.