By: Peggy Sue Wood | @pswediting

With the anime for Rekishi ni Nokoru Akujo ni Naru zo: Akuyaku Reijou ni Naru hodo Ouji no Dekiai wa Kasoku suru you desu! (or, I’ll Become a Villainess That Will Go Down in History: The More of a Villainess I Become, the More the Prince will Dote on Me, if you prefer the English title) coming out this October, I wanted to provide a brief review of the manga to explain why I believe it’s worth adding to your watch list for the upcoming season.

Like a few other I-reincarnated-as-the-villainess stories we’ve seen emerge rapidly in the last four to five years, this story introduces an assertive protagonist who accepts the role of the antagonist. Alicia, our central character, wholeheartedly embraces her villainous persona, striving to achieve a legendary status among villainesses. Along the way, she encounters numerous obstacles and setbacks, leading her to utilize her wickedness to become a realist hero for those around her despite classmates and strangers regularly painting her as the bad guy.

In the first two volumes of the series, the tone remains light-hearted. The protagonist, while labeled as a villainess, is portrayed more as a confident and diligent individual, which adds to the series’ charm. (As a side note, I can’t help but laugh every time the Prince’s name, Duke, is mentioned. It’s a rather unfortunate choice for an aristocratic title, “Prince Duke” – LoL.)

However, Volume 3 marks a significant shift in the story’s dynamics, with tensions escalating considerably. It’s likely that this heightened suspense will carry over into the anime adaptation. Especially given the volume’s more pronounced climax compared to the preceding ones and considering the marketing images for the anime wherein they feature our MC at different ages. So, spoiler warning! Let’s discuss Volume 3:

In Chapter 11 of Volume 3, a suggestion arises that Liz, the original protagonist of the game into which Alicia has transmigrated, might be exerting influence over people through magic. Interestingly, as Alicia adopts a pragmatic view of the world and its inhabitants, Liz appears to intensify her efforts, making it increasingly challenging for those closest to her to perceive reality accurately. This becomes most evident with Alicia’s brothers, the older/oldest of whom are very close with Liz and seem to disconnect Alicia’s words and behavior from context. When one of Alicia’s younger, elder brothers breaks free from this influence, he questions why Liz’s words ever had an impact on him in the first place. While uncertain if magic played a role, he becomes increasingly suspect that something is amiss as time passes.

In Chapter 12 of Volume 3, one of the standout scenes involves a confrontation between Alicia and Liz regarding their ideals. Liz, the original protagonist accustomed to things falling into place effortlessly, is forced to confront the notion that relying solely on chance and blind faith in the unknown is a detrimental mindset, especially for someone in a position of power by Alicia. This perspective is shared by those not under Liz’s influence. Yet, Liz and her followers appear unable to comprehend such a message. This conflict between ideals and pragmatism seems to become an important and continuing theme in Volume 4, and it is something I really enjoy about the work thus far.

With that said, I believe that this is going to be a great addition to people’s watch list this Fall 2024. I highly recommend it!

Developmental edits by: Krow Smith | @coffeewithkrow