5 Isekai anime and manga with protagonists reincarnated as animals

Highlights

• The protagonists of isekai anime and manga are often reincarnated in new worlds with unique animal characteristics and traits.

• Series like “So I’m a spider, so what?” and “Re: Monster” explore the challenges faced by protagonists who are reincarnated as animals.

• These unique stories offer a twist on the traditional isekai genre, showing the characters’ struggles and adventures in new forms.

The Isekai genre has proven to be relatively malleable in its application while maintaining its main selling point: the existence of another world and the reincarnation/transportation of its protagonist to said other world.

However, as seen in some recent manga and anime series, the protagonist’s typical humanity is not necessarily guaranteed during reincarnation. Therefore, these protagonists often find themselves reincarnated into anything but the human being they once were. The focus of this piece, however, will be on the protagonists reincarnated in their new worlds with animal characteristics and traits. Therefore, here are some of the best anime and mangas with these types of protagonists.

5

So I’m a spider, so what?

Anime-Planet Rating: 4.0/5

So I’m a spider, so what? It starts out as peaceful as possible, like any normal school day, until an unforeseen disaster hits the school, leaving a trail of dead bodies in its wake. Only by some kind of miracle do a good number of students find themselves lucky enough to be reincarnated into another world like many different things. Among them are those reincarnated as nobles and other types of important people.

However, the series’ protagonist, Kumoko, is not so lucky, as she is reincarnated into a spider. Not just any spider, but the weakest of hers, immediately exposed her to the severe difficulties of her new existence. Determined to survive, Kumoko soon discovers that her new world has an RPG-like system, which means the ability to level up and become stronger. With a new goal to hold on to, Ella Kumoko grows stronger as she can, hoping that one day she will be granted a better life.

4

Re: Monster

Anime-Planet Rating: 3.6/5

Re: Monster It follows the quiet and rather unfortunate life of the central character, Tomokui Kanata, who suffers an even more tragic death. However, his adventures almost end when he awakens in another world, but this time as an elf, specifically the weakest elf of his race called Goborou.

Still, one thing goes well for Goborou: he retains all the memories of his previous life. Armed with modern knowledge and the gift of a new body, Goborou is determined to forge a life of power in a world where survival is everything and, interestingly, where consuming other creatures allows him to gain their powers and strength.

3

Reborn as a polar bear: the legend of how I became a forest guardian

Anime-Planet Rating: 3.6/5

• Creator(s): Kusano Houki, Mishima Chihiro
• Gender: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• No. of Chapters: 31 (in progress)

Reborn As a Polar Bear follows the life of the central character, Kumakichi Kumada, a very devout mountaineer whose life is turned upside down when he wakes up in another world after falling into a ravine during a climbing expedition. Worse yet, he is now caring for six werewolf sisters, who are fleeing the humans hunting his clan.

Fortunately, Kumakichi retains the memories and knowledge of his previous life and uses them to ensure his survival. However, a challenging path awaits him as he embarks on a harrowing quest to make the forest comfortable for its inhabitants.

2

Woof Woof Story: I Told You To Make Me A Pampered Dog, Not Fenrir

Anime-Planet Rating: 3.7/5

• Creator(s): Koikuchi Kiki, Inumajin
• Gender: Fancy
• No. of Chapters: 18 (pause)

Wow wow story explores the life of corporate slave protagonist, Routa Okami, who, like an increasing number of Japan’s adult population, died due to overwork. In his final moments, Okami wishes to be reborn as the beloved pet of a wealthy family. Fortunately, Okami’s wish is granted when he is reborn as a dog who belongs to an extremely rich family.

He quickly adopted the lifestyle he wanted. However, something seems wrong; As he continues to grow exponentially larger than a normal dog, Okami soon realizes that he was not reincarnated as a dog but as a giant wolf; Not just any wolf, but the legendary wolf king Fenrir. Still, Okami pretends to be nothing more than a normal dog.

1

Butareba: The story of a man turned into a pig

Anime-Planet Rating: 3.9/5

butareba features a rather interesting story of the central character, a normal Japanese adult otaku who collapses and dies after eating raw pork liver. However, death is not exactly the end for him, as he awakens in a new world. The most surprising thing is that he wakes up not as a human but as a pig. Helpless, he can only wait until he meets Jess, a girl who can read minds, and rescues him from her cage.

To transform back into a human, the pig must travel to the capital to appeal to the King. As he contemplates his options, Jess offers to take the trip with him, starting a fun adventure. However, as they prepare to begin their search, a quick shopping trip slips through their fingers, revealing an ugly side to this new world hidden beneath the harmless facade.