What’s It About?

The manhwa features female protagonist, Penelope Eckhart – a woman hated throughout the kingdom for her brutish, arrogant and temperamental attitude and behaviour. Penelope is not only all this but also a duke’s adopted daughter as well as a villain character in a otome game – a romance simulation game – titled ‘Daughter of the Duke: Love Project’.

Fast forward, we are introduced to Siyeon Cha, a university student from modern day South Korea who has finished playing all modes of the otome game; including the frustrating ‘hard mode’. Under mysterious circumstances, she finds herself transmigrated into that very same game as Penelope Eckhart herself. Forced to navigate the new world whilst bound to a system that makes her play on hard mode, she strives to gain all the skills and affection of the love interests needed to clear the game and survive her impending death. All the while, the game’s love interests slowly begin to realise that she wasn’t as bad as they originally believed.

Will It Flop or Flourish?

To be honest, anything can happen. Villains are Destined to Die is not the first or only manhwa series to receive an animated adaptation. There has already been a few in the past couple of years and currently, more have either been confirmed to be in the making or confirmed to have a release date – just like the action, supernatural webtoon, Eleceed.

The biggest concern fans might have about the adaptation could possibly be which animation studio picks up the series. As Solo Leveling and The Beginning After the End (TBATE) have shown, the animation style and the amount of passion put into the work by the animators can either make or break a manhwa’s overall adaptation. Another worry could also be how loyal the writers and animators will be to the series’ IP. The manhwa is already well adapted from the web novel its based on, so transferring that same faithfulness to an arguably bigger project – especially one with a, maybe, smaller budget – can lead to a third-rate production.

Even with these key factors, which should leave some fans worried, there is still hope that everything might end up going well or even better than we expected. For one, Villains are Destined to Die is just that popular with a sizably good worldwide fanbase. This means that more time and effort could be spent making the animated series stand out as well as its plot does.

An argument can be made that the manhwa might receive the TBATE treatment, not all hope is lost when you consider the difference in the level of expectation from them both. Meaning, some of us readers are likely holding on to the art style, costume designing and character chemistry being as faithful to the original work as possible – even if it means sacrificing smooth animation and a plot arc or two. Similarly to what was done for Who Made Me a Princess in 2025 with its beautiful Chinese animation.

Future Villainess Manhwa Animated Adaptations

If all goes well with this villainess manhwa and the popularity blows up as most fans expect it to, then more villainess manhwa adaptations may be present in our future. With the success of Solo Leveling, a lot of action/system/cultivation manhwa readers have held their breaths, waiting for the next big hit. The same may end up happening with the villainess manhwa fanbase.

Villains are Destined to Die is by far not the only best and biggest name in the manhwa scene. It simply managed to become the template for what villainess manhwa should look like and has inspired manhwa creators to create more original and refreshing works following the trope. Including, but not limited to, this series, there are Kill the Villainess, Beware the Villainess, How to Win my Husband Over and Your Throne that also have the potential of being picked up for adaptation the same way Villains are Destined to Die is. It is also important to note how this manhwa grew in popularity when it was being pushed forward on recommendation lists for people to read during the times of Covid-19.

Although not particularly a villainess manhwa, The Remarried Empress, recognised for its intriguing revenge story and otherwise controversial plot points, was picked up for a live action adaptation. Its Korean drama is even anticipated to premier on the 4^th November 2026 on Disney + which continues to show the possibilities villainess and fantasy romance manhwa have in the film and television industries.

Altogether, the Villains are Destined to Die manhwa is an interesting reach into the trope for adapting from the Korean comic market considering how the Japanese manga has since dominated the Asian animation industry. With nothing else revealed about the upcoming animated series, we, as fans of both the web novel and manhwa can only wait and hope it will be worth the watch.

Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande

A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.

Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.

Different Settings and Scenarios

To start off, what makes the South Korean version of the zombie sub-genre unique is how they write it in different settings and/or scenarios. Compared to zombie movies and shows from the USA like The Walking Dead and World War Z, South Korea provides a variety in perspectives of what would happen if a zombie outbreak were to occur. Including all the different places a person could be when the outbreak does happen.

One scenario which has been adapted multiple times by Koreans is the zombie outbreak happening while teenagers are in school. This is an interesting take because it introduces how an average day-to-day event can immediately fall apart and become a site for survival. And as the viewers, we begin to ask ourselves what we would be able to do in that situation. Shopping in a supermarket, driving in your car, lounging at home or walking down the street is one thing, but what could you possibly do in a crowded high school where the only thing you can do is barricade yourself in a classroom and wait for help or risk it all by running through a horde of your undead teachers and student body. All of Us are Dead and Zombie School are well-written examples of what a group of high school teenagers could do when they decide to work together to survive as well as how they may let their pointless grudges get the best of them, leading to the ‘zombification’ of those around them.

An interesting, but rare, setting some zombie KDramas use is the historical setting. By combining their keen taste in period dramas and thrilling depictions of the zombie apocalypse, some studios have enhanced how frightening not having modern technology in s high-stakes environment can be. Like in the film and series, Rampant and Kingdom respectively, citizens of a feudalistic era in South Korean history, where one king protected the lives and decided the fates of many, become infected by a mysterious illness that turns them into zombie-like creatures. The closest to protecting themselves from the zombies the unaffected have is by using farming tools and common sticks and rocks to defend themselves. The chaotic imagery of ‘what would our ancestors do during a zombie apocalypse?’ is answered in this film and series in the best and worst ways possible.

There are other different cases of unique settings and scenarios which these zombie KDramas come up with to create refreshing plots. #Alive has a video game streamer trapped in his apartment with food and water running low whilst Train to Busan involves passengers on a zombie ridden train trying to survive, but both movies don’t feel overdone and repetitive in their use of the zombie trope because the characters aren’t in the same set of circumstances.

Less about Plot Armour

Because a story’s plot revolves around a main lead(s), in a lot of films and series there is a high chance that they would be backed with what is called, plot armour. Simply put, plot armour is a storytelling device used to protect a character or group of characters from death and any injury which could realistically prevent them from progressing throughout a story. A good number of stories out there have been accused of using plot armour for just this reason or, more selfishly, the writer/creator of the story wanting to protect any character(s) they deemed their beloved favourite. However, KDramas of the zombie sub-genre do not always take advantage of this storytelling device.

Whether the drama follows a single survivor, a group of survivors or survivors in different story segments experiencing the same zombie outbreak, every character has an equal chance of living or dying before the end. This makes the film and series more high stakes and, honestly, realistic. Especially when you think about the physical, mental and emotional capabilities of these characters. To use an example, there’s Sweet Home. Although not necessarily a zombie outbreak/apocalypse series, it showcases somewhat similar characteristics whereby people get infected by an unprecedented curse with the potential to turn people into violent monsters. The series makes it known that nobody is safe, and the more you watch, the more you realise that even if your favourite character overcomes the curse, their lives are still at the mercy of their fellow humans.

This is not to say that all apocalyptic KDramas do not use plot armour. There are which do like All of Us are Dead, that, instead of completely killing off a character or showing them as an infected zombie, show them as somehow overcoming the infection and becoming superhumans immune to the virus causing the outbreak.

Gore and a Massive Library

When it comes to what films or series to watch, the South Korean cinema industry has a lot. From as early as the 1980s with A Monstrous Corpse, to the late 2020s with Colony, the zombie scene has become a sort of archive of the sub-genre.

There are good ones and bad ones, but most of them share how incredibly well done the zombies’ looks are. The Asian film and TV industries are known for how well they create horror through their make-up, acting and overall storylines (sometimes without even using CGI), so all of it already translates well into how their zombies physically look, act and devour their victims. Depending on the film or show’s rating, the gore can go from a 1 to a 100 in mere seconds. And that’s one of the beauties of South Korean zombie media.

Other countries around the world tackle the sub-genre differently, and their commercial market consumes it in different degrees. Like in the West, i.e. America, The Walking Dead, The Last of Us, 28 Days Later and many more, are acclaimed and adored media of the zombie sub-genre and thriller/horror genre. However, they don’t always hit the nail in the aspect of what some audiences look for when watching zombie series and movies. Especially when you start extending that comparison to the ‘survival sub-genre’ commonly seen in Korean media, such as Duty After School, Sweet Home, Hellbound, and Gyeongseong Creature. These KDramas redefine what apocalypses can be whilst keeping to the basics of what we all love about the zombie apocalypse trope.

Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande

A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.

Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.

Even so, there are those romance anime, regardless of how well or badly they were made, that simply remain memorable to us as their viewers. That means, these anime end up worthwhile in our personal lists of rewatch-ability. The relaxing, heartstring-pulling moments and how relatable some characters of the shows can be, do incredibly well in drawing us back in to experience it all again. That being said, in no particular order, this post picks out five of some of the best romance anime out there with animation, writing and character developments that make it worth watching over and over again.

1.  Ouran High School Host Club

Ouran High School Host Club is one of those romance anime treated as a classic by perpetual watchers of the romance genre. That classic tone truly reveals itself in its animation style and exaggerated expressions as commonly seen in anime from the 1990s and early 2000s. This style specially makes the romantic comedy a comical watch .

There are a lot of comedic moments that can leave you wheezing in laughter but it is the show’s use of satire which makes it a beloved watch for romance and comedy anime watchers. Ouran High School is self-aware, inclusive and although it includes a reverse harem (where the female lead has multiple male love interests), it does not bombard its viewers with fan service and jokes that fall under the perverted/controversial umbrella. Instead, it successfully critiques its own tropes through humour and heart-warming moments.

2.  Classmates

This is a BL (Boy’s Love) anime film. Released in 2008, the film follows two high school boys, Hikaru and Rihito, in a sort of coming-of-age journey. It dips slightly in the enemies-to-lovers trope but not so much so that there is open hostility between the two characters. One could even say the dislike happens because of typical high school boys’ pubescent attitudes towards one another.

The film also does well as an introduction for anyone looking to try out watching queer anime. The slow build-up in their relationship and the inevitable time when they end up together is emotional and touching that you might end up surprised as to why the two high schoolers disliked each other in the beginning. The art style may seem rough and ragged around the edges but it remains smooth and natural in its movements. The watercolours used in the animation also give it a unique feel which can easily have you mesmerised.

3.  After the Rain

If you are looking for a complex story with intricate and meaningful episodes, then After the Rain definitely succeeds in that department. The soft teenage love Akira experiences towards her much older boss Masami, is done so well that the viewer can deduce that love as being more about her admiration towards him – with Masami trying his best to help her realise that.

The anime is well-written and includes a diversity of characters who encounter varying kinds of internal struggles which test the fragility of a teenager’s heart. After the Rain is one rare anime which quote-unquote “has present adults”. There are several role models and older figures who serve to advice and protect the younger characters and it is there where the anime shines in its realism.

4.  Kamisama Kiss

Yet another classic, Kamisama Kiss is a supernatural, drama and romance anime. Our main character Nanami gets caught up in the world of yokai, gods and other divine creatures. The eccentric and kind-hearted nature of Nanami has the series taking on a more of a slice of life vibe but with a good amount of drama and, even, adventure that leaves you wanting more.

The thing about Kamisama Kiss is that, although its main premise follows the dynamics of a romance story, it includes interesting elements involving the supernatural to propel the story forward without it simply being about a human girl falling in love with a fox spirit. Yes, there are other love interests who act as rivals for Nanami’s affection, but the importance of her unexpected role as the god of a shrine, places a significant and comedic duty which works hand-in-hand with the romance portion of the series. Altogether, this romance anime journals the growing bond between Nanami and Tomoe (the fox spirit) with incredibly well-written plot twists.

5.  Horimiya

Horimiya is a modern-day romance anime with a very perceptive vision of teenage love lives. It includes various couples and love interests but at the core of the series is Hori and Miyamura. The anime’s title emphasises this by combining their names to form a ‘ship name’. The romance between them is arguably comforting and relaxed. It does not shy away from displaying their good communication and profound respect for one another as romantic partners. Another takeaway is how Hori and Miyamura are the technical definition of opposites attract. While she, Hori, is fiery and adores horror movies, Miyamura is timid and enjoys baking and making sweet pastries.

The overall mood of the romance anime is calm. It is easily a comfort anime as there is rarely any conflict and whatever is there relates to the complicated feelings, anxiety and depression which teenagers in high school tend to face in an otherwise fast-paced school environment.

There is so much more that can be said about which romance anime are nostalgic and/or are worth rewatching – which also means a list much larger than this one can be made to prove that point. Nevertheless, whether or not we rewatch an anime, most of us romance watchers can agree to some degree that there are romance anime that have something to them with the power to enchant and captivate human nature.

Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande

A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.

Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.

When I Became a Commoner They Broke off Our Engagement by Kenzi Oiwa

This manga is based on a light novel series of the same name, released in 2023. The premise of the series is as the title suggests – a noble lady being demoted to a commoner thus having her engagement broken off – but it is not the main impression of the story.

Simply put, the manga follows a young girl named Anna who ends up being kicked out by her noble family after it was discovered that she was switched at birth with their real daughter. Forced to forgo a sheltered, wealthy life, and even having her engagement with a young nobleman broken off, she quickly learns to adapt to the commoner lifestyle. In contrast, the real daughter, Annette, slowly learns to assimilate into the life of a noble lady whilst being made aware of and imposed into the complex, hierarchal systems of the nobility.

The manga mainly focusses on Anna’s perspective but it does an interesting job at providing the viewpoints of all the other characters – primarily of Annette, Henry (Annette’s older brother) and Edmund (Anna’s ex-fiancé). As we read and look at Anna’s journey navigating a new lifestyle there are instances that speak well to hers and the ignorance of some people to the lives of others. Although Anna is not an inherently bad person, we see how blindsided she is by the state of living and circumstances of people of the lower class. We can argue that she is only a 13-year-old girl so making her feel responsible for her lack of awareness is incredibly unfair, which is a great point to make. Except, Anna at first resolved to view commoners and their lifestyle as theatrical or otherworldly. For instance, she goes as far as calling commoners “superhuman” for not bathing every day, only eating twice a day and dressing in the same set of clothes for long periods of time.

However, after she began living with her otherwise destitute biological family, she began to learn how to overcome her new struggle by learning everything she possibly could to improve their way of life. She learns how to cook, to clean, to navigate the bustling marketplace and, finally, how to earn money and make a proper living. All of which she does by observing those around her like her biological mother and brothers.

On the other hand, there is Annette who also does her best to try adapting to nobility. The interesting thing about her scenario is that she less learns to adapt so she can become familiar with her new environment but does so because she is trying to be accepted by her new family. She validates her fragile heart by conforming to the strict lessons imposed by the nobility. And even though she does not like some of the ideals, like being married off at an age as young as 13, she swallows her frustration and hopes everything she learns from the nobles will help better the lifestyles of the commoner friends and family she was forced to snub – because commoners and nobles cannot mingle with each other.

It is Still a Typical Fantasy Manga

The exploration of identity and class differences is more than well written in When I Become a Commoner… but in typical fantasy manga fashion, it includes magic and a power system. To begin with, Anna and Annette were switched at birth not by human influence but by a trickster fairy who believed it would be fun to watch the two families quarrel in the future after discovering it had switched them.

Other than the fairies, there is how much magic and magical abilities are heavily held in high regard, especially by the high-ranking nobles. It follows the classic, ‘nobles should be born more powerful than the commoners’ trope. Another trope has to do with Anna herself. In a lot of isekai and fantasy manga, the main character is written to be OP (over-powered), acquiring and levelling-up their skills and abilities so that they have it easier in life and in any potential fights/battles. Anna learns from Klew (another fairy who is also friends with the mischievous, baby swapping fairy) how to use various magic types and skills so she can have it a little easier when living as a commoner. Just like learning ‘cleaning magic’ so she didn’t have to worry about not being able to bath every day.

The magic and magic system are not an integral part of the story but they do pop up to showcase how Anna is living just a little comfortably, and to showcase how much magic (specifically healing magic) is one of the highly regarded reasons Anna and Annette both try to find their purpose in their respective social spaces.

It is Not the Only Masterpiece

When I Became a Commoner… is one of those manga which are buried in an abyss of countless manga with the same or similar plot. It is a rare find that really captivates you and makes you wonder ‘why haven’t I read this before?’ Moreover, it reads quite well as a light-hearted think-piece on the deep-rooted circumstances of young girls in a world where their identities are measured by how much they are worth to their families, future husbands and social spaces. The ‘poor vs. rich’ viewpoints gives you as the reader a chance to both relate to the characters and to sympathise with those in positions you may not otherwise understand.

There are other masterpieces out there with long titles but still manage to draw you in. One of the most popular ones out there is That Time I Got Reincarnated into a Slime. The story was so good as a light novel that it received an anime adaptation before being adapted into a manga – which they later did following the anime’s popularity. Even though the story is quote-unquote ‘very isekai-ish’, it explores political, economic, societal, and discriminatory ideologies that communicate comprehensively to viewers of the anime.

In short, there is a high number of manga out there with ridiculously long titles. Although a lot are sloppy and overrated at best, some authors of the works actually put in the work to create fascinating stories. Some may say with all these light novel and manga authors heavily competing for audience attention, they make it easier for readers by displaying their works’ premise in the title (hence why they are long). In spite of that, we still manage to find them and enjoy rare works of art.

Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande

A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.

Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.

XD VS. Nick. Cartoons

Even though Disney XD and Nickelodeon can easily be put up there with other popular kids’ TV channels like Cartoon Network and Disney Channel, it begs the question, which one is actually better than the other? This may be a slightly controversial take, but… Disney XD appears to one up Nickelodeon – if only a little bit.

When it comes to each channel’s cartoons, there is a fifty-fifty impression on which one did them better. That is to say, there are a good number of great and memorable animated series from both Disney XD and Nickelodeon – and deciding which channel takes the crown in that regard is a little hard to say. However, what can be said is that XD had animated series that fell victim to being ‘background’ shows. Yes, these cartoons were good and interesting – especially when you look at Gravity Falls, Phineas and Ferb, and Randy Cunningham: 9^th Grade Ninja – but there were others that only stayed as lingering memories at the back of our minds as shows we once watched. Cartoons like Wander Over Yonder and Star Wars Rebels come to mind.

In comparison, Nick cartoons gave off a ‘hit-or-miss’ vibe – the cartoons would either gain popularity or fail and end up as filler for the channel’s programmes schedule. Nickelodeon produced a lot of shows – cartoons, live action shows, game shows, award shows etc. – and to those tweens and teens who preferred other kids channels over Nick, they might have felt overwhelmed by that sheer number and choose to avoid the channel. But that didn’t deter Nick, because it still became one of the most popular channels ever – going as far as rivalling Disney. That is why cartoons like Spongebob Squarepants, The Fairly Odd Parents, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Danny Phantom, managed to stand out and make a name for themselves among even kids who didn’t watch the channel religiously.

XD VS. Nick. Live Action Shows

The real challenge in establishing the better live action shows from these two channels is the difference in target audience. XD explicitly made shows which mainly targeted towards teen boys between ages 10-14 whilst Nick targeted both boys and girls who ranged from 2-11 with other shows ranging from 12-17. Another challenge is how they both shaped the foundations of their live action series differently – XD went after action with Nick going after comedy, most of the times.

In terms of live action shows on XD, they fell under the action/adventure genre. As it catered more to male audiences, the main characters of all these shows were mainly men and/or teen boys. Shows like Pair of Kings, Kickin’ It and Lab Rats included a single girl character to form part of the ‘main squad’, to almost introduce viewers to a strong girl character. Nick also has shows like this such as Kid Danger with Charlotte being the ‘strong girl character’, but most of their other live action series consisted of a group of friends being the main cast with the essence of the show’s story being about their daily lives and shenanigans. For example, shows like iCarly, Game Shakers and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn. Any action and adventure that took place was often times spontaneous and a part of an exaggerated form of comedy whereas XD live action shows made any fight scenes, and ‘thrill junky’ scenes meaningful to the story. Just like when the Davenport kids tried stopping a runaway train with their biologically engineered powers on Lab Rats.

It was only a matter of preference when it came to which channel to watch live action series on, but Disney XD was honestly better in decidedly staying consistent in their structured action-adventure storytelling. Unlike with Nickelodeon who, after releasing a new series, sometimes felt like they were experimenting with new concepts to see if their audiences would like it – such as with Fred: The Show.

Which was More Iconic?

Putting it simply, Disney XD and Nickelodeon – depending on your ideal era – are iconic. There are shows, episodes, characters and character moments that are so iconic in Disney XD that avid watchers of the channel can spend hours talking about them. One of the biggest examples of this is Gravity Falls. The animated series wasn’t just a show but it had its viewers solving in-show and real-world puzzles in order to uncover more lore and mysteries from the series. The Bill Cipher Hunt from 2016 and the Book of Bill from 2024 are the most popular and iconic eras fans have experienced.

In the case of Nickelodeon, they had their fair (and high) share of iconic shows and moments. Like SpongeBob and Aang, who have evolved into two of many iconic characters in cartoon history among the current and previous generations of Nick kids, and the iconic slime moments that have become a traditional part of the Kid’s Choice Award. For better or worse, it was because of these times and characters that maintained the popularity among teens whenever their other productions didn’t quite do as well.

Considering who created more of an iconic presence, XD does manage to beat out Nick. And that is because XD is still part of Disney. Although the channel distinguished itself as being for the ‘adventurous’ and ‘action-packed’ kids, they still dealt with and handled actors and actresses who made it big both in and out of the Disney brand – A.K.A, the Disney Stars. Unfortunately, for Nick, their stars iconically remained within the bounds of the channel and brand. Not a lot of old stars succeeded in remaining icons and amplifying their success and popularity even more – at least not as much as the live-action stars from XD, and by extension Disney.

Although, Disney XD and Nickelodeon have both advantages and disadvantages related to whether or not a kid should watch the channel, they still remain two of some of the most liked kids entertainment platforms in the world. Nickelodeon is innovative, creative and comedic in its shows’ executions, and Disney XD is exciting, imaginative and bold, but as someone who grew up with Disney XD, it, till this day, is better!

Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande

A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.

Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.

Who is the ‘Duke of the North’?

In the words of Rinha Seol from the rofan manhwa, Charming the Duke of the North, the ‘Duke of the North’ or the ‘Northern Duke’, is “A cold-hearted man with looks that kill! Powerful enough to kill any monsters! Cynical to everyone regardless of their age, gender and race!”

Inwardly, this man can be described in many different ways, and its honestly up to the reader to decide what they think of him. But most would argue that he is aloof, emotionless, and quiet. Outwardly, he is a man (or, rarely, a boy) who occupies the position of a duke in some kingdom or country. His dukedom is more often than not situated in a cold wasteland that only thrives due to its military prowess and mineral-rich lands. What defines the ‘Duke of the North’ from other nobles and royalty is how he does his best to keep away from them. He steers clear of interacting with others of high status and only does if he is ordered by the King and/or Crown Prince themselves to do so.

What likens all these manhwas’ versions of the duke is their outward appearance. In a lot of cases, the ‘Duke of the North’ has dark, black hair, red eyes and a figure worthy of being called an undefeated warlord. Speaking of “undefeated warlord”, the duke a lot of times has a nickname that vilifies him as some monstrous person meant to be feared by all – just because he is always the first at the frontlines during wartime. Nicknames like, ‘monster Duke’, ‘northern beast’, and ‘bloodthirsty beast’ are commonly used across these rofan manhwas.

The Ones Who are the Same

The ones who are the same are those duke characters who maintain the stereotype in fantasy romance stories. They are the ones who either started the craze or became known for it due to their respective manhwas’ popularity. It is honestly because of them that the ‘Duke of the North’ has elevated from being an actual noble title a character has, to one of many manhwa tropes contributing to reader’s disdain of overused tropes and character archetypes. The biggest thing, as already mentioned, is the appearance. Most of these dukes share the same face, same body, same colour palate. They are always dukes (obviously), always have black hair and red eyes, are always warlords and always reside in the north. The one question that has plagued the fantasy romance fandom in the manhwa reader community is how there is no ‘Duke of the South’, or maybe, a ‘Duke of the East’ – and what about the ‘Duke of West’? These manhwa authors keep repeating the same pattern over and over whether or not considering how much they are exhausting the readership and it is honestly concerning, because… Where is the creativity?!

This is not to say that there are no readers who do not love this archetype, because to be honest, there are a good number of readers who eat these characters up and never stop loving it. And that’s okay. But it wouldn’t hurt if the readers who aren’t as into this type of duke character are accommodated a little by manhwa authors. Looking at some good examples of ‘Dukes of the North’ (exclusively from fantasy romance manhwas), there are Pellus Termaine from Another Typical Romance Story, Baras Valias from The Grand of the North, Hades Louvremont from I Became the Hero’s Mom and Hugo Taran from Lucia.

The One Unlike Others

The good part about this stereotypical character is that there are manhwa authors and mangakas (manga artists) who end up inspired to do something different with their characters. These differences can be something big or something relatively small. At times that difference would be so small that it is practically non-existent. Some big changes when it comes to appearance with the dukes of the north is changing the hair and eye colours to white hair and blue eyes instead of the typical black and red. Unfortunately, in typical manhwa fashion, these ‘new’ colours quickly became another recurring descriptor for the ‘Duke of the North’ character image. Although seeing a duke with white hair and blue eyes still feels like a refreshing sight for most readers, the colour palate is already making a name for itself as an ‘alternative version’ of the same thing.

Even so, there are still dukes who have been able to successfully earn the title of ‘creatively different’ without the risk of being likened to any other variety of their archetype. The most notable mention which some fantasy romance readers can agree with is, Grand Duke Raegrane Vlenn from The Villainess Captured the Grand Duke and Duke Hades Louvremont from I Became the Hero’s Mom.

What makes Raegrane such a unique (grand) duke is the fact that the cold-hearted characteristic given to every duke character across manhwa is actually a trait necessary to his character’s personhood and the plot of the story. It is not merely there because every other manhwa author is adding it for their own character but because it plays an important role in character motivations as well as a plot device to assist in advancing the relationship between him and his love interest. He isn’t the way he is, cold and emotionless, because he chose to be but because the story’s plot involves him being forced to be (like a curse).

And then we have Hades who is portrayed as a cold duke only due to his traumatic past and unorthodox religious beliefs. Other than that, Hades is more times than not made to be a comedic character who isn’t as strict and bound by the laws and rules his country desperately tries to impose on him. He strives to live a happy and fulfilling life with his wife and son whilst devilish antagonists force their way into making sure that doesn’t happen. I Became the Hero’s Mom is also one of those manhwas that put their faith in the plot and writing to attract the readers’ attention and so, the whole ‘Duke of the North’ archetype that has been added through Hades, doesn’t seem forced or overused and instead buried under how important he is as a character to the story.

To sum it all up, the ‘Duke of the North’ is a character archetype in fantasy romance manhwa that really needs to be put to rest. If not, manhwa authors need to make an effort to create a version of the archetype that does not make the reader feel like they are immediately drowning in cliches and stereotypes the second the duke character is introduced to them.

Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande

A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.

Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.

What is Found Footage Horror?

To start off, found footage can be referred to as both a technique in filmmaking and a genre of film whereby the movie or film is shot as a series of recordings, often in the first-person perspective. These recordings act as a way for the recorder (i.e. the actor) to the relay an event or story to their audience. Because of this, the found footage genre reveals a sense of realism in its technical uses of ‘shaky camera’ scenes and a reliance on diegetic sounds (e.g. in-film noises and natural ambience) instead of non-diegetic sounds (e.g. sound effects and added soundtracks).

At first, found footage was simply considered a unique film genre and technique, however that changed after the cult classic The Blair Witch Project released in 1999 that the genre gained massive popularity. After that, every filmmaker and their mother on a budget took advantage of the momentum at the time to keep releasing more and more similar and uniquely different found footage horror movies. Even though found footage was mostly used in the horror movie scene, other filmmakers have taken to it in other genres – just like with Chronicle of the sci-fi and action genres.

Let’s Keep It Underrated

As much as found footage horror movies are a great storytelling media form, we think it’s best to keep the genre lowkey and specialised for horror fanatics and the occasional movie/series binge watcher. What that means is, found footage horror is best kept niche and underrated – and not made mainstream.

It is not an inherently bad thing to have found footage horror be mainstream, especially when you think about the success of The Blair Witch Project and the Paranormal Activity franchise – which, to this day, keeps inviting people to give found footage horror, or horror movies in general, a try. But it sometimes feels like the novelty of some mainstream media like movies and TV series is lost once they are made mainstream. This can purely be a subjective take on the matter, but still… If found footage horror somehow, was actively, produced and released specifically for mainstream consumption, the freshness of the genre will likely vanish.

The biggest reason for the loss of freshness is due to the beauty of found footage and found footage horror. Which is that it lies in the key world “found”. For something to be found, it had to be lost at some point, so all these found footage movies give audiences the illusion that the movie they are watching is a CD, VHS tape or even a dark web video that they found and are secretly watching. It almost acts as conspiratorial evidence for the deaths of a family, of why a local park is haunted or why a group of teenagers went to a cabin and never returned. That is part of the appeal of the genre. So, if it were all made mainstream, everything would just be handed to us on a silver platter and those production companies would tell us to “Watch!”. And some of us just hate being told what to do. Found footage horror does not tell you what to do – it just sits there and waits for you to click ‘play’.

Found Footage Horror Suggestions

There are a lot of found footage horror movies out there – honestly, a lot – but there are a couple that really know how to capture audience’s attention based on its plot, use of the found footage technique and overall distinctiveness from other movies of the same genre. Even so, all found footage horror movies deserve to be checked out and judged by yourself – but these found footage horror movies below are definitely a must watch.

The first suggestion for a found footage horror is The Blair Witch Project. This might seem anticlimactic considering how it was the first found footage horror that brought mainstream attention to the genre but it is a significantly good movie to watch – especially if you are first starting out in watching the genre. It is not incorrect to describe The Blair Witch Project as slow-paced, but it makes up for that by creating an unsettling atmosphere by having the characters be lost whilst slowly being bewildered and apprehensive in the massive, supposedly haunted, woodland they are in. The interesting part of the found footage horror is how the climax is placed closer to the end of the movie with the final scene being left open-ended and without a definite resolution. Thus, leaving the audience with a disturbing lack of closure.

A second suggestion for a found footage horror to watch is Grave Encounters. If you are someone who enjoys watching those ghost hunting shows, then this movie is for you. The overall premise is about a group of individuals planning on recording an episode in an abandoned, haunted mental asylum with hopes of capturing evidence of the paranormal on camera. Now, this recommendation is limited to the first movie, mostly because the second one isn’t as good. The reason is that Grave Encounters 2 feels to lose a lot of its sense and realism (a key aspect of found footage) closer to the end – which can be off putting to some viewers. Other than that, there is Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum a South Korean equivalent to Grave Encounters that is also a must watch.

The last, but certainly not least, recommendation for a found footage horror is The Conspiracy. As the title suggests, the mockumentary is about conspiracies having to do with a powerful global secret society (e.g. the illuminati), government cover-ups and two filmmakers who make it their mission to investigate everything that has to do with that. This found footage is very nerve-wracking for any viewer who is an overthinker and is easily paranoid about the state of the world and those who govern it. As you watch it, there are also small innuendos that call on real-world celebrities and leaders which almost makes the mockumentary feel realer than it honestly should be. For some conspiracy theorists who end up watching this found footage horror, they could end up suspecting the movie of admitting to some conspiracies being true.

It is an unfortunate thing to admit but found footage horror is not for everyone. Even though the horror sub-genre takes the cake in how innovative and novel it is, the lack of the usual movie magic and effects may seem off-putting and uncanny in its realistic mode of storytelling. And that’s okay. Every movie watcher is allowed to tap into what they are interested in, but they all have to admit though… Found footage horror is an intriguing genre in media!

Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande

A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.

Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.

Simply put, the villainess trope consists of a female character who acts as the protagonist of a story which from a different perspective could have them actually be characterised as the antagonist. They are often hated or misunderstood by one or more characters in the story. Unfortunately, as time moved on and more villainess stories are written and released, some authors have forgotten the selling point of a villainess character by just having them inherit the label of one without the personality traits and motives that come with it. And that is why this article means to name some villainesses who live up to the title and should serve as textbook examples of how an actual villainess character should be written.

DISCLAIMER: This list consists of villainesses written as protagonists of their respective manhwa/manga, not those actually written as antagonists.

Remilia from The One Within the Villainess

In no particular order, the first incredible villainess is Remilia from The One Within the Villainess. This is a recognisable manga known for its faultless use of the villainess trope in its characterisation of the protagonist, Remilia. She is a character who became a villainess because she was seeking revenge for the person she loved, Emi. In her eyes, Emi was the only person who truly loved and cared for her and that is why when she sees her be mistreated by the people she had helped in the past, Remilia finds it in herself to get back at them for hurting her.

The One Within the Villainess is one of those manga that nicely switch up the portrayal and motivations of the typical villainess protagonist – which is that she doesn’t act for herself but for someone else. And they do this by almost having Remilia occupy an omniscient narrator position instead of just having her be transmigrated, reborn or isekai’d into a story. She is an original character of that world who so happens to find out what happens to herself in the future and manages to change it for the better.

Roxana from Roxana

Although left discontinued and incomplete, Roxana is a chef’s kiss of a manhwa of the villainess trope. It is one of those manhwas that remain a classic for readers of the trope and a must read for those just starting out in the scene.

You can say the manhwa has a convoluted plot with how many characters and plot points there are involved in the overall premise, but it is that complexity that makes it special. The intricate dynamics of the Agriche family members, and what classifies them as an ‘evil family’ brings into perspective how and why Roxana is the way she is. Her twisted personality makes sense, but we as the readers can still hold her liable for the malicious acts she commits – even though, we can’t help but cheer for her when her plans succeed.

From raising poisonous butterflies to facing murderers for siblings, Roxana showcases how she survives in a world governed by a ‘kill or be killed’ rule.

Celestine from The Flowery Path of Evil

This manga is unique in its depiction of relationships with the leading lady Celestine first being introduced on an altar getting married to a man twice her age. Surprisingly, she takes on the situation with open arms because she in fact loves and prefers older men. The manga almost immediately shows us how Celestine and her husband are a couple so strongly supportive of one another, even when faced with gossips of their involvement in criminal acts and activities – which is true that they are. Nonetheless, Celestine is written as a villainess who holds her head high and uses the political and financial power her husband – the prime minister – to shut down all those who get in the way of her happy life.

The Flowery Path of Evil is honestly more of a wholesome read than anything, but the main reason Celestine is on this list is how she – a girl isekai’d from the 21^st century – is so accepting of some of systems of the era she is in. Such as, medieval torture, slavery, and child marriages.

Lass from I Will Fall With the Emperor

Just like Remilia, Lass is a villainess driven by revenge. Now reborn, Lass was abused by her family, cast away by her country and left to die as a prisoner of war at the hands of her enemy; the once kind, pushover of a princess turned sinister to avenge a version of herself that died in another life.

Lass is an interesting villainess compared to most out there because of how humanised she is. Even though she schemes to bring down her family, burning people alive and conquering countries and taking their resources along the way to do so, she finds the time to build strong friendships and a healthy, romantic relationship with her husband. There are scenes where she gets flustered, laughs, and jokes like any regular person that it has us forgetting the premise of her character – even for a moment.

I Will Fall With the Emperor should be considered underrated because it is a rare manhwa where a villain-villainess couple are the protagonists. So not only can you enjoy a villainess main character but change perspectives to a villain main character.

Sarang Yu from I Dare You

Four words; Puts. Mom. In. Freezer.

Sarang Yu is just insane that it is hard to figure out what she is thinking. And when she explains the reason for her actions in an inner monologue, you find how much sense her strange and sometimes brutal actions mean even though you still think there was a better way for her to handle them.

The manhwa – a modern-day psychological thriller – is still ongoing but the chapters that have already been released all have a gripping effect on its readers. Since its still in its early stages of release, there isn’t too much to reveal besides the main premise of how a group of high schoolers try to gauge Sarang Yu’s sanity by making her complete dares from their made-up ‘Embarrassment Game’. We also figure out Sarang Yu’s living conditions, about her abusive father and, of course, how she keeps her deceased mother in a kimchi freezer.

I Dare You is an interesting addition to the (modern) villainess trope and more so in the psychological horror scene.

Even though only five characters were listed who act like actual villainesses across manga and manhwa, there are obviously a lot more out there. But because the respective manga and manhwas are treated like they are overrated or simply pushed back to make room for more mainstream content, readers are left unsatisfied when they read on villainesses that act preppy and kind than cruel and deceptive. Hopefully this article helps someone out there to finally quench that thirst.

Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande

A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.

Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.

Ranking Systems in the Imperial Palace

This goes back to Ancient China when emperors were permitted to take as many women to be their wives as they wanted – within the bounds of traditional rules and customs of course. The women who would enter the palace to wed the emperor were made to follow one of these traditional customs, which was the imperial concubine ranking system. This entailed them occupying a position that granted them a certain amount of comforts and power within the imperial palace. As simple as it sounds, there were factors that went into which rank a woman was placed in. To begin with, the emperor, their husband, was the one that ranked them and he did that by looking at how prominent a woman’s family background was, their ability to have children, and also whether they were talented enough to receive his favour – in other words, were they worth enough to receive his affection. Different Chinese dynasties had different ranking systems that were sometimes based on what the emperor at the time wanted.

Simplified, the ranking system consisted of the empress, the emperor’s main wife, consorts and concubines. In all these systems there would only ever be one empress. Other ranks could come and go, but she always remained. Nonetheless, the ranks of the imperial wives served different purposes but the predominant purpose was to maintain court dynamics. Which often spawned court and palace intrigue.

Is the Web novel any good?

To answer whether or not The Job of an Imperial Concubine is a good read: Yes, the web novel is a first-rate read. On the surface, it is well written, the characters are properly fleshed out and although it feels more slice of life, there is enough plot and drama to keep the reader wanting more. The protagonist of the web novel, Zhaung Laoyan, is the perfect definition of a go getter and a woman who strives to live comfortably and luxuriously – even if it means throwing her dignity away to make that happen.

Like a lot of Asian web novels out there, The Job of an Imperial Concubine is tagged as a transmigration story. Zhaung Laoyan, our female protagonist was an older woman working corporate as a PR manager before she passed away and found herself in the body of one of Emperor Feng Jin’s concubines in ancient China. The era can be described as a fictional version inspired by the real-world Han and Qing Dynasties. Throughout the coming chapters, Zhaung Laoyan is consistently bound by strict palace rules whilst being forced into the schemes of the emperor’s other wives. But what the story is unique in is its not so unique type of plot of how our female protagonist does not have a golden finger. What that means is, Zhaung Laoyan doesn’t have any special talent or skill that really distinguishes her from the other characters, besides being a transmigrator who is smart enough to survive the imperial palace’s treacherous schemes. In that way, she can be mistaken as a background character turned protagonist.

An interesting detail that makes the web novel a great read is how well Emperor Feng Jin doesn’t love any of his wives or at least is good at pretending he doesn’t love them. Anyone can find this type of character refreshing. Moreover, he constantly manipulates even the ones he cares just a little for, simply to maintain the systemic relationship the women of the harem are all meant to fit into. At any part of the novel, whenever you read from his perspective, there is an involuntary feeling of holding one’s breath because you never know what he is really up to. Just like when – SPOILER ALERT – he married a performer because he “liked her dancing”, only for him to later on let her be framed for a murder she didn’t commit. The reason for that? He was letting his other wives vent their anger and jealousy on her for being the ‘new, pretty’ wife in the harem.

Similar Chinese Short Dramas

There have actually been a couple Chinese dramas that follow the same or similar plot as The Job of an Imperial Concubine. Especially Chinese vertical short dramas – just like the ones you see on TikTok and YouTube. An example of this is the short drama called: Reborn, she was forced into palace for sister, won emperor’s heart, and became supreme empress and Modern Consort’s Guide to Rising in Rank, that you can both find and watch on YouTube.

Modern Consort’s Guide definitely differs from the web novel and the similarities lie in how the transmigrator concubine, strives to survive in the cutthroat palace environment by seducing the Emperor and rising to be his most favoured wife. Unlike the novel, however, the concubine blatantly says she wants to be the most powerful woman in the palace whereas Zhaung Laoyan just wants to relax and stay out of drama as much as she can – she just knows the only way to do that is to stay on the Emperor’s good side, always. Another obvious difference is how the web novel takes on a more serious tone but the short drama is more comedic with a couple of overly exaggerated scenes, like how the emperor “called for water” seventeen times during his first night with the female protagonist.

But then we have the Reborn…and became supreme empress short drama that matches the web novel’s tone the most – excluding the mandatory cringey and exaggerated scenes found in every Chinese vertical drama. The drama focusses on Shen Zhinian, the female protagonist, and how she gets revenge on her sister for murdering her in her past life by gaining the emperor’s favour and rising in rank in the harem. The whole drama shows how Shen Zhinian manipulates the emperor and makes sure the schemes of the other women in the harem go back to bite them. It is an interesting watch when you are someone who appreciates a character who, against all odds, uses their brains more than their brawn.

To sum it all up, The Job of an Imperial Concubine is a Chinese web novel that encapsulates the transmigration aspects of most Asian web novels but introduces realistic characters, in a realistic setting with realistic consequences. Those of us who consciously look out for good, bingeworthy reads set in historical eras can really value this one.

Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande

A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.

Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.

First of all, What is a Yandere?

A yandere refers to a person who introduces themselves as loving, gentle and kind when they in fact become mentally unstable when it comes to their romantic interest or other object of their affection. Yandere is derived from Japanese words ‘yanderu’, meaning ‘to be sick’, and ‘deredere’ meaning ‘love-struck’. Most of them are possessive and obsessive over their romantic interest, are exceptionally jealous, emotionally aggressive and brutally violent. The term is typically used in anime, manga and light novels to refer to a character archetype or as a fictional trope. Although yanderes tend to always be assumed as female, male versions do exist and they aren’t any different from their feminine counterparts.

1: Noel Gautier

In the first instalment of the anthology, Noel is the male lead who is shown as a rather timid, quiet and ‘soft’ character. He does not express his thoughts outwardly but when he does, it is through his actions and not always his words. In one panel, he offers to use his hobby – cooking – to express his affection towards his romantic interest, Alicia.

Throughout the short story, Noel doesn’t do anything remotely like a yandere would. The only taste of a yandere we get are two or three panels where his facial expression shifts from shy and cute to unsettling. Another example was how he helped Alicia’s sister steal her fiancé so he could have Alicia for himself. Even then, that didn’t feel like he was acting out as an unstable, love-struck man but as someone taking advantage of a situation in order to shoot his shot with the girl he has always liked. There are yandere characters out there who hide their true feelings behind the shy act – just like Yuri from Doki Doki Literature Club – but unlike her, Noel doesn’t cross over to an obsessive or possessive extreme.

2: Alber Jeniess Zeckelm

The second anthology story is somewhat mediocre, so a proper, strong opinion can’t be given about the characters – even so, Alber is not much of a yandere. He met Lucia when they were both children and almost immediately, he offered to kill her family before mumbling about wanting to kidnap her. Which, to be fair, does qualify as a mental issue for a literal child to say that – whether it was because he fell for her at first sight or not is uncertain.

Unfortunately, that idea falls apart after the characters are older. Alber no longer speaks the way he did when he was a child – threatening murder and all – and actually chooses to maturely propose marriage to Lucia in order to remove her from her abusive family’s custody. After that Alber punishes Lucia’s family for abusing her with, lawful, imprisonment with Lèse-majesté (the crime for insulting royalty) as an additional charge for insulting the prince – him. In the end, Alber gets to be with the woman he loves and Lucia gets to escape abuse and live a comfortable, loving life. Not sure where the violence and insanity is when the story sounded suspiciously like a retelling of Cinderella.

3: Cedric

Out of all three of the so-called yandere, Cedric from the third anthology story made the most sense to be classified as a one.

The short story takes place in 20^th century France where the commoner people will use any chance to abuse a noble. And that is what happens to the female lead, Noella, who has been forced to work as a maid after her noble family lost all their wealth. It is in the mansion she works at that she meets the male lead, Cedric, who disguised himself as a servant to keep an eye on her. On top of that, he even had people spy on her and report everything she had said and done throughout the day to him, whilst acting like a secret admirer and sending her flowers and letters every week.

At first, Cedric seems like the overprotective, gentlemanly type. But the more you read the story, an eery feeling slowly creeps up. And lo and behold, we find out that Cedric fell in love with Noella when she was around 13 years old whilst he was around 17 – based off a flashback panel where a younger her is seated on an older him’s lap.

Now what all these short anthology stories have in common is how they have the romantic interests play off the yandere male lead like his actions meant nothing. Which seems to make sense since the male leads really aren’t doing anything extreme and violent enough to classify them as yanderes and warrant the ladies or those around them to be worried or scared. Another strong give away is how the title of the anthology series clearly states, “obsessive” duke and not “yandere” duke, but those who have read the series have broadcasted the misconception that the men are in fact yandere.

Cedric is a slightly different story, but even he can be brushed off by some readers with a “Based on the story’s era and setting, it makes sense why he is the kind of man he is”. Nonetheless, these men honestly aren’t that bad; they are only drawn with scary facial expressions and say creepy statements that they later in the story don’t actually act on, making them NOT yandere at all… at least not in the conventional sense of the term.

Staff Writer; Fadzai Nyamande

A South African who brings her love for fiction, manga, and storytelling into every piece she creates. Her writing is shaped by imagination, curiosity, and a true appreciation for the worlds stories can build.

Feel free to drop a note at; FadzaiN@AfroGamers.com.