One of Yen Press’ more recent pick-ups is The Reformation of the World as Overseen by a Realist Demon King manga. As you might expect from the long title, it’s an isekai series and we’re following a lead who’s a villain. What ended up fascinating me about this series, and making me think it’s something more people should considering checking out, is that him being a realist who is determined to use all of his intelligence and questionable tactics to succeed means seeing that plotting makes the first volume a real page-turner.
Astaroth is a the newest and weakest demon king after being established in another world following his death. Rather than wonder about the situation or consider going back, the man who was once Ast is a realist. He’s focused on moving forward, avoiding pitfalls, and using his intelligence and determination to survive to succeed. (His nature as a realist is even why he was “picked” for this “role.”) We begin right away as he’s attempting to take on another demon king for glory and increased power, then flash back to see how he got to this point and see the results of his plotting and planning.
It’s fascinating to see the choices Astaroth makes, because they are the right ones. He’s being strategically brilliant. Is it moral? Nope. Is it going to result in him winning? Absolutely. Does it also all happen to be the sort of concepts that would be considered “evil” and in line with a demon king that is acting as a villain. For a wise one that isn’t playing by the tropes you expect from such stories, yes. It really makes the first volume fun to read.
The direction of The Reformation of the World as Overseen by a Realist Demon King manga is especially good when we see the lead buck those trends. When he realizes the “reward” a hero might get from defeating him, then confirms that sort of situation with Eve, he handles it in a way that really delighted me. I honestly found it sort of funny, the length he went to, while also admiring how the author Ryosuke Hata made sure to think of that possible eventuality.
I also have to say, I love how The Reformation of the World as Overseen by a Realist Demon King manga handles Astaroth summoning new minions. It is completely treated as though he’s acquiring new units in a gacha game. It also means the introduction of even minor units feels more fun, because we have that context. It’s great. Not to mention helpful for the first major summoning in the first volume, since it helps offer more insight into Eve.
It also addresses something I love to see in isekai series toward the end of the volume. That is, an acknowledgement of one of the other, perhaps original, worlds alongside this parallel one. The way it handles these sorts of remnants is interesting. Plus, I feel like it’s a great way to help with potential plot points down the line. Even now, in the first volume, it made for a fun twist.
While I know there are so many isekai series that it can be overwhelming, I was really impressed with volume 1 of The Reformation of the World as Overseen by a Realist Demon King manga. The concept is great. The character is smart and is willing to act in a way that ensures victory and makes his exploits interesting. It also addresses the nature of it being an isekai in a way that leaves potential for future inclusions. I hope it keeps this momentum.
Volume 1 of The Reformation of the World as Overseen by a Realist Demon King manga is available via Yen Press, and the second volume will launch on November 21, 2023.
