While focusing on romance isekai anime are some of the most popular “otherworldly” fantasy genres, but isekai that present positive LGBT+ themes are still few and far between. However, the upcoming anime I’m in love with the villain is looking to help buck the trend with an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable story that’s sure to impress fans.
I’m in Love With the Villainess is one of the most anticipated anime of the year. Scheduled to premiere on October 2, 2023 in Japan, the official I’m in Love With the Villainess website recently released a brand new PV promoting the series. The trailer gives fans a detailed look at the anime adaptation of the light novel.
If that’s not enough, the PV features short snippets of the anime’s opening and ending songs. The opening theme song, Raise Y/Our Hands!!, and the ending theme song Optimum Combine are performed by the anime’s main cast Yu Serizawa, who voices Rei, and Karin Nanami, who plays Claire.
A love story that overturns all expectations
I Love Villains is about Rei Ohashi, an ordinary office worker who likes to relax after work by playing video games. Her favorite game is Revolution, an otome game in which the main goal of the heroine is to flirt with one of the many princes studying at the Royal Academy. One day, after dying from overwork, Rei woke up in the game as Ray Taylor, the character she would play in the game. In a surprising turn of events, Ray forgets about romancing the male characters in the game. Instead, she decides to pursue Claire Francoise – the main antagonist of the game.
This new anime is a unique combination of yuri romance and traditional isekai storytelling. Beyond the incentive to watch I’m in Love With the Villainess, there’s also the fact that the show is a legitimately great LGBT+ romantic comedy. First, there is the essential “love at first sight” factor. Ray cares for Claire as a fan from the real world, but when she becomes part of the game’s story, Ray falls hopelessly in love. She doesn’t need time to think or consider her situation. From the beginning, Rei/Ray knew Claire was the one for him without really knowing her very well. Second, there’s the comedic aspect of Ray knowing Claire is his soulmate, despite the fact she knows she’s the bad guy. While in every other otome game-inspired anime, the main character is choosing among many male characters, Ray is pursuing what is considered her greatest rival. Therefore, there needs to be an element of romantic comedy where opposites attract and as a result comedic complications often develop.
A unique Isekai experience
Perhaps the most important factor that makes I’m In Love With The Villainess so compelling is original creator Inori’s thoughtful presentation of same-sex relationships. Inori delicately addresses the difficulties of the real relationship between Ray and Claire, addressing their personality differences and the fact that same-sex relationship choices are not “programmed” in game. Naturally, I’m in love with the villain offers a unique look at a romantic love story, while still being an extremely enjoyable romantic comedy. The fact that it explores yuri themes openly and isekai making it something unique and worth seeing.
Source: I love villains
