The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine Starts Strong

There are so many isekai manga and manhwa series out there. So many. It’s to the point where if there isn’t an interesting hook, I find it hard to care. The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine fortunately succeeds with that in its first volume, thanks to the great comedic tone, premise, and direction of the Yen Press Ize Press manhwa.

Ailette Rodeline was originally a woman from our world. She’s one of many who was stricken by a fate that suddenly left her dying too soon. However, before she did, she responded to a text message that meant she purchased a Full Transmigration Insurance Package that put her in a good place for her isekai afterlife reincarnation into the novel Infinite Returns to Save the World. Because of that, she’s going in with currency to spend, access to a library so she can see what she’s in for, and all sorts of other perks that allow her to “level up” her skills with action and be better prepared for what will be thrown at her.

This helps set The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine apart from other isekai manhwa right from the first volume. We have the gamification element, which is fun. As an example, her progression to become a Healer and gain Divine Power means actually praying for 1,000 days at a certain time. Really running with the concept of Ailette getting a chance to be an S-class heroine, then showing her putting in the work and making the practical choices that will get her there, is pretty great. We’re really seeing her develop and grow firsthand, while also seeing that part of the reason for her success is who she is both in terms of her personality and drive and not just the perks she’s buying.

I also mentioned earlier that the tone of The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine helps it stand out among other isekai manga and manhwa. Right from the outset, it pairs some silly and humorous elements with the dramatic tone. The angel agent working with Ailette is a flying corgi, for example. Ailette is stunned at being able to conjure up currency and things needed to succeed. The reactions of people around her to her capabilities, once she starts working toward goals, and seeing her immediate success is fantastic. Especially since many of the isekai reincarnation stories can focus on a young heroine in such a daunting situation with everyone around her against the underdog. But right away, once Ailette starts working toward her goals, people appreciate her skills and creations. They start trying to help her and elevate her in humorous ways.  

This also extends to Ailette’s first friend in the series, Bianca. Her character and situation is set up in a similar fashion. She’s a misunderstood girl who ends up perhaps a bit downtrodden or cast in a role that doesn’t really suit her. Because of Ailette working to become the S-class heroine needed to survive the story and her new life, she catches Bianca’s attention. However, the two don’t end up becoming friends and suitable playmates because of the skills Ailette paid for and ensured due to the insurance policy. Once the two of them really get to interact, they’re both able to be themselves. Which again, ends up being funny, refreshing, and a great way to further hook the reader.

The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine is such a fun take on the isekai concept, and it’s because of the execution of it all. Things can be serious, but that doesn’t mean they’re being taken 100% seriously. The heroine is getting a chance to become overpowered, but we’re still seeing her work for it and some of the success stemming from who she is even without those benefits. The pacing also avoids some pitfalls other isekai manga and manhwa experience, all because she does gain access to perks and things can get more lighthearted. It all works well together for a strong foundation in this new story.

The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine volume 1 is available via Yen Press’ Ize Press label, and volume 2 of the isekai manhwa will appear on Aug 20, 2024.