As it usually goes with isekai protagonists, Satoru Mikami dies right in the first episode and gets reincarnated as a slime. We can tell that much just from the title! He doesn’t stay in his slime form for long, though, as he gets the ability to assume the appearance of others. Looking like a blue-haired kid, he takes the name of Rimuru after a dragon and embarks on a journey to create a peaceful society for all living beings. Rimuru is joined by a party of adventurers and the rest is history, two anime seasons, and a successful light novel.

Like Kumoko, Rimuru is reborn in a JRPG-style universe as a non-human creature. He has to learn the ropes quickly and level up if he wants to survive. Rimuru, like Kumoko, starts off as a weak creature and builds up his abilities to become a great hero. TenSura, as it’s called by fans, has more fanservice and relaxed moments than Spider so far, so if these elements are your cup of tea, you’d definitely have fun watching Rimuru’s adventures!

Catarina Claes is a spoiled noble girl who, after getting hit on her head while playing with Prince Gerald, has the memories from her past life restored. This is when Catarina finds out she used to be a Japanese student obsessed with otome games and that she has been reincarnated as the main antagonist in her favorite dating video game. Knowing that all good endings are tragic for her, and all bad endings still lead to her doom, Catarina prepares throughout her childhood for the worst, gaining valuable skills along the way. Somehow, she becomes likable, but she has trouble realizing that...

My Next Life as a Villainess is a fun isekai with a persistent and energetic female protagonist, much like Kumoko. Being a nerd in her previous life helps Catarina a lot in avoiding her terrible fate. Kumoko is reborn as a spider, alone deep in a cave, but can soon realize how to level up thanks to being a gamer in her former life. These are two likable leads that use their wit to turn the tables to their benefit. Finally, having Catarina winning the hearts of her friends pokes fun at the otome game and isekai tropes of the evil antagonist.

Shin is reborn as Merlin’s grandchild in this action and romance-packed isekai. Growing up close to Merlin, the most powerful magician of his generation and hero of the kingdom, Shin quickly gains fame. By the time he enters the Magic Academy, Shin’s popularity has skyrocketed - he now has to live up to it, which is a challenge, since he has mainly worked on his powers instead of his social skills or common sense.

Half of So I’m a Spider, So What? is set outside of the caves where Kumoko fights for her life day after day and into a magic academy, similar to the academy where Shin enrolls in Wise Man’s Grandchild. Many find the spider parts more interesting; however, it has been pointed out by light novel readers that the magic school parts are equally important to the plot. For those who want their isekai to include a large cast of courageous heroes, and who enjoy So I’m a Spider, So What? in its entirety, Wise Man’s Grandchild is made for you!

Urano Motosu, a librarian, dies in a tragic accident and is reborn as Myne in a world where books are extremely hard to find and only noble people get to learn how to read. Myne does not possess superpowers but she depends on her people skills to get access to books and make literacy a common skill in her new home. Myne goes to great lengths to achieve her goals since she has to navigate a society that does not favor mobility and doesn’t have children in high regard either.

Myne is another strong female lead who uses her wit to make her new circumstances work out in her favor. Like Kumoko, Myne has to fight, although not in combat, to gain access to knowledge. Myne’s initial disappointment is soon replaced by resolve, similarly to Kumoko’s despair when she finds out she was reborn as a weak spider, only to soon embrace her new identity. Myne learns by trial and error, like Kumoko. Neither is OP, they work hard for what they get.

Iruma is a softie who gets manipulated by his family, doing odd jobs and getting into danger for his parents’ sake. When his neglectful family sells him off to the demon king, Iruma fulfills the contract and becomes his grandson! Iruma has to hide his human identity to survive in a school filled with demons that are hungry for human flesh, ending right in the middle of many hilarious situations.

This is a really funny show that will have you rolling on the floor. If you love Kumoko’s puns and adventures in the underworld, you would adore Iruma and his struggles in his new, hellish home. Our spidergal is leveling up her demonic skills like there’s no tomorrow, without knowing that she will, soon, probably have to go against her old classmates, all reborn as heroes, clerics, and other honorable entities. Iruma has to follow his grandfather’s tips on how to blend in, as an elite demon. Both thrown into a world of evil, they have no other option than to adapt and enjoy the ride.

Rudeus used to be a man without much going for him. Shunned by society, he lives a life scorned as a NEET, only to die tragically in the end, trying to save others. When he is reborn as Rudeus, he retains memories of his past life and his knowledge of a 30-year-old. We get to see him from an early age evolving his magic skills and sword fighting technique in a medieval-type universe, to create a better life for him in his second chance.

Rudeus was bullied and shunned, like Kumoko used to be in her former life. In their reincarnations, they manage to become really powerful without being OP from the get-go, which is a welcome surprise. We should note that Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation wins in the animation department. So, if you feel let down by the use of CGI in So I’m a Spider, So What? give this currently airing isekai a try!