Best Cynical Lead in Isekai Manhwa

Summary

  • Isekai Manhwa have cynical main characters with good intentions but often come across as creepy to the readers.

  • The best protagonists use skepticism as a survival mechanism, with characters like Arthur Leywyn displaying superhuman cynicism.

  • Characters like Sun Jin-woo and Jamie Welton show how cynicism can be a powerful tool for survival and victory.

Isekai Manhwa is the natural setting for the cynical main characters who do whatever it takes to overcome the challenges of a fantasy (or sometimes sci-fi) world. For the most part, these archetypes of irregular MCs are often seen as anti-heroes or scheming villains. Nevertheless, some heroes can also be cynical and experience certain developments that make them righteous individuals later on or vice versa.

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Although these characters have the best intentions, they tend to come off as creepy to the reader.

These are some of the best cynical protagonists in Isekai Manhwa who will use their skepticism of people and their motivations as a survival mechanism in worlds where only the fittest thrive.

8

Arthur Leywyn (TBATE)

His distrust has saved his life more than once

  • Genre: Isekai, Action, Drama
  • Author: TurtleMe
  • Artist: Fuyuki23

Arthur was betrayed and murdered in his previous life, so it is natural that his attitude towards the world and those who are not his closest loved ones is somewhat detached. As the general of Dicathen's army and a lance, he despises those who resort to cowardice and underhanded tactics, and he severely punishes both allies and enemies who do so. This attitude has also caused him to come up with several plans to kill him or his allies, to ensure their survival.

He doesn't care about the feelings of the soldiers, or the inferiority complex of the veterans, he is there for one purpose only: to lead the Dicathen to victory and kill all the Vritra invaders. Arthur will not yield nor be moved by small thoughts. His cynicism has reached superhuman levels, and this gives him an extra edge when dealing with his enemies.

7

Eden (Dark Fantasy Paladin)

Using skepticism to bend the sacred laws

  • Genres: Grimdark, Dark Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama, Martial Arts, Isekai
  • Author: Jung Jongru, Neimdeu
  • Artist: Total

The most cynical holy warrior in the Church of Bacheskar, Lord Eden, is there due to a transformation from another world. A former soul-like player, he knows this dark fantasy world will end in fire. Unless he does something to counteract the sinister forces that seek to lead it to its destruction.

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So he will lie and pretend to be a holy man, even to the saints of the church. His mistrust comes from the knowledge that no one in the world is truly a good character, and countless playthroughs have taught him to always be skeptical of others' intentions.

6

Sun Jin-woo (Solo Leveling)

Not a single soul is safe from his wrath

  • Genre: Dystopian, Urban Fantasy, Dark Fantasy
  • Author: Chugong
  • Artist: Dubu (ReDICE)

Once abandoned to his fate, Jin-woo never trusted a living soul again. His metamorphosis into the Shadow Monarch may have been orchestrated by higher beings, but he embraced his destiny and took control of the power of the Shadows like no other before.

His power comes from determination and unbending will; his cynicism has led him to victory more than once. Never trusting a single human again can be a burden, but one Jin-woo is willing to bear if it means ending up at the top of the food chain.

5

Jamie Welton (66666 Advent Of The Dark Wizard)

A man who trusts no one, especially the gods

  • Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, School Life, Drama
  • Author: Hwabong
  • Artists: Taru

Diablo Volpir is the most powerful dark mage in the world, a being who defied the gods and forced them into an uneasy alliance to banish him to another realm. His cynicism has caused him to avoid all human contact, and he led a solitary existence before being reincarnated as Jamie Welton.

Now, as a young nobleman of the Welton family, he uses his refined ways to hide his true nature as a skeptical, scheming and hateful dark avenger, who will do anything to outplay the gods and destroy them once and for all. Even if it means allying with one of the goddesses to knock out the rest of the pantheon.

He only trusts himself, and that is a big mistake

  • Genre: Adventure, Drama, Dark Fantasy, School Life, Reincarnation, Isekai
  • Author: Corita
  • Artist: GREEN KYRIEN

His knowledge of the true ending and all the “bad outcomes” is a heavy burden to bear, more so than if it means he can't really engage with others around him. As he evolves from the discarded character to an important member of the academy, Ed becomes even more aware of the feelings that others (especially women) have for him.

However, his cynicism and distrustful nature keep him isolated from what should be a pleasant school life, despite all the dangerous events he has to go through. He can't get a breather, nor stay attached to anyone for too long, lest they betray him or turn on him in the next major plot point of this evil game.

3

Park Suhoo (The Druid Of Seoul Station)

He only trusts beasts and plants, the perfect archetype of a druid

  • Genres: Action-Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
  • Author: Jin Sol U
  • Artist: Mun Sung-Ho, liveBear

As a man who survived for over a thousand years surrounded by wild animals and creatures out of the order of nature, Park Suhoo is cynicism incarnate. He doesn't trust a single soul around him, though he rewards his followers for sharing their knowledge and helping them gain strength to protect themselves.

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Strength is the only language this Archdruid understands, and he speaks volumes with his brute force to ensure that his vision of a paradise on earth where animals can roam free and humans can live and protect nature comes true.

2

Ray (To Hell With Being A Saint. I'm A Doctor)

His cynical attitude has caused several international incidents, but also saved the world

  • Genres: Isekai, Action, Drama, High Fantasy, Martial Arts, Shounen
  • Author: Goriff, Lorenzo
  • Artist: Hammy

A former surgeon nicknamed the “Hands of God”, Ray was brought to a fantasy world with one purpose: to become a saint to Gaia, the goddess of light. Only he has other plans: to spread medicine and healing techniques throughout the world.

His cynicism has caused many international problems and even sparked wars. Ray is not a good diplomat, so he lets others go around fixing his appearance as he tries to impose his vision of modern medicine on the retrograde world.

1

Nox (Time-Limited Genius Dark Knight)

His cynicism can be frustrating at times

  • Genre: Adventure, Drama, Dark Fantasy, Reincarnation, Isekai
  • Author: Jung seonyul
  • Artist: Nagi

Nox Von Reinhafer is a young nobleman who has a strong reason to be cynical: he is dying, and this is not the first time he has gone through that ordeal. As a time-limited character, Nox knows he must do whatever it takes to increase his lifespan.

If that means murder, betrayal and never trusting a single human being, so be it. He is a straightforward main character, who wears a mask of politeness and charm to hide his ruthlessness and meanness.

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