Inthe manhwa world, manhwa protagonists come in all shapes, forms, and types. For this piece, the spotlight shines upon the protagonists, who are burdened by their fates of darkness or really just very tragic backstories that hang around them like an air of gloom. These characters are usually shackled by dark fates, either through supernatural curses or extreme powers that set them apart from society.
Their journeys are typically fraught with struggles against external and inner demons and enemies as they seek redemption, understanding, or a way to break free from their afflictions. So, for readerswho find these protagoniststhrilling, this piece is nothing more than a recommendation for the best manhwa with such protagonists.
6The Reincarnated Assassin is a Swordmaster
Anime-Planet Rating: 4.0 / 5
The Reincarnated Assassin is a Swordmasterpresents the interesting tale of the central character, Raon,once a loyal assassinof the Robert House until he is killed by Derus. On the brink of death, consumed by revenge, Raon prays for revenge and suddenly awakens as a new member of the noble House of Sieghart, the most powerful noble house.
However, there is one slight issue with his reincarnation, Raon has also carried over the Curse of Bitter Frost alongside the Flame Link technique from his previous life. The former is a curse meant to wither his life slowly. As if Roan’s problems are not enough, the demonic embodiment of Wrath is trying to possess his body. It seems that revenge might be the least of Roan’s obstacles.
5Flawed Almighty
Flawed Almightyfollows the life of the protagonist, Jeonji Kim,a middle-aged hoodlumand delinquent who has managed to really piss off a god well known for her pettiness. Due to having lived a reckless and violent life even into his adulthood, Jeonji is cursed to either do good or go to hell.
Jeonji’s curse seems easy until his supposed guardian angel mysteriously shows up and heals him limp. However, Jeonji simply is not built to do good, and it remains to be seen whether merely acting like he is doing good will be enough to appease a petty god who also knows how to hold a grudge.
4The Duke’s Cursed Charm
Anime-Planet Rating: 3.7 / 5
Cursed with a devilish-like charmthat every person finds irresistible, Duke Carhel lives a life far lonelier than one would imagine.The Duke’s Cursed Charmpresents the tale of Duke Carhel, infamous for his magical ability to command the affection of anyone he encounters. More or less a curse than a blessing, Duke Carhel finds himself without anyone to trust or confide in.
One day, after a raid on one of his enemies' estates, he comes across the maid Lena, who got caught during the raid. Then, something unexpected happens. In trying to give her a painless death with his charming ability, the duke soon realizes that his powers have no effect on the maid. What begins as curiosity snowballs into unexpected romance.
3Sable Curse
Anime-Planet Rating: 4.3 / 5
Sable Curseis a fantasy series that focuses on the life ofthe central character,Terron Vogel, who has been cursed and destined to die at the age of nineteen. Unless she can somehow find a way to undo the spell.
Undoing the curse seems impossible until her family decides to separate from society and stay in a magical retreat. At this retreat, Terron discovers the secrets of the estate where she is and its wealthy inhabitants. It remains to be seen whether she will find the secrets to lifting her curse before her time is up.
2Academy’s Genius Swordsman
Anime-Planet Rating: 4.4 / 5
The Academy’s Genius Swordsmanrevolves around the life of the central character, Ronan, who emerges as the last human survivor of the Imperial army in a battle to determine humanity’s fate.
However, Ronan, alongside Grand Marshal Adeshan, quickly realizes they have been far from victorious. In a last attempt to prevent the inevitable, Adeshan uses the last of her powers to send Ronanback to the timebefore the war. Back to a time before the war, Ronan is determined to become the strongest swordsman in the empire’s history.
1Swordmaster’s Youngest Son
Anime-Planet Rating: 4.2 / 5
The Swordmaster’s Youngest Sonpresents a rather thrilling tale of the central character, Jin Runkandel, who spends most of his first life under the effects of a curse laid ahead by his elder brother to prevent Jin’s talents in swordsmanship from blooming. Although Jin’s curse lasts briefly in the series, its impact flows through the story’s core.
On the brink of death after a short and unfulfilling life, Jin resigns himself to death, only to awaken once more as a baby in a time before his tragic end. Now armed with the knowledge and experience from his previous life alongside his contractwith the god of shadows, Solderet, Jin vows to fulfill the destiny he was unable to even sniff in his previous life.
