Who Made Me a Princess Manhwa Review: The Ultimate Guide to This Enchanting Isekai Masterpiece

Introduction

Who Made Me a Princess manhwa is an enchanting isekai fantasy that has captured the hearts of readers worldwide with its blend of romance, drama, and heartwarming family bonds. Adapted from Plutus’s web novel and illustrated by the talented Spoon, this series follows a modern-day woman reincarnated as Princess Athanasia de Alger Obelia, a doomed character from the fictional novel The Lovely Princess. Determined to avoid her tragic fate—execution at the hands of her cold father, Emperor Claude—Athanasia uses her knowledge of the story to charm her way into survival. Since its debut on Ridibooks in 2017, Who Made Me a Princess manhwa has become a staple in the otome isekai genre, boasting over 125 chapters across three seasons and earning praise for its gorgeous artwork and emotional depth. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the plot, characters, art style, themes, reader reception, and more to help you decide if this manhwa deserves a spot on your reading list.

The Captivating Plot of Who Made Me a Princess Manhwa

The story of Who Made Me a Princess manhwa begins with a twist on the classic isekai trope. The protagonist, a young Korean woman, dies and awakens as infant Athanasia in the opulent yet dangerous world of the Obelian Empire. In the original novel The Lovely Princess, Athanasia is neglected by her father, Claude, who favors his “adopted” daughter Jennette Margarita, leading to Athanasia’s unjust execution at age 18. Armed with foreknowledge, Athanasia devises plans to hoard treasures for escape or win Claude’s affection through adorable antics and clever schemes.

As the plot unfolds, Who Made Me a Princess manhwa delves into intricate palace intrigue, magical elements, and emotional growth. Key arcs include Athanasia’s childhood efforts to bond with Claude, her encounters with the mysterious magician Lucas, and confrontations with Jennette, who is unknowingly a product of black magic. The manhwa’s pacing shines in its early chapters, building tension through Athanasia’s survival strategies, but some readers criticize the infamous “amnesia arc” for dragging on, where Claude loses his memories and reverts to his cold demeanor, forcing Athanasia to rebuild their relationship.

The series culminates in a satisfying resolution: Athanasia becomes the crown princess, Claude reconciles with his brother Anastacius (who fakes his execution and lives in exile with Jennette), and romantic hints emerge with Lucas. Side stories explore alternate timelines and character backstories, adding depth without overstaying their welcome. Unlike the novel, which emphasizes romance, the manhwa prioritizes the father-daughter dynamic, making it a refreshing take on reincarnation tales. For those curious about the ending, spoilers reveal an open-ended happily ever after, with Athanasia studying to become empress and potential for future epilogues.

This plot’s unpredictability—filled with twists like black magic consequences and hidden family secrets—keeps readers hooked, blending humor, heartbreak, and triumph in a way that sets Who Made Me a Princess manhwa apart from generic isekai stories.

In-Depth Character Analysis in Who Made Me a Princess Manhwa

One of the strongest aspects of Who Made Me a Princess manhwa is its richly developed characters, each contributing to the emotional core of the story.

Athanasia de Alger Obelia (Athy): The protagonist is a standout—intelligent, resourceful, and endearingly playful. Her journey from a terrified infant biting statues for gold to a confident crown princess showcases remarkable growth. Athanasia’s shrewd observations and adaptability make her relatable, while her affection for chocolate and roses adds charming quirks.

Claude de Alger Obelia: The emperor starts as a chilling antagonist, haunted by the loss of Athanasia’s mother, Diana, which leads him to suppress emotions via magic. His transformation into a doting, overprotective father is the manhwa’s emotional highlight, though some criticize his lack of full redemption in certain arcs.

Lucas: As the Magician of the Black Tower, Lucas serves as Athanasia’s best friend and romantic interest. His tsundere personality, jealousy over rivals like Ijekiel, and powerful magic (he even “bullies” the world tree) make him a fan favorite. The slow-burn romance feels natural, evolving from companionship to affection.

Supporting Cast: Jennette, the “lovely princess,” evokes mixed feelings—pitied for her cursed origins but often disliked for disrupting Athanasia’s life. Ijekiel Alpheus, the second male lead, provides a gentle contrast to Lucas, fueling love triangle debates. Side characters like maid Lily and knight Felix add warmth, with their subtle romance serving as delightful bait.

These characters’ complexities—rooted in themes of abandonment, identity, and healing—elevate Who Made Me a Princess manhwa beyond typical tropes, creating bonds that resonate deeply with readers.

Stunning Art Style and Visuals in Who Made Me a Princess Manhwa

Spoon’s artwork in Who Made Me a Princess manhwa is nothing short of breathtaking, often cited as the series’ biggest strength. The visuals feature vibrant, atmospheric colors that enhance the fantasy setting—from lush rose gardens to opulent palaces. Character designs are exquisite: Athanasia’s wavy blonde hair and jewel-blue eyes mirror her mother’s, while Claude’s regal presence exudes intimidation and elegance.

Expressive faces capture emotions perfectly, whether it’s Athanasia’s wide-eyed innocence or Lucas’s smirking confidence. Action scenes with magic bursts are dynamic, and romantic moments shimmer with detail. Compared to other manhwa, Spoon’s style avoids oversaturation, opting for a dreamy, ethereal quality that immerses readers. Fans on Reddit and MyAnimeList rave about the art, with one reviewer noting it’s “stunning and atmospheric,” making even slower arcs visually engaging.

For a visual feast, this manhwa rivals top titles like The Remarried Empress, proving why it’s a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Themes and Messages Explored in Who Made Me a Princess Manhwa

Who Made Me a Princess manhwa weaves profound themes into its fantasy framework, making it more than just entertainment. Central is the father-daughter relationship, exploring redemption and unconditional love. Claude’s emotional barriers symbolize grief’s toll, while Athanasia’s persistence highlights forgiveness’s power.

Identity and destiny are key—Athy grapples with her reincarnated self versus the original princess’s fate, questioning free will in a predetermined story. Romance touches on healthy dynamics, with Lucas and Athy building trust over time. Darker elements like black magic address consequences of unchecked power and manipulation.

Social commentary on class and favoritism emerges through Jennette’s arc, critiquing superficial “perfection.” Overall, the manhwa promotes resilience, family healing, and self-determination, resonating with readers seeking emotional depth in isekai.

Comparisons to Similar Manhwa: What Makes Who Made Me a Princess Stand Out

If you love Who Made Me a Princess manhwa, explore these similar titles for more isekai magic:

• Daughter of the Emperor: Like Athy, the protagonist reincarnates as a princess winning her tyrannical father’s heart. Focuses on cute family moments.
• Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp: A reincarnated doctor alters her fate through intelligence, echoing Athy’s strategic survival.
• I Belong to House Castielo: Features a neglected child adopted into a powerful family, with strong father-daughter bonds.
• The Abandoned Empress: Involves time regression to avoid execution, with palace intrigue and romance.
• Beware of the Villainess: A fun, trope-subverting isekai with a sassy protagonist avoiding doom.

What sets Who Made Me a Princess manhwa apart is its emphasis on familial love over romance, stunning art, and emotional payoff, making it a benchmark for the genre.

Reader Reception and Popularity of Who Made Me a Princess Manhwa

Who Made Me a Princess manhwa enjoys massive popularity, with high ratings on MyAnimeList (8.5/10) and Goodreads (4.3/5). Reddit communities like r/OtomeIsekai praise its art and heartwarming story, calling it a “classic” that introduced many to OI manhwa. However, opinions are mixed—some find it overrated due to clichés, the dragged amnesia arc, and underdeveloped romance, with criticisms like “dense protagonist” and “lack of character growth.”

Positive reviews highlight the father-daughter dynamic: “It’s about two broken people healing through their familial bond.” The series’ success led to a physical English publication by Seven Seas Entertainment, concluding in 2025. On X (formerly Twitter), fans share fanart and discussions, with posts like Anime News Network’s review emphasizing its “gorgeous art and subgenre mix.”

Despite divisiveness, its influence is undeniable, inspiring countless isekai stories and maintaining a dedicated fanbase.

Pros and Cons of Who Made Me a Princess Manhwa

Pros:

• Breathtaking artwork that elevates every scene.
• Heartwarming father-daughter relationship with emotional depth.
• Engaging plot twists and magical elements.
• Relatable, growth-focused protagonist.

Cons:

• Pacing issues in the amnesia arc.
• Underdeveloped romance and secondary characters.
• Clichéd tropes that may feel predictable.
• Mixed ending satisfaction for novel fans.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons for most readers, especially those new to manhwa.

Where to Read Who Made Me a Princess Manhwa and Final Thoughts

You can read Who Made Me a Princess manhwa on platforms like Tappytoon, Webtoon, or Ridibooks for the original Korean version. Physical volumes are available via Seven Seas Entertainment. For discussions, check Reddit’s r/OtomeIsekai or MyAnimeList forums.

In conclusion, Who Made Me a Princess manhwa is a enchanting masterpiece that blends fantasy, emotion, and stunning visuals into an unforgettable isekai experience. Whether you’re drawn to Athanasia’s clever survival tactics, Claude’s redemption arc, or Spoon’s artistic brilliance, this series offers something for everyone. If you’re seeking a feel-good read with depth, dive in today—it’s a royal treat that ranks among the best in its genrY

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