Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on It’s Hard Being the Bad Guy
"It's Hard Being the Bad Guy" is a completed original web novel that I decided to delve into, drawn in by its intriguing premise and the promise of comedy, romance, and a touch of the mature. It definitely took me on a rollercoaster ride, and while I enjoyed certain aspects, I also found myself questioning some of the author's choices.
First Impressions
The initial draw for me, like many others, was the setup: a protagonist with amnesia tasked with playing the "bad guy" in various scenarios. The first arc, with its school bully MC and future mafia leader love interest, had a certain charm. I found myself chuckling at the MC's awkward attempts to be villainous. However, as the story progressed, some elements started to feel less cute and more…concerning.
What Works Well
One thing that consistently stood out was the variety of the arcs. Each reincarnation presented a fresh scenario, from a mafia setting to an omegaverse, and even a wuxia world. The male leads also had different personalities in each world. This kept things interesting, and I appreciated that the author wasn’t afraid to experiment with different tropes. I can see why some readers found the "kiss kiss fall in love" dynamic endearing, especially when the ML falls first.
Areas of Concern
My biggest issue lies with the portrayal of certain themes. While the tags clearly indicate "male yandere" and even "kidnappings," the execution felt…off. It felt like the MC’s reactions to genuinely traumatic events were often glossed over, which made it hard to connect with his character on a deeper level. The lack of consequences for the MC's failures to play his role properly also made the whole "bad guy" premise feel somewhat pointless.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, let's talk spoilers. Several readers have pointed out instances of non-consensual acts. Some found it disturbing that the MC seemed to brush off these experiences. The final reveal, where all the reincarnations are revealed to be an illusion created by the MC's mother, also felt a bit rushed and convenient to some readers.
Final Verdict
"It’s Hard Being the Bad Guy" is a novel with some interesting ideas and a clear appeal for those who enjoy a lighthearted, trope-filled read. However, the handling of darker themes and the lack of character depth ultimately held it back for me. If you're looking for something purely for fun and aren't too concerned with nuanced character development or consistent world-building, this might be your cup of tea. However, if you prefer stories with well-developed characters and a more serious exploration of potentially triggering themes, I'd recommend proceeding with caution. I'd give it a 3/5.
