Aug 5, 2025
'What if we mixed aggressively underdeveloped story progression with obnoxiously average and overused thematics, wrapped in a overly decorated package?'
TL;DR: if that opener wasn't clear yet, I Woke Up as the Ugly Duckling is a big misser that constantly goes for cliche plot points and executes them in such boring, bland ways that a literal rock would get frustrated reading it. Skip if you're looking for engaging plot, read if you just want pretty colours and a reverse harem with characters and plot flatter than Paper Mario characters. There were so many moments to grab onto and lead this story into a truly interesting one,
...
but it always wants the easy way. Kinda 'what if Solo Leveling was a shoujo themed story instead?'
Let's break it down:
Art: 8/10
Art does deserve a pat on the back for the simple fact it seems to be the one thing the creator seems invested in. Granted, the colours blaze of every frame and the whole thing sparkles more than Sailor Moon thrown into a rainbow coloured bath bomb, but it is clear the artist meticulously drew every frill and decoration of every outfit. The torrent of colours might not be everyone's jam, but again, at least they tried here.
Story: 3/10
This is where the circus begins. So, we start off okay, we have our regular isekai moment waking up as someone else in another world, and the first few chapters actually make you believe this might be an interesting read, as our ugly heroine Sylvia starts her struggle.
However, that also completely falls flat soon after when there never really turns out to be any...struggle. Over and over, a very bad and evil enemy plot is being written up as diabolically damaging to Sylvia should it succeed, and each time the threat just falls flat in the most infuriating unsatisfactiry ways. It's as if the author was trying to create a masterclass in boring story progression.
Same goes for personal struggles Sylvia needs to beat. Hell, she WASHES OFF HER UGLINESS literally 4 chapters in or so. Just melts off her. Like, ugh new day new me, that ugly body was like, so yesterday, yass slay queen. Everything falls in her lap, she meets all the right people by accident and everyone positively important loves her after seeing her new self like, once. I never thought I would be able to read a story progression more bland and less impactful than Solo Leveling, but here we are. At least Solo leveling had cool fights and funny side characters.
Characters: 4/10
Honestly what is there to say, Sylvia is our typical self insert strong girl, heroic and self assertive when needed, girly and damsel in distress when needed. I love the archetype of a strong girl, but not when it's executed so whishwashy and depending on plot points. She is a Mary Sue that seems to get the whole cast smitten by just existing. Needless to say, her character also never develops. Look for someone like Yona from Yona of the Dawn if you want a truly strong female lead that grows.
As for the rest of the characters, we have:
-Pretty boy simps (every Male character that swoons for her after one or two meets)
Pretty boy semi simps (this is all Male characters that for reasons cannot swoon for her like true simps can or don't show it like that, her dad's in here for example)
-Pretty girls
-Overly theatrically evil goons
All people in these categories have barely to no personality traits to speak of minus a personal quirk that makes them stand out as a character, nor do these grow beyond flat, with the exception of her dad, who is the only character that remarkably changes. How fucking sad is that?
So yeah, this was better titled I Woke Up As the Power Fantasy Princess, and I highly suggest skipping it as to not end up with the frustrations I had. Unless you are into a story just wanking off a character permanently without any opposing elements of impact, then go ahead.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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