I'm in Love with the Villainess

I'm in Love with the Villainess originated as a light novel series written by Inori, first appearing as a web novel on the Japanese user-generated content site Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2018. The story gained significant popularity for its subversion of common isekai and otome game tropes, centering on Rae Taylor, a protagonist who focuses her romantic efforts on the story's antagonist rather than the conventional male love interests. The series was later acquired and published by Ichijinsha with illustrations by Hanagata, establishing a distinct visual style that balances whimsical fantasy elements with the internal emotional stakes of the characters.

The 2023 television adaptation was produced by studio Platinum Vision under the direction of Hideaki Oba. The production aimed to translate the narrative’s blend of comedic misunderstanding and serious socio-political commentary into an animated format, focusing on a bright, expressive aesthetic. Upon its release, the series was received as a notable entry in the 'villainess' subgenre, praised by audiences for its departure from traditional romance conventions and its focus on character-driven comedy, though it also faced some discussion regarding its pacing and production values relative to its source material.