REVIEW: ‘I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss,’ Volume 3

I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss Volume 3 is an isekai manga, the third volume in a newer series published by Yen Press. The first volume introduces Aileen, the wicked Duke’s daughter, who regained her past life memories; she realizes she’s quickly headed to the bad ending where she meets her doom! This third and final volume concludes the story, and it does not disappoint! The series is published in English by Yen Press with an original story by Sarasa Nagase, art by Anko Yuzu, and character design by Mai Murasaki. It is translated by Taylor Engel and features touch-up art and lettering by Rachel J. Pierce.

As this volume picks up the pace for the ending, it is made clear that Alieen knows the game’s conclusion. She’s doing what she can not just selfishly to change her fate. But she’s now attached to and emotionally involved with Claude, those living under his protection, and the mini-empire they’ve been building. She wants a happy ending for all of them, not just for herself—she’s not stopping at just one happy ending.

Unfortunately for her and the motley crew I’ve become so fond of, Lilia, the game’s heroine who was just revealed to be the holy maiden, is also a reincarnated person! That means Lilia is also armed with the knowledge of how the game is intended to play out. As a result, she helps cook up a plan to separate Claude from Aileen. The end game for this awful excuse for a heroine is that, as Maiden of the Holy Sword, she’ll slay Claude in his demon form and live happily after. But, to get him to that mental state where he loses control and transforms, she has been scheming to separate him from Aileen.

And this is where this last volume of the series loses some points from a perfect score. The gross trope that we all see too often is to separate the female lead and either make it seem like she’s been assaulted (or go through with the disgusting act). To attempt to ruin her in the eyes of her loved ones, the narrative branches into the ‘Fridging Female Character in Comics’ trope, and I absolutely hate it. But, alas, it is used to trigger the mayhem that follows Claude’s transformation. Despite this stumble, there’s plenty that I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss Volume 3 does right. For example, a significant role reversal between Lilia and Aileen in a final showdown speaks wonders to being accountable for your actions and deserving of happier endings.

I’m pleased with Aileen’s character development as a “villainess.” She really turned out not only to be so lovable but also a competent and intelligent woman. It was no wonder that so many of my favorite scenes throughout the series, but especially in this volume, were of her epically one-upping Lelia, the so-called heroine who turned out to be the real villainess. The more and more the story progressed, the more unstable Lelia became. Soon she was pushing for Aileen’s death and a more reverse harem ending for herself, forsaking all the good Aileen, Claude, and the others had done for the kingdom.

Not to be forgotten, Prince Claude, the Demon King, and his not so golden-boy brother, the Crown Prince Cedric, worked as excellent foils to the two young women. Readers will see just how their lives have unfolded. The irony of who leaves victorious regardless of what roles they previously held in society is one readers will pick up immediately.  The ride to the climax really revealed the support system in place of all the demons and humans alike who have banned together under the partnership between the villainess and the cursed prince. There are several players on the board here and everyone’s actions matter as the book amps up for the final showdown and keeps you engaged until the very end.

On the artwork side, Yuzu’s art is still so fun to see: even a simple rescue mission that goes awry is all big energy and action on the page. Most readers would agree that there was a lot of care and detail put into the characters, especially when considering the close-up of Claude’s tender expressions when he’s around Aileen.

This final volume features a wonderful conclusion that doesn’t feel rushed in the slightest and is totally earned by the main cast of characters, especially Alieen and Claude. Both were well-developed characters for such a short series, and I loved all their interactions as they navigated their growing feelings for each other. I appreciated the fun and flirty dynamic between them that grew into sincere feelings which affected the entire countryside. If the cover for this volume tells you anything, it’s that these two are in love, and theirs was one undoubtedly worth fighting for. This final volume ends on a happy, hopeful note that quietly acknowledges that their path together won’t be easy.

I wanted a more definite ending for the other characters and antagonists. However, the side stories and bonus comics in the pages that follow the manga’s end will make readers feel right back at home with these characters we’ve followed for three volumes and is an excellent addition for closure and laughs.

Coming off the energy of the second volume, I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss Volume 3 was my most anticipated manga from Yen Press this month. For such a short series of just three volumes, the creative team has done a great job making readers fall in love with these characters while also providing plenty of laughs.

I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss Volume 3 is available now wherever books are sold.