One reason could be the marketing. Maybe it didn't get as much promotion as other popular isekai novels. Without proper marketing, it's hard for a book to reach a wide audience, even if it has good content.
The target audience could also be a factor. Some isekai novels are more aimed at a younger audience, while others target older or more niche groups. If this novel is in a category that has less of a following, it won't be as popular. Also, if it has elements that are too controversial or not in line with what most isekai fans expect, like a very dark and gritty tone in a genre known for its light - heartedness at times, it could turn readers away.
Well, a common isekai novel usually has a few typical elements. For example, the protagonist is often transported from our normal world to a fantasy world, either by being reincarnated or some kind of magical accident. There's often a system in place that gives the protagonist special abilities or quests to complete. Also, there's usually a power - up journey where the main character gets stronger over time.
Common isekai stories typically follow a set formula. There's the sudden transfer to a different world, often accompanied by a truck-kun moment (where the character is hit by a truck and wakes up in another world). Then, there's the discovery of new powers or skills, making friends or allies, and usually a grand quest to save the new world or achieve something great.
A big trope is the 'fish out of water' situation. The character from the real world has to adapt to the strange rules and customs of the isekai world. Also, there's the 'chosen one' trope. The protagonist is somehow destined to save the isekai world or fulfill a great prophecy. And let's not forget the 'gaining levels' or 'power progression' trope, where the character gets stronger as they complete tasks or defeat enemies.
Well, it could be the character development. In some isekai novels, characters are just one - dimensional. But if this one has complex, evolving characters, that's a big plus. Also, the world - building might be more intricate than the common isekai. Instead of the typical medieval - like setting, it could have a blend of different eras or cultures.
One element could be the setting. For example, instead of the typical fantasy world, it could be set in a post - apocalyptic isekai world where the protagonist has to deal with both the new world's magic and the remnants of a destroyed civilization. Another aspect could be the protagonist's unique ability. Most isekai protagonists have common powers like magic or super strength, but if the protagonist has an ability that's not often seen, like the power to control time in a very limited and strange way, it would make the story less common. Also, the way the story deals with the concept of 'returning' can be different. In a common isekai, the protagonist may not think about returning at all, but if the whole plot revolves around the protagonist's struggle between staying in the new world and finding a way back to the old one, it would stand out.
They are popular because they offer an escape. Readers can immerse themselves in a different world with different rules. For example, in 'Overlord', the main character is transported into a game world where he has extraordinary powers, and this power fantasy aspect is appealing.
I think it's because they offer an escape to different worlds and exciting adventures. People love the idea of starting anew in a fantasy realm.
In 'isekai maou shera novel', the way the protagonist interacts with the new world could be different. Instead of following the typical tropes, like quickly becoming a hero, the character might struggle in a more complex and unique way. They could have to deal with the cultural differences in the new world in a more in - depth manner, which is not always the case in other isekai novels.
Another difference could be in the world - building. While typical isekai novels build up the new world to be this exciting and all - encompassing place for the protagonist to explore, 'Goodbye Isekai Tensei' might focus more on the negative aspects of the isekai world that prompt the need to say goodbye. It could show the flaws and the reasons why the character wants to leave, which is a different approach compared to other isekai stories that often glorify the new world.
The 'OP (overpowered) protagonist' is a big trope in isekai. If this story doesn't have that and the protagonist struggles a lot more than expected, it's a subversion. In many isekai, the protagonist quickly adapts to the new world. But if in this story, the protagonist has a really hard time adapting, like constantly getting into cultural misunderstandings or being unable to use the magic system effectively for a long time, it's different. And the 'defeat the big bad evil' plot is common. If this story focuses more on the smaller, personal battles and character growth rather than a grand, world - saving mission, it's subverting the trope.