Everyone Else Is A Returnee Kobato

Ever felt like you're watching everyone else effortlessly glide through life while you're stuck in tutorial mode? Like, they're all playing the advanced levels and you're still figuring out how to jump? Well, buckle up, because "Everyone Else is a Returnee" (often shortened to just Returnee) captures that feeling perfectly, but with added monsters, magic, and a whole lot of chaotic humor.
Imagine this: you're scrolling through Instagram, and everyone's on vacation in Bali, just oozing success. You're sitting at your desk, contemplating the nutritional value of instant ramen. That's basically our protagonist, Yu IlHan, except instead of Bali, everyone went to different dimensions to level up for a decade, and instead of instant ramen, he's stuck crafting weapons while dodging stray meteors.
The Ultimate Late Bloomer
Yu IlHan is the definition of a late bloomer, magnified by a thousand. When the world gets ready to face the apocalypse – surprise! – everyone else is already leagues ahead. They've got new skills, shiny gear, and perfectly coiffed hair (probably). Yu IlHan? He's still got that slightly awkward teenage phase happening, only now he also knows how to forge a really, really good spear.
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He’s been preparing for the apocalypse alone for… way too long. Think of it as binge-watching a tutorial series on survival skills, but instead of getting a certificate, you get a sudden craving for monster jerky. He literally became the master of being alone, perfecting the art of stealth, blacksmithing and surviving on… well, whatever he could get his hands on.
It's like when you finally decide to learn that TikTok dance everyone's doing, and by the time you've mastered the steps, they've already moved on to some alien language challenge. Yu IlHan's constantly playing catch-up, but that’s what makes him so relatable.

Relatable Awkwardness in a Fantasy Setting
One of the best things about "Returnee" is its humor. It's not just slapstick or silly jokes (although there's plenty of that). It's the humor of awkward situations, the frustration of being underestimated, and the sheer absurdity of the world. Yu IlHan might be incredibly powerful, but he's still a bit of a dork at heart. He's basically us, if we woke up one day and had to fight giant spiders.
Think about those moments when you try to impress someone but end up tripping over your own feet (metaphorically or literally). That’s Yu IlHan facing a dragon. He's got the power to win, but the execution is… usually hilarious. His social skills? Let's just say they’re still in beta.

Why You Should Give it a Shot
“Returnee” is a delightful blend of action, adventure, and comedy. It’s a story about overcoming adversity, finding your own strength, and learning to appreciate the small victories, like managing to craft a decent sword without accidentally blowing yourself up.
It's a refreshing take on the isekai/portal fantasy genre, where the protagonist isn't instantly overpowered or destined for greatness. Yu IlHan has to work for it. He grinds, he sweats, and he occasionally makes questionable decisions (like trying to cook with lava). But through it all, he perseveres, proving that even the most awkward among us can become heroes.

So, if you're looking for a story that's equal parts epic and hilarious, that celebrates the underdog, and that will make you feel slightly better about your own struggles, "Everyone Else is a Returnee" is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to laugh, cringe, and maybe even feel a little inspired.
And who knows, maybe after reading it, you'll finally learn that TikTok dance. Or at least, you’ll feel better that you haven’t been left behind to forge weapons alone for years.
Seriously, go read it. You won’t regret it.
