I Said To Make My Abilities Average Manga

Okay, picture this: me, back in high school, staring blankly at a math test. I mean, *blankly*. Everyone around me is scribbling away, furiously solving equations, and I'm just...there. Not failing spectacularly, mind you, but definitely not excelling. Just a solid, unwavering "meh." Sound familiar to anyone? (Don't lie, I know I'm not alone!)

That's kinda how I felt when I first stumbled upon the manga "I Said Make My Abilities Average!" or, to give it its full, ridiculously long title, "Didn't I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?!" It resonated with that deep-seated desire we all have, especially when we're feeling a little...average. You know, that longing to be...well, *normal*. Not the best, not the worst, just comfortably *in the middle*.

The Core Premise: Average is the New Awesome

The story centers around Misato Kurihara, a girl who was, let's just say, a *bit* too exceptional in her past life. Ridiculously smart, super popular, basically a walking, talking Mary Sue before she even knew what Mary Sues were. (Seriously, she was so good at everything, she became isolated and lonely.) After a tragic (and slightly hilarious, gotta admit) death trying to save a kid, she gets reincarnated into a fantasy world. But this time, she makes a very specific wish to God: "Please, in my next life, make my abilities... average!"

And here's where it gets interesting. God, being the cosmic prankster that he is (probably), takes her request a *little* too literally. See, this new world has magic and fantastical creatures. And the average magical ability of *that* world is based on the abilities of all living creatures, including ancient dragons and eldritch horrors. So, basically, our protagonist, now known as Mile, becomes obscenely overpowered. Her "average" is still ridiculously strong compared to everyone else.

Think about it: you ask for a "regular" burger, and they give you a burger the size of your head filled with gold flakes. That's basically Mile's situation. (Anyone else suddenly craving a burger? Just me? Okay.)

Why This Manga Works (And Why You Might Like It)

So, why is this seemingly simple premise so appealing? I think it boils down to a few key factors:

The Relatability of "Average": We all, at some point, feel like we're striving for some impossible ideal. This manga flips that on its head. It suggests that maybe, just maybe, aiming for "average" isn't so bad after all. Of course, the irony is that Mile's average is anything but, but the *intention* is there.
The Fish-Out-Of-Water Comedy: Watching Mile desperately try to *downplay* her abilities is endlessly entertaining. She's constantly trying to avoid drawing attention to herself, which, given her overwhelming power, leads to all sorts of hilarious mishaps. Think Superman trying to blend in at a kindergarten picnic.
The Strong Female Friendship: Mile isn't alone in her adventures. She quickly forms a close-knit team with three other girls – Reina, Pauline, and Maevis – who each have their own unique skills and personalities. Their interactions are genuinely heartwarming and funny, and their bond is a major driving force of the story. They're not just sidekicks; they're integral to Mile's growth and the overall narrative.
The Subversion of Isekai Tropes: The isekai genre (stories where the protagonist is transported to another world) is practically overflowing with overpowered protagonists who effortlessly conquer everything. This manga takes that trope and twists it. Mile *is* overpowered, but she actively avoids using her full potential, leading to more interesting and nuanced conflicts. It's refreshing, honestly. (Anyone else getting isekai fatigue? Tell me I'm not alone!)

Beyond the Comedy: A Touch of Heart

While the humor is definitely a major draw, "I Said Make My Abilities Average!" also has moments of genuine heart. Mile's past life experiences have left her with a deep-seated fear of isolation, which drives her desire to connect with others. She genuinely cares about her friends and goes to great lengths to protect them, even if it means revealing a glimpse of her true power. The story explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the importance of finding your place in the world.

It also touches upon the dangers of being *too* exceptional. Mile's past life was lonely because people were intimidated by her. In her new life, she actively tries to avoid that scenario, learning to value genuine connection over superficial admiration.

The Characters: More Than Just Archetypes

Mile (Misato):

Our protagonist. Obsessively strives to be average, despite being anything but. She's surprisingly relatable, even with her incredible abilities. Her constant internal monologues about how to blend in are comedic gold.

Reina:

The leader of the group, Reina is a skilled magic user with a strong sense of justice. She's the most serious of the four, but she also has a soft spot for her friends. She's also surprisingly good at strategy and tactics.

Pauline:

The brains of the operation. Pauline is a bookworm with a vast knowledge of magic and lore. She's often the one who figures out the solutions to their problems. Don't let her quiet demeanor fool you; she's incredibly sharp.

Maevis:

The muscle of the group. Maevis is a skilled warrior with a strong sense of loyalty. She's the most straightforward of the four and always ready to jump into action. She is the one who has good sense of style.

Is It Worth Reading? My Honest Opinion

So, the big question: is "I Said Make My Abilities Average!" worth your time? Absolutely. If you're looking for a lighthearted, funny, and surprisingly heartwarming manga with strong female characters and a unique twist on the isekai genre, then this is definitely for you. Don't expect Shakespearean levels of depth, but do expect a good time and plenty of laughs. It's the perfect manga to unwind with after a long day.

I mean, who *hasn't* dreamed of being just a little bit more average? Okay, maybe not *super* average to the point of being ridiculously overpowered, but you get the idea. It's a fun, escapist fantasy that's sure to put a smile on your face.

And honestly, sometimes, that's all we need. (Plus, the art is really cute. Just saying.)

Where to Find It

You can find "I Said Make My Abilities Average!" on most major manga platforms, both digitally and in print. Check your favorite online retailers or local comic book stores. (And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try learning Japanese and reading the original! But that might be a *little* above average, even for Mile.)

Final Verdict: Go read it! You won't regret it. Just don't blame me if you suddenly start craving isekai adventures and ridiculously overpowered abilities. (And burgers. Definitely burgers.)