Manhwa and Webtoons continue to grow their massive presence to fit many reader niches, but for Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom, the villainess isekai subgenre gets a Snow White twist. The fairytale twist has been popular in the fandom lately, especially with high-profile Netflix anime treatments, but manhwa readers will appreciate this role reversal on the classic tale. After all, Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom includes a protagonist reincarnated as the quintessential evil fairytale stepmother, so it’s bound to catch the readers’ eyes.

Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom launched on tapas.io on October 28, 2021, but has been available physically for North American readers as of August 22, 2023, thanks to IZE Press.

It’s the story of Baekhap Lee, a children’s fashion designer who passes away only to reincarnate as Abigail Freidkin, the evil stepmother to Snow White, known as Princess Blanche. On top of trying to undo the damage the stepmother’s hateful antics dealt to Blanche, Abigail must also reckon with her untrusting spouse as she tries to redeem herself in this Snow White manhwa.

Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom is a Wholesome Second Chance for Fiction’s Most Hated Stepmother

All Abigail Wants is to Dote on Her Beloved Daughter, to the Surprise of Everyone

In a debut that’s one of the strongest first chapters of manhwa available, Baekhap’s reincarnation as Abigail Freidkin is an ironic fate for someone who once wished to be a fairytale princess. Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom starts Abigail at a low point, having technically died of overwork, only for this reincarnation to give her a surprising second chance. Early in the series, Abigail’s desire to give Blanche a better life includes lavishing her with gifts and treats while urging her new estranged husband Sabrian to treat her better as a daughter.

While hampered by issues like a villainous glower when she tries to smile, Abigail’s previous actions are overridden by Baekhap’s desire to do right by Blanche in Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom. While there are amusing moments in the series, there are also wonderfully emotional moments where Abigail’s new motives are straightforward, coming from Baekhap’s upbringing in a cruel patriarchy. Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom has more layers than a simple isekai comedy.

Abigail Freidkin Finds Herself Unwittingly in an Enemies-to-Lovers Manhwa

Sabrian Gives an Icy Welcome but Warms Up Over Time

Despite Abigail’s suggestion to sleep in separate rooms by Chapter #3, the duo remain inextricably linked in the series going forward. Sabrian distrusts Abigail’s intentions toward Blanche, fearing the worst, and even when she tries to bring the child something as simple as a stuffed toy, Sabrian destroys it, fearing the worst. However, Abigail does her best to rise above fighting with her spouse so Blanche never has to witness it.

Despite being estranged from Abigail, Sabrian suddenly shows no wish to remarry in Not-Sew-Married Stepmom, and it quickly grows apparent that the two get a proper chance at romance. While it’s Abigail’s wish for Sabrian to be a better father to Blanche that spurs the king to treat Abigail better, it’s Sabrian’s apology and sudden commitment not to remarry that leaves a lasting impression on her. Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom is a villainess redemption story and an enemies-to-lovers twist on the classic Snow White fairytale.