👶 Manga Review: HEAD START AT BIRTH #1 by UMIKA (Kindle & comiXology Edition)
A quirky and fast-paced reincarnation fantasy with a gamer twist—UMIKA’s debut volume kicks off a lighthearted journey of magical ambition, social climbing, and baby-level brilliance.
🧠 Overview
Published in March 2022, HEAD START AT BIRTH #1 is the first volume in a manga series written by UMIKA and illustrated by Reku Hayase. The story introduces Lilia, the newborn daughter of a marquis, who—thanks to memories from her previous life—has a serious advantage in her new world. Armed with gamer-like knowledge and a strategic mind, Lilia sets out to become the strongest girl in a fantasy realm filled with nobles, magic, and opportunity.
At just 23 pages, this opening chapter is a quick read, laying the groundwork for a comedic and ambitious take on the isekai genre.
✨ Key Themes & Highlights
- 🍼 Reincarnation twist: Lilia is born with full awareness and adult-level intelligence, making her a hilariously precocious protagonist
- 🎮 Cheat-like knowledge: Her previous life gives her insight into magic systems, social dynamics, and power leveling—like a fantasy RPG
- 🏰 Noble society satire: The story pokes fun at aristocratic norms through Lilia’s sharp observations and manipulations
- 😂 Comedy and charm: The tone is light, with visual gags and witty internal monologue driving the humor
“Lilia, the newborn daughter of a marquis, has the memories of her previous life! With cheat-like gamer knowledge she aims to become the strongest girl in this new ‘other world!’” — Amazon description
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.20/5 from over 160 ratings
- 📖 Readers enjoy the manga’s fun premise, expressive art, and fast pacing
- 🧾 Some note that it’s very short and mostly introductory, but promising for fans of reincarnation and fantasy comedy
- 💬 “A fun start! Lilia is adorable and cunning—can’t wait to see how she levels up.” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 23 pages, it’s a teaser-style first chapter—best read as part of the series
- 📚 Series commitment: With 44 volumes available, readers who enjoy the premise have plenty to explore
- 🎨 Digital-only: Available via Kindle & comiXology, ideal for manga fans who prefer mobile or tablet reading
🏁 Final Verdict
HEAD START AT BIRTH #1 is a clever and charming manga debut that blends reincarnation fantasy with gamer logic and baby-level mischief. It’s a breezy read with strong potential for fans of lighthearted isekai, magical ambition, and unconventional heroines. If you enjoy stories where the protagonist starts life with a cheat code, this series might be your next binge.
