By Hayley Samulski, Staff Writer
As an avid reader, I’m always looking for something new to get my hands on. What started as a way to read manga on my phone turned into falling down the rabbit hole of Webcomics. For those not familiar with terms like Manwha or Manhua, each is distinguished by the comic’s country of origin. Where Manga comes from Japan, Manwha comes from Korea and Manhua is from China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.
In this list, you’ll find comics for every reader covering genres like Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Action/Adventure and so much more. Some stories contain graphic violence and mature themes that some readers may find uncomfortable. All comics can be found on webcomic platforms such as Tapas, Webtoon, Tappytoon, & Bilibi Comics.
1. Solo Leveling
Image credit: Redice Studio/KakaoPage
Author(s) : Chu-Gong
Illustrator(s) : Gi So-Ryeong, Jang Sung-rak aka Dubu (Redice Studio)
Comic Type: Manwha
Genre : Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Supernatural
Status : Complete
*Solo Leveling is adapted from the light novel of the same name.
Summary ~ The story follows Sung Jinwoo and his journey to become the strongest hunter in the world. Jinwoo is an E-Rank Hunter infamously known as the weakest hunter ever. Despite this Jinwoo does his best to survive and persevere for the sake of his family. One day, after narrowly surviving an encounter with the powerful double dungeon, a mysterious program known as the System chooses Jinwoo as the Player. Granted the power to level up in strength, without limits Jinwoo l sets out on a journey to fight all kinds of enemies, and discover the secrets of the system.
Review ~ The setup may be familiar to lots of power scaling anime but Solo Leveling really takes it to another level. Jinwoo at his heart doesn’t care about power or status he just does what he can to ensure his family’s protection. The world-building is revealed to Jinwoo and the reader as the story progresses. All the characters, even the background ones stand out and can easily become a favorite. It’s got a really beautiful art style. Even though the story can get dark at times it has great comedic timing.
Check out Solo Leveling on Tapas: Tapas/series/Solo-Leveling-comic
Check out Solo Leveling on Tappytoon: Tappytoon/Solo-Leveling-comic
2. The Beginning After the End
Image credit: Turtle Me/Tapas
Author(s) : Turtle Me
Illustrator(s) : Fuyuki23
Comic Type: Manwha
Genre : Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Action/Adventure
CW : Graphic Violence
Status : Complete
*The Beginning After The End is adapted from the light novel of the same name.
Summary ~ A once great king dies and is reincarnated into a world filled with magic and monsters. King Grey now Arthur Lewlin is given a second chance to relive his life. Lurking in the shadows is a mysterious force that threatens to destroy this new world and everything he has worked for.
Review ~ Arthur is a great protagonist that readers will find themselves rooting for on every step of his journey. TBATE does a great job of establishing the new world and the power systems within it. The power system, while intricate, is still easy enough to understand. Each continent comes with its own history, culture and unique set of inhabitants that routinely play a part in the story’s progression. If you’re a fan of Isekai or fantasy anime you’ll love this Manhwa.
Check out TBATE on Tapas: Tapas/series/TBATE-comic
3. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
Image credit: Sing Shong/Webtoon
Author(s) : Sing Shong
Illustrator(s) : Fuyuki23
Comic Type: Manwha
Genre : Fantasy, Action/Adventure,
Status : Complete
*Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is adapted from the light novel of the same name.
Summary ~ When Dokja’s favorite web novel ‘Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse’ suddenly becomes reality, he becomes the only person who knows the truth. Armed with the knowledge of the story’s ending Dokja sets out to change the course of the story, and the world, as he knows it.
Review ~ Kim Dokja is a lovable sarcastic protagonist who often finds himself in over his head. Dokja uses his fanboy knowledge to navigate the world of TWSA and adapt to new challenges that come his way. There’s a ton of action and every character plays an important role in the story. The monsters are all really interesting and come with their own backstories/mythologies.
Check out Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint on Webtoon: Webtoon.com/Omniscient-Reader
4. Teenage Mercenary
Image credit: YC, Rakeyeon/Webtoon
Author(s) : YC, Rakeyeon
Illustrator(s) : Fuyuki23
Comic Type: Manwha
Genre : Action/Adventure, Slice of Life, Drama
Status : Ongoing
Summary ~ At just 8 years old Ijin Yu lost his parents in a plane crash and became stranded in a foreign land. Forced to become a child mercenary to survive. Ten years later he returns home to Korea and is reunited with his family. Ijin learns that life as a teenager is a whole other feat of survival. Faced with a new battlefield, Ijin must master new tactics in order to make it through his last year of high school.
Review ~ Ijin has this Shonen Mc ability in that he manages to turn former enemies into strong allies. The supporting cast of characters is super likable and has unique personalities and quirks. The comic does a great job of addressing Ijin’s past and how he deals with his PTSD. Teenage Mercenary is a great read. It’s filled with the perfect combo of laughs and action.
Check out Teenage Mercenary on Webtoons: Webtoon.com/Teenage-Mercenary
5. Heaven Official’s Blessing : Tian Guan Ci Fu
Image credit: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu/biblibicomics
Author(s) : Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
Illustrator(s) : STARember
Comic Type : Manhua
Genre : Historical Fantasy, Supernatural, Romance
Status : Ongoing
Summary ~ Born the renowned crown prince of a prosperous kingdom, Xie Lian dedicated his life to years of study and noble deeds allowing him to ascend to godhood. Eight hundred years later, Xie Lian ascended to godhood for the third time, angering most of the gods. Banished to the Mortal Realm to repay his debts he meets a young man named San Lang who is much more than he appears. Revealed to be the most notorious of the Four Great Calamities (Demon Ghosts), known as the Crimson Rain Sought Flower.
Review ~ Heaven Official’s Blessing is a great read for those who love a slow-burn romance. It has a gorgeous art style and character designs. The story is addicting and full of surprises! It has a rich, intricate world filled with Chinese mythology and fantasy elements. The author takes her time with each character to develop their backstories, motivations, and personalities. This comic deserves more attention.
HOB/TGCF is a bestselling novel series originally published in Chinese. Now a multimedia series that has been adapted into a webcomic and donghua (Chinese anime).
Check out Heaven Official’s Blessing on Bilibicomics: Bilibilicomics.com/HeavenOfficial’sBlessing
6. King’s Maker
Image Credit: Haga/Kang Ji Yeong
Author(s) : Haga
Illustrator(s) : Kang Ji Yeong
Comic Type : Manwha
Genre : Historical Fantasy, Drama, Thriller
CW : Graphic Violence, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Underage
Status : Ongoing
Summary ~ After the death of his mother, Wolfgang Goldenleonard finds himself living in hiding. In an effort to flush out the nation’s fourth prince a formal decree is issued that any boy found using the name Wolfgang must be reported to the authorities. In order to protect the lives of the street orphans he’d befriended, Wolfgang is forced to reveal himself as the 4th prince of the Northland Kingdom. Forced to return to the royal palace Wolfgang rejects everything associated with his tyrannical father. When he catches the attention of a mysterious boy Shin, a plan is formed to spark the flames of rebellion.
Review ~ King’s Maker is hands down one of the best BL stories I’ve ever read. Be warned that this story contains lots of graphic violence and mature themes that some readers may find uncomfortable. The biggest highlights of this Manwha is the characters and art. Wolfgang is a great protagonist that grows a lot throughout the story. We see the characters steadily grow as individuals and watch their relationships between each other. evolve. The art is beautiful and captures the grandiose aesthetic of the Northland Kingdom. It has a rich color palette of reds, golds, and yellows. It has a sequel story titled King’s Maker Triple Crown.
Check out King’s Maker & King’s Maker: Triple Crown on Tappytoon:
Tappytoon/King’s-Maker:Triple-Crown
(18+): Tappytoon/King’s-Maker: Triple-Crown[Mature]
7. Revelation of Eros
Image credit: E.A. Chupacabra/Akuma Yoru
Author(s) : E.A. Chupacabra
Illustrator(s) : Akuma Yoru
Comic Type : Webcomic
Genre : Nonfiction, Drama, Slice of Life
CW : Child Abuse, Internalized Homophobia, Sexual Assault, Suicide/Self Harm
Status : Ongoing
*Based on a true story
Summary ~ Eros doesn’t want friends because he doesn’t need anyone in his life. He just wants to be left alone. Starting university in the United States after living in the slums in Mexico his entire life, he must traverse an entirely new world while keeping everyone at a distance. But, no matter how hard he pushes everyone away, there are people who keep getting closer.
Review ~ Revelation of Eros is a beautiful story about the bonds of love, friendship, and “damaged people trying to heal” (E.A.). It’s hard to put into words what makes this comic so great. The story is a roller coaster of emotions, and you’ll find yourself crying or laughing along with the characters. Revelation of Eros does a great job of tackling tough subjects such as religious guilt, internalized homophobia, sexual assault and so much more. The art style, especially the background art improves a lot over the course of the story. The character development and story progression are amazing.
Check out Revelation of Eros on Tapas: Tapas/series/Revelation-of-Eros
Check out Revelation of Eros on Webtoon: Webtoon.com/Revelation-of-Eros
8. Batman: Wayne Family Adventures
Image Credit: DC Comics/Webtoon
Author(s) : CRC Payne
Illustrator(s) : StarBite
Comic Type : Webcomic
Genre : Comedy, Slice of Life, Action/Adventure
Status : Ongoing
Summary ~ Batman needs a break. But with new vigilante Duke Thomas moving into Wayne Manor and an endless supply of adopted, fostered, and biological superhero children to manage, Bruce Wayne is going to have his hands full. Being a father can’t be harder than being Batman, right?
Review ~ Batman Wayne Family Adventures is a cute slice-of-life comic that follows the Wayne family on all their insane adventures in and out of costume. A great read for Batman fans filled with lots of laughs and action. It’s a refreshing lighthearted take that gives us plenty of Batfam fluff fans have been craving.
Check out Batman Wayne Family Adventures on Webtoon: Webtoon.com/Batman-Wayne-Family-Adventures
9. School Bus Graveyard
Image credit: LilRedBeany/Webtoon
Author(s) : LilRedBeany
Illustrator(s) : LilRedBeany, @scrubs @yayu_sensei, @riki.cmc @Kabiboo
Comic Type : Webcomic
Genre : Thriller, Supernatural, Action/Adventure
Status : Ongoing
Summary ~ Ashlyn is the resident loner in school until a group project and a visit to a haunted house brings her and 5 other kids together to fight for their lives.
Review ~ School Bus Graveyard is a gripping story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The monster’s designs are the stuff of nightmares and the background music only adds to the suspenseful atmosphere. The main characters are a loveable group of misfits all with dynamic personalities. If found family trope is your jam you will love this comic. School Bus Graveyard is currently on hiatus until the premiere of Season 2.
Check out School Bus Graveyard on Webtoon: Webtoon.com/School-Bus-Graveyard
10. Immortal Affairs
Image credit: Blue.Owl/Webtoon
Author(s) : Blue.Owl
Illustrator(s) : umbraowl, @_.bbchan._
Comic Type : Webcomic
Genre : Supernatural, Drama, Romance
Status : Ongoing
Summary ~ Following the loss of one of their guitarists, popular rock band Immortal Affairs is looking for a new member and Hiro Carver is just the person to fill that role. However, things aren’t always as they seem as Hiro quickly finds out half the band is made up of immortal beings.
Review ~ I stumbled upon this series and was hooked from chapter one. Like School Bus Graveyard there’s a loveable found family dynamic going on with the main characters. This story is full of laughs and some tears. The romance between Hiro and Arsenio is really wholesome. All the characters are so loveable (especially Felix). Definitely worth a read.
Check out Immortal Affairs on Webtoon: Webtoon.com/Immortal-Affairs
11. Rooftops & Roommates
Image credit: Zaanart/Webtoon
Author(s) : Zaanart
Illustrator(s) : Zaanart
Comic Type : Webcomic
Genre : Comedy, Supernatural, Adventure
Status : Ongoing
Summary ~ Jeb is an architecture major at university, rooming with his best friend Todd. There’s just one problem… Jeb’s secretly a gargoyle! Between studying, partying, and a bad ghost problem, will Jeb be able to keep his true identity a secret?
Review ~ For a webcomic about supernatural creatures it’s so cute. This comic will have you laughing non-stop. Jeb and Todd’s bromance is so wholesome. Jeb is a lovable protagonist who’s just trying to live that college life while navigating supernatural hijinks. If you’re looking for a simple read to just vibe with Rooftops and Roommates is a must-read.
Check out Rooftops and Roommates on Webtoon: Webtoon.com/Rooftops-and-Roommates
12. The Twin Siblings’ New Life
Image credit: Aidela/Kakaopage/Tappytoon
Author(s) : Aidela, Suon (Redice Studio)
Illustrator(s) : Nicca
Comic Type : Manwha
CW : Child Abuse
Genre : Historical Fantasy, Drama, Isekai
Status : Ongoing
Summary ~ Reborn as the prince and princess of a fantastical land, Arienne Yuriana and her twin brother, Arhen, should have been living a life of luxury… But instead of beautiful palaces, magical adventures, and attentive servants, the twins are left by the emperor to live with their abusive mother in a rundown castle full of cruel maids. However, after a freak accident suddenly leaves them without a guardian, their father reappears, saying that now he wants them to live in the palace! Thrown into an unfamiliar world of royals, can the twins forgive their neglectful dad and make the most of their new life with him? Or will this world prove too dangerous for the two of them to survive?
Review ~ This is a cute and wholesome Issekai story. It’s an easy read with a mostly wholesome story. The art is gorgeous and really helps capture the fantasy elements of the story. This is a story about overcoming hardships and learning to accept love from others. The character development can feel slow at times but if you stick with it the payoff is worth it.
Check out The Twin Siblings’ New Life on Tappytoon:
Tappytoon/The-Twin-Siblings-New-Life
That wraps up my top 12 must-read webcomics. It was hard to pick just 12 since there are so many great stories out there. Let us know what some of your favorite webcomics are.
Hayley Samulski
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