Manhwa, the general Korean term for comics, has existed since the 1970s. During the 1990s, when the ban on Japanese media was lifted, Korean comics became influenced by Japanese art style and storytelling to reach their current iteration. Undeniably, Japanese manga and Korean manhwa have a lot in common stylistically and narratively, and each has its rabid fanbase. The popularity of manhwa has been on a steady incline, mainly due to WebToon, a company started in 2004 by Naver Corporation that hosts a vast majority of the popular titles.
As a manga diehard, I was initially hesitant to approach manhwa, particularly with a preference for physical media. But with publishers' efforts to bring titles to print, I found myself attracted to the format both on and off the page. Still, it can be somewhat intimidating to approach, given the abundant amount of content out there.
I have highlighted ten great titles from various genres to help you find the best series to get you into manhwa. All these here are available in print as well as online. So, those who love collecting physical media will find these ideal starting points before heading into the WebToon platform to find more. Welcome to your new obsession!
1. Jungle Juice by Hyeong Eun & Juder
For Those Who Like Super Hero Action
“Every society has its hierarchy, and college student Suchan Jang is at the top of the human one. But despite his popularity and charisma, he has a secret that keeps him from getting close with others—under his clothes lies a pair of dragonfly wings! And when he's forced to expose them to save the girl he likes, Suchan suddenly finds himself plummeting to the bottom of the food chain. It is then, alone and at his lowest point, that he is introduced to a hidden society of fellow human-insect hybrids. Abuzz with both friend and foe, this world offers Suchan the opportunity to seize a new start for himself…All that's left is climbing his way back to the top!” (Ize Press)
Visually, “Jungle Juice” is one of the sharpest-looking books in the action genre. The way that Juder combines fast action with images of insects to re-iterate where the combatants are drawing their strength is wonderfully conceptualized and executed on the pages. In addition, minor details don't go overlooked as backdrops convey a chaotic campus lifestyle, while character fashions make them feel hip and modern.
2. Terror Man by Han Dongwoo & Ko JinHo
For Those Who Like Espinoge Thrillers
“Jungwoo Min has a special ability, one that lets him see when a path leads to a misfortune, or disaster. He uses his “Eyes of Misfortune” to spot these unfortunate events and stop them. Disguising himself as a terrorist, he begins using his power to save people from certain danger. This leads him to become feared by the people he is looking to save. Soon he discovers that the more he saves others, the unhappier he becomes. Thus unfolds the story of a hero and his struggle between happiness and despair. And the unfortunate reality of saving the world, even while becoming a supposed terrorist…or TERROR MAN!” (Abalze Publishing)
*Read our interview with the creators of “Terror Man”
Capturing the beginnings of a new hero, Han Dongwoo & Ko JinHo's “Terror Man” is one of the most explosive and exciting manhwa titles to come to print. While this is primarily due to the eccentric characters and the unique abilities of its protagonist Jungwoo Min, the series excels thanks to its sleek artistic vision–a testament to the ability of digital art to be utilized in intriguing ways beyond the formulaic approach often seen in WebToons.
3. A Business Proposal by NARAK, Perilla & Haehwa
For Those Who Like Modern Romance Stories
“After being worked to the bone at her office job, getting introduced to her longtime crush's new girlfriend, and dealing with her family's debt hanging over her head, Hari Shin's life seems to have hit rock bottom. Luckily, her friend Youngseo has a business proposal for her: go to an arranged date in her stead and Hari will receive a hefty compensation. Things grow complicated, however, when it turns out that the other party is Hari's new CEO—and he's dead-set on marrying whoever shows up to the date!” (IZE Press)
Having fallen for the South Korean rom-com all the back to “My Sassy Girl” in the early noughties but not spending as much with the genre in the past decade, “A Business Proposal” manhwa was oddly nostalgic and a reminder of why the genre has garnered a dedicated fanbase. It is certainly worth checking out and can act as an ideal introduction to help bridge that gap between tv-series fans and bring them into the fold of exceptional comics!
4. Buja's Diary by Se-yeong O
For Those Looking For a Culturally Significant Story
“From Korea comes a collection of incisive observant short stories by a leading artist. Reading these thirteen exceptional stories is an experience similar to appreciating a touching poem or watching a series of stills from a silent movie. Combining the traits of different artistic genres, O has indeed created his own world of comic art. While eloquently presenting a universal human experience, O also brings a delightful and exotic insight into Korean society.” (NBM)
“Buja's Diary” presents some deeply tragic stories that will evoke a visceral reaction from the most jaded audience. The way the content is handled with such eloquence and beauty makes it stand out in comics (not just Manwha). Furthermore, the work offers an insight into an unfamiliar culture and closes that gap by relaying humanity through a universal language. “Buja's Diary” is one of the most profoundly engaging and emotional works I have read in quite some time.
5. Killing Stalking by Koogi
For Those Who Love Psychological Page Turners
“Yoon Bum, a scrawny and quiet man, has a crush on one of the most popular and handsome guys in his college: Sangwoo. After the two cross paths again, Yoon Bum's feelings grow in intensity until they become an obsession–and he breaks into Sangwoo's home. But what he sees inside is not the Sangwoo of his fantasies; his dreams of this alluring man abruptly turn into a nightmare.” (Seven Seas Entertainment)
“Killing Stalking” is about as dark as it gets in manhwa, a pseudo-romance tale focusing heavily on abuse and manipulation as the catalyst for ‘the couple.' Its content has come under some controversy, which makes sense as it is a peculiar (kind of) romance of abusive relationships. Still, once you dig in, the psychological elements are the primary draw here, and it is hard not to come engrossed in the story full of shock and discomfort. Koogi's series is a challenge worth taking, and this is one of the most successful manhwa to make it to print, with Seven Seas releasing deluxe editions.
