Start to Finish: 12 Completed Manhwa Masterpieces You Can Read Today

Introduction

Manhwa is a different genre-based comic series, particularly made in South Korea. Although Manga is more popular than Manhwa, it is slowly gaining popularity as more and more shows include elements from it. People have also seen a keen interest about this art form. There are many official and unofficial translators working on Manhwa projects. This is merely because, as opposed to Manga, Manhwa is made in a simplistic language style, which makes it easy to translate.

Manhwa particularly caters to a different taste than general comics. It has various aesthetics and covers a set of multiple subjects that distinguishes it from other graphic novels and comics. The genre of manhwa is known for its wide variety of themes, which include action, fantasy, drama, romance, love, and comedy. Additionally, Manhwa enhances the entire experience as it is lively and expressive.

So whether you are a long-term Manhwa fan or just getting started as a newbie, this article will list down some of the best Manhwa comics to watch and enjoy!

History of Manhwa

Manhwa is said to be the counterpart of Japanese manga and Chinese Manhua and said to be dates back to early 20th century. It has evolved through various changes politically and socially. The early development and origins of Manhwa can be traced back to the 1930s and 1940s when the first comics were created and published in Korea.

At this time, Manhwa started to establish its own style and subjects in the after years so that it differs from Manga. Manhwa artists built engaged and prouduced comics based on korean culture and and history. What led to Manhwa stand as a unique and different art form was the introduction of more genres like action, fantasy. During the late 1970s and 1980s, new genres and artists began introducing new viewpoints in this realm. The stories and theme became more mature.

In the 1990s, print Manhwa declined due to different reasons like:

Tough competition from Manga: With the increasing popularity of translated Manga, readers shift toward more diverse storytelling and artistic styles of Manga.
Government Censorship: Manhwa couldn’t gain new watchers as strict regulations were imposed by the government. Cutting out inappropriate content concluded in limited creativity.
Decline of Comic Rent Shop: low demand of printed Manhwa resulted in closing of these shops which were the center of distribution channel for printed manhwa.

Let’s look at the best completed Manhwa to read now.

1. Action & Fantasy Manhwa: Strong Protagonists and Intense Battles

Solo Leveling (Sung Jin-Woo): The whole story has a main lead – Sung Jin-Woo. The main idea unfolds that the weakest person on the planet has to fight against impossible odds, rises to the challenge, and grows both in strength and in character. The character has got an computerized AI system which puts him through some tasks. As a result of him completing these, he gets powered up in terms of physical immunity-boosting gadgets or armor.

Tomb Raider King (Seo Joo-Heon): The main character of the story is Seo Joo-Heon, who was left to rot after being betrayed by his own supporters. Given another opportunity to live his life before the remains were found, Joo-Heon uses his keen skills and foresight to seek vengeance and assert his supreme authority.

The Legend of the Northern Blade (Jin Mu-Won): Woo-Gak and Hae-Min created the martial arts (murim) manhwa The Legend of the Northern Blade. It centers on Jin Mu-Won, the last member of the Northern Heavenly Sect, as he rebuilds his clan and follows revenge.

Heavenly Demon Reborn! (Unseong): Il-hwang and Gom-Guk are the authors and illustrators of the martial arts (murim) manhwa Heavenly Demon Reborn!, which is also known as Chronicles of the Heavenly Demon. It centers on Unseong, a martial artist who has been mistreated and is given the opportunity to take revenge through reincarnation.

I Get Stronger the More I Eat (Mukang): The action-fantasy manhwa I Get Stronger the More I Eat centers on Mukang, a warrior with a unique talent who gets stronger by eating monster meat. Mukang begins as a weak character but soon transforms into an enormous force as he eats more and more powerful creatures in this harsh environment where strength is essential for existence.

2. School & Street Fighting: Gritty Survival Stories

Viral Hit (Hobin Yoo): The action webtoon Viral Hit, also called How to Fight, was written by Lookism founder Taejun Park and illustrated by Kim Junghyun. The narrative centers on Hobin Yoo, an abused and weak high school kid who unpredictably turns into a well-known online fighter.

Weak Hero (Gray Yeon): Written by SEOPASS and illustrated by RAZEN, Weak Hero is an action and school-fighting webtoon that centers on Gray Yeon, an apparently weak high school student who defeats the most powerful bullies via cunning, planning, and harsh efficiency.

Hardcore Leveling Warrior (Ethan): Kim Sehun is the author and illustrator of the action-fantasy webtoon Hardcore Leveling Warrior. It centers on Ethan Gong, a former top-ranked player who loses everything and battles to regain his position in the highly developed virtual reality game Lucid Adventure.

3. Romance & Drama: Strong Female Leads and Heartwarming Stories

Positively Yours (Harin & Doo-Joon): Lee Jung is the author of the romantic webcomic Positively Yours, while Jager is the illustrator. It centers on Harin, a regular lady whose life takes a surprising turn after having a one-night affair with Doo-Joon, a charming stranger who eventually proves to be much more than she expected.

Business Proposal (Ha-Ri & Tae-Moo): Perilla (Haehwa) is the author of the romance-comedy webtoon Business Proposal, which Narok & Guava Farm represent. It centers on Shin Ha-Ri, a regular office worker who, after posing as someone else on a blind date with Kang Tae-Moo, the CEO of her firm, finds herself involved in an unexpected affair.

The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion (Raeliana & Noah): Whale’s graphics and Milcha’s text served as the basis for the romance-fantasy webtoon, The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion. It centers on Raeliana McMillan, a lady who has been revived as a doomed side character in a novel and who attempts to change her destiny by striking a bargain with the powerful Duke Noah Wynknight.

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Beware the Villainess! (Melissa Foddebrat): Based on Berry’s novel, Beware the Villainess! is a romance-fantasy webtoon with illustrations by Blue Canna. It centers on Melissa Foddebrat, a noblewoman who, in a cliched romance novel, reincarnates as the enemy but deviates from the original plot. Rather, she takes charge of her own destiny and ruins the alleged “romantic leads.

Conclusion

As mentioned, Manhwa is a South Korean-based graphic novel and comic series that is slowly gaining popularity due to the strong reasons. It has grown into a diverse and engaging medium appealing to every type of audience. We have discussed its history and how modern Manhwa impacts youth and their choices in the realm of the anime world.

The Manhwa series covers a whole wide range of genres, including from action-packed adventures to heartwarming rom-coms. With stunning artwork, compelling characters, and immersive storytelling, these series continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Which one of the mentioned Manhwa are you going to cover, and why? Let us know in the comments below!