(And distract you from everything else going on)
It’s official, I’m obsessed with webtoons. I read way too many of these comics when I should be writing. But I tell you its impossible to stop. They come out on a weekly schedule. My heart flutters at the thought. I’m in love.
The best way to read web comics
What makes webtoons fabulous? Why are they my favorite type of on-line comic? Their layout.
Webtoons are posted in a vertical format, typically 40 panels per chapter and you scroll down the page to read them. (You don’t have to worry about left to right or right to left.) I prefer this for reading comics on-line rather than the traditional format for print, American or Manga. This is the way to read comics on my phone. Talented artists use the vertical layout to convey size or emphasize emotions. Like a shadow extending above the main villain!
Trailers
I almost forgot to mention. There are trailers for the webtoons. Check out their YouTube channel to see the comics animated, some are fancier than others. Who am I kidding? They’re all breathtaking. Talented People.
When picking this list I went for my favorites, some of them not as well known since they don’t make the most popular list. I also wanted to feature more light-hearted, funny and romantic comics, since that is the genre I write and prefer. (At least that’s what I aimed for with my Fairy Doctor Series. Sometimes my books get a little dramatic and heartbreaking, but then you read scenes with giant talking Merlions. So, I try to mix it up.)
What are Webtoons?
Webtoon is a Korean website and app that provides free on-line web comics. They are translated from Korean into English, or from other languages into English. But not all of them. Some are original created by US artists. Best of all you can make your own and post it on Canvas. Some of the featured originals started in Canvas and then selected for publication on the main page! You can find hidden gems and be an early fan. Comment on episodes and give them hearts if you love them. There is a ranking system among them and the most popular feature gorgeous artwork, with compelling characters and a story that you can’t stop reading.
You can support the artists through their social, or patron or buy coins on the Webtoon app. The website also features some ads. The coins allow you to read all the chapters available, otherwise you have to wait. It’s is a sneaky business model, and effective because of all the cliffhangers! But patience is virtue when you’re broke.
Some completed comics have been locked away in a program called Daily Pass. You get to read one chapter a day, or you can unlock more with coins.
In no particular order…
Here are 10 Amazing Webtoons to brighten your day
My Giant Nerd Boyfriend by fishball
What’s it about?
A slice of life comic, featuring an amazingly brave young woman and her extra tall boyfriend. They feature a short snippet of daily life or a poignant life moment.
Why read it?
The relationship between them is real and full of feels that will make you smile, laugh or cry.
Ongoing. Short chapters. 600+ chapters. They are working adults, but we see flashbacks to childhood and school years. They also made a short YouTube series if you want to try the animated version. Here’s a link to the first episode called “Doggo Boyfriend”.
Swimming Lessons for a Mermaid by Youngchan
What’s it about?
A mermaid named Choa goes to high school on land. Why? Because she can’t swim. Her tail muscles are too weak. Everything changes when she encounters a cute classmate from the swim team and he learns her secret.
Why read it?
For the beautiful, heartfelt relationships. Watching Choa make friends and how her relationships develop is good for the heart and funny too. There is a love triangle, but it resolves itself without any flip-flopping.
Ongoing series. Set in high school. These are teens and they act like it, but in a smart savvy way that makes you want to be friends with them.
Odd Girl Out by Morangji
What’s it about?
All of Nari’s new high school friends are gorgeous and she’s the odd duck out.
Why read it?
Nari and her friends have fun. They work things out between them by talking. If you’re going to root for someone it’s always nice when they are a nice person, and able to stick up for themselves. Nari grows and overcomes without losing sight of herself and her friends.
The first season focus on her friends, and the second season Nari branches out into student groups.
Ongoing series. Set in high school. There is a love triangle developing, and it’s reaching a pivotal point.
Cursed Princess Club by LambCat
What’s it about?
Gwen is one of the sweet and loving princesses of the Pastel Kingdom. After being insulted by her fiancé, she meets the Cursed Princess Club. Even though she isn’t cursed, they invite her to join them and her adventures begin.
Why read it?
It is funny and original. It features princesses who overcome their own problems. The curses are not the usual ones from fairy tales. The artwork uses visual humor as well as jokes.
Season 3 is just starting up again. Catch up while you can.
The Strongest Florist by Hyun hoo Joo art by Kumtata
What’s it about?
A young man named Jaeho wants to open a flower shop, but his parents will never let him. So, he joins a virtual reality VRMMORPG and sets about to make his dream come true.
Why read it?
A ridiculous premise that works! Jaeho has a scary face and doesn’t deserve his reputation as a “tough guy”. Many funny characters, like the girl desperate to meet some elves.
Ongoing. A newer series, so easy to catch up. A parody on playing RPGs.
Forever After by Hannah Patten art by Violet Matter
What’s it about?
Robin wants to be a Princess when she grows up, like really wants to be a Princess. Unfortunately, she ends up in Forever After, where the Fates make her Prince Charming and declare she must finish the fairy tales or else.
Why read it?
Hilarious. Too many jokes to list here. I can relate, since I watched too many Disneyesque Princess shows as a kid too. Gender bending. The fairy tales featured are closer to their original stories, so darker and yet the tone remains light and carefree.
Ongoing. Brand new, only 6 episodes in. But enormous potential. No romance, yet.
Spirit Fingers by han kyoung chai
What’s it about?
A “story about discovering your true colors”.
Amy encounters a strange drawing group called Spirit Fingers. She’s fascinated. It is exactly what this young woman needs to draw her out of her shell and give her the confidence to take on the world, and learn what it means to love and be loved by someone.
Why read it?
It is romantic and has beautiful drawings about drawing. Amy and Kevin’s relationship is unexpected for both of them, yet they can’t help but be drawn to each other. The story follows Amy’s growth and is so satisfying.
Completed. Daily Pass. Read it one-chapter-a-day. Savor each encounter. Older characters are refreshing in the drawing group, rather than having them all in high school.
House of Stars by Saltacuentos, art by Lion Illustration
What’s it about?
Girls in Lily’s village keep disappearing. When she encounters a strange man dressed in knightly armor, Lily finds herself pulled into another world just a side-step away and into adventure. Will love save the day?
Why read it?
For adventure and romance. There are creatures of fae and a challenge worthy of a fairy tale. The artwork looks like a Ghibli movie. I love this story.
Completed. It’s short at 26 episodes and all available online. I wanted more!
Your Letter by Hyeon A Cho
What’s it about?
Sori discovers a secret letter in her new school and sets off on a hunt to find them all and discover the letter-writer’s secret. Maybe she’ll make a new friend along the way.
Why read it?
For the feels. It is heartwarming and sweet and about overcoming your fears in a new place.
Completed. It’s really short. Only 10 chapters and two epilogues. Like a feel-good movie in comic form.
Miss Abbott and the Doctor by Maripaz Villar
What’s it about?
Miss Abbot, explorer and Doctor Marino do not like each other. Yet they keep meeting and falling into these situations, like the time she was exploring a cave and came up in Doctor Marino’s backyard or the sledding incident. Is this love?
Why read it?
Romantic and fun. Their chemistry is something to behold. The art looks like a storyboard for a cartoon I would have loved a child. It’s not as colorful, but it doesn’t need to be.
Complete. A Daily Pass one, so you have to read it on the app one chapter per day. Check out the 17 chapters online .
Bonus comics! Honorable Mentions
These feature more dramatic, darker story lines and are generally more popular than my favorites listed above. Some of them have just a touch of romance, while others focus entirely on relationships. We have mythical gods, gangsters, nobility with grudges, mages and a sports boxing drama (that is such a well-told story.)
Try Like Wind of a Dry Branch by Dalsaeowl, art by Hwaeum for a slow burn romance and epic fantasy action.
Try Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe for a myth in the making, featuring the Gods of Olympus.
Try The Remarried Empress by Alphatart, art by Sumpul for a the clash between the mistress and the Empress.
Try Midnight Poppy Land by Lilydusk for the simmering romance between a spunky girl and dangerous .
Try The Boxer by JH for action and characters that will break your heart. Every single time.
I’m sorry I couldn’t resist throwing in those bonus recommendations. These fifteen are my current favorite and the most amazing webtoons you shouldn’t miss. They will distract, you make you cry and laugh. Try them. Try one. You must try, because I want to know what you think! Or if I missed one of your favorites, let me know in the comments.
The art featured is my own fan art.
2 responses to “Romantic, Heartwarming, Funny: 10 Amazing Webtoons to brighten your day”
Great list and art! You listed many of my favorites as well!
Thanks! I may have to update it soon because they keep adding more and more!