Highlights
- Manhwa has surged in popularity, with diverse genres and amazing stories now captivating audiences worldwide.
- Series like
Wind Breaker
,
The Boxer
, and
The Beginning After The End
offer unique narratives and compelling characters. - From intense action in
Breaker
to beautiful fights in
Legend of the Northern Blade
, Manhwa is a rich source for potential animated adaptations.
The entertainment industry is forever changing and expanding with new creative avenues that explode on the scene with vibrant talent. For over fifty years, manga and anime have been some of the most innovative stories to come into the world, stand the test of time, and change how media is digested. The footprint left behind by some of the greatest storytellers in the world can not be discounted nor forgotten, thanks to the impressions left behind by their characters, art, and amazing journeys. However, in the last few years, Manhwa has seen an overwhelming surge in popularity as Korean-authored stories rise and find their way into the hands of anime and manga fans all over the world.
There are thousands of Manhwa across dozens of genres that have turned the genre into a superpower nearly overnight. With websites such as Webtoon and Tapas, these stories have garnered dedicated fanbases and so much attention that they have even started being brought to life in their own animated series. Shows such as Tower of God and Solo Leveling are only the surface of some of the most amazing stories that should also make their way onto the big screen. Here are some Manhwa that need an anime adaptation.
Wind Breaker
A Shining Take On A Niche Sport
- Author: Yongseok Jo
- Genre: Sports
Unlike the anime of the same name, Wind Breaker tells a much different story about the life of competitive cycling. Jay Jo is a spectacular student and finds himself above average in most areas of life. But when he’s roped into joining the school’s cycling club, he discovers that he has a taste for the rush and physical excursion that comes from putting his body on the line in an endless battle of endurance. Wind Breaker is an intense story whose striking visuals mesh perfectly with this story’s wide range of personalities. Author Yongseok Jo has set himself apart with other stories related to cycling, such as Yowamushi Pedal.
The Boxer
A Striking Series From Start To Finish
- Author: Jung Ji-Hoon
- Genre: Action, Sports
Authored by Jung Ji-Hoon, The Boxer is one of the top-rated Manhwa of the decade and measures up to its praise admirably. What comes off as an action-focused series where powerful fighters clash one-on-one has a great deal of depth and character analysis.
By chance, a seasoned veteran in the ring finds two diamonds in the rough, both with the talent to become great fighters. Both boys come from considerably different backstories, but their journey forward is a winding road of reflection. The Boxer has been re-released into eight volumes, and the author has mentioned plans for an animated series. Hopefully, the Boxer can fill the shoes of the boxing anime that came before it.
The Beginning After The End
Some Of The Best Writing Out There
- Author: TurtleMe
- Genre: Isekai
The Beginning After The End does not fall into the traditional line of Korean Manhwa but is one of the most popular series on the Tapas website. The series made its debut in 2018 and upset the fantasy genre with spectacular writing and exquisite character development. The story begins as a tale of reincarnation but quickly turns into a winding tale of growth for the main character, who, even with his memories intact, finds that he has much to learn. Once a king in a past life, Arthur finds himself born again and in a world with magic. Arthur quickly rises in power but reaches his limit even faster. At this point, the story stands out among most isekai-style anime.
Can’t See Can’t Hear But Love
A Touching Story Of Love And Fate
- Author: Yeong-Hun Go
- Genre: Romance
Manhwa is just a smorgasbord of genres just like anime and manga. There are stories for fans of action, mystery, and even romance. Can’t See Hear But Love is a beautiful story that dives into the romance of two people growing through their own misfortune but finding hope in each other. Min Geun Soo has a full life, working full time and caring for his disabled mother. While trying to make ends meet, he finds the time to work on his personal Mnawha until his suffering health robs him of his eyesight. When things become even more bleak, Geun Soo meets a young girl who is very passionate about his work, and the two kindle a relationship that may save both of them.
Lost In The Cloud
An Inclusive Tale On The Complication Of Emotions
- Author: Paskim
- Genre: Boys Love
Lost in Cloud is another romance manga that falls into the Boy Love or Yaoi sub-genre. Lost In Cloud tells a beautiful story that does more than just tug at readers’ heartstrings. It does an excellent job of portraying emotional weight and how one’s own trauma can make fulfilled love still seem distant.
The characters in the series are given a wide variety, with each one having their own charm and faults. The series would do exceptionally well as an animation alongside the likes of Horimiya or Given.
The Lone Necromancer
An Easy-Going Action Story
- Author: Jijeomjang
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
The Lone Necromancer fits right into place with a setting most anime fans can be familiar with. Seongwu has a bright future, but things take a turn for the worse when the entire world begins to behave more like an impromptu fantasy game. He and a small group of others find themselves confronted by a prompt telling them to choose a class, and Seongwu winds up picking what he thinks is his best option: a Necromancer. The Lone Necromancer utilizes the overpowered main character trope to tell a fun and consistent story that would make for a great anime. Filled with great fights and consistent comedy, fans of series like Overlord and Cheat Skill In Another World would enjoy.
Omniscient Reader
A Truly Unique Power For A Main Character
- Author: Sing Shong
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
Omniscient Reader is one of the most well-known Manhwa, having debuted on Webtoon quite some time ago. The series was met with a quickly expanding fanbase for its unique perspective on the main character and breathtaking art. Dokja is an average young man trying to make a life for himself. One of his simple pleasures is reading a web novel that no one else seems to care about, but he thinks it is amazing.
Things take a turn when the world suddenly changes into the web novel he’s been reading, and he suddenly realizes that in order to survive, he’s going to have to remember every detail. Omniscient Reader is an adventurous man who really takes the reader on an exciting ride every time and measures up to other series very well.
The Breaker
Full Throttle Action
- Author: Jeon Geuk-jin
- Genre: Martial Arts, Drama
For fans of intense, action-packed anime, Breaker is a hopeful prospect for future Manhwa that get their own series. The world of Breaker is a complicated animal as it is ruled by masters of martial arts. When an average high school runs into one of the most dangerous fighters in the country, his life turns upside down, and he quickly becomes the hope of the future of martial arts. Breaker‘s action is unparalleled and page after page is filled with amazing art and story. So far, Breaker has had three series, making it a prime choice for a series with longevity.
Legend Of The Northern Blade
Beautiful Fights And Consistent Storytelling
- Author: Woogack
- Genre: Martial Arts
A genre of anime that has become less prominent is period pieces set in feudal times. Most often, these stories have been replaced by the isekai or reincarnation anime set in fantasy times. Legend of the Northern Blade takes place during the days of swordplay, secret sects of warriors that protect entire nations. Moowon is the son of the leader of such a sect, and his entire world falls apart when his father is forced to disband the sect and give his life to protect him. Moowan escapes and dedicates his future to avenging his father’s death and taking out those who orchestrated it.
Legend of the Northern Blade has spectacular wall-to-wall action and a roster of iconic designed characters. The sleek style of the Manhwa and the way the artist utilizes color makes this story stand out. An anime adaptation from a studio such as Studio Nut or Studio Bones would put this series on the map as one of the greatest of all time.
Fight Class 3
Unconventional Weakest To Strongest Story
- Author: Ihak
- Genre: Martial Arts
Fight Class 3 strikes the itch for a brawler anime where fans of series like Tengoe Tengae and Baki would greatly enjoy and benefit from the series getting an anime adaptation. Nam Il is a highly decorated school centered around its mixed martial arts program that shapes and molds budding talent into the fighters of tomorrow. Ji-Tae becomes surrounded by powerful classmates and must overcome his innate weakness if he is to survive. Fight Class 3 is a twisting story with several thriller moments that will leave fans on the edge of their seat.
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