A Guide to WEBTOON

Scrolling through socials you probably pass a billion ads. While most of us ignore and scroll past, some ads may or may not catch your attention, enticing you to buy that phone case or download that game. This was the case for me and LINE’s Webtoon.

Webtoon is an app that features a number of different webcomics that fall into two major categories for the site. “Discovered” toons are made by anyone and everyone with shorter chapter and next to no limitations. Next, they have “featured.” Featured Webtoons are longer chapters that are released weekly. They usually start as discovered but gain such a big following that the author “revamps” the comic to become an actual developed piece.

There are so many amazing Webtoons out. So, if you love comics and are trying to get something new to look forward to every week, these are for you. I’m going to make it easy for you and compile my top five toons to check out!

1. I Love Yoo

I thought I would start my list with my all time favorite Webtoon, I Love Yoo. It’s very out of my “norm” genre, but something about it leaves me wanting more and more. The characters are great. Their is so much depth within each of them that leaves readers wanting solo chapters to see their backstory and what they’re going through. Plus, they are ALL problematic faves. My personal favorite character is Yeong Gi (Nol). He’s a big softy with a giant heart. He’s the kind of guy every girl wants as a best friend.

While being dominantly a romance, I Love Yoo is also a mystery. At the beginning of the story we are introduced to a set of twins. The parents pull a Parent Trap situation on them and separate the two. So while reading the whole comic, I find myself just WAITING for family drama to arise.

The only negative to this absolutely entertaining webcomic is that the author, Quimchee, went on hiatus back in January. She has said I Love Yoo will be back, we just don’t know when.

2. Let’s Play

Let’s Play is a newer webtoon that will probably become a fan favorite for most. It is PERFECT for geeks of every kind, particularly, those into video games and DnD.

This toon follows an indie game developer named Sam, creator of Ruminate. Fresh into the story, the top trending “viewtuber” Marshall Law gives her game HORRIBLE reviews to his millions of viewers. And like every great romcom, becomes her next door neighbor the very same day.

While it is a romance, Let’s Play is filled with game references, relatable life situations, mental illness in everyday life, and the cutest pup in any webtoon. This toon is currently on break after season one! So, it’d be the perfect time to catch up.

3. Lore Olympus

It can’t be a Webtoon list without Lore Olympus. This toon tells the tale of Hades and Persephone. The color work is fantastic, on top of it just being a super cute and captivating story.

The characters are all so well-designed, each of the major gods having different colors. While we are used to the scary, ugly Hades and his horrible forced relationship with the goddess, this telling is adorable. Hades is a giant “cool” dork. Persephone is a cinnamon roll too pure for this world. Hence, it’s a match made in heaven Olympus.

4. Age Matters

This toon is another newer addition. Made by the same artist who is currently working on my boyfriend’s comic book, Aultemus, this story is visually beautiful. I read this while it was still in the “discovered” category, and am so proud of the creator to see how far her story telling and art has come. This is, similar to I Love Yoo, a non-fantasy. It follows a woman at the cusp of 30 who befriends one of the youngest billionaires.

The main character, Rose, is such a normal and warm person. You almost can’t help but relate to her and her struggles. The jokes made are also all relating to pop culture, including Kpop. It’s a fun and light read with not too much drama.

5. Siren’s Lament

And finally, this was the story that pulled me into Webtoon. This was the toon in the ad that got me to download the app. Most importantly, my first toon.

This story is so beautifully told AND it feels like a movie. In addition, there is music in a great majority of chapters that captivates you as much as a siren’s song. Plus, MERMAIDS!

The characters are all amazing and completely their own. Furthermore, there are great dynamics, with each character playing off each other. Not to mention they are all so beautifully painted. And did I mention mermaids?

Bonus: Purple Hyacinth

This toon is hot off the press, with only four chapters out! I wanted to give it an honorable mention due to my complete and utter love for it ALREADY. Keep your sound on and get whisked away. I have a good feeling about this one!

If you end up reading any of these Webtoons or can suggest any let me know! I need someone to fangirl with!!!