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Getting into Webtoon might be a little daunting at first, but once you find a genre or art style you like, it gets difficult to stop. This list includes Webtoons of all different genres and art styles that you can start with to figure out what you like!
1. Lore Olympus
Likely the most famous Webtoon and definitely the most recognizable on this list, Lore Olympus, written and illustrated by Rachel Smythe, is a fan favorite. Smythe takes the classical Greek myth of Hades and Persephone and brings it into the modern world. Persephone is a bright-eyed new college student visiting the large city of Olympus for the first time, and Hades is the lonely King of the Underworld stuck in an abusive relationship and still dealing with the ramifications of a difficult childhood.
Smythe tackles difficult topics like depression, abusive relationships, and sexual assault while also managing to keep the story light and entertaining. This is definitely a Webtoon to get you into the app, since it currently has 119 episodes and uploads weekly. The energy of the fans will pull you into the overwhelming hatred of Apollo, adoration of Hera, and the feeling that you would protect Hades with your life.
2. Purple Hyacinth
A personal favorite of mine, Purple Hyacinth is a dark mystery Webtoon about an assassin and a police officer teaming up that reels you in from the very first episode. Lauren is a police officer who can see when people are lying, and she’s trying to uncover the truth about her parents’ deaths. Kieran is the Purple Hyacinth, an assassin for the infamous Phantom Scythe. The two made a deal to take down the Phantom Scythe and together became the mysterious vigilante known only as Lune.
A highly addictive story by Ephemerys with stunning artwork by Sophism, Purple Hyacinth is a definite must-read. Fans of over-dramatic, incredibly sad enemy-to-reluctant-partner romantic couples will get their fill with Lauren and Kieran, while fans of goofy and lovable side characters who are definitely in love but refuse to admit it also see their favorites in Lauren’s co-workers: Kim and Will. Whichever category you fall into, if you love a good tension-filled mystery, this Webtoon is for you.
3. Let’s Play
A cute and funny rom-com-esque Webtoon, Let’s Play also showcases poignant mental illness representation. Sam is a video game designer whose game has just been ripped apart by the famous streamer, Marshall Law—who just so happens to be her new neighbor. Sam has to navigate life with crippling anxiety personified by the Webtoon’s artist, Mongie, as a humanoid character that lurks in the background.
The personified emotions in Let’s Play are what make this Webtoon so unique and relatable, showcasing in a very tangible way issues that people deal with on a daily basis that aren’t visible to the outside world. While Sam’s confidence and low self-esteem follow her around, Marshall is stalked by depression. Shame, anger, and confidence are all humanoid characters that make an appearance throughout the story and it really works to bring the point across. Don’t worry, it’s not all heavy emotions and mental illness, because at its core Let’s Play is a hilarious story about a girl learning about love.
4. Sub Zero
Sub Zero is definitely a Webtoon for fantasy and court intrigue fans as well as enemies-to-friends and arranged marriage fans. Two countries have been at war for centuries, and their leaders, remnants of the red and blue dragon clans, decide to marry in order to finally have peace. Clove, the princess of the Azure Dragon Clan, must leave her home to marry the dreaded Crimson Dragon, Prince Kyro, and no one knows her secret: that she cannot shift into her dragon form.
The author and artist, Junepurr, creates beautiful images with vibrant colors that match the storyline perfectly. Clove is a powerful female narrator who is easy to root for and easy to fall in love with—both for the readers and for Kyro. If you’re just getting into Webtoon, this is a great place to start since it’s a digestible fantasy world with a strong sense of place and complex characters.
5. Miss Abbott And The Doctor
With a minimalist art style, Miss Abbott and the Doctor is significantly different from the rest on this list. It is an adorable and wholesome romance set in a vaguely historical timeline with characters who aren’t afraid to be themselves. Doctor Andreas Marino loves the peace and quiet in his small town but falls for the rambunctious and outgoing Cati Abbott.
This Webtoon also showcases representation across the board, from characters in the LGBTQIA+ community and BIPOC characters to dealing with class differences in education and life experiences. Maripaz Villar creates incredibly lovable characters in such a simplistic way. Miss Abbott and the Doctor is perfect for anyone looking for a low-stakes story they can read in short bursts at their leisure on their first foray into Webtoon.
Convinced?
Hopefully, this list has convinced a few of you to download Webtoon for the first time. And for those of you who are already knee-deep in the addictive world that is Webtoon, maybe you came across a Webtoon you haven’t read yet in this list. Either way, these five should go on your to-read list ASAP.