The Korean market for Manhwas, or Korean comics, has been becoming increasingly popular among manga and comic book fans.
Being a relatively new market compared to the Japanese. However, it has been accumulating a lot of fans, who are looking for something new, running away a little from the famous clichés or fanservices that are often found in Japanese works.
One observation is that Manhwa was already popular in the mid-1950s, but it suffered a decline in the 1960s due to censorship laws in South Korea. However, it regained its popularity when South Korea launched websites publishing Manhwa as Webtoons, such as Daum Webtoon and Naver Webtoon, in 2003 and 2004 respectively.
In today's content, we will be presenting some anime that also have adaptations of Manhwas. Works that have stood out among the general pop culture audience.
However, before that, let's understand some differences between Korean Manhwas and the famous Japanese Mangas.
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Traços e Leitura
Japanese manga often features characters with large eyes, detailed facial expressions, and a focus on softer lines.
While Korean manhwa tends to feature a variety of styles, it often focuses on a more realistic drawing style compared to manga.
- Mangas: They are read from right to left, which may be a bit different for those accustomed to Western comics.
- Manhwas: They are read from left to right, more similar to Western comics.
Culture and Theme
Korean culture differs in various elements, although the countries are close in some cultural aspects, in others they are completely different. This means you will find themes being addressed in Manhwas that you would never find in a manga, perhaps because it is taboo for the Japanese and vice versa.
- Mangas: They reflect Japanese culture and often address specific themes related to Japanese society and life.
- Manhwas: They reflect South Korean culture and can address specific themes of Korean society and life.
- ManhuaOne more curiosity is that Manhua are the Chinese version of comic books.
If you want to understand more deeply, read our other article Post on the topic.
What is manhwa, manhua and manga? What are your differences?
The following are some works that ended up becoming anime, being adapted by Japanese studios.
Noblesse
The narrative begins by telling the life of "Rai," a Noblesse who is a noble and powerful figure. With his servant Frankenstein, he enrolls in a school so that he can remain hidden from an organization seeking Rai's blood.
Rai then tries to familiarize himself with the school environment, his new classmates, and the daily student activities. However, this beginning turns out to be anything but peaceful, as he needs to save one of his new friends from the hands of a Union that ends up kidnapping him.
During his stay, new problems arise, while all these events unfold, Rai needs to be cautious and keep his identity a secret, while trying to protect what is important to him.
- Estúdio: Prodution I.G
- Episodes: 13
- Data de lançamento: 2020
- Disponível em: Crunchyroll
The article is still halfway through, but we recommend also reading:
The God Of HighSchool
A tournament called "God of High School" is initiated aiming to find the best fighter among Korean high school students. The tournament allows the use of all martial arts styles, weapons, and methods to achieve victory, and the prize is granting one wish to the winner.
Jin Mo-Ri, a Taekwondo expert, is invited to participate in the tournament. During the competition, he befriends Han Dae-Wi, a karate expert, and Yu Mi-Ra, a swordswoman, both participating for personal reasons.
Mo-Ri is aware that each opponent will be unique, and the battles will be the most relentless he has ever faced.
However, as challenging as it may seem, Mo-Ri is excited about the prospect. As the tournament progresses, the participants discover that there is a secret behind the seemingly transparent facade of the combat skill test. Additionally, there is a Korean politician named Park Mu-Jin watching every fight with keen and hungry eyes. Mo-Ri, Dae-Wi, and Mi-Ra are about to discover the true meaning of becoming the God of High School.
- Estúdio: Mappa
- Episodes: 13
- Data de lançamento: 2020
- Disponível em: Crunchyroll
Tower Of God
In this world, there is a tower that selects and summons chosen individuals, known as "regulars," inviting them with the promise of being able to fulfill their greatest wish, whether it's wealth, fame, authority, or anything else.
The twenty-fifth Bam was a boy who had nothing but dirty clothes and lived in a cave, with so little knowledge, guided by an unattainable light. Then, in the past, a girl known as Rachel came to him through that light and then the world Bam knew changed.
He became a close friend of Rachel's and with her, he discovered and learned a lot about the outside world. However, when Rachel shows interest in climbing the Tower, Bam sees his world crumble. He promises to follow her to the ends of the earth, no matter the cost.
Bam, fix your gaze on the tower, and a miracle happens. And so, Bam's journey begins, a young man who was not chosen by the Tower but opened its gates on his own. His kind are called "Irregulars" - beings who shook the very foundations of the Tower every time they set foot in it.
Semi Wa Magic Club
This narrative tells the tale of Semi, a brilliant and intelligent young woman who embarks on a magical journey through time with the genius Professor Wai. In order to prevent the evil X from using his malefic powers of the magic cube,
During the journey, Semi and his friends from the math school come across math and history problems that they need to solve using logic and intelligence.
The show has 2 seasons.
Honorable Mentions
Below we have another list of works of Korean anime that are worth your attention:
- Element Hunters
- The Haunted House
- Ghost Messenger
- Hammerboy
- Seoul Station
- A verdadeira história do Sr. Desculpa
- Pucca
Novelty for 2024 - Solo Leveling
In 2024, the anime version of the acclaimed Manhwa Solo Leveling will be released, which already has 4 trailers and a release date.
Acclaimed Manhwas
If you're curious about acclaimed Manhwa works, we have an article below presenting a list of successful Manhwas.
The 11 Best Manhwas Worthy of Korean Anime
