The Part Two You Never Asked For

Nov 20, 2019
11 min read

Updated: Nov 21, 2020

First, we talked about what webcomics are; now, we talk about which ones you should be reading! I'll take you on an adventure of some of my favorite comics on Webtoon.

Last week I went on a rant about the glory of webcomics, but today is a whole other beast. Because now that you know what webcomics are, you probably want to know what you should read. It can be a bit overwhelming looking for a new comic but never fear, a comic review is here.

To be honest, there really is no wrong way to go about this. In reality if you don't like one comic, you just move on to the next one. But if you're like me, you don't want to do the trial and error method, so what do you want? That is the main question we will be trying to answer today. I am going to review my top five favorite comics on Webtoon and then give some genre recommendations so that hopefully everyone finds something to their taste. Now lets jump in!

Top Five Favorites on Webtoon:

#5) Purple Hyacinth by Ephemerys & Sophism

Purple Hyacinth [PH] is a newer comic to Webtoon's featured comic selection. It debuted May 20, 2019. It has climbed the ladder quickly with a 9.9 rating and almost 575,000 subscribers. As of today it ranks 28 in Webtoon's Popular category and it is also ranked 7 in its genre. For those of you that are strict genre lovers, you will find this comic listed under Drama. Those are the stats, now a little of what this comic is about. PH follows the story of a female cop who has the supernatural ability to tell when people are lying. Due to various circumstances she begins working with one of the most notorious assassins in the country to try and take out a greater evil. Sorry to keep the description short but I don't want to give away any spoilers. So, why has PH made it to my top five? Let's break this down like we broke down My Hero Academia.

-The art: What can I say except stunning? The art is incredibly detailed. The artist really has taken her time to perfect her craft. You can tell she wisely uses her platform by the way her scenes seem to actually move. What I mean by that is, she plays to the scrolling function on the line comic format to make the movement of the art come to life. Which is such a smart move that more artists should take into account. They also do a great job with the dialogue. Unfortunately, there are comics out there where it is hard to tell who is talking or if there is an effect with the dialogue [speaking to superhuman themed comics], it doesn't end up being executed well. That could not be further from the case here in PH. It is clear, concise, and executed beautifully. Plus, ya know, truly amazing fight scenes. Love the fluid motion.

-The story line: To be honest I don't know how this comic is only 29 on popularity. The story line is so gripping and the constant cliff hangers leave you feeling addicted and needing a fix. The comic is newer so if you read this, you will catch up quickly but also you will find that you have more questions than answers. Don't worry though, something tells me the back stories we are all craving will be coming soon and with it, some gorgeous character development. Bonus thought: perfect balance of gore and beauty.

-The soundtrack: Because, yes, there is a soundtrack. All original music by one of our two fabulous creators. It adds so much to the experience, honestly. It makes everything a little more intense and makes me a lot more engrossed. Stunning and I am thankful they go the extra mile.

#4) Weak Hero by Seopass/Razen

You might recognize this comic from my home page here on My Mess. It is my pick for this months recommended read! So, let's talk about why. If PH is newer, then this is fresh out of the womb. Gross but true. Weak Hero made its debut onto Webtoon's featured Original's on September 9, 2019. Look at all these babies takin' over. I am here for it! Moving on, Weak Hero has a 9.7 rating and 216,500 subscribers. Now, it has not hit the top 30 yet in Popularity or its genre category but let me throw my prediction out there, that you will see it up there soon. Speaking of genre, it is currently labelled a Drama, but personally I think it might do a little better, rankings wise, under thriller. Weak Hero follows the main character, Gray, who is just wanting a quiet school life. However, a run in with a class bully who has made a name for himself on the streets, turns things from quiet to chaotic real quick. Unbalancing a precarious social order, Gray now finds himself with a target on his back and a string of bloody bodies in his wake. Warning this comic is very graphic. Insert -strong violence advisory- right here.

-The art: Gray, himself, is very beautiful and you can tell the artist took a lot of care to make their main character so. This art follows a more realistic style and is another one with great detail *cough cough* pen scene *cough cough*. Though that might be what deters you when you hear that the violence and gore scenes are realistic as well. This art is not for the faint of heart. The art is so compelling it will give you an adrenaline rush as if you are in the fight yourself. Which means, that's some good art.

-The story line: Man, this story is so good it makes me feel like I know something about, something I have no clue about. For example, Korean gangs. This story explores the hierarchy of young gang mentalities. This is not something I have ever seen before and to be honest if you described it to me, I would never pick it up and read it. And yet, I find myself more excited every week to read. I simply cannot get enough of this winding road the author is putting us on. Since this comic is newer, like PH, you will fly through the episodes. However, you already start to see some deep strengths and flaws in all our characters. And I am talking deep. So deep, I would not expect to see some of these themes so early on in the story. But honey, am I glad I do. It is smart of the author to reveal more about the inner workings of the characters this early because if not, it would establish this comics main theme as predominately "violence without reason", which is not case and I am glad for it. Don't get me wrong, the violence is fun, but purpose behind the violence drives a story much stronger, and you're gonna like the results.

-The soundtrack: As of right now there is no soundtrack for this comic. And to be honest, that might be for the better since it already nearly sends me into cardiac arrest without it. But, with Webtoon's, who knows.

#3) Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe

Lore Olympus, mmh mmh mmh! This is a good one! Lore Olympus got picked up as a featured Original in March 2018. So, we have had this gem for a minute. Ready for the stats? Bet you are not. 9.8 rating, 2.9 million subscribers, currently ranked #1 in popularity, AND #1 in its genre. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the genre of Romance. Webtoons' Romance category has some high rollers and Lore Olympus is one of them for a reason. Our author took the original Greek myth of Hades and Persephone and has made it into something anyone can fall for. This comic follows Hades and Persephone as they meet, over come some godly drama, and as we all know, fall in love.

-The art: One of the most unique styles I have ever seen. Very airy and whimsical with the capability of going dark real quick. Her art is so suited to this story, I could not imagine it drawn any other way, nor would I want it to be. And that is saying something. She is not afraid of color and neither am I. The art work is captivating and takes me to the realm of the gods.

-The story line: I have to start this with a warning. Weak Hero has a violence advisory and Lore Olympus has a trigger advisory. I know that this might seem like an airy fairy comic, but the author does trek through a lot of hard subjects that may be hard for certain audience members. She does post warnings at the beginning of particularly triggering episodes and I am so thankful to her for doing that. With that being said she does an incredible job of portraying some very harsh themes. I also find her take on different gods very refreshing. There have not been many stories where Hera is one of my favorite gods. This story is very unique, well rounded, and developed. And who would have thought that, that could be done when Greek mythology has already been done time and time again? I get so excited every time I get a notification update and you will be too.

-The soundtrack: To my surprise there has only been two episodes with music. Though, it is clear that this comic does not need music to be successful. I feel like they could definitely turn out some beautiful work to go with this comic and I, personally, would love to hear it.

#2) I Love Yoo by Quimchee

Top two goes to I Love Yoo. HA, get it? Anyways, I Love Yoo is another high roller for Webtoons' Romance genre but this is another instance where I wish I could change the genre. I Love Yoo has its romantic themes but reads more like a drama to me. Regardless of genre though I, really do, love Yoo. In fact, I met the artist two years ago and had the amazing opportunity to tell her so (pictures are available on my Instagram). I Love Yoo has been going strong as a featured Original since April 2017 and to date has 3.2 million subscribers. It has a 9.8 rating and is currently ranked #5 in popularity and #4 in its genre. But trust me, come Friday, those number with get higher as the weekly update drops. I Love Yoo follows the main character, Shin Ae, as she tries to navigate some truly heavy burdens at a young age.

The art: Very sharp. Her style is somehow clean and messy at the same time. And I mean that in the best way. There is something about her art that I just cannot take my eyes off of. Our main characters piercing red eyes is a great example of that. This comic has also been around long enough that you really get to see the artist grow with the comic which is, honestly, always a really cool experience as a reader.

The story line: This comic really hits home because of how relatable it can be. If you are looking for strictly fiction, to escape reality, this is not your comic. This comic dives into some really sensitive topics and shows struggle in a realistic way. It also shows how much we are effected by those around us. The character development is steady and realistically paced. The romance aspect makes me scream a bit because I change my mind constantly, both on where I think things are going and where I want them to go. A huge moment has just occurred in this season, and to be honest it's all I can think about. But, no spoilers.

The soundtrack: This comic does sporadically have music, and though it does not need it [like Lore Olympus], I would like to hear more. It has great potential and great opportunities that I hope someone will seize. Only, of course, if that is something that the creator wants.

#1) Tower of God by SIU

Some of you saw this coming. This is one of my favorite comics of all time. Tower of God by SIU, oof this is a doozy. Tower of God [ToG] is one of Webtoon's longest running featured Originals. Its debut was back in 2014! Rating of 9.8, 1.3 million subscribers and #3 in its genre. Just this year it has received a collaboration to have a video game made after it. I have even heard whispers that my heart will not let me believe, for fear of it not happening, that an anime might be in this comics future. And what genre is ToG? Fantasy, my friends, this is Fantasy. ToG takes place in a world where a chosen few get to enter The Tower. From there you must fight to stay alive and live solely for yourself if you are going to succeed. And why would you want to do this? Because it is said that if you reach the top of the tower you will have all your greatest wishes and desires fulfilled. We follow Baam as he enters the tower against the towers rules, not only that but he refuses to live in the selfish ways the tower dictates from its regulars. And from there the tower is thrown into chaos. This, dear friends, is my number one.

The art: Similar to I Love Yoo, but on a much more severe scale, you watch the art grow with every story arch. This comic was started in 2014 and the creator has grown with the comic. The art style is, typically, darker in colors and tones but during major battles or turning points, you really get to see what he can do. Before screenshotting became banned on the Webtoon's app for android, I would screen shot this comic more than any other for the incredible fight scenes. I would just stop and stare for so long, and let me just say, not many comics can make me do that.

The story line: I need to watch myself here, because one- spoilers and two- I could talk for days about this comic. Baam is definitely the type of person we should strive to become. He is a proper protagonist who is accompanied by plenty of capable and well developed antagonists. Not to mention the characters that join him on his journey. Speaking of, this is a journey, that will make you feel so many emotions, particularly: hatred, desperation, and excitement. So, be prepared for that. Also, be prepared to be surprised. Because if there is one thing SIU knows how to do, it is how to give you a nice twist. I genuinely feel like most stories are predictable but SIU has gotten me multiple times and I am sure he will get me a few times more. And that is what keeps me coming back. The character development is harder to see at times because of all the sneakiness. That fact would usually upset me but I am strangely okay with it in this comic. Don't get the wrong idea, these characters are remarkable, but you aren't reading this necessarily to see growth in the same ways you would for other comics. This comic is definitely more goal oriented. Bonus item: yes there is a "magical" element to this world but not how you would typically see it. This is definitely more unique compared to other fantasy worlds.

The soundtrack: There has not been a single episode with music and to be honest I don't think there ever will be and I am 100% okay with it. Then again SIU could slap me with a fish and call that his episode and I would probably be fine with it.

Wow, this has been a long one. Thank you for reading my top five recommended webcomics on Webtoon. However, it is not over. I want to wrap up with a couple recommendations from some genre's that didn't make it into my top five. Those will be listed below for you, I hope you are surviving your week! If not, read some comics, it is sure to make it at least a little better. Thank you, once again, for tuning into Nerdom here on My Mess and I will see you guys back on Sunday!