12 Outstanding Manhwa with Challenging Beginnings

Essential Points

Numerous manhwa titles may begin slowly but later evolve into captivating narratives filled with action.
Notable examples include The Beginning After The End, The Star-Fostered Swordmaster, and The Lout Of The Count’s Family.
These series are recommended for continued reading as they gain momentum and offer more engagement after their initial stages.

It’s not uncommon for a narrative to start off slow yet transform into an enthralling experience. Shonen and Martial Arts manhwa specifically often have humble beginnings but ramp up to deliver thrilling content that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The key factor is whether audiences remain engaged long enough to witness the unfolding of character arcs and unforeseen plot developments, particularly following somewhat tedious School Arcs.

As 2024 brings the conclusion of various manhwa series, this curated list highlights continuous reads that, despite initially sluggish storylines, are ultimately rewarding. These titles range from highly acclaimed modern Korean comics to long-running series that have garnered a significant following, as well as critique for their themes relating to contemporary culture and aesthetics.

Updated October 16, 2024 by Lucas Simons: As of today, numerous series have reached their conclusion, while some have been unexpectedly canceled. The manhwa landscape is dynamically evolving, and although the titles mentioned here currently remain safe, a few were nearly cut short. Notably, Apotheosis has the longest publication run, followed by SSS-Class Suicide Hunter and Transcension Academy, both of which faced potential cancellation. The Gamer, having completed its run with 511 chapters, also features here, along with Standard Of Reincarnation, whose second season has significantly enhanced the reading experience, despite a slow buildup.

This List Contains Spoilers

12 The Beginning After The End

A Slow Start Leads to Engaging Developments in the First Half

Genre: Isekai, Action, Drama
Author: TurtleMe
Artist: FUYUKI23
Status: Ongoing
Pacing changes at: Conclusion of the Childhood Arc

This poignant narrative follows a reincarnated king who embarks on a new life in a different realm, surrounded by family and an idyllic childhood. The Beginning After The End may initially progress slowly, and the Childhood Arc can feel excessively sweet, but it quickly shifts into a fierce reality filled with challenges and intense action.

The story gains momentum once the Childhood Arc concludes, revealing that the serene world hides harsher truths. As Arthur grapples with this new reality, the tale transforms into a gripping survival narrative with visceral and heart-pounding sequences. An adaptation into anime would truly do this manhwa justice.

11 The Star-Fostered Swordmaster

Slow Start, Accelerating Quickly into Intrigue

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Dark Fantasy
Author: Q10 – Hong Dae Ui (Adaptation)
Artist: juno
Status: Ongoing
Pacing improves at: Chapter 12

In the story of Vlad of Shoara, the narrative unfolds at a leisurely pace, punctuated by themes of revenge that initially seem lackluster. However, at Chapter 12, Vlad’s character begins to evolve, introducing pivotal figures such as the Heir of the Bayezid family and his knightly mentor, Sir Jayar. With this new direction, the plot becomes intriguingly layered.

10 The Lout Of The Count’s Family

Initial Dullness followed by Surprising Developments

Genre: Isekai, Drama, Comedy, Fantasy
Author: Elegant (Yoo Ryeo Han)
Artist: Elegant (Yoo Ryeo Han)
Status: Ongoing
Pacing accelerates at: Journey to the Capital Arc

The Lout Of The Count’s Family initially presents as a traditional isekai narrative featuring a protagonist reborn into nobility. However, the pacing is so sluggish during the early chapters that one may question its worth. Fortunately, Cain’s journey to the capital aiming to thwart a Coup D’Etat marks a turning point for the story.

Following this, although some arcs may feel uneventful, the action ramps up dramatically as the plot evolves from a slothful tale of an idle noble into a compelling story of kindness and heroism.

9 Reality Quest

Confusing Beginnings Precede a Thrilling Continuation

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Martial Arts, Drama
Author: Lee Joo-woon
Artist: Lee Joo-woon
Status: Ongoing
Pacing improves at: Chapter 22 (2nd Arc)

It’s common for manhwa that incorporate “game-like systems”to spend a considerable length on exposition. Reality Quest adheres to this style, whereby the narrative remains unclear until the first arc concludes.

8 Standard Of Reincarnation

Initially Dull, but Season 2 Delivers an Incredible Payoff

Standard of Reincarnation Vincent Adenca

Genre: Reincarnation, Shonen, Action, Drama, Dark Fantasy
Author: Kim Pyung Beom
Artist: Blue Jaeng-I
Status: Ongoing
Pacing improves at: Chapter 80

The feeble heir of the Adenca lineage dreams of vanishing from existence to become a Guardian God. His wish is granted, but at the cost of his body becoming vacant for a new soul. This results in Dayven the One-Armed-Demon reincarnating in Vincent’s form, while the original heir’s soul, Julian, becomes a deity.

To become a true god, Julian must assist Vinchen in destroying the Samion family. The narrative can initially feel convoluted, but it swiftly becomes engrossing by the end of Season 2, showcasing gripping combat sequences and capturing the dark essence of the characters’ journey. The gradual development of the story makes it worth the wait.

7 Overgeared

Persist Through the Slow Setup for a Thrilling Ride

Genre: VR-Gaming, Shonen, Action, Comedy
Author: Park Saenal
Artist: Mono-Humbug
Status: Ongoing
Pacing picks up at: Chapter 46 (Malagus Raid Arc)

In typical VR game-themed manhwa fashion, Overgeared opens with backstory highlighting the protagonist’s disdain for his mundane reality and desire to escape into the game. The early arcs focus on the main character cultivating a legendary class, laying groundwork that may test readers’ patience.

Excitement brews when the protagonist is tasked with crafting a Blessed Shield, which gets stolen, leading him to confront one of the top guilds in Satisfy. What follows are explosive battle scenes that mark a solid turning point, making the subsequent chapters fast-paced and engaging.

6 Overpowered Sword

Narrative Gains Depth with a New Dazzling Character

Genres: Action, Fantasy, Drama, Shounen
Author: ELDO
Artist: ELDO
Status: Ongoing
Pacing enhances at: Chapter 34 (Cultist Extermination Arc)

Ever experienced a story that seemed incomplete until a central figure entered and stole the show? In Overpowered Sword, that figure is Karen, a dynamic female lead who captures both Leon’s heart and that of the audience.

She not only brings comic relief but is also a formidable presence who balances the narrative’s tone and furthers the character dynamics significantly, establishing a chemistry with Leon that resonates on multiple levels.

5 A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special

Adjest’s Arrival Smooths the Narrative Flow

Desir & Adjest A Returner's Magic Should Be Special

Genres: Isekai, Sword & Magic, School Drama
Author: Wookjakga
Artist: American
Status: Complete
Pacing escalates after: Academy Competition Arc End, with Adjest joining Team Desir

Initially, the narrative of Desir Arman’s time-reversing journey feels methodical, until Romantica Aru joins in, yet their chemistry initially falls flat. However, the dynamics shift dramatically with Adjest’s introduction post-Academy Tournament Arc, introducing fresh jealousy, motivation, and character growth among the team.

Desir begins to exhibit his latent capabilities, and Adjest transforms from a chilly presence into a lively character who enhances the team’s momentum, solidifying her position as an essential member within the storyline.

4 Transcension Academy

Uneventful Beginnings Give Way to an Exceptional Third Arc

Genre: Shonen, Action, Comedy, Urban Fantasy
Author: Eojjeoda
Artist: Kkyujanneu
Status: Ongoing
Pacing excels at: Ranking Exam Arc (3rd)

The narrative revolving around Seojoon’s journey utilizing a divine e-learning app to strive for transcendence starts slowly but rewards those who persevere. Typical of shounen manhwa, it features development arcs, leading to a more engaging plot once the Hunter Ranking Qualification Exam Arc is set in motion.

Here, Seojoon showcases his growth, marking the true beginning of the story as he assembles his team, ultimately culminating in exhilarating arcs that are a joy to read.

3 SSS-Class Suicide Hunter

Takes Time to Develop, Yet It’s a Must-Read

Genre: Shonen, Urban Fantasy, Dystopian, Action
Author: Shin Noah
Artist: Neida, Bill K
Status: Ongoing
Pacing accelerates at: The visit to the 50th floor Arc

SSS-Class Suicide Hunter opens with promise but loses momentum during the fourth arc (Romance Arc) before rectifying course at the fifth arc: the expedition to the Tower’s 50th Floor. Here, the Tower Master reveals unsettling truths, leaving protagonist Kim Gong-Ja with more questions than answers.

This enigmatic character is critical to the narrative’s depth, inviting readers to stay the course despite earlier lulls, as the pace picks up again, renewing interest and excitement in the unfolding saga.

2 Apotheosis

A Slow Start Leads to a Worthwhile Journey

Genre: Wuxia, Martial Arts, Action, Drama
Author: Free of Favours
Artist: Ranzai Studio (Manhwa adaptation)
Status: Ongoing
Pacing improves at: Chapter 70

In Apotheosis, Luo Zheng’s tale begins as one of regression tinged with revenge. While initially slow, this Wuxia manhwa gradually reveals itself to be a gripping story of a martial artist soaring to godhood amidst trials that test his mettle.

For those who endure through the initial arcs, they’ll discover a thrilling narrative rich with action and depth—a true gem in the world of manhwa that becomes even more engaging around Chapter 70.

1 The Gamer

Patience is Rewarded After a Slow Start

Genre: Action, Martial Arts, Dystopian, Fantasy, Comedy
Author: Sung San-young
Artist: Sang-ah
Status: Complete (Chapter 511)
Pacing picks up at: Chapter 200

The monotonous life of Han Jee-Han transforms dramatically when a pop-up akin to those in video games informs him about acquiring “The Gamer”system—a superpower enabling him to control his attributes, movement, and magical abilities. In time, he realizes the world he inhabits is influenced by “powerhouses,” including the Church and the Kremlin.

While the initial chapters unfold slowly, the narrative becomes enthralling by around Chapter 200, charting Han Jee-Han’s ascent from obscurity to mastery, amplified by his clever, daring, and unrepentant personality. Readers are encouraged to indulge in this adventure—it’s guaranteed to be a rewarding experience.

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