Essential Insights
- Weak characters in manhwa introduce innovative storytelling elements by prioritizing ingenuity and tactics instead of sheer power.
- The prevalence of genres featuring overpowered protagonists in action manhwa has led to a demand for narratives centered around weak heroes.
- Manhwa highlighting weak protagonists often present surprising development arcs and atypical routes to triumph.
In manhwa, it is frequently depicted that protagonists begin their journey at a disadvantage and progressively become stronger as the storyline unfolds. This narrative structure, especially when infused with elements of magic and superhuman abilities, effectively engages readers.
However, weakness doesn’t equate to ineffectiveness. Lacking the strength to confront formidable foes, these characters often resort to creative methods to achieve their aims, resulting in captivating plot developments. Manhwa portraying weak protagonists can take unexpected turns that are not typically anticipated.
Last updated October 31, 2024 by Garrett Huon: The addition of the manhwa How to Live as a Villain and How to Use a Returner reflects the incorporation of dark protagonists who start off disadvantaged in their new environment. While their storylines share similarities, execution varies, influencing their rank on the list.
1 Surviving In A School Bully Webtoon
A Secondary Character Marked for Early Demise
- MyAnimeList Rating : N/A
- Release Period: 2023 to 2024
- Genres/Themes: Action, Isekai, Reincarnation, School
- Author: Hyeonsil Anjuhyeong
- Illustrator: Hyeonsil Anjuhyeong
Top webtoon creator Noh Cheolmin completes a decade-spanning project, only to find himself thrust into the world of his own comic. Worse still, he inhabits the role of Kim Dajin, a character fated to perish in the first chapter, while his previous assistant has taken on the role of the protagonist, Kang Cheolmin.
This manhwa offers a fresh twist on the reincarnation trope, presenting a narrative filled with collaboration and humor as two individuals navigate their unlikely situation together.
2 King Game
A Targeted Student Who Leverages Strategic Manipulation
- MyAnimeList Rating : N/A
- Release Period: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Psychological, School
- Author : Hyungwuk Shin
- Illustrator : Beomgorae
Daily life for Hwang Chomin is overshadowed by bullying, but an even greater shock arrives with the news of his brother’s death, only to discover he led an Imperial Gang. Utilizing his brother’s phone, Chomin crafts a scheme against bullies using the gang’s power. Yet his plans unravel when his brother’s girlfriend uncovers the truth.
Unlike most bullying narratives that typically promote gaining strength, this manhwa emphasizes cunning and manipulation, offering a unique perspective on the subject of school harassment while enhancing the protagonist’s character depth.
3 The Apothecary Prince
A Sickly Prince Who Enhances His Health
- MyAnimeList Rating: 6.87
- Release Period: 2023 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation
- Author: Back-kyung Moon
- Illustrator: Dadaeng
After a chance encounter leads a Korean doctor to plunge into the Han River, he awakens as Prince Rachiel, a frail side character destined for an early demise. To avert his fate, he must medically treat himself, merging modern techniques with his new reality.
The concept of a physically weak protagonist like Rachiel is intriguing as he doesn’t rely on traditional stats or skills; he instead focuses on boosting the condition of his internal organs, blending action narratives with a refreshing twist.
4 How To Live As A Villain
The Protagonist Embraces Villainy for Survival
- MyAnimeList Rating: 6.94
- Release Period: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Psychological, Survival
- Author : Rundgreen
- Illustrator : Masik Lee
In a twist on the traditional hero’s journey, after unexpectedly being transported to a new realm, Yoo Sunghoon finds himself caught in a deadly game amongst many others. He lacks both skills and strength, leaving him with no choice but to navigate through the chaos with sharp wit and strategic planning.
The narrative kicks off dramatically as Sunghoon unexpectedly takes the life of three individuals, setting a dark tone for the unfolding events. Although his character as an anti-hero is compelling, some aspects of the plot may feel repetitive over time.
5 I’m Not That Kind Of Talent
A Soldier Enduring Physical and Mental Struggles
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.27
- Release Period: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
- Author : Denpi
- Illustrator : Meona
In many manhwa, conflicts arise between humans and demons, but I’m Not That Kind Of Talent features Deon Hart, recognized as the weakest human. He is so frail that excessive movement can cause him injury or fainting spells.
Yet, he must conceal his true capabilities, as he serves as a secret weapon in the Demon King’s army under the alias “Demon Arut,” feared for his perceived cruelty in battle. Nonetheless, it becomes increasingly bewildering as both personas seem equally genuine.
6 Hand Jumper
A Time-Manipulating Aberrant
- MyAnimeList Rating : N/A
- Release Period: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Drama, Superpowers
- Author: Sleepacross
- Illustrator: Sleepacross
Amidst a world brimming with superpowered entities known as Aberrants, normal humans live in persistent fear due to their violent tendencies and a spate of crime. Sayeon Lee, despite her loathing for aberrants, finds herself caught in the system that demands military service from her, leading her to conceal her own identity.
With dreams of becoming a lawyer to enforce justice dashed, she must navigate her military training, fully aware of the perilous statistics that lead to the demise of most aberrants during this period. However, her determination to survive remains unbroken.
7 Dungeon Reset
A Practical Survivor with Crafting Skills
- MyAnimeList Rating: 6.95
- Release Period: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Author : Daul
- Illustrator: Ant Studio
In many narratives, characters are abruptly thrust into deadly dungeons, but for Jung Dawoon in Dungeon Reset, his fate grows dire when he gets ensnared in a trap, left behind while teammates progress. The dungeon assumes him to be dead when, in fact, he is not.
The dungeon resets for the succeeding players, restoring Dawoon to health. To reunite with his group, he must strategically utilize his crafting abilities, discovering novel methods to exploit the dungeon system.
8 Legend Of An Asura: The Poison Dragon
A Vengeful Prodigy Outmaneuvering Adversaries
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.20
- Release Period: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts
- Author: Senior
- Illustrator: Yeonggwang
In Legend of an Asura, Zhen Ziqiang vows revenge after the obliteration of his clan at the hands of the Venom Clan. Lacking martial arts expertise and knowledge of powerful techniques, Ziqiang turns to cunning and strategy to avenge his family’s murderers.
His quest for justice evolves into a journey unveiled with secrets, forcing him to reevaluate his understanding of vengeance and what must be sacrificed.
9 The S-Class That I Raised
An F-Rank Hunter with Parenting Skills
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.24
- Release Period: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Time Travel, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Author: Geunseo
- Illustrator : Biwan
In this manhwa, being a hunter is deeply tied to one’s rank, with S-class far surpassing F-class. Han Yujin experiences this firsthand as he grapples with the challenges of his classification.
However, following a major accident, Yujin discovers new opportunities to amend his past decisions by traveling back in time. This second chance pushes him into interactions with numerous S-class individuals, including his brother, as he strives to redirect his fate.
10 Solo Farming In The Tower
An Ordinary Individual Turned Accidental Success
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.37
- Release Period: 2023 to Present
- Genre/Theme: Fantasy, Action
- Author: sdcknight
- Illustrator: Hakyung Lee
For many, enchanted towers symbolize a chance for success, but in Solo Farming in the Tower, Park Sejun, an average person, finds himself unwittingly transported into an unknown cave, misled by a portal that appeared while he was grocery shopping.
Your only means of survival in this new realm becomes farming; by cultivating his small plot, he not only survives but starts thriving.
11 How To Use A Returner
The Feeble Hero Forming Alliances with a Returner
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.65
- Release Period: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
- Author: Heuksujeo
- Illustrator: Midnight Studio
In a desperate situation, any edge can be a lifesaver. Lee Giyoung finds himself plunged into a perilous survival game with stats that indicate he is one of the weakest participants. However, he possesses a unique ability to view the statistics of others, which he exploits to cultivate alliances, including with a regressor.
This manhwa bears similarities to Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, particularly with its focus on information-sharing abilities. What distinguishes Lee Giyoung is his shrewdness and self-interest, creating a contrast between his outwardly friendly demeanor and his inner machinations, resulting in humor throughout.
12 A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
A Commoner with Analytical Skills
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.53
- Release Period: 2018 to Present
- Genres/Themes: School, Time Travel, Action, Fantasy
- Author : So-nan Yu
- Illustrator: Uk-jakga
Time travel is a familiar theme in manhwa, and in A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special, Desir Arman alerts a new chance to avert calamity as he is brought back from his dismal future to his days as a student at Hebrion Academy, a hub for aspiring mages.
To prevent past disasters from repeating, he decides to make use of his limited magical skills to assemble a formidable team of mages while confronting the entrenched class issues that plague the academy.
13 The Ember Knight
A Mundane Individual Able to Converse with Knights
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.54
- Release Period: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Author : Hwandaeng
- Illustrator: Hwandaeng
In The Ember Knight, Nagyunn, the protagonist, cleverly navigates relationships with knights boasting extraordinary abilities. Following the untimely death of his brother Najin at the hands of a mysterious faction, Nagyunn embarks on a quest for revenge, disguising himself as a knight trainee in his brother’s stead.
However, lacking Najin’s formidable prowess, Nagyunn must rely on deception and manipulation, creating a façade of strength necessary to fulfill his brother’s legacy.
14 The Novel’s Extra
An Author with Foreknowledge of Upcoming Events
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.65
- Release Period: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Isekai, Reincarnation, School, Action, Fantasy
- Author: Gapsong Ji
- Illustrator: Carrot Studio
After a late-night email check, Kim Hajin awakens to find himself within the very world he created in his novel. As the title The Novel’s Extra suggests, he embodies a character who was intended to be a mere footnote in the original storyline. However, nuances in characterizations and early narrative beats pose new hurdles he must navigate.
With the emergence of fresh twists, Kim must adapt quickly if he hopes to reach the point where he ceased writing.
15 Trash Of The Count’s Family
A Pampered Noble Surrounded by Loyalties
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.75
- Release Period: 2020 to Present
- Genre/Themes: Isekai, Reincarnation, Fantasy
- Author : Ryeo Hanyu
- Illustrator: PAN4
Kim Roksu is the main character in Trash of the Count’s Family, who finds himself transported into the novel “Birth of a Hero.”In this realm, he assumes the identity of Cale Henituse, a minor antagonist originally fated to meet a swift demise at the story’s onset.
Quickly, the new Cale adapts his behavior, aiming to acquire the two essentials needed for survival in this perilous, enchanting world: security and wealth.
16 Weak Hero
A Scholarly Student Who Outsmarts His Bullies
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.96
- Release Period: 2018 to 2023
- Genres/Theme: Action, Drama, School
- Authors: Seopass
- Illustrator : EXCEPT
Bullying is a common theme in manhwa, particularly in the depiction of its harsh realities in South Korea. In Weak Hero, Gray Yeon is a clever and strategic character who cannot abide the injustices of bullies.
Despite his smaller stature and stoic demeanor attracting harassment, Gray employs an arsenal of wit, preparation, and knowledge to dismantle larger, stronger bullies. However, each victory necessitates facing greater challenges from their allies.
17 The Greatest Estate Developer
A College Student with Expertise in Civil Engineering
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.34
- Release Period: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Isekai, Reincarnation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Author: Back-kyung Moon
- Illustrator : Hyunsoo Kim
In The Greatest Estate Developer, Kim Suho finds himself transported into a book just before drifting asleep. Awakening as Lloyd Frontera, part of a struggling noble family, he realizes potential danger lurks for his family.
Thankfully equipped with civil engineering skills from his former life, Lloyd takes charge of reconstructing his land, introducing modern infrastructure and enhancements to secure his family’s future.
Images Credit: Gamerant.com
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