Once regarded as an overlooked source of entertainment, Korean manhwa is now starting to gain the recognition it truly deserves. The variety of narratives within this medium is staggering, with each story showcasing its own unique appeal. While many remarkable tales were never adapted into animated formats, this is beginning to shift thanks to recent efforts by various companies.
Organizations like Crunchyroll are paving the way for outstanding manhwa to finally receive the anime adaptations they’ve long awaited. For newcomers eager to dive into the enchanting realm of manhwa adaptations, these anime serve as perfect gateways to a universe teeming with creativity and imagination! Although we are still in the early stages of seeing webtoons regularly transformed into anime, the following examples highlight that this trend is gradually becoming a reality.
Updated on October 26, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The Fall 2024 season features one “new”manhwa adaptation. Technically, it’s a continuation from the Summer 2024 lineup but still merits its own discussion. Click below to access this anime directly.
13 Tower of God: Return of the Prince
MyAnimeList: 6.71
- Japanese Title: God’s Way: The Quest for the Lord
- Studio: The Answer Studio
- Streaming Service: Crunchyroll
The quality of seasons and cours in Tower of God varies significantly.
The initial 2020 adaptation of Tower of God faced substantial criticism, primarily because it was based on one of the most cherished manhwa webtoons ever created. As time passed, the likelihood of a sequel seemed to dwindle, and excitement for a continuation was minimal. However, the arrival of Return of the Prince in Summer 2024 brought a glimmer of hope, especially with a different studio at the reins and a more classic animation style. Unfortunately, this sequel tends to falter in nearly every aspect.
To clarify, while Return of the Prince is mainly watchable and even includes a few standout moments, particularly in episode 5, it exacerbates the initial season’s shortcomings while diminishing most of its strengths. The pacing is relentless, racing through events at breakneck speed, which complicates comprehension of the plot and the crucial world-building for newcomers. Without adequate time for crucial story elements to develop, significant moments lose their emotional heft, coming and going without due consequence. Characters and ideas are introduced with minimal context, creating an experience that assumes viewers are already informed.
The animation also takes a step back from the initial season. While the first season’s artistic direction was somewhat polarizing, it offered a certain quality; in contrast, season 2 adopts a more conventional aesthetic that feels average and struggles to stand out against other prominent action anime. Given that Tower of God is rightfully classified among the most celebrated webtoons, akin to Solo Leveling in popularity, the disappointment surrounding season 2 is palpable.
12 True Beauty
MyAnimeList: 6.38
Currently airing, True Beauty remains a developing series. The webtoon by Yaongyi gained considerable fame and even inspired a successful K-Drama in 2020. This adaptation arguably represents the peak of the narrative, adeptly condensing a lengthy source story into 16 engaging episodes featuring charming performances and clever modifications. Due to the existence of the K-Drama, the 2024 anime feels somewhat redundant, especially with numerous other exceptional romance manhwa that could have showcased a fresh perspective.
Nevertheless, True Beauty is mostly satisfactory, albeit nothing extraordinary. At school, Jugyeong faces bullying for her looks and peculiar interests, like her passion for metal music. However, life shifts dramatically when she begins taking makeup lessons from a goddess, transforming her image and status. Suddenly, she becomes the center of attention, leading to a love triangle. The anime broaches several intriguing themes surrounding beauty standards and the pressures they impose on youth, which, while not groundbreaking, remains worthwhile to observe. However, Jugyeong can be an aggravating character at times, and the show struggles to evoke empathy for her (with the voice acting adding to the challenge).
True Beauty will continue airing through Fall 2024.
11 Tower of God Season 2: Workshop Battle
MyAnimeList: 7.30
- Japanese Title: Kami no Tou: Koubou-sen
- Studio: The Answer Studio
- Streaming Service: Crunchyroll
Workshop Battle is a continuation of Return of the Prince, although it offers little in terms of new content. While the arcs from Tower of God are classified as separate entities rather than part of a full 24-episode cour, this warrants its own entry. Unfortunately, many of the same problems present in its predecessor are still evident. Animation quality suffers, particularly in action sequences, which lack the urgency and flair necessary for engaging choreography. This is especially problematic since the majority of episodes hinge on battles that should carry the weight of adrenaline but often fail to do so.
Despite falling short of greatness and sharing the same deficiencies as its predecessor, Workshop Battle has proven to be a more enjoyable experience than Return of the Prince. This is mainly due to its premise, which rapidly immerses viewers into the action with a battle royale that determines who will secure a place on the Archimedes ship and compete in the Workshop Battle. In contrast to the fractured structure and overwhelming influx of new characters from Summer 2024, this continuation benefits from having established characters with clear motivations and rivalries right from the start.
While Workshop Battle is not a standout piece nor particularly commendable on its own, it provides a marginally better experience than Return of the Prince. With a lackluster action presentation, it does not allow crucial plot elements enough space to breathe, nor does it create substantial world-building. This is still a subpar adaptation of the acclaimed webtoon, yet for those who managed to tolerate Return of the Prince, they may find some enjoyment in Workshop Battle.
10 The Girl Downstairs
MyAnimeList: 7.69
Although technically produced by a Chinese studio, The Girl Downstairs deserves recognition as one of the superior adaptations of a manhwa. The story revolves around budding romance between Joon, a university freshman, and Duna, a former idol trying to make a fresh start after leaving the spotlight.
This 8-episode ONA is a quick watch, each episode lasting just over 10 minutes, easily consumable in one sitting. The series skillfully invests the audience in the developing relationship between the protagonists while also providing insights into idol culture.
9 Nobility
MyAnimeList: 6.89
Crunchyroll has embarked on a notable effort to adapt popular manhwa into anime, opening doors for new fans. Among these adaptations, Noblesse has amped up its popularity thanks to its intriguing storyline.
This series follows Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, affectionately known as Rai, who awakens after an 820-year slumber, oblivious to the technological advancements that have transpired. Emerging from an abandoned building in Korea, he enrolls in high school while facing off against a formidable corporation, striking a balance between absurdity and entertainment.
While exciting, certain issues persist within the show. The characters deviate from their manhwa counterparts, resulting in beloved figures becoming forgettable in the anime adaptation. Some characters even come across as unlikable, limiting the adaptation’s overall success despite its merits.
8 Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady With The Lamp
MyAnimeList: 7.22
Despite being overshadowed by another Winter 2024 manhwa adaptation, Doctor Elise stands as a commendable manhwa anime adaptation, also categorized as a respectable entry in the isekai genre. The plot centers around a protagonist from a fantasy realm who, after dying in a shameful manner, reincarnates on Earth with the goal of becoming a doctor to atone for her past life. Tragedy strikes again, prompting her reincarnation back to her original form.
Though the plot is somewhat convoluted, Doctor Elise essentially narrates a villainess tale through a slightly complicated lens. Both the anime and manhwa focus extensively on Elise’s medical skills, ensuring the referenced content remains largely factual (at least to the layperson) while highlighting her determination to excel in this field. Although it generally holds up well, the series deficits during its latter half, encountering a dwindling plot and unremarkable secondary characters. Overall, it is a watchable series but not much more.
7 A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
MyAnimeList: 7.08
Amid a crowded season of fantasy anime, A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special struggled to stand out but does boast some commendable aspects, especially in its initial episode setup. The narrative centers on Desir, a formidable mage and humanity’s last hope against an apocalyptic threat, who is given a second chance to alter fate upon reincarnating as his younger self. Equipped with knowledge from his past, he must navigate his new life in Hebrion Academy to ensure a different outcome for humankind.
While the debut episode captivates, the series quickly falls into a familiar routine after transitioning to academy life—a trope that fantasy anime have overused without fresh interpretation. However, Desir proves to be a sympathetic character, complemented by two endearing companions, Romantica and Pram. Although the first season doesn’t aspire to greatness, it has potential for future seasons to elevate the storyline.
6 The God Of High School
MyAnimeList: 7.07
Renowned for its exemplary works, MAPPA, the studio behind hits like Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen, has seamlessly adapted one of the most beloved manhwa into an anime, generating immense anticipation among fans. The God of High School captivates viewers with its stunning animation, dynamic music, and engaging storytelling, creating an exhilarating experience. The sight of Mori Jin battling through fierce competitions remains a feast for the eyes.
Nonetheless, critiques have emerged regarding the show’s tendency to overlook substantial world-building, resulting in a series rich in captivating skirmishes but lacking the depth necessary for emotional engagement. This leads to a presentation of fights stripped of impactful narratives, rendering some encounters as mere visual spectacles.
5 Tower Of God (Season 1)
MyAnimeList: 7.56
Arguably the most famous manhwa to receive an anime adaptation outside of Solo Leveling, Tower of God remains a topic of contention among fans. Created by S.I.U., the source material is nothing short of extraordinary, weaving an intricate tale combining action, expansive world-building, character development, and humor. The narrative draws readers in from the very first page, maintaining its momentum, especially after the storyline’s pivotal twist.
The anime produced by Telecom Animation Film was one of the premier manhwa adaptations to make waves, receiving a generally positive reception, excluding the more vocal fans of the original work who found it lacking. Even for newcomers, the adaptation presents several concerns to consider.
What exactly is Tower of God about? The title references a tower where selected warriors undertake the challenge of climbing and facing various trials in hopes of having their wishes granted. After being abandoned by his only friend, Rachel, who ascends the tower, the amnesiac Baam desperately seeks to follow her.
Focusing on the deficiencies, the anime simplifies Baam and Rachel’s character depth, making them come across as rather one-dimensional throughout most of the first season, with notable development reserved for the season’s finale. Furthermore, the adaptation falters in world-building, often introducing terminology and concepts without providing adequate context, leaving casual viewers disconnected from this universe.
That said, the first season does present its highlights. The animation, while potentially polarizing, captures a certain epic quality during crucial moments. Secondary characters like Agnes and Rak bring compelling dynamics to the story, with the former adding emotional intricacy and the latter consistently delivering comic relief. The final episode also shines and successfully sets the stage for future installments.
However, assessing Tower of God through a standalone lens pales in comparison to the source material, leading many to deem the anime a missed opportunity.
4 Viral Hit
MyAnimeList: 7.33
Viral Hit opens with a challenging first episode, both in narrative and aesthetic. While not entirely terrible, viewers will need time to acclimatize to its unique animation style, particularly the exaggerated facial expressions. Although the artistic choice reflects the source material, it feels more appropriate in a comic form rather than animation. However, it’s important to note that while Viral Hit‘s visuals aren’t offensive, they do require some time to adjust to.
In terms of content, the opening two episodes largely portray protagonist Hobin Yoo enduring significant bullying in a visceral manner. The intensity portrayed can feel excessive at times, but eventually, Hobin finds agency beyond being a constant victim. Despite some indulgences in violence, later sequences lose some of this discomfort as they align more with standard fight sequences. Nevertheless, potential viewers must be prepared for the show’s grounded realism.
Hobin is a complex protagonist with a dual nature; while his situation invokes sympathy, he reveals less endearing traits around female characters. Fortunately, the anime’s support cast, including Jihyeok and Gaeul, helps to showcase Hobin’s positive aspects. Jihyeok’s character undergoes significant development throughout the series, contributing to the narrative’s strengths.
The fight scenes are engaging and straightforward, primarily revolving around Hobin executing strategies he has been perfecting over time. The antagonists primarily fit the archetype of bullies, making them unlikable yet effectively detestable.
3 Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke’s Mansion
MyAnimeList: 7.51
A noteworthy manhwa anime adaptation, Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion features some adjustments for Japanese viewers. The series is an isekai narrative focusing on Park Eunha (Hanasaki Rinko in the anime), a university applicant who meets an unfortunate fate off a building, only to awaken in the body of Raeliana McMillan, a character from a novel she was perusing.
She soon discovers that Raeliana meets a tragic end due to poisoning, inspiring Eunha to alter the course of her fate and declare affection for Duke Noah Wynknight, the protagonist of the story she now inhabits. This comic turn of events leads to humorous situations where Eunha leverages her knowledge of the novel to manipulate circumstances, only for true feelings to blossom between her and the Duke. Sweet and engaging, the anime adeptly captures the essence of the original story, prompting many fans to yearn for a second season. Raeliana shines as a dynamic character, especially in the first half of the series, where her agency stands out. However, as her relationship with Noah deepens, she loses some of her independence, yet remains endearing.
2 Lookism
MyAnimeList: 7.46
Lookism is a celebrated webtoon with over a decade’s worth of content and 20 volumes. Its adaptation into an anime by Netflix has arrived as a welcome endeavor. The story follows Park Hyung Suk, a teenager subjected to relentless bullying due to his appearance. By chance, he awakens to find himself in an entirely different body and seizes the opportunity to reinvent his life at school.
While its premise is somewhat familiar, Lookism impressively presents a fresh and emotional narrative, particularly as Park emerges into a nuanced character rather than a mere proxy for the audience. Although the manhwa stands as a superior work, the anime produced by Studio Mir serves as an inviting introduction for newcomers.
1 Solo Leveling
MyAnimeList: 8.32
The most eagerly awaited anime of Winter 2024, Solo Leveling certainly had high expectations to meet. Undeniably, Chugong’s narrative is the most revered manhwa to date, not only acting as a gateway for new readers but also influencing a plethora of subsequent webtoons. Regardless of the overall quality, Solo Leveling represents a monumental entity in the industry; a tepid adaptation could hinder future manhwa from obtaining similar chances of transition to animation. Although this creates immense pressure, the adaptation appears to rise to the occasion.
Set in a world where portals to dungeons have emerged globally, some humans gain unique abilities, with Sung Jin-woo positioned at the bottom of the hunter hierarchy. During a dire quest, he nearly meets his end but is rescued by a cryptic message that grants him the role of a player. Upon accepting, he gains the extraordinary ability to level up, embarking on a journey towards supremacy. Solo Leveling skillfully builds an intriguing world, maintaining enough mystery to propel the ongoing story forward. However, the primary focus lies in the action sequences, which are primarily engaging and well-executed.
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