Korean webtoons are becoming a major source for new anime adaptations. Big names like Tower of God and God of High School have already made the jump from webtoon to anime, drawing in huge audiences.
Curious about which Korean webtoons are getting anime versions next? There are some seriously exciting titles on the way—definitely worth keeping an eye on.
These adaptations are bringing fresh stories and unique art styles to anime fans everywhere. Recent projects include new anime based on webtoons like Space Boy, as platforms keep pushing to turn more webtoons into animated shows.
This trend is making Korean webtoons a real force in the anime industry.
Key Takeaways
- Korean webtoons are a growing source for anime adaptations.
- Many new anime shows will soon be based on popular webtoons.
- These adaptations bring unique stories and styles to the anime world.
Why Korean Webtoons Are Gaining Anime Adaptations
Korean webtoons have exploded in popularity thanks to their unique style and how easy they are to access. Anime studios and streaming platforms have definitely noticed.
These factors are helping webtoons become the next big thing in anime, shaking up how we watch animated stories.
The Rise of Webtoons and Manhwa
Webtoons are basically the digital evolution of manhwa, which are Korean comics. They started picking up steam as Korea’s tech and internet access improved.
Unlike old-school printed manhwa, webtoons are designed for screens—phones, tablets, laptops, you name it. That means you can read them whenever and wherever, no hassle.
Webtoons cover so many genres, so there’s basically something for everyone. Since it’s easier to create and share webtoons online, lots of new artists have jumped in with fresh stories.
That’s helped a bunch of webtoons get famous and catch the attention of anime studios.
Key Differences Between Webtoons, Manhwa, and Manga
Webtoons and manhwa both come from Korea, but webtoons are mostly online, while manhwa can be either print or digital. Manga, on the other hand, is Japanese and usually shows up in black-and-white print.
Webtoons are colorful and scroll vertically—makes sense for phones, right? It’s a different vibe.
Story-wise, Korean webtoons often lean into modern life and relatable characters. Manga has a longer history and its own art traditions, but webtoons shake things up with their pacing and format.
These differences have made webtoons more accessible for global readers, which is probably why streaming services are so eager to adapt them.
| Feature | Webtoons | Manhwa | Manga |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Korea (digital) | Korea (print and digital) | Japan (print and digital) |
| Format | Vertical scroll, full color | Mixed format | Usually black and white, horizontal |
| Themes | Modern, relatable | Varies | Wide range, often fantasy |
Role of Streaming Services in Global Popularity
Streaming services have played a massive part in making Korean webtoons popular outside Korea. They’re adapting webtoons into anime and making sure these shows are available in tons of languages.
That means you can watch Korean stories without worrying about subtitles or dubs. Platforms like LINE Manga and others are investing in anime adaptations because they see the demand.
A lot of these platforms let you read the webtoon and watch the anime all in one place. That’s pretty slick.
Their support means even more webtoons are getting anime deals, so your watchlist just keeps growing.
Major Korean Webtoons Getting Anime Adaptations
There’s a real mix of genres in Korean webtoons that make it to anime. Some go for high-octane action, while others are all about romance, drama, or even horror.
Each adaptation brings its own flavor, so there’s something for every mood.
Tower of God: Breaking New Ground
Tower of God is a fantasy webtoon packed with action, layered world-building, and a surprisingly deep story. You follow Bam, a boy who enters this mysterious tower full of tests and monsters.
The anime adaptation really leans into the fast-paced battles and clever twists. There’s a lot of adventure and mystery, so you’re always wondering what’s really going on with the tower.
Visually, it’s got its own style—detailed characters, vibrant backgrounds, and a tone that matches the webtoon pretty well. It’s not your typical anime, honestly.
The focus on character growth alongside the action makes it stand out. If you like fantasy mixed with personal struggles, this one’s worth a shot.
The Uncanny Counter: Action and Supernatural Thrills
The Uncanny Counter mixes action with supernatural twists. You follow a group called the Counters, who hunt down evil spirits on Earth.
The webtoon and its adaptation both focus on teamwork and some pretty intense spirit battles. The plot moves quickly, but there are some emotional moments too.
Each Counter has special abilities, which keeps the fights interesting but also gives space for character-driven stories. If you’re into supernatural drama with a side of action, this one delivers.
True Beauty: Drama, Romance, and Comedy
True Beauty is a total change of pace from the action-heavy stuff. It’s all about drama, romance, and some pretty funny moments.
The story follows a girl who learns to use makeup to change how people see her. There’s romantic tension, high school drama, and a lot of laughs.
The anime adaptation keeps that balance—funny scenes, but also real emotional depth. Themes like self-confidence and identity make it super relatable.
If you’re after a series with romance, personal growth, and humor, True Beauty hits the mark.
All of Us Are Dead (Now at Our School): Horror Meets Adaptation
All of Us Are Dead (or Now at Our School) is a horror webtoon that got turned into a show. It’s about a zombie outbreak in a high school and the students trying to survive.
The adaptation nails the tension and fear from the webtoon. There’s a lot of suspense and emotional drama as the characters face life-or-death situations.
Expect some intense scenes and a darker vibe compared to other webtoon adaptations. If you’re into horror that digs into human strength and fear, this one’s for you.
Upcoming and Noteworthy Adaptations to Watch Next
The next wave of Korean webtoon anime adaptations covers a lot of ground—horror, romance, drama, and more. These series bring fresh stories, bold visuals, and characters you’ll probably end up rooting for.
First seasons are coming out in English, so you won’t have to wait for translations.
Sweet Home: Survival Horror Explored
Sweet Home is a standout survival horror webtoon getting the anime treatment. It’s about a group of people trapped in an apartment building during a monster outbreak.
The anime keeps things dark and tense, just like the webtoon. Expect some wild action scenes and a heavy dose of psychological tension.
It’s not just about fighting monsters—it’s about how fear changes people and what it takes to survive. The English release means you can dive right in without missing a beat.
Nevertheless: Contemporary Romance Arrives
Nevertheless brings a more personal, romantic vibe to anime. The story digs into the complicated feelings and messy relationships of young adults.
The adaptation captures those subtle emotions and the realism that made the webtoon so popular. If you like romance that’s a little less perfect and a lot more honest, this one’s up your alley.
The first season focuses on the slow buildup between the main characters. The visuals are clear, and the moments are totally relatable. Plus, it’s available in English.
Trends in Adaptation: What Audiences Want
Webtoon anime adaptations usually go for stories with strong visuals and a unique hook. You’ll see a lot of series like Sweet Home with intense action and horror, but there’s also plenty of romance and drama.
Adaptations generally start with a first season that sticks pretty close to the webtoon’s early chapters. That way, they can test the waters and see if fans want more.
English releases are almost standard now, making it so much easier to keep up. It seems like viewers want variety—different genres, different emotions, and easy access with subtitles or dubs.
If you keep an eye out, you’ll catch some great new stories as they drop.
How Korean Webtoon Anime Are Changing the Industry
Korean webtoon anime are shaking up how stories get told and shared worldwide. With new art styles, more platforms, and fresh storytelling, they’re making waves in both the anime and manga worlds.
Art Style Innovations and Influence
Korean webtoons use a vertical scrolling format, which totally changes pacing and scene transitions in anime. That style lets for smoother movement and some pretty creative framing.
You’ll notice vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds, partly thanks to digital tools like AI-assisted drawing. Studios like Wit, known for top-tier animation, are experimenting with ways to bring webtoon art to life without losing its original feel.
This modern visual approach really stands out compared to classic anime styles like Dragon Ball or One Piece. It’s polished, current, and probably more appealing to younger viewers.
Distribution on Platforms Like Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll and other big streaming services are making it easy to watch Korean webtoon anime anywhere. You don’t have to wait for a TV release or hunt down fan subs.
Platforms are working directly with webtoon giants like Naver Webtoon and Daum Webtoon to license shows. That means faster releases and a wider reach.
You end up with more options, from popular series to totally new genres—revenge, comedy, you name it. This expansion is giving Korean stories a real shot at standing alongside Japanese anime.
Comparisons With Iconic Anime and Manga Franchises
When you stack webtoon anime up against giants like Dragon Ball or One Piece, the contrast in storytelling and art just jumps out at you. Webtoons seem to lean into more modern themes, and their characters feel a bit more grounded.
The stories usually take their time, letting emotions simmer alongside the action. It’s a different vibe from the speedy, sprawling arcs that classic manga adaptations love.
You’ll probably spot that webtoon adaptations go all-in on production quality. They’re not afraid to play around with fresh artistic tools, either.
Maybe that’s because there’s this huge, global audience now, hungry for something that breaks out of the old-school anime and manga mold.