This article 5 Must-Read Manhwa Series to Kick Off 2024 offer captivating plots and overpowered main characters that keep readers hooked. With the rising popularity of titles like Tower of God and God of Highschool, the Manhwa fanbase is growing rapidly. This article highlights the top 5 Manhwa series you should explore in 2024.
Table of Contents
Why Manhwa Are Gaining Popularity?
Manhwa, the South Korean version of comics, is increasingly becoming popular worldwide. The rise in popularity can be attributed to several factors, including captivating genres and the accessibility of online platforms. This article delves into why Manhwa is gaining traction and provides a list of the top 5 must-read Manhwa series for 2024.
The Appeal of Overpowered Main Characters
Manhwa often features overpowered main characters, which is a major draw for readers. These characters engage in thrilling battles, offering unbeatable entertainment.
The Role of Social Media and Online Platforms
Social media plays a significant role in promoting Manhwa. Platforms like LINE, Webtoon, and Lezhin have made it easy for readers to access a vast array of comics. LINE alone boasts about 5 million readers, while Webtoon is renowned for comics by well-known artists and users.
Diversity in Manhwa Genres
Manhwa covers a wide range of genres, subgenres, and demographics, making it difficult for new readers to decide where to start. This diversity ensures there is something for everyone.
Top 5 Must-Read Manhwa Series in 2024
Here is a curated list of the top 5 Manhwa series you should read in 2024. These selections will help you navigate the vast world of Manhwa and find the best stories to enjoy.
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1) Solo Leveling:
“Destroy Everything. That Is The Only Mission Bestowed Upon Us.”
“The System Uses Me, And I Use The System.”
“I Will Protect My Family Even If It Means Turning All The Hunters Against Me.”
- Title: Solo Leveling
- Alternative Titles: Only I Level Up
- Author: Chu-Gong And Dubu
- Artist: Dubu
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
Synopsis:
Originally published as a web novel Solo Leveling is about the portal that connects human and monster worlds. As the story begins, a part of humans known as hunters will start to gain super powers to protect the world.
The story follows an E-rank hunter Sung Jin-Woo who is regarded as the weakest hunter in his clan. But after surviving a horrified dungeon expedition, Jin-woo finds a mysterious interface that can be seen only by him. This mysterious screen gives him the powers he would have dreamt of before. He now becomes able to level up his abilities until and unless he reaches S-rank. The series continues with his journey as he gains strength and becomes a remarkable hunter.
Unique Selling Points:
Artwork: Solo Leveling is a highly addictive series of supernatural monster-slaying sagas filled with mystery and collaboration of intricate world-building and unimaginable twists and has adaptations into webtoons, games, and dramas. Thanks to the compelling and tailored twists of its plots.
Storytelling: Solo Leveling utilizes descriptive language to depict scenes, characters, and action sequences that bring life to the novel and allow readers to visualize the unfolding story.
Themes: The main themes of Solo Leveling are:
- It focuses on the protagonist’s journey from weakness to strength, emphasizing the importance of growth, progression, and fighting challenges.
- As Sung Jin-Woo gains power and rises through the ranks of hunters, it highlights the themes of power and ambition.
- Sung Jin-Woo’s determination to survive and thrive will highlight the theme of survival and perseverance.
- Our main hero strongly overcomes the problems of identity and purpose as he finds his true strength of being a hunter.
- Throughout the journey, Jin-Woo continues his bonds with his companions who support him in his struggles. The story highlights the theme of friendship and loyalty.
World-Building: The setting of Solo Leveling is carefully designed with a smooth balance between the intense action sequences and quieter moments of character development and world-building. It holds the reader engaged in reading from start to finish. The illustrations along with the text optimizes the reading experience, providing visual representations of the main characters, scenes, and abilities.
The author gradually reveals the richness of the novel, including the magical world of monsters, the hierarchy of hunters, and various other things. This rich world-building adds depth and complexity to the story. This makes Solo Leveling an outstanding Manhwah of 2024.
Reader Reception:
Popularity: Though there are many popular Manhwa series similar to Solo Leveling, nothing beats originality. Sung Jin-Woo, the newly enlightened Shadow Monarch will become the endless and immortal Shadow Army. He was the weakest E-rank hunter who now holds the future of the entire world in his hands.
- It scored about 8.67/10 ratings on MyAnimeList and 4.48/5 on Goodreads.
- Received admiration for its actions and plot settings
- Video game aesthetics that attract gamers
- Recently developed into an anime adaptation.
Critical Acclaim:
Fan Reviews: It has been praised by fans for its amazing setting and powerful action.
Why It’s a Must-Read Manhwa:
Engagement Factor: The captivating storyline, dynamic character development, intense action scenes, and stunning artwork. Fans are attracted to its blend of fantasy, adventure, and other elements keeping the readers eagerly waiting for new chapters.
Relatability: Though Solo Leveling concentrates basically on mystical elements like dungeons, monsters, and magic, it also relies on ambition, growth, and determination. Many readers can relate it to their journey of self-improvement, challenges, and striving for greatness, even in the phase of difficulties.
The struggles and emotional experiences faced by the characters are highly relatable to individual readers giving depth to the story.
Innovation: The innovative elements and unique twists that make this Manhwa unique to others are:
- The story involves elements like levels, stats, and skill upgrades that create a gaming-like experience for its readers.
- The concept of a special organization dedicated to hunting monsters will add depth to world-building.
- Jinwoo leads a life as a hunter as well as an ordinary person balancing his responsibilities as well as his personal relationship with his dangerous profession.
- His ability to control the shadows of defeated enemies provides a unique power to dynamic and strategic elements to battles.
- The high-quality artwork immerses readers in the intense battles enhancing the overall experience.
Final Thoughts:
Recommendations: I would recommend this Manhwa to various fan bases including fantasy and action fans, gamers and RPG enthusiasts, newcomers to manhwa, and mystery and suspense lovers. Overall, Solo Levelling has something to offer all types of readers, making it a must-read for anyone who wants to have an engaging and immersive Manhwa experience.
Expectations: A newly awakened Shadow Monarch Sung Jin-Woo who was a weak e-rank hunter raised into the powerful main role of serving humanity. Whose part will he take? Will he stick with Humans or will he take his chance to become the King of the Earth?
2) The Beginning After The End:
“A king never betrays the people who trust him. And… I promised someone very important to become a better person and to cherish the people around me.”
“A promise to stay alive…so that we can have a beautiful relationship and a family that our entire country can come to celebrate.”
- Title: The Beginning After The End
- Alternative Titles: TBATE
- Author: TurtleMe
- Artist: Fuyuki23
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Webcomic, Adventure, Magic, Comedy, Manhwa
Synopsis:
The Beginning After The End is basically a Manhwa-based fantasy web novel by TurtleMe. It is about the rebirth of a king into a new magical life with a twisted fortune.
The novel displays King Grey’s life journey of self-discovery as he tries to defeat the new reality and find his way in a strange place and time full of wonder and magic. King Grey has unrivalled strength, wealth, and prestige in a world ruled by martial ability. Behind his external success lies an empty life deprived of joy and fulfilment. But after his mysterious and untimely death, he is reborn in a magical new world as Arthur Leywin where he has a chance to live his new life with a fresh start.
Arthur is blessed with a loving family in his new life and has magical powers that contrast his past life. However, the new world is filled with lots of challenges and dangers including monstrous creatures and complex magic. The story follows Arthur’s growth from childhood life where he faces problems of social, magical and political issues in a new realm.
Unique Selling Points:
Artwork: The artwork in The Beginning After the End is highly detailed and visually stunning, capturing the fantastical elements of the world and enhancing the reader’s immersion in the story. The illustrations are typically detailed and vibrant, bringing the characters and the mystical world to life. One unique artistic element is the careful attention to character design with each character having unique features and outfits that reflect their personality and role in the story. The quality and the style of artwork contribute to the engagement and enjoyment of the readers with visual appeal and attention to detail.
Storytelling: The multi-dimensional characters with complex personalities and motivations evolve over time. Through internal monologues, dialogues, and interactions, the author carefully explores the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters, which allows readers to resonate with their struggles and achievements.
The effective narrative technique used by the author is the integration of flashbacks and memories from Arthur’s past life. The glimpses of previous experiences add depth to his character and provide context for his actions and decisions in the present.
The pacing is well-balanced, mixing action with moments of introspection. TurtleMe creates a compelling story with rich characters and immersive world-building.
Themes: The Beginning After The End involves various themes like:
- It depicts Arthur Leywin’s reincarnation into a new world that is different from his previous life, giving him a second chance at life and an opportunity for personal growth and redemption.
- Arthur struggles with identity as he conquers his new life and his journey of self-discovery is the focal point of the narrative.
- Being a king with exceptional abilities in his previous life, Arthur has to balance his power and responsibilities with others.
- Arthur creates bonds with various characters alongside his journey emphasizing the importance of friendship and loyalty in defeating challenges and achieving one’s goals.
- The narratives explore the themes of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption.
World-Building: The world-building includes an intricate magic system with various types of magic users, spells, and magical abilities, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Reader Reception:
Popularity: The Beginning After the End has gained popularity among readers of web novels, particularly within the fantasy and reincarnation genres. The engaging story, well-developed characters, and immersive world-building have nurtured a dedicated fanbase. The Beginning After the End is regarded as a standout title in the web novel medium, attracting readers from around the world.
Critical Acclaim: Critics and readers have equally praised TurtleMe’s writing style, which combines descriptive prose with compelling dialogue to create an engaging narrative. The series has gained popularity for its complex characters, particularly the protagonist, Arthur Leywin, whose journey of self-discovery and growth resonates with readers. The supporting cast is also well-rounded, with each character contributing to the richness of the story.
Fan Reviews: Many fans appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters, particularly the protagonist, Arthur Leywin, whose journey of self-discovery and growth resonates with readers. From the complex magic system to the diverse landscapes and cultures, readers find themselves fully involved in the world of the story. Fans also can enjoy the balance of action, drama, and humour in the series, as well as the engaging writing style keeps them eagerly turning the pages.
Why It’s a Must-Read Manhwa:
Engagement Factor: The Beginning After The Death has various world-building along with different magical plots, immersive narratives, different phases of life, and the main character’s different life aspects will make it engaging for readers. The loyalty, power, and friendships throughout the journey of Arthur’s life make it an addiction for readers.
Relatability: The Beginning After the End is relatable to the readers for its exploration of universal themes like identity and friendship, allowing them to connect with the characters and their struggles on a personal level.
Innovation: The Beginning After The End has various unique twists and innovative elements like:
- The reincarnation of Arthur into a world of magic and monsters where he retains the past life memories of being a king creates an amazing twist to the story.
- The seamless blending of elements like fantasy, action, adventure, and drama, creates a multifaceted story that appeals to a wide range of readers.
- The Beginning After the End distinguishes itself with its inventive storytelling, compelling characters, and immersive world-building, making it a standout title in the world of manhwa.
Final Thoughts:
Recommendations: I would recommend The Beginning After the End to several types of readers including fantasy readers, reincarnation genre fan base, action-adventure lovers and newcomers to Manhwa.
Expectations: Do you want to immerse yourself in a captivating storyline filled with unexpected developments and twists or want to explore a fantasy world full of magic, mythical creatures, and intricate society? Then The Beginning After End is specifically for you.
3) I Obtained A Mythical Item:
“I obtained a mythic item. Now, let’s go and get stronger.”
“I will make you dream again.”
- Title: I Obtained A Mythical Item
- Alternative Titles: Sinhwageup Gwisok Aitemuel Sone Neoeotda
- Author: Jung SeonYul
- Artist: Hess
- Genre: Fantasy, Webtoon, Action, Adventure, Manhwa
Synopsis:
In a world where technology and magic are inseparable, monsters and myths create a terror on humanity. In the darkest phase of humanity, individuals with superpowers emerge to save the world. Min Jaehyeon is a weak human Raider, who struggles hard to make it to find a series of wonderful events to claim a powerful mythical item that changes history forever.
The story is about Min Jaehyeon who has orange eyes with black hair. He is a handsome man and one of his eyes becomes gold when he uses Odin’s eyes. His unique personality is noticed by his childhood friend and mother. Though he is clever, calm, bold, and quick-witted, he is very greedy for money and is merciless. He is ready to take revenge on those who harm him and his loved ones.
He was a D-rank martial artist in his past life before his regression where magic was famous and Martial Artists served as military servicemen. Due to this, Min Jaehyeon always regretted joining the martial arts class, as his magical skill was 97%, the highest ranking in the whole world. But, as martial arts was prevailing that time, he joined the martial arts class though his score was only 39%. He gets a job as a hunter in an A-rank dungeon.
As he dwells deeper into the dungeon, his Aesir System suddenly gets an error due to some interference from an unknown source. The mysterious figure guides Jaehyeon to follow the light, where he finds a mythical item of Odin’s eye. He became excited and came back to the party. But the raider killers started to murder the group. Jaehyeon pleaded for mercy, but the person didn’t listen as he was sent by Jaehyon’s father to kill him. After this, Jaehyeon arms himself with Odin’s eyes and kills the murderer, but he also dies. The new system called Nornir appears to Jaehyeon and returns Jaehyeon back to his desired time.
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Unique Selling Points:
Artwork: It has captivating artwork. It features a character holding a glowing and magical orb, surrounding the mystical atmosphere. The vibrant colours and detailed design make it visually striking, inviting the readers to merge themselves in the story behind this mythical item and the world it comes from.
Storytelling: The story is filled with intrigue, suspense, loads of magic, and character growth that captures you within a minute. It tells the story of a world attacked by celestial beings and magic.
Themes: The main themes in I Obtained a Mythic Item are:
- It defines how the power of a mythic item can lead to corruption.
- It shows how Jaehyeon learns about self-discovery and personal growth while conquering the challenges and opportunities of the mythic item.
- It marks the fusion of technology and magic.
- It marks the timeline of humanity’s darkest moment resulting in the need for superheroes to save the world.
- It depicts the struggle between good and evil with awakened -individuals fighting against the monsters and creatures of legend and myth.
World-Building: The world of I Obtained a Mythic Item is built upon:
- Norse Mythology: Celestial beings, Ragnarok, and mythic items.
- Magic and the Awakened: Special powers and abilities.
- Raider System: Hunting shadow creatures and protecting people.
- Time Travel: Using mythic items to travel back in time.
Reader Reception:
Popularity: This tale resonates with a wide audience in its native country and abroad and has dedicated followers who will be engaged in reading and discussions with each other.
Critical Acclaim: It has both positive and negative reviews. While some critics have accepted the unique blend of magic and technology, many have criticized its predicting plots and lack of character development.
Fan Reviews: It is for the fans who love mythical objects, time travel or reincarnation, team-based story, adventure, and power fantasy.
Why It’s a Must-Read Manhwa:
Engagement Factor: Its emotionally expressive visuals, immersive storytelling, social and cultural relevance, cognitive stimulation, and motivation are some of the important factors that keep the reader’s engagement intact.
Relatability: It creates engaging and memorable characters that deeply connect with readers of all types.
Innovation: The artistic evolution, storyline and getting a mythic item are carefully crafted.
Final Thoughts:
Recommendations: I recommend this Manhwa to fans of fantasy, readers who like complex narratives, those who love character-oriented stories, who like visually striking artworks, and freshers.
Expectations: The World Tree of Norse Mythology, known as Yggdrasil, suddenly appeared on Earth. There came demonic creatures who created a threat to entire cities when all hope was lost, due to the System and a few special humans having gained superpowers. In this new world where only the strong survive, Min Jaehyeon escapes by regretting the wrong choices he’d made in the past. One day, he gains the only Mythic item in the world. Will this item help him? Will he be able to change his fate?
4) Necromancer’s Evolutionary Traits:
“They’re about to find out why intelligence is a survival trait.”
- Title: Necromancer’s Evolutionary Traits
- Alternative Titles: Shinka Tokusei de Saikyou Necromancer Strongest Necromancer, Strongest Necromancer With Evolutionary Characteristic
- Author: Kim Seong-Hoon, TBD GHOST
- Artist: JangJak
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Manhwa, Overpowered
Synopsis:
This is an ongoing webtoon released in 2023 which is about action, adventure, and fantasy. It reveals the story of Adrias Cromwell, an ex-member of the Special Forces who after playing a video game becomes a necromancer.
The story starts with a veteran soldier Adrias, who spends most of his time playing video games as he loses all his hopes to live. He becomes consumed by a particular game that unexpectedly transports him to a new world where he becomes a necromancer who is equipped with unmatchable evolutionary traits.
Unique Selling Points:
Artwork: This Manhwa features artwork filled with action-packed fantasy as the characters unveil the power of necromantic abilities. The dynamic panels and detailed character plots make it unique.
Themes: The themes of Necromancer’s Evolutionary Traits are:
- Adrias Cromwell’s struggle for survival in a dark fantasy world and his challenges of being transported into a video game is the main theme.
- It tells about how the power of the necromancer converts Andrias to corruption.
- The story also reveals Andria’s traumatic past and journey towards redemption and self-discovery.
- It also highlights the phases of video games as a means of escapism and the impact that they can have on individuals.
- It also shows a dark fantasy and horrors as it contains high violence, blood, and strong language.
World-Building: The Necromancer’s Evolutionary Traits is built in the world of a dark fantasy that combines the elements of video games and necromancy. The world-building is heavily influenced by a video game setting with the story revealing the themes of survival and power inside the game world.
Reader Reception:
Popularity: The series has 43 followers with a 5.0 vote.
Critical Acclaim: It has been read by about 1 million users on Web Novel and 9 reviews. It is praised for its unique blend of video game elements and good scoring. Well-developed characters like Adrias are so relatable that it makes it easier for readers to get connected. The detailed and immersive world draws readers to engage.
Fan Reviews: It has high ratings with a large fanbase, an engaging storyline, and well-developed characters making Necromaster’s Evolutionary Traits the best choice ever.
Why It’s a Must-Read Manhwa:
Engagement Factor: The series has a rating of 4.6, includes 51 chapters, and is listed in Action, Adventure, Fantasy, and Manhwa genres and received positive reviews.
Relatability: The backstory of Adrias, coping mechanisms, unexpected circumstances, and character development make it relatable to readers.
Innovation: Blending of genres, video game integration, dark fantasy setting, character development, and beautiful world-building are the innovations used in Manhwa.
Final Thoughts:
Recommendations: It is recommended for readers who love various genres like action, adventure, fantasy, and manhwa.
Expectations: The readers can look forward to a unique and engaging story, conflicts, and well-developed characters, that are set in a world of dark fantasy with a focus on necromancy.
5) Dungeon Odyssey:
“I will make you dream again”
- Title: Dungeon Odyssey
- Alternative Titles: Dungeon Gyeonmullok
- Author: Glump
- Artist: Son Minwoo
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Drama
Synopsis:
Being born in dungeons and raised on monster milk, the descendants of mankind are naturally possessed with special strength and strong bodies. After returning to Earth, they are referred to as dungeon babies by humans. Kim Jinwoo is one such dungeon baby born in the deepest dungeon.
“I never tried to become strong, I just wanted to live.”
Being a dungeon baby, Kim Jinwoo tries to control his instincts and chooses to live an ordinary life as a guide and caring for his family. But when his journey goes wrong, he manages to become the new owner of a labyrinth, but soon he finds out that he cannot ignore his instincts forever…
The life story of King Jinwoo is now ready to unfold as he gains the position from the lowest excavator to the king of the dungeon.
Unique Selling Points:
Artwork: The creative artwork in Dungeon Odyssey features a unique style that unites elements of fantasy and adventure.
Storytelling: The Dungeon Odyssey has engaging and unique storytelling. The various elements like action, adventure fantasy, and drama are united to make it a captivating read. The narrative is full of twists and turns with Jinwoo’s journey involving intense battles and heartwarming moments.
Themes: The themes of Dungeon Odyssey are:
- The story focuses on Kim Jinwoo, a dungeon baby and his struggle to survive and adapt to his unique circumstances.
- The readers are attracted by Jinwoo’s journey from the lowest excavator to the king of the dungeon and the increment of his power and growth.
- The story explores heartwarming moments and the growth of relationships with other characters.
- It creates a blend of fantasy and adventure.
World-Building: The Dungeon Odyssey is set in a unique and engaging world that combines fantasy, adventure, and modern life.
The introduction of the dungeon system adds a different layer to its world-building. The world-building also involves the introduction of unique themes, concepts, horror aspects, and modern elements that are carefully woven into the fantasy setting. The attention to detail and collaboration of the world-building have been praised by the readers.
Reader Reception:
Popularity: It has received compliments for its art style which switches between serious and comedic scenes. It has a score of 7.60 on MyAnimeList, ranked #3014 on MyAnimeList’s top manga page, has 6,221 members on MAL and 57 users have added it to their favourite list. Got praise from PeakD sites.
Critical Acclaim: It has many positive reviews and has received critical acclaim for its specific blend of fantasy of adventure.
Fan Reviews: The fans praised it for engaging storytelling, its well-developed character, its unique artwork, and the complexity of world-building.
Why It’s a Must-Read Manhwa:
Engagement Factor: A unique blend of fantasy and adventure, well-developed characters, specialized artwork, immersive world-building, levelling system, and pacing of the series make it a must-read for the people.
Relatability: The unique premise, Jinwoo’s growth and development and his distinct personality, and complex and engaging world-building will add to its relatability.
Innovation: The innovations used here are AI Dungeon, memory action system, community engagement, dynamic storytelling, new experiments and creativity.
Final Thoughts:
Recommendations: It can be recommended to newcomers, comedy lovers, action and adventure lovers, fantasy lovers, and so on. Expectations: Do you want to have a game-like experience? Then just own this Manhwa and
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Manhwa have carved a unique niche in the global entertainment landscape with their captivating stories and rich, imaginative worlds. Their appeal lies in the combination of unique concepts, stunning world-building, and relatable themes that resonate deeply with readers. With main characters often embodying extraordinary powers and engaging in epic battles against villains, Manhwa not only entertain but also inspire readers through themes of self-discovery and resilience. The series listed in this article offer a diverse range of genres and subgenres, ensuring there is something for everyone. Dive into the world of Manhwa and discover the compelling narratives that have captured the hearts of many.
