Webcomics are entirely underrated. Sure, some poeple don't like reading non-text-based novels, but there are some absolute gems out there that more people need to be reading.
Don't get me wrong, I've had a few misses when it comes to webcomics, but on the whole, I have found them to be an absolute delight to read. Some are simple, short, and sweet, while others create an expansive world that is a feast for your eyes.
In this guide, I will go over where to read webcomics, where to get recommendations and some that I recommend myself.
Here we go!
WHERE TO READ?
There are two websites that I consider to be the holy grail (for webtoons) - Tapas and Webtoon. There are a plethora of webcomics to read on here, so take some time to browse through as there are many gems hidden away. Non-webtoons are a bit more complicated as they don't usually have hosting platforms as they are all published on their individual websites. There are some platforms such as Hiveworks and SpiderForest that host webcomics and many can be found published on Tumblr as well.
There are some other online platforms out there like Tappytoon and Lezhin for example as well and apps such as Wecomics and WebComics. I usually like to stick to Tapas and Webtoon for my webtoons though and do not frequent other sites. Keep in mind though that not everything is free as a good amount of the webcomics on those platforms will require you to pay through coins.
WHERE TO GET RECOMMENDATIONS?
While a simple Google or YouTube search may do you some justice, there are some places you can go to find some good recommendations. The Webcomic Library on TagPacker has a ton of recommendations and updates their list regularly. While this might take some more browsing than others, there is a webtoon subreddit where people advertise their webtoons or post recommendations.
As I said before as well, just simply browsing the hosting platforms goes a long way too. For webcomics, I would suggest that you might want to avoid using Goodreads. It is great for books, but it lacks when it comes to its catalogue of webcomics.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
I've got a few recommendations from different genres to give you. There is really no 'starting level' for webcomics, so whether or not you are new to the format doesn't matter too much as long as you are willing to give things a try.
So here are the recommendation I have for you with links to their websites if you want to check them out! Also, note that all of these are complete (except for one) but not all of them are completely free.
Small Blessings by Whitherling
This follows "the nightly adventures of a tiny house-spirit in an old apartment building."
Short, sweet, and absolutely heartwarming. You will fall in love with Alasdair and want to put him in your pocket and take him everywhere.
KURA by imma.bunni
Where "a young mermaid meets a group of unusual pirates."
Pirates people, PIRATES! Also on the shorter side, this webcomic has a cast of loveable characters.
Erie Waters by Joanna Kwan
"The waters of Lake Erie hold many secrets, but what truly lies at the bottom is lost to history. That is until an average unassuming guy stays the week at his aunt's lake house."
Everyone deserves happiness, even the characters who seem a bit sinister at first. By the end you will be all warm and content on the inside.
Cat Loaf Adventures by kyutepastry
This follows the adventures of cat bread and other pastries.
A slice of life that is a bit silly but is also adorable and wholesome. Also, rye bread is a mood and I love it. If you are someone who loves puns, this might be perfect for you.
Chiller by Various Authors
Mixed-media short stories that will send chills down your spine.
It is recommended that you turn off the lights and plug in some headphones for full immersion. As it is a collection of short stories, it is a mixed bag but give if a shot and see if at least one of them creeps you out.
Distant Sky by Inwan Youn and Sunhee Kim
"A boy wakes up to find himself in a building full of dead people, and Gangnam is shrouded in complete darkness."
The further you read the weirder and more outlandish it gets, but I felt genuine terror at points. Another one I would recommend that you read at night for full immersion.
Ghost Teller by QQT
"You think your ghost stories are scary? Try listening to these stories from the ghosts themselves."
Human's are the real monsters here. I would caution yourself before going into this one as there are a lot of heavy themes and graphic content. If you think that you are able to stomach the content, then you are in for gorgeous character designs and stories that will churn your stomach.
Under the Aegis by VIMEDDIEE
"Six young people, with the help of the ancient weapons that chose them, must work together to solve a millennial mystery before they too become lost."
I loved this webtoon so much, it was just the perfect package for me. Well developed characters and a world and plot that is not overly complicated but still sucks you in. I did not want to put this down when I started reading it. If you like reading YA fantasy, then this is probably right up your alley.
Love Advice from the Great Duke of Hell by unfins
Paul turns to a demon he summoned from hell to give him love advice.
I was hesitant because I thought this would be romance centered, but this was pure hilarity (and I don't really even like comedy). The deadpan humour in this was perfect and constantly made me snort. It is currently on hiatus though, sadly, with no new so far about season 3.
Super Secret by eon
A slow-burn romance between naïve Emma and her best friend Ryan, who is secretly a werewolf.
This was sweet, but as I said, it was bit frustrating at times because of the slow-burn and how oblivious Emma is. It is a bit on the longer side as well (maybe a bit too long), but it was worth it in the end as you get to see their relationship progress.
Annarasumanara by Ha Ilkwon
Yun Ai's life changes after she meets a mysterious magician at a carnival.
If you are looking for fantasy, this probably isn't for you. But, if you are looking for something that focuses on societal pressures and the struggle to forge your own path, give this a shot. It didn't really speak to me because I couldn't relate to it, but maybe you will have a strong connection to it.