The Rising Popularity of Manhwa: Could it Surpass Manga?

Explore the growing popularity of manhwa and its potential to overtake manga in global appeal. Discover the advantages of manhwa’s mobile readability and its vibrant art and coloring. Could manhwa become the future of comics?

The Rising Popularity of Manhwa: Could it Surpass Manga?

The Crunchyroll documentary, ‘The Leveling of Solo Leveling,’ sheds light on the growing popularity of manhwa and its potential to overtake manga in terms of global appeal. This article explores the key factors contributing to manhwa’s success and its ability to compete with manga in the near future.

Manhwa’s Mobile Readability

One of the significant advantages of manhwa, also known as webtoons, is their optimal mobile readability. Seo Bum Gang, Chairman of the Korean Webtoon Association, explains that manhwa’s ease of scrolling through on mobile devices makes them a preferred choice for leisure reading anytime, anywhere. This advantage has fueled the rising popularity of manhwa, as evident from the success of platforms like Piccoma, which surpassed even popular Japanese manga apps in terms of revenue.

Webtoons’ Structure for Mobile Devices

Unlike manga, which are primarily structured for print publishing, webtoons are designed to cater to mobile devices. The vertical scrolling format enhances the reading experience, allowing users to read with ease, even with a single hand. This ‘snack culture’ of webtoons in Korea, where they are seen as a means to pass the time, has contributed to their widespread popularity. Although manga publishers have started introducing mobile platforms, webtoons’ mobile-friendly structure gives them an edge in terms of convenience.

Manhwa’s Vibrant Art and Coloring

Another aspect that sets manhwa apart from manga is its vibrant art and coloring. While manga are traditionally black and white, webtoons are predominantly colored from the start. This colorful aesthetic, combined with the ability to incorporate sound effects, music, and subtle animations, enhances the reading experience and appeals to a wider audience. Solo Leveling’s success can be attributed, in part, to its visually stunning art by Jang Sung-rak.

The Potential to Surpass Manga

With their mobile readability, optimized structure for mobile devices, and visually appealing art, manhwa is steadily gaining ground and may soon rival manga in popularity. While manga has a dedicated global fan base, manhwa’s growing popularity suggests a potential shift in the future of comics. Solo Leveling, a flagship manhwa, has already achieved significant success and could be a catalyst for this revolution.

Conclusion

The rising popularity of manhwa, fueled by its mobile readability, optimized structure for mobile devices, and vibrant art, signifies its potential to surpass manga in popularity. Manhwa platforms like Piccoma and the success of Solo Leveling serve as testaments to this growing trend. While manga retains its loyal fan base, manhwa’s unique strengths position it as a formidable competitor. The future of comics may indeed be dominated by manhwa, and Solo Leveling is at the forefront of this revolution.