We all love diving into a new or ongoing series, but there’s something magical about picking up a completed series and binge-reading it through to the end. When it comes to manhwa, there are hundreds of finished series worth picking up, and that can make it a little overwhelming to decide what’s worth reading next. As one might imagine, the medium is vast, covering all genres, themes, and styles, so there’s absolutely going to be the perfect read for everyone. We’re talking about epic stakes and dungeon-crawling adventures to classic isekai with surprising twists, not to mention everything in between.
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Manhwa has been getting a lot more attention in recent years, and we can only hope that this trend continues for years to come. Online platforms like Webcomics and Tapas are making it easier for newer fans to access series of all kinds, and even larger streaming services are starting to realize the unlimited potential of these stories. While we can’t list every finished manhwa today, here are a few of the most beloved series.
10) Her Summon
Her Summon is an isekai tale, but it’s arguably unlike what you’re picturing, speaking to the more unique potential in the genre. The story begins by following Jin-Kyung, a man whose entire life has gone down the drain, thanks to one joke he seriously messed up on (sometimes, that’s all it takes). He’s taken to living indoors as much as possible, avoiding people to the best of his ability.
That is, until one day he’s picked up and dropped into a different world. A Summoner has somehow summoned Jin-Kyung to her world, and in doing so, she has given him a new lease on life. Readers looking for a magical adventure from the perspective of a summoned creature (well, human) should be sure to check Her Summon out.
9) The Villainess Turns the Hourglass
There have been a fair number of villainess-themed tales lately, but don’t let that turn you off from the couple that made it onto this list. The Villainess Turns the Hourglass follows Aria Roscent, a villainess who has earned a horrible reputation from all her years of bullying her stepsister, Mielle Roscente. Here’s the thing: in one dramatic moment, Aria learned that this has been part of Mielle’s plan from the beginning. That would have been the end of most stories, but then Aria found herself in possession of an hourglass that could turn back time.
The Villainess Turns the Hourglass is not the story of how a villainess learned to be a good person. Instead, Aria embraces the anti-hero life, throwing herself headfirst into new plans and goals, creating plenty of compelling twists and turns along the way.
8) Kill the Hero
Not every story requires a magical transportation into a different world to kickstart the adventure. Kill the Hero follows Kim Woo-Jin, who has grown up in a game-like world full of dungeons, monsters, and worse. Unfortunately, he just learned that people can also be monsters, as he was just betrayed by his best friend and guildmates.
Naturally, Kim Woo-Jin is about to begin his revenge arc in life, and he’s going to go to whatever means necessary to get back at those who harmed him. It doesn’t matter that it was a past life; this is personal. Kill the Hero is brutal and action-packed, and readers looking for a calm and calculating protagonist will appreciate how this tale unfolds.
7) Beware the Villainess!
We all know how this story begins: a girl is living in modern-day Korea, before she dies in a tragic accident. She wakes up in a new world, with a different face and name. That’s Melissa Podebrat’s new story, as she’s woken up in the middle of a popular novel. Unfortunately, she didn’t wake up as the heroine, but rather the villainess, as part of a rich and vibrant tradition of otome isekai, perhaps the most underrated and excellent genre of manhwa.
In this world, Melissa is meant to suffer her way through love, with male leads who take advantage of her status and nature. However, Melissa’s just gotten a new lease on life, and she’s going to make the best of it, and nothing is going to stop her from doing that. Beware the Villainess! may blend in with all the other villainess series at a glance, but the unique character helps the story stand out, particularly as she throws societal expectations to the wind.
6) Noblesse
Noblesse is considered a classic by many, and that means it’s recommended reading for anyone hoping to get a solid foundation in manhwa. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because this series did land an anime adaptation, which is another reason for newer fans to give it a go.
The story is set in a world where the supernatural is normal, but no less dangerous. The Noblesse, powerful novel vampires, have stepped up to protect those around them. Enter Cadiz Et Rama Di Raizel (Raizel for short), who only recently woke up from his slumber to find the world a very different place. The story and artwork are highly compelling, and overall, this is a must-read for all fantasy lovers.
5) Who Made Me a Princess
This is another case of a modern-day woman waking up in another world, courtesy of the classic isekai plot. That said, the newly dubbed Athanasia de Alger Obelia did not wake up to her dream life. For starters, she’s trapped in the body of a toddler, not ideal. To make matters worse, she recognizes this character and the story, and knows that she’s doomed to die on her 18th birthday unless she drastically changes the story.
Thus, she begins her plotting. Originally, her goal was to set aside enough money to flee, but after accidentally drawing the attention of the Emperor (her cruel father), she had to pivot, and fast. Who Made Me a Princess is an emotionally rich tale that stands out in the genre, and not just because of its vibrant artwork.
4) Seasons of Blossom
If you’re looking for a heartwarming read, look no further. Seasons of Blossom perfectly capture the heartwarming elements of young love and positive human interactions. The story follows a group of high school students who become connected through an accident. However, they quickly prove that silver linings can be found everywhere, as relationships begin to bloom.
In addition to exploring complex themes of love and romance, Seasons of Blossom takes a closer look at what it’s like to grow up in today’s age. It explores trauma, coping mechanisms, and other vital topics that we all need to be better about talking about.
3) Leviathan
Ask any manwha fan for a solid horror recommendation, and the odds are good that Leviathan will be high up on any list. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story highlights the dangers that lurk just beneath the surface of the water. Yes, it plays on our instinctive fear of dark water, and it does so beautifully.
In this world, there is little land to be found, and there are monsters of unspeakable sizes living beneath the waves. This is the only world Bota, Lita, and Kana have ever known, but one chance encounter is about to change their lives forever. Leviathan is renowned not just for its terrifying premise but its stunning artwork. That alone makes the series worth checking out, though its favorable comparisons, such as to Attack on Titan, certainly won’t hurt either.
2) The Horizon
If you’re looking for a heavy-hitting series, The Horizon is going to be right up your alley. The Horizon tells the story of a young boy who just watched his world get torn apart, literally. Some mysterious force just tore up his world, and now he’s left struggling to survive.
The Horizon is a relatively short (21 chapters) but poignant series. It takes a close look at politics, survival, and so much more, adding a strong horror hue to the story. It’s hauntingly illustrated and will quickly become one of those stories that will never let go. Many fans would argue that The Horizon is one of the best post-apocalyptic stories readily available.
1) Solo Leveling
These days, Solo Leveling is arguably the best-known manhwa around outside of arguably Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint or Tower of God. The series was already getting a lot of ink before the adaptation, and obviously, the anime has only increased that (both good and bad). If you’re looking for a dungeon crawler experience, Solo Leveling is it.
Solo Leveling tells the story of a world plagued by Gates, which mysteriously appear around the globe. If not handled, these Gates will spew hordes of monsters. Thus, Hunters were born. Sung Jinwoo is one such Hunter, though for the longest time, he’s been mocked for being the weakest Hunter to ever live. However, one fateful event is about to change all that. Solo Leveling is a heavy-hitting action series that throws the main character into a game-like mechanic, creating a compelling adventure from start to finish.
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