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Webtoons you need to read aren’t just digital comics, they’re usually the unfiltered, raw form of stories that ultimately become smash hits in anime form. Some such shows like Tower of God or Solo Leveling have already succeeded in that migration, but there are also others quietly gaining momentum. Such webtoons pack distinctive narratives, daring visuals, and poignant paths that speak highly even in their absence of animation.
With studios now actively picking titles from platforms such as LINE Webtoon and Kakao, it’s a matter of time before even more adaptations surface. For those who want to get their hands on these stories in their original version before waiting for each episode, which might take years in production, can get a taste of the action from these 10 webtoons that fans must follow before they have an anime adaptation.
Top 10 webtoons you need to read
1) Nano Machine
Chapters: 259
It is based on a web novel created by Han Joong Wueol Ya. The webtoon follows the story of Cheon Yeo-Woon, who is the illegitimate child of the leader of a noble clan in Nano Machine, but nobody thinks of him as a threat until he does something that activates an immense nanotech system embedded by a future descendant.
Cold and sharp in mind, Yeo-Woon keeps to himself with a tranquil attitude, yet he’s always watching, analyzing, and adjusting. His conversion from helpless outcast to calculating martial genius is both ruthless and compelling. He makes every movement with careful consideration, not squandering any time on showy power plays.
2) Omniscient Reader
Chapters: 262
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is adapted from a web novel written by Sing Shong. This is one of the most famous webtoons that shines for its writing and worldbuilding. It centers on Kim Dokja, the ordinary office worker. He is the only reader of a web novel called Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse.
As events from the web novel begin to happen in the real world, Dokja’s special knowledge is his strongest asset.
The webtoon smoothly interweaves action, tactics, and mental aspects, rendering the readers engaged in its plot twists. It has been officially confirmed that the anime adaptation of the webtoon will be done by Crunchyroll and Aniplex.
3) Murim Login
Chapters: 222
Murim Login, adapted from a webnovel created by Jin Taekyung, follows Jin Taekyung, a low-ranking hunter who finds an antique VR capsule. When activated, he’s sucked into a martial arts world called the Murim. He now lives in the body of a free-spirited noble’s son, the complete opposite of his true self.
As he practices his skills in this virtual reality, he finds that his new skills transfer to the real world, transforming his life as a hunter.
With many webtoons getting anime adaptations, it’s the ideal time to get into this interesting combination of virtual reality and martial arts.
4) The Greatest Estate Developer
Chapters: 182
The Greatest Estate Developer, based on a webnovel which is written by BK_Moon and illustrated by Manggi, is one of the webtoons you need to read prior to any anime release. Suho Kim, an engineering student, awakens inside Lloyd Frontera, the laziest noble in a fantasy novel.
Utilizing his knowledge of engineering and magic, Suho is determined to revive the wealth of the family and prevent an ill fate. The show follows themes of comedy, fantasy, and clever problem-solving, which presents something new to the isekai genre.
5) Absolute Sword Sense
Chapters: 133
Absolute Sword Sense, based on a webtoon created by Hanjung Wolya, is a webtoon about martial arts that explores betrayal and redemption themes. The story is about Jin Woon-Hwi, who, after being abandoned by his clan due to a ruined Dantian, is forced into becoming a Blood Cult spy.
His death on a mission gives rise to a surprising turn of events—he finds himself back ten years in time with the special gift to hear the thoughts of swords. Empowered by this authority and foresight of coming events, Woon-Hwi sets out to change his destiny and face the same forces that manipulated him before.
6) Killer Peter
Chapters: 92
The webtoon, written by Kim Junghyun and illustrated by Lim Lina, is a series about an assassination legend who, after a service of several years to the Glory Club, steps out to enjoy a serene existence operating a bookshop.
He spends his serenity-filled days until one time when the very group that used to employ him betrays him and abandons him for dead. Miraculously, he comes around, finding himself reanimated to adolescent age, enjoying optimum physical prowess once more.
Set on a quest to find revenge, Peter sets out to take down the Glory Club. This action-drama webtoon perfectly weaves the two genres together, presenting a new angle on the themes of betrayal and redemption.
7) I’m Not That Kind of Talent
Chapters: 78
Deon Hart is a weak man who vomits blood upon getting stressed and faints at the slightest shock. However, because of a tragic misinterpretation, he’s made the Squad 0 Commander of the demon army.
His weakness is misinterpreted as the effects of killing a hero, and his stumbling about is interpreted as strategic actions.
Deon’s everyday life is a cycle of misunderstandings, where his loopholes are presented as strengths. This is a work of comedic genius accompanied by drama, and the way the webtoon executes the overpowered protagonist theme is innovative.
8) The Legend of the Northern Blade
Chapters: 202
The novel series was created by Woo-Gak and adapted into a webtoon illustrated by Hae-Min. The story is set in a fantasy medieval era where, for years, the honorable warriors of the Northern Heavenly Sect have protected their borders from the army of the Silent Night. However, things suddenly change when the sect leader is falsely branded as a traitor by his sworn brother in arms, and to save his only son, Jin Mu-Won, he accepts the changes and commits seppuku.
With no family and allies left, Mu-Won lives as a slave under constant surveillance and is forbidden to learn any kind of Martial arts. Until one day, a few warriors of the Slinet Night suddenly attacked the castle, allowing Mu-Won to make his escape.
Now with only knowledge of his ancestor’s martial arts, Mu Won learns those techniques in seclusion, until an urgent matter brings him back to the mainland. Now our protagonist goes on a difficult journey to bring justice to his father and sect, as well as save the world from an ancient evil.
9) Lore Olympus
Chapters: 280
Lore Olympus is a modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, set in a modern world where gods deal with corporate culture and complicated relationships. The narrative explores love, trauma, and growth, bringing depth and complexity to the characters.
Persephone, the spring goddess, is seen as a young woman yearning for autonomy, while Hades, the god of the underworld, is presented as a stoic but compassionate character.
Their developing relationship is at the heart of the story, providing a new take on ancient mythology. With its unique art style and engaging storytelling, Lore Olympus is one of the webtoons that fans must read before any possible anime adaptation.
10) Down To Earth
Chapters: 229
Kade is a shy person who enjoys being alone and following a schedule. His world is turned upside down when Zaida, a green-haired alien from the planet Zodia, crash-lands in his yard. Zaida, with golden eyes and green hair, knows nothing about human ways.
Kade assists her in learning to live on Earth, and they grow closer as they do, resulting in their own personal transformation.
The tale explores issues of healing, comprehension, and overcoming the difficulties of adjusting to new surroundings. This places it among the webtoons that fans should follow even if there is no anime adaptation, which is highly unlikely.
Also Read: The Manga Giants That Topped 2024 Charts
Most of the above-mentioned picks are available on the Webtoon official website.
Shubham is a journalist who has covered anime content at Sportskeeda and Averagebeing. He is passionate about telling stories, staying up-to-date with the latest news and trends, and sharing them with readers. In his spare time, Shubham enjoys reading manga, binge-watching anime, and talking about his favorite series and characters with people.
Please reach out to him with your favorite suggestions on series and characters; he’s always looking for fresh angles and anime to cover.
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