Key Takeaways
- Many contemporary and urban fantasy manhwa are set in South Korean cities, like Seoul, to ground the stories in familiarity.
- Unique manhwa like “The Knight King Who Returned With A God” explore elements of religion and humor in serious plots.
- Manhwa such as “Jungle Juice” and “Eleceed” blend fantasy with science fiction elements for immersive storytelling.
As a seasoned reader of manhwas and a connoisseur of the genre, I must say that these two stories, “Kayden: Awakener” and “Solo Leveling,” have truly captured my heart. While each story offers its unique blend of action, adventure, and fantasy, it’s their characters that truly shine, making them stand out from the crowd.
Fantasy is a huge umbrella genre with many sub-genres and categories beneath it, allowing a wide range of subjects and ideas to be classified as fantasy. Contemporary fantasy places fantasy elements in the modern day or close to the modern era. Urban fantasy works similarly except stories in this category specifically take place in a city.
Many contemporary fantasy manhwa often blend with urban fantasy, as they’re typically set in well-known cities across South Korea, with Seoul appearing most frequently. By setting the narrative in a modern context, the tale can concentrate on the magical and mystical elements without worrying about confusing readers due to unfamiliar locations. A significant portion of world-building is assumed by relying on the reader’s familiarity with real locations.
8 The Knight King Who Returned With A God
MyAnimeList Score: 7.26
- Published: 2023 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
- Author: Saram Sallyeo.
- Illustrator: Jeoncheon Huma Geomsa
In this graphic novel, the main character gets reborn into another realm as Leon Dragonia. Over time, he ascends to become both a king and a sacred warrior. Regrettably, his domain was ravaged by waves of demons and beasts, and after battling for three centuries, he found himself back on Earth via a labyrinth. However, what awaits him now is a world brimming with labyrinths and hunters.
This manhwa stands out as a uniquely crafted tale about a hunter. Unlike most stories, it combines elements of isekai with a deep exploration of religious themes rarely found. Despite its heavy plotline, the narrative is interspersed with humor and light-hearted moments, making it an engaging read. The protagonist, Leon, possesses immense power, yet he’s portrayed as an exaggerated figure of a devout holy knight.
7 The Return Of The Disaster-Class Hero
MyAnimeList Score: 7.46
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
- Author: Sanji Jiksong
- Illustrator: Beomgeun Lee
In contrast to most Tower comics, this narrative unfolds post-construction of the tower. The twelve saints who assaulted the tower subsequently established factions, thereby distributing the world’s resources and power among them. However, what the world doesn’t know is that these saints betrayed the thirteenth saint, Lee Geon, and murdered him within the tower. Fast forward twenty years, Lee Geon is brought back to life and embarks on a quest for vengeance.
In this series, Lee Geon, the Superior Saint, embodies the essence of revenge tales and powerful characters. Despite his unpleasant demeanor, marked by spitefulness, rudeness, and immaturity, Lee Geon’s power is undeniably formidable, outmatching all other saints. The narrative primarily revolves around Lee Geon systematically defeating each faction, reclaiming items they had stolen from him. This series appeals to those who enjoy witnessing the downfall and humiliation of villains.
6 I’m The Max-Level Newbie
MyAnimeList Score: 7.68
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
- Author: Maslow
- Illustrator: Swing Bat
The captivating narrative titled “Max-Level Newbie” borrows elements from well-known manhwa series, yet it’s precisely this resemblance that attracts readers. The story revolves around Kang Jinhyeok, a streamer who specializes in playing the game “Tower of Trials.” On the verge of giving up streaming, the game miraculously turns into reality as a towering structure emerges from the ground. As the sole player to conquer the game, Jinhyeok embarks on an adventure to master this tower.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge the striking resemblances to renowned manhwa such as “Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint” and “Solo Leveling.” Yet, it doesn’t quite reach their exceptional heights, but let me tell you, the story is nothing short of captivating. It masterfully blends alluring action sequences filled with spectacular fights and intriguing powers, but the characters and narrative plotline are somewhat predictable.
5 Jungle Juice
MyAnimeList Score: 7.68
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
- Author: Hyeong Eun
- Illustrator: Juder
In a fictional narrative that blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, we find ourselves immersed in the tale of Jang Suchan, a college student undergoing an extraordinary transformation. After accidentally using a unique bug spray, he has been altered into a being part-human, part-insect, with dragonfly wings sprouting from his back. Following a significant event, he is summoned to NEST, a clandestine society of insect-humans who are tirelessly working on finding a solution to undo this mutation.
In numerous tales featuring secret societies, the cast of characters is typically small, but in this manhwa, there’s a fully-fledged civilization concealed instead. NEST isn’t merely a sanctuary for mutants; it encompasses a college, a business sector, and all other essential facilities for living a regular life. The fact that it’s set in our world adds to its immersiveness and makes it easier for us to visualize.
4 The Novel’s Extra
MyAnimeList Score: 7.76
- Published: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation, School
- Author: Gapsong Ji
- Illustrator: Carrot Studio
In this comic (manhwa), although it shares some characteristics with the isekai genre, it’s set in a world where a colossal tower and monsters suddenly emerge on our planet, causing global turmoil. This world is penned by Kim Hajin in his novel, but through an extraordinary turn of events, he finds himself thrust into the narrative as an unrecognized supporting character. To free himself, he must navigate the story’s plot and manage the unexpected changes made by his unknown collaborator.
The main action of this tale unfolds on an artificial island known as Cube, home to a metropolis blending technology and sorcery. At its heart lies the Hero Academy, where youngsters learn to combat monstrous creatures and tackle dungeons. While the majority of events take place within the school, the city plays a significant role in numerous occurrences and conflicts.
3 Eleceed
MyAnimeList Score: 8.54
- Published: 2018 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Super Power
- Author: Jae-Ho Son
- Illustrator: Hye-Jin Kim
In the world of Eleceed, it’s revealed that there exists a hidden realm of magical beings coexisting alongside humans – a typical trait found in urban fantasy stories. The narrative revolves around Seo Jiwoo, an ordinary student who uncovers a shocking truth when he encounters an enigmatic cat named Kayden. This chance encounter reveals that Jiwoo is no ordinary human; he’s an “awakener,” a unique individual with extraordinary energy and abilities. As he navigates his newfound Awakener society, he must also learn to master these powers that allow him to manipulate elements such as wind or gravity.
This manhwa offers a heartwarming narrative centered around developing Jiwoo’s relationships. While it includes thrilling battles and unique abilities, these elements serve as delightful embellishments, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the story. The side characters in this tale truly come to life, thanks to their individual story arcs, transforming them from mere props for Jiwoo into fully-fledged characters in their own right.
2 Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
MyAnimeList Score: 8.56
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Author: sing N song
- Illustrator: Sleepy-C
In many urban fantasies, the setting is a busy city filled with people. However, in the tale of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, the story unfolds after a global catastrophe has occurred, transforming the city into a battleground. Our protagonist, Kim Dokja, is well-equipped to deal with this new reality because the situation mirrors his favorite web novel, “Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse.” Using the insights he’s gained from this story, he intends to write his own ending.
The Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’s appeal stems from its exceptional storytelling and graphics, but it’s primarily the characters that hook readers. Kim Dokja, a character who evokes empathy and familiarity, is particularly engaging to follow. His connections with the secondary characters are heartwarming, and a significant portion of the fandom revolves around his found family dynamic.
1 Solo Leveling
MyAnimeList Score: 8.67
- Chapters: 201
- Published: 2018 to 2023
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Adult Cast
- Author: Chugong
- Illustrator: Sung-rak Jang, Disciples
Solo Leveling is a widely recognized manhwa where mysterious dungeons suddenly appear worldwide, and hunters engage in combat to seal them off. The narrative follows Sung Jinwoo, who works as a hunter to provide for his family but finds little financial gain due to his low rank. After a distressing event, he discovers that unlike other hunters, he can enhance and grow stronger. With this newfound power, he manages to escape the clutches of poverty.
This manhwa has gained widespread popularity due to its exceptional artwork and thrilling battles. Being one of the earliest hunter-themed manhwas, it quickly garnered acclaim as a well-executed project featuring an unbeatable protagonist in a captivating manner. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by newer manhwas, it remains a classic in its genre.
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2024-09-01 02:24