Fantasy manhwa continues to grow in popularity thanks to its diverse storytelling, stunning artwork, and intricate world-building. That rise in popularity, however, comes with genre saturation. There are a slew of available titles to consume, but not all of them are top-tier. If you’re new to the medium, you would naturally want to start with the best of the best. If you’re a long-time reader, then you are certainly on the lookout for more masterpieces to add to your reading list.
As such, here are 10 ongoing fantasy manhwa. I’ve made sure to vary the titles so that no more than two share the same plot direction, so there’s a greater chance of finding something new.
Estio
Estio, a young boy born with the unique ability to communicate with animals, lives in a world where his powers make him an outcast. Abandoned by his family and feared by those around him, Estio embarks on a journey to understand his powers and his place in the world. His quest leads him into a web of hidden mysteries, from the origins of his abilities to the greater forces at play in the world around him.
What makes Estio stand out is its delicate balance of heartwarming and dramatic moments. The manhwa takes its time to develop Estio’s relationships with the people and creatures he meets. While Estio possesses a powerful ability, he doesn’t use it to oppress others. However, he is also not someone who would let others trample him.
Estio can be read on Tapas.
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
Imagine waking up one day to find that the world has transformed into the dystopian plot of a web novel you’ve been reading. That’s the premise of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. Kim Dokja, an ordinary salaryman and avid reader, finds himself in the middle of a chaotic reality. However, as the sole reader who has followed the entire story, Dokja has an unparalleled advantage in knowing the twists and turns that lie ahead.
Even with such an advantage, Dokja is far from dominating his new world. He must navigate the dangers the higher beings have set up for them while also walking on thin ice around the novel’s main character Yu Junghyeok. As the novel’s top and probably only fan, he knows just how hot-headed and trigger-happy Junghyeok can be.
Webtoon hosts the English translation of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint.
A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special follows Desir Herrman, a magician who returns to the past after witnessing the destruction of the world. Armed with knowledge of future events, Desir sets out to change the course of history and prevent the impending apocalypse. However, altering fate is not as simple as it seems, and Desir quickly realizes that saving the world will require not only his strength but also the cooperation of his comrades.
Similar to Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, Desir’s knowledge of what’s to come does not necessarily make him overpowered. He must constantly push himself to the limit and go beyond. Since he only has his genius analytical ability to rely on, such a feat is far from easy.
A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special is available on Tapas and Tappytoon.
The Uncanny Counter
In The Uncanny Counter, a team of spirit hunters known as Counters is tasked with tracking down evil spirits that possess human bodies to wreak havoc. Each Counter is brought back from a coma and is granted a supernatural ability. So Mun, however, seems to possess much greater power.
What sets The Uncanny Counter apart is its blend of supernatural action and emotional depth. The team dynamics and their individual struggles add layers to the story, making it more than just a simple tale of good versus evil.
The Uncanny Counter is on Tapas.
The Archmage Returns After 4000 Years
The greatest archmage of his time, Lucas Trowman, is betrayed and sealed away for 4000 years. When he finally breaks free, he finds himself in the body of a weak Frei Blake. Even so, he sets out to continue his long-fought goal of exterminating the Demigods.
The core of this fantasy manhwa revolves around Lucas’ grand quest to save humanity from Demigods. Its fast-paced narrative quickly sees Frei rise from the bottom to one of the strongest humans. Even so, however, he is still puny in comparison to his greatest nemeses.
The Archmage Returns After 4000 is available in English on Tapas.
Demon Devourer
Demon Devourer is set in a world wherein magic is a common phenomenon. Despite hailing from a once-great wizarding family, Elric Melvinger is unable to wield magic. However, he doesn’t give up. He adamantly seeks to cure his medical condition. During the process, he stumbles upon the demon Mephistopheles. One thing leads to another, and Elric ends up absorbing Mephistopheles, learning he can absorb demons in the process. Now, Elric sets out to conquer more demons and revive the glory of his family.
Demon Devourer can be read on Tapas.
Level Up with the Gods
After an arduous, drawn-out battle against the Outer Gods, Yuwon Kim and his colleagues ultimately succumbed. However, they are not yet ready to give up. Kronos sacrifices himself to send someone back in time, and the general consensus points to Yuwon as the chosen. Yuwon then returns to the past with the aim of altering the grim future that lies ahead.
Level Up with the Gods features a lot of common tropes in manhwa — time traveling, tower climbing, and leveling system — but it does so incredibly well. Unlike other similar series, it follows a well-developed plot. Furthermore, it incorporates already-known mythos from the real world into its narrative, including Greek, Chinese, Norse, and Welsh mythologies.
It can be read on Tapas.
The Greatest Estate Developer
What if a civil engineer was reincarnated into a fantasy world where magic and swordsmanship reign supreme? That’s the premise of The Greatest Estate Developer, where the protagonist uses his knowledge of modern architecture and engineering to revolutionize his new world. The catch is he is doing so to save his own skin and live a cushy life in the future.
The Greatest Estate Developer‘s greatest strength is its humor. Lloyd Frontrera, the main character, is always on the lookout to exploit others, though mostly beneficial for both sides. He is the perfect balance of good and evil, and his facial expressions are nothing short of a masterpiece.
The Greatest Estate Developer is available on Webtoon.
The Lone Necromancer
The Lone Necromancer centers around Seongwu, a college student who suddenly finds himself in a world where monsters and supernatural forces threaten humanity. As civilization collapses, each person is given the ability to select a class that determines their powers. Seongwu chooses to become a necromancer. Armed with his newfound powers, Seongwu sets out to survive in this chaotic new reality.
What makes The Lone Necromancer stand out is its dark and gritty approach to the genre. The fantasy manhwa combines elements of apocalyptic survival with traditional RPG mechanics.
The Lone Necromancer can be read via Webtoon.
Book Eater
Despite being a magic enthusiast, Theodore Miller is an unfortunate case of someone who lacks magic aptitude. But just as he was to be kicked out from Berghen Academy, he meets the grimoire Gluttony. The parasitic book attaches itself to his hand, while Theodore acquires the ability to get stronger by feeding the grimoire magical texts and artifacts.
Acquiring power, however, isn’t just as easy as acquiring new materials. Theodore must actually have the knowledge and ability to utilize such power. Furthermore, fans of slow-burn narratives will find Book Eater a fun and immersive read.
Book Eater is available on Tapas.
Published: Sep 14, 2024 10:06 am