If you are also a fan of comics, know that now you have another format available to capture incredible stories: the webtoon.
For those who still don't know the term, it's worth clarifying that this is a digitally released comic book model, developed with a focus on reading in vertical scrolling – that Instagram classic, you know?
Undoubtedly, the idea is very interesting and has already conquered many readers around the world.
Curious about digital comics?
So continue reading this article to understand how they work, find out which are the classics and the main sites to access them!
What is the webtoon?
As you might have guessed, the term is a portmanteau of the words “Web” and “Cartoon”, and represents a digital comic book model created in South Korea.
Webtoon is currently the main site for accessing this type of content and even allows the publication of your authorial creations, which we will see later in this article.
Today, these comics are one of the many trends in Korean culture spread around the world called the Korean Wave, or Hallyu.
However, the history of this format began back in the 2000s, driven by investments in digital ics.
After a period of stagnation caused by the government's repression of comics, companies have returned to invest in the sector, but this time in the online universe.
As a result, large sites such as Naver opened space for the free publication and distribution of comics.
From then on, the format gained its prominent place.
Does the webtoon work?
With the growth of smartphones, a large part of the readings started to be done by mobile devices.
In this context, online comics were an important innovation to serve the public.
The format of these comics already shows the concern to offer a practical and immersive reading experience through the digital medium. See some features:
- Dialogs and verticalized actions, following the infinite scroll model;
- Presence of soundtrack and animations in some parts;
- Periodic comic strip;
- Colorful chapters.
In addition to these characteristics, this type of digital comic follows the model of reading from left to right, already known to the Spanish.
That is, it is a different format from manga, for example, which has the opposite order, from right to left.
Within the Webtoon site you can find stories from different genres, action, romance, edia and Sci-Fi.
The platform offers a very simple interface to navigate and several interesting features.
It is possible, for example, to rate the series and subscribe to your favorite comics to catch the release of new episodes.
All updates to your subscriptions are located on the “Subscribed” tab, within the “My” space.
In addition, you can contribute to the authors through the coins available on the site or even by translating episodes of the series.
The difference between webtoon and webic
Essentially, webics have a different structure. They follow a more classic model, drawing inspiration from the artistic style of more traditional comics.
On the other hand, webtoons brought about some important changes in the way comics are produced and consumed around the world.
them, it is possible to have a more complete experience, which captures the technological trends brought about by digitization.
This is the case with the infinite scroll format or even the soundtracks present in many of these readings.
In addition, webics encompass several categories of digital comics in different formats, which can be from a comic in the traditional model to a publication of just one frame.
Even the differences, we have a point in one here: both are digital materials, therefore available only on the web – the names already reveal.
Thus, several Korean works already have guaranteed adaptations, as is the case of the live-action “One Punch Man”, the success of many digital comics has resulted in the publication of physical versions in Korea and even here in Brazil.
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Webtoons e Webics famosos
Of course, we couldn't help but bring you some reading tips, so we've separated a quick list of the most famous comics.
Let's start with the webtoons:
- “The Beginning After the End”;
- “Tales of Demons and Gods”;
- “The God of High School”;
- “Solo Leveling”;
- “Tower of God”.
Now let's go to the list of webics:
- “Star Martial God Technique”;
- “Tomb Raider King”;
- “Mob Psycho 100“;
- “One-Punch Man”;
- “Heart and Brain”.
o make a webtoon?
One of the major transformations brought about by the online format is the possibility for anyone to create and share their comics on the service's online platforms.
Yes, you can create your own digital comic and we'll tell you how to do it!
Here, we consider the process within the Webtoon platform, which we talked about at the beginning of this content.
In practice, just register on the site to have access to various publications and be able to make your own comics.
It is worth noting that you must be at least 13 years old to register and the site asks for parental supervision for children under 18 years old.
Within the platform, you will find two categories of authors:
- Originals: here are the official comics of the site, paid authors and have editorial collection from the company;
- Canvas: in this category, authors are unpaid and do not have as close a catch on the site as Originals.
Nothing prevents a Canvas author from becoming an Original, okay? This depends on the approach of one of the site's editors, but it can always happen.
Those who publish in the Canvas category are free to define their own agenda and only need to upload their stories, it's a simple process.
On the website itself you can find all the information and rules to publish.
This is a great way to promote your work and reach more people over the internet on platforms developed exclusively for this niche.
What is the best site to read Webtoon?
In addition to having access to a large volume of incredible stories on the Webtoon, which is available for Android and iOS, there are other very interesting platforms to read comics online.
Discover the best sites below.
MANGA More
Free platform for iOS and Android, MANGA Plus has classics like “Naruto”, “One Piece” and “My Hero Academia”.
Also available for desktop, the service is so successful among Spanish people that it gained support in Portuguese in 2021.
mangatoon
MangaToon can be downloaded for free on Android and iOS systems, but it also offers in-app rewards.
Despite having a good amount of manga, several of them have only a few free chapters, then you have to pay to continue reading.
Rent!
The Renta! It's perfect for anyone who enjoys a good romance. The site is dedicated to romantic manga of the most varied genres.
The platform is paid, but has stories with some free chapters. In addition, there is a system of points that are worth the currency of exchange: you buy a package of points and can exchange them for the contents.
Tapas
Tapas is one of the most popular platforms and has a very varied collection. However, not all stories are available for free.
In addition, it is worth noting that there are more works in English, with few options translated into Portuguese.
A major differential of the platform are the novels made available on the site, which further expand the variety of the application.
It is also possible to publish through the website or through the application, available on Google Play and the App Store.
TappyToo
One of the pioneers in the dissemination of digital comics around the world, the TappyToon platform offers incredible options for ics and novels.
It is available for desktop, Android and iOS.
The service does not have a Portuguese version, but it is not difficult to find what you want within it.
Toomics
At Toomics, it is possible to find free works or even opt for the subscription service, which gives unlimited access to the contents.
Today, there are already several works in Portuguese, in addition to content in Spanish, English and Korean, for example.
The platform is well organized, easy to navigate and available for desktop, Android and iOS.
Webics
Webics has a variety of manga and digital comics. The platform is only available in English, but it has a very intuitive structure and is therefore easy to navigate.
You can also publish your comics or novels there. In addition to the desktop version, Webics has an app for Android and iOS.
Webtoon in Brazil: understand the scenario
As we speak, digital comics did not take long to conquer the hearts of Koreans and soon expanded their stories to the whole world.
Around the world, several works have been adapted into series, as is the case of the webic “Planeta Estranho”, by Nathan Pyle.
In Brazil, the popularization of Korean comics becomes increasingly visible. Proof of this is the publication of several works translated into Portuguese.
Social ics partnered with Webtoon to bring titles from the official translation platform.
Even the first title has already been released by Social ics: “Um Homem Estranho” was the work chosen to open these publications.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that the publications made available by the platforms made room for the dissemination of Spanish artists.
“Game Over Squad” and “Blades of Furry” are comics produced by Spanish authors and available on the platform.
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Conclusion
Undoubtedly, webtoons are a revolution in the format of comics and bring a complete experience to readers.
The popularization opened space not only for the change in the way of reading, but also for the discovery of new artists.
And you, do you already have a favorite digital comic?
