Manga, Manhua and Manhwa

If you've ever stumbled into the world of Asian graphic novels, you’ve probably come across the big three: Manga (Japanese graphic novels), Manhua (Chinese graphic novels), and Manhwa (Korean graphic novels). At first glance, they might all look like stylish black-and-white panels filled with expressive characters. But look closer, and you’ll find a rich tapestry of differences woven from their unique cultural, historical, and creative roots. So, let’s dive in and explore these fantastic worlds, no passport required!
Don’t kill me for the word “comics”. Its just a reference to make it easier to understand comparing with western graphic novels.

Manga: The OG (Original Graphic) of Asian Comics

Manga is Japan’s pride and joy, with roots tracing back to ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the Edo period (1603–1867). But modern manga as we know it exploded post-WWII, thanks to Osamu Tezuka’s “Astro Boy.” Tezuka’s cinematic style was revolutionary, and his work set the stage for manga’s global domination.

Format: Usually black-and-white and printed in small booklets or magazines like Shonen Jump.

Direction: Right to left. Yes, it’s the ultimate “read me backward” experience.

Art Style: Highly detailed characters with larger-than-life emotions (those teary, sparkling eyes are iconic).

From Naruto kicking butt in ninja villages to Death Note making us question our moral compasses, manga has something for everyone. There are genres for boys (shonen), girls (shoujo), adults (seinen), and beyond.

Manga is thriving globally. Platforms like MangaPlus bring serialized chapters to international fans, and anime adaptations only amplify the craze (Demon Slayer, anyone?). It’s not just entertainment, it’s an economic powerhouse in Japan. Shonen Jump, one of the most iconic and influential manga magazines in the world, published by the Japanese company Shueisha made manga culture appeal far-reaching, captivating readers of all ages and genders with its diverse roster of stories. A lot of popular manga like Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, and Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Bleach and many more all got their start in this magazine.

If you’re getting started, here’s my top recommendations:

• Dragon Ball Z : The OG power-up and fight series that defined a generation.

• One Piece : Pirates, treasures, and a stretchy hero. What’s not to love?

• Naruto : The journey of a knucklehead ninja with dreams of becoming Hokage.

• Attack on Titan : Giant man-eating creatures? A dystopian masterpiece.

• Death Note : A notebook that kills? Cue moral dilemmas and epic mind games.

• Fullmetal Alchemist : Alchemy, brotherly bonds, and an unforgettable story.

• Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) : Demon hunting with a side of breathtaking animation.

• Bleach : Soul Reaper stuck in human world and epic journey begins

• Jujutsu Kaisen : Curses, exorcists, and a protagonist who eats a finger. Wild ride.

• Vinland Saga : Vikings and real history woven into an epic story.

• Tokyo Revengers : Time travel, gangs, and redemption arcs galore.

• Hunter x Hunter : Adventure packed story of a world opening into larger world.

• Parasyte : Alien parasites take over humans

There’s plenty more but these would be good starting points.

Manhua: The Chinese Renaissance of Comics

Manhua dates back to 19th-century satirical drawings. While early manhua was mostly based around political settings, it evolved into a vibrant storytelling medium by the 20th century. Thanks to the internet boom, digital manhua exploded in popularity.

Format: Often in vibrant full color, breaking away from manga’s monochromatic traditions.

Direction: Left to right, like most Western comics. (Your brain thanks you.)

Art Style: Slick, sharp lines and ethereal vibes, especially in cultivation (think martial arts meets fantasy) genres.

Manhua loves epic fantasy (cultivation tales like “Tales of Demons and Gods”), historical romance, and revenge-driven dramas. There's often a philosophical touch, reflecting Confucian values or Taoist mysticism.

China’s strict censorship laws have shaped manhua’s themes, keeping them relatively tame. However, platforms like Tencent Comics, Bilibili Comics and Kuaikan Manhua are pushing them to global audiences. The industry still struggles to match manga’s global reach, but it’s making steady strides.

If you’re getting started, here’s my top recommendations:

• Tales of Demons and Gods : Cultivation fantasy with a reincarnated protagonist aiming to change fate.

• The King’s Avatar : E-sports meets a gaming prodigy’s rise to glory.

• Soul Land (Douluo Dalu) : Martial arts and magical beast fusion battles.

• Apotheosis : A journey from a slave to a god epic cultivation vibes.

• Martial Peak : An endless quest for strength in a martial arts universe.

• Battle Through the Heavens : Alchemy, martial arts, and the ultimate underdog story.

• Versatile Mage : A magic school story with a rebellious protagonist who defies norms.

• Star Martial God Technique : A quest to master the universe’s strongest martial arts technique.

• The Ravages of Time : Historical epic inspired by China’s Three Kingdoms period.

• God of Martial Arts : A world where martial arts determine life, death, and destiny.

• Ultimate of All Ages : Man from the ancient past, who awakens in a world thousands of years into the future.

My friend Sreeram maintains this list that you can also follow for more recommendations.

Manhwa: The Webtoon Revolution

Manhwa blossomed in Korea post-WWII but faced setbacks during the country’s political turmoil. By the 2000s, digital manhwa (aka webtoons) redefined the game. Korean creators took advantage of smartphones, creating vertical-scrolling comics designed for seamless online reading.

Format: Full-color, vertical scrolling, perfect for phone addicts (guilty!).

Direction: Left to right.

Art Style: Clean, modern, and often cinematic, with dynamic paneling.

Manhwa is fearless when it comes to tackling adult themes (hello, “Solo Leveling” and “Lore Olympus”). From heartwarming romances (“True Beauty”) to action-packed epics (“Tower of God”), manhwa often blends K-drama vibes with stunning visuals.

Manhwa is leading the digital comics world, and platforms like LINE Webtoon, Lezhin Comics, Toomics and KakaoPage are expanding its global footprint. Thanks to Netflix adaptations (Sweet Home, Hellbound), manhwa is practically a household name now.

If you’re getting started, here’s my top recommendations:

• Solo Leveling : From weakling to world’s strongest hunter, an action-packed journey.

• Tower of God : A mysterious tower, tests of strength, and betrayal at every turn.

• Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint : Imagine waking up in your favorite web novel’s apocalyptic world.

• The Beginning After the End : A king reincarnated into world of magic

• True Beauty : A heartwarming story of self-esteem and romance with K-drama adaptation in 2020.

• The Breaker : Martial arts battles with a secretive and charismatic mentor.

• Noblesse : A vampire awakening in modern society, epic fights and humor included.

• The God of High School : A high school martial arts competition takes crazy turn.

• Sweet Home : Survival horror with a psychological twist. Monsters, everywhere.

• Bastard : Thriller meets psychological horror with a chilling father-son dynamic.

• Nano Machine : Nano machines from future makes kid rise up in Demonic Cult and path to the strongest. Also has other manhwa in same universe like Absolute Sword Sense.

• The Gamer : High-school student with special powers make real world feel like gaming.

• Academy’s Underground Professor : Former Assassin becomes professor and becomes entangled in the academy’s hidden secrets, political conspiracies, and mysterious powers.

I’m slightly partial to action packed series but there’s plenty of popular titles in various genres available as well.

What Sets Them Apart?

Manga, manhua, and manhwa may share DNA, but they’ve evolved into distinct art forms with unique flavors. Manga feels like a trusted old friend, manhua like a mystical storyteller, and manhwa like your tech-savvy, trendsetting sibling.

Apart from these, there are some one-shots which comes up such as my fav donghua web series Link Click. So many art forms out there telling amazing stories. :)

Don’t be hating in any of them. Love and enjoy each 😉 story and their unique experience.

💙