I've always been an avid reader of web comics. For those that don't know, web comics are just that--comics you can read on any of your devices. As someone who likes to draw, I've always been drawn to them (pun not intended), and even inspired by people who take the leap and make and share a story of their own. (And really, it's a big accomplishment. Drawing and writing a web comic takes a lot of work!)

Over the years, I've come to find that my weeks are marked by notifications of when my favorite web comics have updated, or even by nights when I'm up until 2 AM binging a bunch of chapters.

Here are a few of my favorites!

Warrior of the Wild

Author(s): Jinglestan, Brian Koffler, Laura Arce

Completion Status: Completed (68 episodes)

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: Teen

WEBTOON SUMMARY:

Rasmira trained her whole life to become a warrior and replace her father as head of their village. But when her coming-of-age trial is sabotaged and she fails the test, she’s banished to the monster-infested Wild. Her only shot at returning home and reclaiming her honor is to kill the sinister god who controls the realm – or die trying.

Spoiler-Free Review

I enjoyed the adventure and the lore that was inspired by Norse Mythology. Rasmira was realistic as a character, and her overall arc was satisfying to see play out on the pages. I did notice a slight drop in art quality as the comic went on, but it didn't hinder the storytelling in any way that was super noticeable. This comic also had some romance, and I personally don't think that it really needed it, but like the inconsistencies in the art style, it didn't ruin the story.

My Rating: 8/10

It was overall a fun story with well-rounded characters, but it suffered from some inconsistency in the art style. I'd recommend for anyone who enjoys a female character who's a little rough around the edges, as well as a Viking-inspired world!

Did you know Warrior of the Wild is based on a novel? If this story is interesting to you, you can buy it on Amazon!

The Weight of Our Sky

Author(s): Hanna Alkaf, Nisrina A.N.

Rating: Teen (With heavy themes of mental illness, and upsetting depictions of violence)

Genre: Historical

Completion Status: Completed (11 episodes)

WEBTOON SUMMARY:

A music loving teen with OCD does everything she can to find her way back to her mother during the historic race riots in 1969 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Based on the YA novel by Hanna Alkaf.)

Spoiler-Free Review

At first glance, this comic looked like it was going a cutesy slice of life story, with some bits of a coming-of-age story sprinkled throughout. I was quickly proven wrong in about two chapters (or episodes, as they're known on WEBTOON). OCD is depicted realistically, and I can tell that the authors of both the comic, and the novel it's based on, took great care not to be insensitive. However, they also pulled no punches when it came to showing the events of the Kuala Lumpur race riots, where no one was left unaffected.

My Rating: 9/10

I was left crying at the end of this, and I was affected by the story for days afterward.

To learn more about the 1969 Kuala Lumpur race riots, visit the article below!

Article: A Black Day in May for Malaysia

The Weight of Our Sky (Buy the novel version on Amazon)

Duchess in Ruins

Author(s): Candlebambi, Saedle, Lemon Frog

Completion Status: Ongoing

Genre: Romance

Rating: Teen

WEBTOON SUMMARY:

Edele Lancaster is the perfect noble lady who has been groomed for the job. But when her husband whom she married reluctantly commits treason, she is branded a traitor and becomes a slave. Distraught, she tries to kill herself to preserve honor as a noble lady, but her new master, Count Laslo Krissus prevents her from doing so. Will Edele be able to find freedom and happiness in her new life as Count Krissus’ maid?

Spoiler-Free Review

This comic seems like the run-of-the-mill romance based in a medieval world. This one is one of dozens (maybe even 100+) that is featured on WEBTOON. One thing it has going for it is that the female lead hasn't been reincarnated into the world (what is known as 'isekai'. There are actually hundreds of these types of comics out there, so it's difficult to find good ones.). The main character also has agency and acts like a real person, using her former station as a duchess to survive in the new role she finds herself in. The romance itself isn't even super prevalent in the first chunk of this comic, something I prefer more.

In a lot of romance web comics, the female characters are often pitted against each other, and see the protagonist as competition for the attention of the male lead character. In Duchess in Ruins, the female characters all seem like they're different people with their own personalities, and they have fulfilling friendships.

My Rating (So Far): 9/10

I really like the story and where it's going so far, and I can't wait to see where the story and its characters end up!

Lady Knight

Author(s): Lion Illustration

Completion Status: Ongoing

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: Teen

WEBTOON SUMMARY:

Aurora is a young orphan who lives in a peaceful abbey, taking care of the outcast that her country's inquisitorial regime leaves out. One night, she discovers that she is marked by a terrible curse and is recruited by an ancient order of knights to train at an elite academy, in order to learn how to control her dangerous abilities. As the first woman admitted in the academy, Aurora is not well received and will have to use all her wits to defeat her opponents in an extraordinary world, where she is even more unusual.

Spoiler-Free Review

This story gives me major Mulan vibes (the original one, not the live action). This story takes place in a world that is reminiscent of Spain during the Inquisition, and you can really tell, complete with real live fictional Inquisitors! Aurora, the main character, and the side characters are all really fun. I also enjoyed the unique take on the fantasy aspects! The art itself was also really consistent and clean.

My Rating (So Far): 8.5/10

The worldbuilding is really unique, especially for a lot of webtoons I've read! I also think the art is some of my favorite!

If you're interested in reading any of the comics I shared, or want to find your own favorite web comics, you can follow the links I provided above!

Happy reading!