In recent years, a phenomenon known as Manga has overtaken the West. For those of you who don’t know, Manga is a Japanese comic; it is also where most Anime is adapted.

According to Google terms, the graph shows Manga has been searched consistently for over five years, 2016-2021. That’s good news for readers since publishers will go where the demand is; however, Japan is not the only country in East Asia producing graphic novels. 

For several centuries, North and South Korea alongside China have produced graph novels known as Manhwa (Korean) and Manhua (Chinese).

Sadly, though, there are people who believe that Manga, Manhwa, and Manhua are the same. I’m here to tell you they’re not.

[ Images belongs' to CBR.]

So What's The Difference between Manga, Manhwa, and Manhua?

Cultural differences are one thing. Longtime manga fans can tell you that Japan incorporates aspects of its culture in each series; whether that is myths, history, or just certain things like fashion that originated there. 

The same goes for Manhwa and Manhua. So saying these comics are alike is the same as grouping all of Asia into one sizeable group when they are all diverse countries.

As a Westerner who enjoys reading both manhwa and manga, it saddens me that only Japanese graphic novels have taken off in the United States.

I also view a wasted opportunity to educate the public on the differences in Asian Cultures. Let me explain.

When I was twelve years old, I got into my first manga/ anime series (Naruto). Now I’m sure you’re wondering what this has to do with anything, but let me tell you that Naruto helped get me interested in Japanese culture outside of manga.

I wish I could say discovering Manhwa is what got me excited about learning about South Korea, but that award goes to K-Pop.

I will say manga made me wonder if other Asian countries had graphic novels too? I didn’t know the Korean word for the comic, so I typed in Korean comics. That’s how I found out about Manhwa.

The first one I read was titled. “Bride of the Water God,” written by Mi-Kyung Yun. It’s based on Korean mythology, making it a good example of a learning tool.

Bride of the Water God is just one example. However, there are several hundred series out there in a wide variety of genres. Plus, the beautiful artwork makes it worth just taking a glance at.

So Why Hasn't Manhwa Taken Off?

One reason has to do with the South Korean government’s view of Manhwa. To put it simply, they do not view it in a positive light in contrast to their Japanese neighbors, who have embraced manga as part of their culture.

In an article by Christine Ro, “Your Intro to Korean Manhwa and Webtoons,” published on Book Riot. The South Korean government shut down Manhwa production in 1945 because of depictions of violence and sex. “In 1967, they even declared Manhwa as one of the six evils of the world.” A statement, I disagree with considering some things we've published here in the west. 

I must also add that manhwa and manga are intended from ages teen to adult, not children. Most graphic novels also publish an age rating on the back of the book, just so you know.

A second reason is that most of the west doesn't know about Manhwa or have given it much thought. Although there are apps such as, “Webtoons, Pocket Comics est* making manhwa easier to access in the States, it still isn’t enough to help it catch up to manga.

So How Can We Fix This Problem?

To start, American publishers who publish Manga should try to reach out to South Korean authors/ publishers to see if a deal of some sort could be made to publish their work here in the States. For example, Yen Press or Dark Horse.

It is also important to advertise to the public, as the only way to fix unawareness is through getting the word out. This task falls to not just the publishing companies or Pocket Comics, but also fans. As a fan, it is my responsibility to raise awareness of a product that I’m fond of. This is the only proper solution to this problem. 

The Benefits of Publicly Publishing Manhwa and Manhua. 

The first benefit from manhwa and manhua being published in the States is that countries China and South Korea would have a chance to share their respective cultures and talented artist.

The second benefit is that South Korea and China could compete against Japan in terms of graphic novels.

The third is that this could help spread awareness of Asian diversity.

So why should publishers publish Manhwa in paperback when it’s available online?

One is because there are individuals who have trouble reading things online, or they simply don’t enjoy reading things online.

Two is that some people such as myself simply like to own their own copies. Yes, I know that means spending money, but to me, it’s worth it, plus it shows support for the author.

The third is that physical publication will attract more attention than if it were only left online.

The fourth and last reason is that websites such as KissManga aren’t the safest for readers because they are open to spammers, making it easy for your device to catch a virus.

Are Manhwa and Webtoons the Same?

The answer is yes and no. Most webtoons are based on previously published Manhwa that have been digitally restored.

Light novels and Manhwa.

It is also important to know that several mangas, Manhwa and Manhua, are adapted from light novels. A light novel is a style of a Japanese novel. The demographic that it targets is middle and high schoolers.

In recent years, the style has become popular in China and South Korea.

The Top Genre for Manga, Manhwa, Manhua.

As we’ve discussed at the beginning of the article, every country is different and shouldn’t be grouped together, so it is only natural that each country has a different preference of genre too.

For manga, the most popular genre is action; this category includes Shonen and Seinen. The difference between the two mostly has to do with the rating and the type of content.

As for Manhwa, the most popular genre is romance. It is important to note that most of these romance novels are centered on accomplishing a common goal, so don’t let the romance part turn you away.

For Manhua, the most popular genre is between history and mythology.

My Top Ten Manhwa Picks.

1. Lady to Queen. Genre: Time-Travel, Romance, Historical. 
2. Who Made Me a Princess. Genre: Fantasy.
3. The Soulless Duchess: Genre: Fantasy, Time-Travel, Rebirth.
4. The Villainess Winds Back the Hourglass. Genre: Fantasy, Rebirth, Magic, Romance.
5. I Don't want to be Empress. Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Romance.
6. Shadow Queen. Genre: Fantasy, Time-Travel, Rebirth, Revenge, Romance.
7. The Villainess Lives Again. Genre: Time-Travel, Rebirth, Magical, Romance.
8. Lucia. Genre: Fantasy, Magical, Romance.
9. Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady With the Lamp. Genre: Medical, Fantasy, Political. 
10. Daughter of the Emperor. Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance.

I hope you'll enjoy these great reads as I have.

Thank you, Caitlan.