LINE Webtoon - An Overview

Bored under self-quarantine? Are you shut in due to the Coronavirus? Want something new to pass the time and enjoy yourself? Now more than ever is the best time to download LINE Webtoon. Originally from Korea, Naver Webtoon was created in 2004 and made the western adaption to LINE in 2014. Naver began as a platform for comic creators to share their manhwa for all of Korea to read. They value creators and consumers above all things. Webtoons are read vertically and, usually, right to left. They are often in color and full of vibrant artwork. Some, on LINE, may even feature music as you scroll to read. Many have received Kdrama adaptations over the years such as “Cheese in the Trap.” Recently some have also moved into animated adaptations as well, such as “Refund High School” and “Tower of God,” through a connection to Crunchyroll, an anime streaming service. It is comparable to Japanese manga, though that is read right to left and is usually in black and white. Manhwa, originates from the 1920s, meaning comics in Korean. (As opposed to Manhua, the Chinese version and Manga, the word in Japanese.) A fantastic and heartbreaking look at the history of Korean comics can be found here.

"Cheese in the Trap" Webtoon art comparison to Korean Drama adaptation

"Gourmet Hound," Episode 22

Over the past few years, the app has gained quite a lot of traction with ads running on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and even in Times Square in New York City. The stories range from romance to mystery to horror. One of the most popular to this date is Lore Olympus, based on the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone. In my own experience, I had first encountered this on what was considered Canvas, then “Discover,” at the time. Any creator is allowed to post content for views. Rachel Smythe began her comic on this feature before quickly being moved to Originals, then “Featured.” This was absolutely expected by fans with her incredible art and attention to detail with popular mythology stories. The art has only improved over the years. Countless Canvas titles now are awaiting the same, with their hard work on display for all app users to see.

Hades and Hectate protecting Persephone in "Lore Olympus"

Canvas titles are uploaded by creators, hoping to be discovered for a larger feature and the ability to be paid for their work. Making a webtoon is not an easy task, especially for one person. Many enlist a team for writing, art and other aspects to review the process as the work is clearly tedious. “Originals” update weekly and are paid for their work. These are often much longer episodes as they are given priority for their creators to work on during the week. Canvas titles are much shorter, generally, and have a varying update schedule. As of early 2019, “Fast Pass” became available as a way to support creators by creating early access to new updates. This is a paid feature, but revenue goes directly to those creators. With the worldwide quarantine, Canvas creators are also receiving full AdSense pay as well.  Both sections are full of wonderful stories to immerse yourself in. I stumbled upon the app in 2017, when I came across a screenshot for “Siren’s Lament” in the “mermaids” tag on tumblr. I read all of it up to that point in a day, and then again the day after. From there I found so many beautiful stories and have been hooked ever since. Stay tuned, I will do a few lists of my favorites over the years in the coming days!

Ian, Shon and Lyra of the widely popular "Siren's Lament"