In our journey as a Otaku we come across different terms used by other Otaku and the community. Some of them are Manga, Manhua, Manhwa and Webtoon. So, lets talk about what are they and how are they different from each other.

What are Manga, Manhua, Manhwa and Webtoon?

If you have been a Otaku for a while you may be familiar with one or two term. Even if you are not into these things, you may have watched anime. Well, basically anime are produced by adapting from the sources like manga, manhua, manhwa and webtoon in most of the cases. Also some of these (manga, manhua, manhwa or webtoon) may also be adapted from Light Novel(LN) or Web Novel(WN). If you are still struggling to get what these are then think it like the eastern version of comics.

Manga are the graphic novels from Japan. Most popular anime series like One Piece, Naruto and Bleach comes from their respective manga version.

Manhua are the graphic novels from China. Doulou Dalu (Soul Land), Tales of Demons and Gods, A Will Eternal are some popular ones.

Manhwa are the graphic novels from Korea. Previously, it was only referred to the graphic novels from South Korea, but North Korea has also started emerging.

Similarly, Webtoon are digital graphic novels originated from South Korea, now being published from all over the world. Some popular Manhwa and Webtoon are Solo Leveling, Tower of God and Noblesse.

But wait, all four are graphic novels so what's different?

Differences between Manga, Manhua, Manhwa and Webtoon

Talking about differences, technically there are none. It's just the term used to call the graphic novels are different, only, they are from different countries. Though all have some great ones from each, the most popular one of all of them is Manga. Manga has a kind of uniqueness which makes it more likeable. Mostly many manga comes uncolored unlike Manhua, Manhwa and Webtoon which are mostly colored. Manga also maybe colored if the manga becomes popular but it releases a lot later than the uncolored one.

Manhua are mainly based on ancient chinese culture, facts, isekai(reincarnation), cultivation and romance however, not all manhua are deeply focused on these. Manhua and Donghua have awesome animation. Chinese animated series or anime made from Chinese graphic novels i.e. Manhua are called Donghua. Though manhua and donghua are not really famous around the world, there are lots of good ones to read and watch.

Manhwa and Manhua are much similar. Like isekai(reincarnation), fantasy, romance, over powered MC (Main character) are the main theme of these two. The main reason for them for not being much talked about than manga is them being more romance focused. There are even some extreme adult manhwa which may be the cause for manhwa being less liked by the readers. Though there are also such mangas in same proportion but it has been labeled a separate term which secludes itself from the mainstream manga.

Nevertheless, you will find many underrated manhua and manhwa which has awesome story and may compete with some popular mangas.

Finally, webtoon is a digital graphic novel. Previously, South Korea used to publish Manhua in similar manner as Manga, uncolored printed version. But, as smartphone were being popular and there was availability of free internet in South Korea, Webtoon, a colored digitalized version of manhwa published online, started becoming prevalent. Now, not only South Korea but other countries also has started adopting Webtoons.

These are the most basic differences that can be pointed out. It can also be differentiated with how they are read. Manga and Manhua , traditionally were read right to left, top to bottom in page by page order but nowadays manga are being published in left to right, top to bottom order while some still following the traditional one. Manhwa are read left to right, top to bottom order page by page. Webtoon are read in a vertical scrolling order (i.e in digital device like smartphone) with some additional background noises and sound clips to add some extra effects making it more interesting and exciting. There are also some differences how the characters and things are drawn but they can even be different in each ones.

Whatever the term and whatever the style, every one is unique and awesome to read in own way. Hope you have the basic idea about them now. If you have some queries you can comment down below.