The Ultimate Manga Revolution: Meet the Company Set to Redefine the Industry's Future

As publishing companies strive to adapt to new generations of readers, one company is on the cusp of revolutionizing the industry. What started as a small website for publishing manwh has now become a global sensation, featuring a diverse array of web comics ranging from Western-style cartoons to Japanese manga. And the growth shows no signs of slowing down.

WEBTOON, primarily known for its digital comics, is now expanding its reach. Some titles have made the leap into physical print editions, garnering immense popularity comparable to their online counterparts. Success stories like The God of High School even went on to receive their own anime adaptations. With this momentum, WEBTOON aspires to become the premier manga publishing company worldwide.

WEBTOON Is Leading the Future of Publishing

WEBTOON emerged from humble beginnings, much like a hero in its own story. In 2004, founder JunKoo Kim established the company in response to the crash of the manwha industry. Its unique vertical scrolling format and the introduction of the Pay Profit Share program propelled the site to gain traction in South Korea. The global launch of the WEBTOON app in July 2014 opened doors for creators and audiences worldwide, resulting in its rapid popularity. Surprisingly, WEBTOON found success when it ventured into traditional print comics, alongside its digital platform. Initially published by third parties, WEBTOON took a step forward by independently releasing print copies through Webtoon Unscrolled in 2021. This move allows the company to have complete control over its titles. The anticipation for upcoming publications, including the immensely popular The God of High School, which already has its own anime adaptation, continues to grow. Alongside these new ventures, the app's accessibility remains a major draw for new readers. With each passing day, the prospect of WEBTOON becoming the premier source for manga appears more promising.

There is a debate on whether physical or digital books are superior, but it is undeniable that web comics have the upper hand due to their adaptability, affordability, and accessibility. WEBTOON was founded with the intention of embracing new technologies. While they have ventured into traditional print mediums, it is their print copies that bring attention to the company as a whole. As they continue to succeed, other companies will likely follow suit and shift towards online platforms for their works, ultimately transforming the future of manga.