Top 7 Post-Apocalyptic Manhwa Series Worth Reading

Apocalyptic scenarios where humans are no longer the dominant species on earth, whether due to otherworldly creatures or natural disasters, remain a popular theme in entertainment. This concept has been repeatedly explored in various narratives, yet its popularity continues to endure. The vast nature of this trope allows for the creation of new and diverse versions.

While manga and anime often delve into dystopian worlds, such as the widely known series Attack on Titan, manhwa has not ventured as deeply into this territory. However, there are still some compelling manhwas that effectively convey the sense of impending doom in post-apocalyptic settings. These stories immerse readers in a world teetering on the edge of destruction, or already in its aftermath.

Dead Days

MAL Score: 6.82/10

Yoo Jingook's neighbour shooting an arrow to his balcony in Dead Days - MAL Score: 6.82/10

Dead Days is a post-apocalyptic psychological manhwa that can be quite unsettling, yet surprisingly not in a negative way. It often delves deep into profound themes, leaving readers/viewers with a sense of existential dread. The focus is on human trauma and the mental struggles of individuals facing a major extinction event, making it feel eerily relatable despite its fictional nature.

The story follows various characters, each dealing with their own inner demons and battling self-destructive tendencies. Despite their struggles, they all share a common will to survive, showcasing the resilience of human nature. The manhwa begins four days into a zombie apocalypse, a familiar setting, but what sets it apart are the complex characters, their backgrounds, and their very human actions that add depth to the storyline.

TACIT

MAL Score: 7.07/10

Ruby and Own from TACIT looking over a building - MAL Score: 7.07/10

TACIT takes a different approach compared to Dead Days by throwing readers right into the midst of the apocalypse, showcasing human survivors divided into factions as they struggle to stay alive. The overall feel of the story, its artwork, and at times its plot, may remind some of The Last of Us. It also explores the theme of "humans maintaining their humanity after being infected" and surprisingly executes it quite effectively.

This captivating manhwa follows the journey of Ruby, a young, spirited, and endlessly curious girl who often finds herself in sticky situations due to her insatiable desire for exploration. While out on one of her adventures, she stumbles upon a pale, sickly-looking boy who bears a striking resemblance to a zombie from the TACIT world. Despite his appearance, the boy behaves like a regular person and communicates with her normally. Impressed by his demeanor, Ruby decides to bring him back to the human survival camp.

The World After the Fall

MAL Score: 7.49/10

MC from The World After the Fall - MAL Score: 7.49/10

The World After the Fall is a post-apocalyptic action manhwa similar to Solo Leveling. It is set in a world that has fallen apart due to a supernatural phenomenon. Initially, the storyline may seem like a typical one where monsters have taken over the world and some humans gain special powers to combat them. However, what sets this series apart is the main character's refusal to be isekai-ed, unlike other similar manhwa.

The World After the Fall takes place in a world on the brink of destruction, where survival seems impossible for the average human. Strange monsters from other dimensions emerge from mysterious "towers," and only the "tower walkers" can prevent complete annihilation. These tower walkers face a tough decision: to fight for a doomed world or to regress to a timeline before the towers appeared. While most choose to regress, the protagonist, Jaehwan, stands firm in his decision to stay and fight in the original timeline.

Distant Sky

MAL Score: 7.71/10

Kang Haneul from Distant Sky - MAL Score: 7.71/10

Distant Sky is a horror story set in a post-apocalyptic world with unique and impressive artwork that may remind some of Junji Ito's style. The story effectively incorporates mystery and portrays the protagonist's fear and determination to survive. It also includes clever plot twists and flashbacks, although some may find them repetitive.

Kang Haneul wakes up in complete darkness, unsure of his whereabouts or how he ended up unconscious. With his phone barely functioning, he illuminates his surroundings to discover numerous dead bodies nearby. Adding to his terror, he hears disturbing sounds emanating from the darkness.

Duty after School

MAL Score: 7.83/10

the main cast of Duty After School - MAL Score: 7.83/10 - Duty after School

At first glance, Duty After School may seem like a funny story because of its quirky art style and dry humor. However, as you dive deeper into it, you'll discover that it's actually a psychological series with complex characters and situations. What makes it even more interesting is that the story starts with the characters sharing their stories and 'experiences' through personal interviews.

The series follows a group of high school students who are forced to join the military because there aren't enough soldiers after an alien invasion. They share their journey from being regular students to becoming trained fighters.

Leviathan

MAL Score: 8.08/10

leviathan manhwa the protagonist holding a harpoon - MAL Score: 8.08/10 - Leviathan

For those looking for a unique post-apocalyptic story set in a world ruled by massive sea creatures, they should check out Leviathan, the manhwa version of Subnautica. It offers a refreshing take on the typical dystopian narratives involving zombie outbreaks or supernatural monster attacks.

In the world of Leviathan, civilization was destroyed when the planet's water levels rose dramatically, submerging everything in its path. Humans, who once thrived, are now struggling to survive in this new underwater world, living off whatever they can find. Bota and Lita, a pair of siblings from the new generation, have only known this harsh reality and never experienced the prosperity of the past.

The Horizon

MAL Score: 8.67/10

the boy from The Horizon - MAL Score: 8.67/10

Throughout this list, there have been discussions about the psychological effects of an apocalypse—how some manhwa capture that essence really well, while others fall short. The Horizon stands out as a manhwa that breaks conventional boundaries by portraying the grim realities of human existence with eerie accuracy, focusing on despair, defeat, and desperation. What makes it even more compelling is that it tells this story through the eyes of a young boy.

The Horizon follows the journey of a young boy who is left alone in a world ravaged by an unknown apocalyptic event. Forced to mature quickly in order to survive, he must resort to extreme measures to stay alive. Along the way, he meets a girl around his age and finds solace in her companionship. Together, they navigate a world rendered inhospitable by forces beyond their control.

Editor's P/S:

The article offers an intriguing exploration of post-apocalyptic manhwa, highlighting their ability to convey the sense of impending doom and the resilience of human nature in the face of adversity. The diverse range of stories presented, from psychological thrillers to action-packed adventures, showcases the versatility of the post-apocalyptic genre within manhwa. Each recommendation provides unique insights into the human condition, leaving readers with a lingering sense of existential dread or a newfound appreciation for the fragility of civilization.

The article effectively captures the essence of post-apocalyptic narratives, emphasizing the psychological toll it takes on individuals and the challenges they face in a world teetering on the brink of destruction. It highlights the genre's ability to explore profound themes of survival, morality, and the limits of human endurance. The well-rounded selection of manhwa provides readers with a comprehensive look at the genre, offering both familiar tropes and refreshing takes on the post-apocalyptic setting.