Latest news with #Webtoon
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
10 iconic webtoons that deserve their own anime now
Credits: YouTube by The Black Mastadonte Webtoons have exploded worldwide, and studios are racing to tap their built-in fanbases. LINE Webtoon's CEO even announced that 'at least 20 more anime series based on webtoons will be announced this year'. Many of these digital comics boast hundreds of millions or even billions of reads – yet some of the most popular titles in action, romance and fantasy still have no official anime. Here are 10 such fan-favorites (each with global followings and strong storytelling) that we believe deserve the animated treatment. 1. SubZero – Fantasy Romance This sweeping dragon-fantasy romance has been read over 375 million times on Webtoon. In SubZero , the last dragon princess Clove is forced into a political marriage with her enemy, Prince Kyro. The enemies-to-lovers plot is packed with magic, action and steamy tension – elements already praised by reviewers. As Oni Press editor Grace Scheipeter notes, SubZero combines 'dragons, love triangles, danger and magic' and is ideal for fans of Lore Olympus or A Court of Thorns and Roses . With its huge readership and lush artwork, SubZero has the visual spectacle and passionate fanbase to make a hit anime. 2. unOrdinary – Action u nOrdinary* is a high-school saga set in a superpowered world, and it's one of Webtoon's biggest hits. The series has 1.1 billion views and 5.7 million subscribers on Webtoon. It follows an ordinary teen in a school hierarchy of heroes and villains, with a dark secret that upends the status quo. Fans praise its blend of explosive powers and emotional depth. In tone it's like a darker My Hero Academia – exactly the kind of character-driven superhero story that could soar in anime form. The enormous global audience (on the order of billions of pageviews) shows how eager fans would be to see unOrdinary animated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 이미지 영어에 대해서 40분만에 알려드립니다 스티븐영어 지금 시작하기 Undo 3. Weak Hero – Action/Drama A gritty school fight drama, Weak Hero has over 242 million reads and 1.6 million subscribers. It centers on Gray, a quiet new student who appears weak but quickly becomes a fearsome fighter against school bullies. The series is known for its tense, well-choreographed fight scenes and its themes of bullying and justice (a Netflix live-action drama has already made it a global trend). Its page counts demonstrate a strong following. With its raw action and emotional story, Weak Hero would translate well into a thrilling anime – bringing its intense fights and anti-bullying message to a wider audience. 4. Cursed Princess Club – Fantasy Comedy/Romance This charming fantasy series turns the 'princess curse' trope on its head. It follows Gwendolyn, a princess cursed with extreme ugliness despite her royal status, who seeks help from a mysterious club of misfits. Cursed Princess Club has 288 million views and 2.3 million subscribers, making it one of the platform's top fantasy romances. Its humor, heart and themes of self-acceptance have won fans worldwide. An anime adaptation could highlight the story's whimsical art and heartfelt humor, appealing to viewers who love fairy-tale magic and strong messages. In short, its proven popularity and upbeat tone make it a natural fit for animation. 5. The Boxer – Sports Drama A compelling sports drama, The Boxer is about a young boxing prodigy who seems defeated until a mysterious coach recognizes his talent. With 176 million reads and 1.7 million subscribers, it's already a Webtoon hit. The series is praised for its gritty, psychological take on boxing – exploring themes of talent, hard work and mindset. Given the popularity of boxing/anime crossovers ( Hajime no Ippo , etc.), an anime The Boxer could showcase high-intensity fight animation and emotional depth. Its built-in audience of millions proves there's demand to see these underdog boxing matches come to life on screen. 6. The Greatest Estate Developer – Fantasy Isekai This inventive isekai comedy follows an engineering student reincarnated into a fantasy world as a debt-ridden nobleman. On Webtoon it has 172.7 million views and 1.2 million subscribers. The hero uses his modern knowledge (and a giant hamster sidekick) to build machines and change destiny. Fans love its clever mix of everyday science and adventure. An anime could amplify its humor and world-building – mechanical contraptions and fantasy battles would play great in animation. Since isekai series like Dr. Stone have done well, Estate Developer 's unique twist and strong fanbase make it ripe for adaptation. 7. The Remarried Empress – Fantasy Romance One of Webtoon's most-read series, The Remarried Empress has over 2.6 billion reads. It's a sweeping palace drama about Navier, an empress whose husband leaves her for a slave, only for Navier to boldly ask to remarry another emperor. The story features political intrigue, romance and a strong heroine. (It's already a hit K-drama, but no anime adaptation has been announced .) With its epic scope and loyal global following, it's a perfect candidate for anime. The massive readership shows how invested fans are in Navier's journey, and animation could bring even more drama and spectacle to the story's stunning palace settings. 8. Not Even Bones – Dark Fantasy Thriller This gritty thriller has 147.5 million views and 1.9 million subscribers. It follows Nita, the teenage daughter of a monster-selling mortician, who helps her cruel mother sell supernatural body parts — until she must decide if she'll become the monster herself. The series is praised for its dark twists, gore and moral complexity. There's nothing quite like it in anime yet, and its popularity shows fans love its unique angle. An animated Not Even Bones would bring its horror-action to life – the dramatic fights and shocking turns would make it stand out in the anime landscape, just as the Webtoon did online. 9. Your Throne – Fantasy Drama This intense fantasy drama (also known as I Want To Be Queen ) has 181.1 million views and 1.9 million subscribers. It centers on Medea, a noblewoman who lost her throne and plots to reclaim it from her rival, the crown princess. The series is packed with palace intrigue, revenge and shifting loyalties, and its gothic art style is very striking. In just a few hundred chapters it's built a huge following. Anime fans could enjoy its melodrama and strategizing – think of it as a dark Cinderella story with swords. With that many readers, an anime would satisfy a major fan demand for more cinematic storytelling of Medea's revenge saga. 10. Midnight Poppy Land – Romantic Thriller Blending romance and suspense, Midnight Poppy Land has 261.6 million reads and 2.6 million subscribers. It tells the story of a book editor whose life becomes entangled with a young mafia boss and his bodyguard after she stumbles on a murder. The series offers a sexy enemies-to-lovers plot and a noir atmosphere. Its popularity reflects how well fans react to the mix of love and danger. In anime form, viewers could immerse themselves in the city's underworld and the chemistry between characters. Given its thriller vibes and strong fanbase, Midnight Poppy Land would attract both romance and action lovers if animated. Conclusion: These ten Webtoons span action, romance and fantasy, but they share one thing: massive global fanbases and rich stories that beg for animation. From superheroes and martial-arts fights to royal intrigue and supernatural romance, each series has all the ingredients for a hit anime – compelling characters, stunning visuals, and proven popularity. With studios eagerly seeking new IPs from Webtoon, it's only a matter of time before some of these beloved titles get their anime break. Fans around the world will certainly be cheering for these series to make the jump from digital comic to animated series – and when they do, their existing readerships guarantee an eager audience. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Indian Mythology Finds New Life in Global Webtoon Fantasy
Credits: Reddit In recent years Webtoon platforms have seen a surge of fantasy comics drawing on Hindu mythology. Series like Kubera and Abide in the Wind blend Asian magic with concepts like reincarnation and karma, while independent Canvas titles explicitly rework Indian epics. South Korean creator Currygom's Kubera centers on a 16-year-old girl who survives her village's destruction and learns her fate is entwined with gods and demons. As the official synopsis explains, the pair journey through a world of 'Gods and Suras' (suras being analogues of Hindu asuras). In fact, one fan-review notes that minor characters include 'Agni, the fire god' and even 'the actual god Kubera' in human form, making the Hindu roots plain. Kubera has attracted a large international following (the Webtoon page lists over 260,000 subscribers), and its plot hinges on destiny and duty reminiscent of the Mahabharata . Another hit is Abide in the Wind (Shin Weol), a Korean webtoon about a village girl and a dragon whose journey across realms ends in sacrifice and a reset of time. Though not explicitly Hindu, it evokes Eastern cycles of rebirth and dharma: a protagonist willingly gives her life (absorbing a magic pearl) and 'resets' the world, echoing the idea of karma and reincarnation found in Indian thought. Such narratives of sacrifice, fate and cosmic order remind readers of similar themes in the Ramayana and Mahabharata , even if filtered through a fantastical dragon tale. On Webtoon's Canvas platform, new creators are freely weaving Hindu lore. Nerya: The Unblessed by Neto Rito is set in a world where being 'Blessed by the Gods means everything'. A reviewer praises its Indian touch: characters wear saris and bindis, adding 'a notable touch of difference', and one god is literally named 'Ausra' (a play on the word asura ). This infusion of myth makes Nerya feel 'incredibly unique' compared to more generic fantasy. Likewise, Astradhari (by Vishal and Ajay) is billed as a 'Hinduism pioneering fantasy web comic', promising warriors and sorcerers who bring 'the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology' to life. Even traditional tales get a digital retelling: one Canvas series titled Ramayan explicitly 'explores themes of dharma (duty), righteousness, and the triumph of good over evil', summarizing Rama and Sita's epic rescue quest. (Another Canvas comic, Radha and Krishna , directly recounts the divine lovers' story.) These series openly reference gods like Vishnu and Hanuman and adapt mythic lessons for a modern readership. Key mythic motifs recur across these stories: Gods and Asuras (Demons) – Kubera's world is built around battling devas and suras, just as Hindu epics pit devas against asuras. Blessings & Karma – Tales often hinge on divine favor. For example, Nerya's very setup is a girl striving in a land where 'being Blessed by the Gods means everything'. Characters suffer or succeed based on past deeds or godly boons, mirroring karma. Reincarnation & Rebirth – Many plots involve life-death cycles. Abide's heroine is reborn via cosmic magic, and Kubera hints that Leez's fate spans lifetimes, reflecting the transmigration of souls. Dharma (Duty) – Righteous duty guides heroes. The Ramayan Webtoon explicitly highlights 'dharma (duty)' as its theme, and characters across series make hard moral choices that feel drawn from Hindu philosophy. This blend of mythic depth and adventure is resonating globally. Fans praise the novelty: one reviewer notes that because Webtoon 'notably lacks works that are culturally different,' a series with Indian elements 'stands out' and feels unique. The infusion of elements like gods, karma and cosmic justice gives international readers fresh stories grounded in rich lore. Even mainstream platforms seem to notice: Webtoon's description of Astradhari boasts that its 'diverse cast brings to life the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology', signaling how creators and platforms are highlighting this trend. As audiences around the world embrace these fantasy webcomics, Indian-inspired epics are finding new life online. By combining anime-style visuals with Hindu cosmology and themes of karma and dharma, the creators are building bridges between cultures. The result is a new global fanbase eager to explore worlds where sari-clad warriors, dragons, and gods of fire and wealth share space – proof that ancient Indian myths have truly gone international.
Korea Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Webtoon Entertainment reports Q1 net loss despite meeting revenue projections
Digital comics platform posts mixed results as profitability concerns persist amid currency pressures Webtoon Entertainment, the global arm of South Korea's Naver Webtoon, reported a net loss of $22 million in the first quarter, despite slightly exceeding revenue forecasts. The Los Angeles-based webcomics platform, which went public in June 2024, recorded revenue of $325.7 million, narrowly surpassing the $324 million estimate from analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research. While the figure remained largely unchanged from the $326.7 million reported a year earlier, revenue increased 5.3 percent on a constant currency basis, suggesting stable underlying performance despite ongoing currency headwinds with the US dollar trading above 1,400 Korean won since late 2024. Japan continued to serve as Webtoon's strongest market, contributing over half of the company's total revenue for the quarter. The region posted 9.4 percent revenue growth on a constant currency basis, supported by the performance of Line Manga, which maintained its status as Japan's top-grossing non-gaming app. 'We have grown our presence in Japan, which represented over 50 percent of our revenue in Q1,' said founder and CEO Kim Jun-Koo during the earnings call. 'Japan grew all three businesses in this quarter: paid content, advertising and IP adaptations.' The company has been pivoting from exporting Korean content to developing local creator ecosystems in overseas markets. This model has shown particular traction in Japan, where the platform now serves as a channel for distributing Japanese content to other regions. English-language markets also reported year-over-year engagement gains, with monthly active users of the webcomic app rising 19 percent. The company said this preceded upcoming platform enhancements in May, including new content discovery tools to improve user experience. Despite growth in several key areas, Webtoon reported a net loss of $22 million, a reversal from the $6.2 million in net income during the same quarter last year. The decline was attributed to increased general and administrative expenses associated with going public, as well as higher marketing spending. Adjusted EBITDA dropped to $4.1 million from $22.2 million year over year. Since its initial public offering, Webtoon's stock has underperformed, falling nearly 30 percent since the start of 2025, compared to the S&P 500's 0.6 percent gain during the same period. Shares rose 3.35 percent in after-hours trading following Tuesday's earnings release. For the second quarter, the company forecasts revenue between $335 million and $345 million, representing 2.2 to 5.2 percent growth on a constant currency basis. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to fall between $500,000 and $5.5 million. Addressing potential concerns over proposed US tariffs on foreign-produced films, company executives said they do not expect a material impact on core operations. 'We do not see any impact by any announcements, particularly tariffs on our core business -- with the exception of swings in reported FX rates on our results, but not on the core health of our business,' said CFO and COO David Lee.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Webtoon Entertainment (WBTN) Surpasses Q1 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
Webtoon Entertainment (WBTN) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.03 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.02 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.73 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 50%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this online storytelling platform for comics and cartoons would post a loss of $0.08 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.03, delivering a surprise of 62.50%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times. Webtoon , which belongs to the Zacks Internet - Software industry, posted revenues of $325.71 million for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.53%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $326.74 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. Webtoon shares have lost about 29.7% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's decline of -0.6%. While Webtoon has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions. Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Webtoon: mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.06 on $337.87 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $0.31 on $1.43 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Internet - Software is currently in the top 36% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. One other stock from the same industry, eGain (EGAN), is yet to report results for the quarter ended March 2025. The results are expected to be released on May 14. This maker of customer engagement software is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.01 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -87.5%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. eGain's revenues are expected to be $21.23 million, down 5% from the year-ago quarter. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. (WBTN) : Free Stock Analysis Report eGain Corporation (EGAN) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Upturn
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Is ‘Tower of God' returning for season 4? Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on May 8, 2025, 17:03 IST Tower of God has captivated anime fans with its intricate storytelling, vibrant characters, and thrilling action sequences. Adapted from SIU's popular South Korean manhwa, the series has garnered a massive following since its anime debut in 2020. With three seasons already released, fans are eagerly asking: Is Tower of God Season 4 happening? Here's everything we know so far about the potential continuation of this beloved series. The Current Status of Tower of God Season 4 As of May 2025, no official announcement has been made by Crunchyroll, Telecom Animation Film, or SIU regarding Tower of God Season 4. However, the absence of confirmation doesn't mean the series is over. The Tower of God manhwa, serialized on Webtoon, has a wealth of content beyond what the anime has covered. Season 3, which concluded in 2024, adapted portions of the manhwa up to roughly Chapter 337 (Season 2, Chapter 257 in the Webtoon numbering). With over 600 chapters currently available and the manhwa still ongoing, there's ample material for multiple seasons. Tower of God Season 4 Potential Release Date If Season 4 is approved soon, production could take 1.5 to 2 years, pointing to a potential release in late 2026 or early 2027. Factors like animation quality, studio scheduling, and alignment with the manhwa's progress could influence the timeline. For now, fans should temper expectations but remain hopeful for updates. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
