Anime Fan!
If you’ve been swept away by the epic battles and thrilling progression of Solo Leveling, you’re definitely not alone. Sung Jinwoo’s journey from weakest to strongest Hunter captivated millions, cementing manhwa’s place on the global stage. But the world of Korean webcomics is vast and full of incredible stories that offer equally captivating action, intricate fantasy worlds, and powerful protagonists.
That’s where we come in!
Ready to dive deeper? We’ve scoured the hits, the hidden gems, and the highly anticipated releases to bring you a meticulously curated list of 15 must-read manhwa that will fill the void left by Solo Leveling and keep you glued to your screen, perfect for any action and fantasy enthusiast. These aren’t just random assortments; these are the shows that offer unique experiences, push boundaries, or have earned their spot as modern classics that continue to influence the landscape. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and get ready to discover your next obsession!
Before we dive in, a quick note on how we picked these absolute bangers:
- Critical Acclaim: Are critics and fans alike raving about it?
- Unique Storytelling: Does it offer a fresh take on a genre or a completely original narrative?
- Cultural Impact: Has it sparked discussions, influenced other series, or created a massive fandom?
- Art Style & Pacing: Is it visually stunning, and does its vertical format enhance the story?
- Enduring Appeal: Will you still be thinking about it long after the credits roll?
Ready? Let’s get to it!
Beyond Solo Leveling: The 15 Manhwa That Demand Your Attention
1. Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Apocalypse, Psychological, System
Why it’s a Must-Read: Imagine knowing the exact ending of the world you now inhabit. That’s the premise of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, where Kim Dokja, the sole reader of a web novel, suddenly finds its fictional world becoming reality. With his unique knowledge, he navigates dangerous scenarios, forming alliances with the very characters he once only read about. This particular manhwa stands out as a meta-narrative masterpiece with incredible world-building, clever plot twists, and some of the most dynamic fights you’ll ever encounter.
The sheer depth of its plot and character development makes this manhwa a standout in the psychological fantasy genre, offering layers of meaning beyond typical action series. It consistently challenges reader expectations, proving why it’s a top-tier manhwa.
Where to Read: Webtoon (Official English Translation), Naver Webtoon (Korean)
2. Tower of God
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Shonen, Mystery
Why it’s a Must-Read: Embark on a perilous ascent in the mysterious Tower of God. This long-running series follows Bam, a young boy who enters the Tower in pursuit of his friend Rachel. Each floor presents new challenges, deadly tests, and powerful inhabitants, forcing Bam to grow stronger and uncover the Tower’s deepest secrets. With its unique power system, diverse cast of characters, and an ever-expanding lore,
Tower of God promises an unforgettable epic journey in the manhwa world. The scale of the adventure and the continuous revelations about the Tower’s history and its inhabitants keep readers hooked, making it one of the most influential fantasy manhwa.
Where to Read: Webtoon (Official English Translation)
3. The Beginning After The End
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Reincarnation, Isekai, Progression
Why it’s a Must-Read: Reincarnation meets high fantasy in The Beginning After The End. King Grey, a powerful monarch, dies and is reborn into a magical world as Arthur Leywin. While he retains memories of his past life, he must navigate this new reality, honing his magical abilities and facing threats far greater than he ever imagined. If you love a protagonist who starts weak but grows exponentially, this progression fantasy manhwa is definitely for you. The emotional depth combined with thrilling magical combat sequences sets this manhwa apart from many others in the isekai genre.
Where to Read: Tapas (Official English Translation), Webnovel (for the original light novel)
4. Eleceed
Why it’s a Must-Read: For a blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments, look no further than Eleceed. Jiwoo, a kind-hearted high school student with lightning-fast abilities, crosses paths with Kayden, a powerful awakened human (and cat!) on the run. Together, they navigate the hidden world of awakened ones, fighting against formidable foes while Jiwoo learns to master his unique powers. The fantastic chemistry between the characters and the engaging fight scenes make this a truly enjoyable manhwa read. It expertly balances intense action with genuinely funny slice-of-life elements, a rare feat for a superpower manhwa.
Where to Read: Webtoon (Official English Translation)
5. Return of the Mount Hua Sect
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Reincarnation, Comedy
Why it’s a Must-Read: If you’re a fan of martial arts and wuxia-inspired tales, Return of the Mount Hua Sect is a gem among manhwa. The greatest swordsman of the Mount Hua Sect, Chung Myung, dies fighting the Demonic Sect Leader. He awakens 100 years later in the body of a young disciple, only to find his beloved sect in ruins. Now, he must lead the charge to restore the Mount Hua Sect to its former glory.
Expect breathtaking sword fights and a healthy dose of humor that elevates this martial arts manhwa. The detailed combat choreography and the protagonist’s fiery personality make every chapter a delight.
Where to Read: Webtoon (Official English Translation), Tapas (Official English Translation)
6. Tomb Raider King
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Dungeon, Reincarnation, Adventure
Why it’s a Must-Read: Seo Joo-Heon is a “Tomb Raider,” a grave robber who relies on powerful relics. After being betrayed and left to die, he awakens in the past with a second chance. Armed with knowledge of future relics and events, he sets out to prevent his demise and reclaim what was stolen.
Tomb Raider King offers a unique spin on the system-based fantasy manhwa, focusing on tactical planning and relic mastery rather than just brute force. The clever strategies employed by the protagonist and the mystery surrounding the relics make this a standout adventure manhwa.
Where to Read: Tapas (Official English Translation)
7. Second Life Ranker
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Tower Climbing, Revenge, System
Why it’s a Must-Read: Cha Yeon-woo’s life takes a dark turn when his twin brother goes missing. He later discovers a diary left behind, detailing his brother’s adventures and betrayal within the treacherous Tower of the Sun God. Driven by vengeance, Yeon-woo enters the Tower, determined to follow in his brother’s footsteps and uncover the truth.
Second Life Ranker is a revenge fantasy manhwa packed with intense training, clever strategies, and epic battles. The layered narrative of vengeance combined with exploration of a mysterious tower makes this a gripping manhwa.
Where to Read: Webnovel (Official English Translation – often for the novel, check for comic availability)
8. Nano Machine
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Murim, Progression
Why it’s a Must-Read: After being unjustly killed by his own clan, Cheon Yeo-Woon, an unwanted orphan of the Demonic Cult, receives a “Nano Machine” from his descendant in the future. This advanced technology grants him unimaginable powers, allowing him to quickly master martial arts and navigate the cutthroat world of murim.
Nano Machine is a thrilling ride for those who love underdog stories and rapid power progression in a martial arts manhwa setting. The fusion of futuristic technology with ancient martial arts creates a unique and compelling narrative in this manhwa.
Where to Read: Webnovel (Official English Translation), Manta (sometimes available)
9. Doom Breaker (Reincarnation of the Suicidal Battle God)
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Reincarnation, Apocalypse, Regression
Why it’s a Must-Read: Zephyr, the last human standing against the God of Destruction, is granted a second chance at life by the gods. He returns to the past, determined to prevent the apocalypse and change his fate.
Doom Breaker is a gritty and action-packed fantasy manhwa with a compelling protagonist who wields immense power but carries the weight of his future knowledge. The high stakes and relentless action sequences make this regression manhwa a must-read for fans of intense fantasy.
Where to Read: Webtoon (Official English Translation)
10. The Greatest Estate Developer
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai, Slice of Life, Building
Why it’s a Must-Read: While not strictly action-heavy in the same vein as Solo Leveling, The Greatest Estate Developer is an absolute must-read for its hilarious take on the “isekai” (transported to another world) genre and surprisingly engaging strategy elements. A civil engineering student wakes up as a lazy noble in a fantasy world. Using his modern knowledge, he decides to fix his ruined estate, leading to surprisingly clever (and often comedic) solutions.
It’s a breath of fresh air with brilliant world-building and a truly unique protagonist in the realm of fantasy manhwa. The humor and the ingenious problem-solving elevate this manhwa beyond typical fantasy fare.
Where to Read: Webtoon (Official English Translation)
11. SSS-Class Revival Hunter
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Regression, System, Psychological
Why it’s a Must-Read: Kim Gong-ja, a seemingly ordinary F-rank hunter, gains a unique ability: he can copy the skills of anyone he kills. But there’s a catch – he dies every time he uses it. To copy the skill of the elusive S-Class Hunter, he must repeatedly die and revive, learning from each attempt. This leads to a fascinating blend of progression fantasy, psychological depth, and incredible action in this compelling manhwa. The clever use of the regression ability and the strategic thinking involved make it a highly engaging manhwa.
Where to Read: Webtoon (Official English Translation)
12. Return of the SSS-Class Ranker
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Regression, Dungeon, System
Why it’s a Must-Read: When the world is plunged into chaos by the emergence of “dungeons,” our protagonist, a former S-class ranker, regresses to the past to correct his mistakes and save humanity. This manhwa delivers on its promise of an overpowered protagonist returning with foreknowledge, but keeps things interesting with well-executed fights and a compelling mission. Fans of strategic combat and a protagonist who quickly reclaims their past glory will find this manhwa highly satisfying.
Where to Read: Tapas (Official English Translation), sometimes available on Webnovel.
13. The Legend of the Northern Blade
Genres: Action, Martial Arts, Murim, Revenge, Historical Fantasy
Why it’s a Must-Read: In a world dominated by martial arts clans, the Northern Heavenly Sect, protectors of the common folk, is betrayed and eradicated. The last remaining descendant, Jin Mu-Won, grows up in seclusion, training relentlessly to avenge his family and restore his sect’s honor. This manhwa is celebrated for its stunning art, intense martial arts choreography, and a deeply satisfying revenge plot. The sheer artistic quality and the visceral fight scenes make this a benchmark for martial arts manhwa.
Where to Read: Webtoon (Official English Translation), Tapas (Official English Translation)
14. Leveling Up With The Gods
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Regression, Gods, System
Why it’s a Must-Read: Kim Yuwon, a chosen “regressor” who has faced countless trials in the past, returns to the present world to prevent its destruction. Armed with immense power and knowledge, he embarks on a journey to recruit allies, confront ancient evils, and ultimately challenge the very gods themselves. Expect grand-scale battles and a protagonist who’s already at the peak, making for a truly satisfying power fantasy manhwa. This manhwa delivers epic confrontations and a protagonist who commands respect from the start.
Where to Read: Webtoon (Official English Translation), Webnovel (for the novel, check for comic availability)
15. Regressor Instruction Manual
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Psychological, Strategy
Why it’s a Must-Read: Kim Jinwoo finds himself transported into a deadly, game-like world. Unlike other protagonists, he’s not an overpowered hero. Instead, he’s a cunning strategist who manipulates others, using his knowledge of future events to survive and thrive. This manhwa stands out for its morally gray protagonist and emphasis on psychological warfare and clever planning over raw power. It offers a refreshing take on the regression genre by focusing on intellect and manipulation, distinguishing it from other action-oriented manhwa.
Where to Read: Manta (Official English Translation)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Manhwa
Q1: What is the difference between Manhwa, Manga, and Manhua?
These terms refer to comics from different regions:
- Manhwa: Comics from South Korea, typically read vertically (webtoons) and often full-color.
- Manga: Comics from Japan, usually black and white, read right-to-left.
- Manhua: Comics from China, similar to manhwa in vertical format and color, but with distinct cultural elements.
Q2: Are all these manhwa available for free?
Many official platforms like Webtoon offer chapters for free, often with a “daily pass” system or by waiting for new free chapters to unlock. Other platforms like Manta, Tapas, Lezhin, and Tappytoon might offer a mix of free chapters, paid chapters, or subscription models. Supporting official platforms helps the creators!
Q3: Is Solo Leveling completed? What should I read after it?
Yes, the Solo Leveling webtoon (manhwa) is completed. The original web novel is also finished. If you loved Solo Leveling, any of the titles on this list, especially Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, The Beginning After The End, or SSS-Class Revival Hunter, would be excellent follow-ups due to their similar action, progression, and fantasy elements.
Q4: Where can I find more recommendations for specific genres?
Many official reading platforms have genre filters, and dedicated manhwa communities on Reddit (like r/manhwa) or specialized blogs often compile lists for romance, slice-of-life, horror, and other genres.
Q5: What makes manhwa so popular recently?
Several factors contribute to manhwa’s rising popularity:
- Accessibility: The vertical scrolling format is ideal for mobile devices.
- Full Color: Most manhwa are published in vibrant full color.
- Diverse Stories: A wide range of genres and unique storytelling approaches.
- Anime Adaptations: Success of adaptations like Solo Leveling, Tower of God, and God of High School has brought more attention to the source material.
Your Manhwa Journey Starts Now!
There you have it – 15 must-read manhwa that promise to deliver unforgettable stories, breathtaking visuals, and genuine emotional impact. Each title offers a unique flavor of adventure, but all promise to keep you on the edge of your seat, just like Solo Leveling did. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or just dipping your toes into the vast world of manhwa, this list offers something for everyone.
So, which one will you start with first? Have you already read some of these and have strong opinions? We’d love to hear them!
Tell us in the comments below: Which manhwa from this list are you most excited to read, or which one would you add to your own must-read list?