2021 Japanese and Korean Comics:What were the most notable Japanese and Korean comics of 2021?

Q: What were the most notable Japanese and Korean comics of 2021?

A: In 2021, Japanese manga saw the conclusion of several long-running series and the rise of new hits. 'Jujutsu Kaisen' by Gege Akutami continued its massive popularity, with volume 16 becoming a bestseller. 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba' also remained strong despite the main story ending in 2020, thanks to the anime adaptation and spin-offs. New series like 'Kaiju No. 8' by Naoya Matsumoto gained traction for its unique premise and action. On the Korean side, webtoons continued to dominate. 'Solo Leveling' by Chugong and DUBU concluded its main story in 2021, leaving a lasting impact globally. 'Tower of God' and 'The God of High School' maintained dedicated followings. 'True Beauty' by Yaongyi wrapped up its run, appealing to romance fans. Additionally, Korean comics like 'Sweet Home' gained international attention through Netflix adaptations. Overall, 2021 was a year where Japanese manga solidified its global reach, while Korean webtoons expanded through digital platforms and cross-media adaptations, setting the stage for further growth in the comics industry worldwide.

Q: How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the Japanese and Korean comics industry in 2021?

A: The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the Japanese and Korean comics industry in 2021. In Japan, manga sales surged as people spent more time at home. According to the Research Institute for Publications, print manga sales increased by 22.6% in 2020 and continued to grow in 2021, driven by hits like 'Demon Slayer' and 'Jujutsu Kaisen.' However, production faced delays due to remote work challenges and supply chain disruptions. Many manga artists and assistants struggled with reduced studio access, leading to occasional hiatuses. In South Korea, the webtoon industry flourished as digital consumption rose. Platforms like Naver Webtoon and Kakao Page saw increased readership, and the global expansion of K-comics accelerated. Yet, the pandemic also caused economic uncertainty, affecting smaller studios and independent creators. Overall, while the pandemic boosted overall consumption, it also highlighted vulnerabilities in production and distribution, prompting the industry to adapt with more digital tools and flexible workflows. The shift towards online platforms and international licensing became more pronounced, shaping the industry's trajectory beyond 2021.

Q: What are the key differences between Japanese manga and Korean webtoons in 2021?

A: In 2021, Japanese manga and Korean webtoons exhibited distinct differences in format, distribution, and storytelling. Manga are typically black-and-white, printed in magazines or volumes, and read right-to-left. They follow a panel-based layout with detailed line art. Webtoons, in contrast, are full-color, vertically scrolling comics designed for digital platforms like Naver and Kakao. They are read top-to-bottom and often optimized for mobile screens. Distribution also differs: manga are traditionally serialized in anthologies like Weekly Shonen Jump before being collected in tankobon volumes. Webtoons are released chapter by chapter on web platforms, often free with optional paid early access. In terms of storytelling, manga often feature complex plots and diverse genres, while webtoons tend to have more episodic, fast-paced narratives, with many focusing on romance, fantasy, and slice-of-life. In 2021, webtoons increasingly adapted into K-dramas and anime, blurring the lines. However, manga still holds a strong print presence, while webtoons dominate digital. These differences reflect the cultural and technological contexts of Japan and Korea, influencing how comics are created and consumed globally.

Words of experience

Common scenarios of "2021 Japanese and Korean Comics"

【Alex】 Hey Sam, have you been keeping up with any 2021 Japanese or Korean comics? I feel like this year had some standout series.

【Sam】 Yeah, I've been reading a bunch! Both Japanese manga and Korean webtoons had a strong year. What have you been into?

【Alex】 I recently got hooked on 'Jujutsu Kaisen' after the anime blew up. The manga's 2021 chapters were insane. Have you read it?

【Sam】 Oh definitely! The Shibuya Incident arc was wild. I also loved 'Chainsaw Man' Part 2 when it started. But have you tried any Korean webtoons?

【Alex】 I've read a few like 'Tower of God' and 'God of High School', but I'm looking for newer 2021 stuff. Any recommendations?

【Sam】 You should check out 'The Remarried Empress' – it's a historical romance webtoon that gained huge popularity in 2021. Also 'Viral Hit' (also known as 'How to Fight') is a great action one.

【Alex】 I've heard of 'The Remarried Empress'. Is it really that good? I'm usually more into action and fantasy.

【Sam】 It's more political and emotional, but the character development is top-notch. If you want action, try 'Jungle Juice' – it's about humans with insect powers. Very unique.

【Alex】 Sounds interesting. On the Japanese side, I also enjoyed 'My Hero Academia' this year. The Paranormal Liberation War arc was intense.

【Sam】 Yeah, MHA had some big moments. I'm more of a 'One Piece' fan myself – Wano arc was epic in 2021. But have you read 'Kaiju No. 8'? It started in 2020 but really took off in 2021.

【Alex】 Oh yes! Kaiju No. 8 is awesome. The art is incredible. I also liked 'Spy x Family' – it's wholesome but has action.

【Sam】 Spy x Family is great! It's getting an anime soon. Speaking of which, 'Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku' also finished in 2021. Have you read that?

【Alex】 I haven't yet, but I've heard it's a masterpiece. I'll add it to my list. What about Korean webtoons that are similar to Japanese shonen?

【Sam】 You might like 'The God of High School' if you haven't read it – it's martial arts with gods. Or 'Noblesse' which is more vampire action. But for 2021, 'Get Schooled' is a new one about school violence.

【Alex】 I've read some of 'The God of High School'. It's good but gets a bit convoluted. 'Get Schooled' sounds gritty. I'll check it out.

【Sam】 Also, 'Solo Leveling' ended in 2021, but it's a must-read if you haven't. The art is stunning.

【Alex】 Oh, I've read Solo Leveling! It's one of my favorites. The ending was a bit rushed though. Any other completed webtoons from 2021?

【Sam】 'Sweet Home' also ended in 2021? Actually, it's ongoing but had a big year with the Netflix adaptation. The webtoon is horror and really good.

【Alex】 I watched the Sweet Home drama but haven't read the webtoon. Maybe I should. It's interesting how Korean webtoons are getting so many adaptations.

【Sam】 Yeah, it's a huge trend. Both Japanese and Korean comics are going global. 2021 was a great year for cross-cultural exchange in comics.