Is the Future Vertical? Webtoon or Print Format in Manhwa

Webtoon, the digital evolution of manhwa (Korean comics), has arrived alongside the Hallyu (Korean Wave) to influence how we read manhwa. Its main feature is the vertical reading format, the famous "infinite scroll." It is specifically designed for the user experience on smartphones and tablets.

This technological adaptation has eliminated the page and panel limitations of the printed format, allowing for a continuous narrative flow across screens. Furthermore, it brings new elements to the table, such as stories in full color and the inclusion of interactive elements like sound and animation (in some cases).

The Rise of the Infinite Scroll in Manhwa

This optimized vertical format offers key benefits for narrative and user experience. The absence of friction, by eliminating the need for clicks or waiting for new pages to load, creates a feeling of fluidity and continuity in the reading.

Artistically, the infinite scroll allows creators to manipulate pacing and tension in a unique way: they can use large white spaces between panels to simulate the passage of time or suspense, and design long action sequences that unfold immersively.

This design successfully leverages the full potential of our smartphone and tablet screens, making it an immediate success among those of us accustomed to the digital world. However, we must be careful because manhwa in webtoon format can be incredibly addictive, so it's important to use it in moderation, or our prescription for glasses will increase faster than our desire to scroll and read the next chapter!

Digital Manhwa to Print Format

A number of highly successful manhwa were created solely for the digital format, which makes converting them to a physical format a significant challenge. This is because they generally need to be almost entirely re-edited, changing the page structure, reorganizing panels, and attempting to maintain the original composition without altering the story or its flow too much.

For this reason, most manhwa created for their digital versions are rarely seen in a printed format. Conversely, you can still find manhwa that were not adapted to the webtoon style, but the vast majority of these predate the popularization of this distribution method.

Verticality in Storytelling

The infinite scroll format brought a major shift in the way stories are told in manhwa. The space between panels, or the virtual 'gutter,' is used to control pause and suspense; a long space can suggest a significant passage of time, a moment of reflection, or create a dramatic impact by revealing a scene with a quick scroll. This gives rise to the so-called "impact panels" or vertical splash panels. This format is particularly well-suited to genres focused on emotion and daily life, such as romance or heartwarming stories, although it has proven versatile for action with special compositions.

Ease of Distribution

The digital publishing system not only replaces the traditional and complicated logistics system required by the physical format, but also, with faster waiting times to receive content after purchase and the ability for authors to self-publish, it has allowed manhwa to quickly reach global levels. Platforms like Webtoon have given these stories an almost global reach, even succeeding in translating them into different languages—something that was only achieved in physical format if the work had significant acceptance.