The Best Webcomics to Acquaint Yourself With the Medium

With so many excellent webcomics out there, it can be a bit intimidating to know where to start. Luckily, I have the best webcomics to acquaint you with the medium that you can start right away.

Much like comics, webcomics have sequentially drawn panels that tell a story. The main difference is the digital format. Oftentimes, webcomics are built for scrolling down and often have panels formatted top to bottom. Some webcomics have also started to implement sound effects and background music to sync up with the panels.

Following the tradition of serialized comics, webcomics typically release chapters week to week, keeping readers on the hook for years to follow the latest instalments of their favorite stories. Whether you are reading your webcomics on Tumblr, Webtoons, Tapas, Lezhin, or other sites, I highly recommend subscribing to comics when you enjoy them so you can keep up. Also, although many webcomics are free, be aware that each app will have different rates for digital coins you use to buy early access to new chapters.

With the basics out of the way, I have a handful of fun recommendations from a variety of genres, from action to fantasy to romance to slice of life, to get you started with webcomics.

Action

The Mafia Nanny by Violet Matter, sh00, roousuu, Drawniels

As an Elite Nanny trained to protect her charge against any threat, Davina is capable of raising the child of a Venetian mafia underboss. After his wife’s mysterious disappearance, Gabriel needs someone he can trust to watch his son and protect him from the dangers of organized crime. Davina has impeccable references and handles any problem thrown at her, from tantrums to kidnappings, but she is keeping a secret that may come back to haunt them if she isn’t careful. Sound of Music meets The Godfather in this action-packed webcomic that is a perfect introduction to the nanny/caretaker subgenre.

Fantasy

New Magical Me by Prinnstar, Chuuney, Greenie_Olivelie

Eight years after the leader of the Star Chroma Magical Girl group died saving the world, Winnie and the surviving group members are living normal adult lives. After all, if everyone is safe, the world doesn’t need Star Chroma. But when the magical threat returns with a vengeance, Winnie must retrain her powers and recruit her friends, even one she thought she lost forever, to save the world once more. I enjoy an urban fantasy superhero webcomic, so I absolutely adore one that simultaneously examines gender, friendship, adulthood, and identity.

I became a Level 999 Demon Queen by LEE JAE-I, Hangaga, SANSOBEE

When a daughter of a poor family dies from a terminal illness, she finds herself reincarnated as the final evil boss in her favorite video game. Living as Raina Rubellite may be dangerous, but if she avoids the game’s pitfalls, she may be able to live a peaceful life as the evil devil queen. This is a delightful webcomic where a reincarnated heroine puts evil powers to good use. I could not create a webcomic starter pack without including a classic reincarnation power fantasy in the mix.

Romance

Daybreak by Moosopp

In this adorable queer Black romance, two high schoolers slowly explore a friendship, a crush, and a relationship as they navigate the perils and joys of young adulthood. Marcus has set his sights on wooing his crush, Cog, and he is more than willing to let their friendship blossom as they get to know each other. If you love small acts of kindness and wholesome energy, you’ve come to the right place. There is no better feel-good queer teen webcomic to start with.

Slice of Life

And Another Lovely Day by Leehama

At 30, Nora knows she loves history and comics, but being aromantic and asexual, she finds it difficult to truly connect with her closest friends. But when she meets Elliot, a fellow teacher from her high school outside of work in a potential meet-cute, she discovers he is also aromantic and asexual. As they bond over their shared identity, Nora and Elliot explore the varied ways they navigate adulthood, community, and life as they build a rich friendship in this heartfelt slice-of-life webcomic.

I hope you have fun with these webcomics as you acquaint yourself with the medium. If you are looking for other options, we have some additional Webcomics for Newcomers, these Science Fiction and Fantasy Webtoons, and a deeper look into Korean Webtoons.