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Action-filled Webtoons to Look Out For

Sunday, December 19, 2021 / No Comments

Do you enjoy spices of action in stories? Do you love the gritty details in fight scenes? Well, then you've come to the right place. Here are two Webtoons that I feel have the best action I've seen in awhile. 


1. Lookism 


This is a South Korean webtoon, also known as manhwa, published in 2014 and is still ongoing. The title reflects the story quite nicely, 'Lookism' meaning 'prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person's appearance', according to Oxford Languages. 


The plot revolves around Daniel Park, a high school student who has been a victim of vicious bullying (for some reason, bullying seems to play a big part in manhwas), because of his heavyweight and supposedly unpleasant appearance. One day he wakes up in a new body - a body of good fit and good looks. And it turns out that whenever he sleeps, he switches bodies!



With his second body's dashing appearance, the "new" Daniel Park takes his school by storm. His stunning good looks sweep girls off their feet and have guys dripping with envy. Just who is this mysterious new kid? As Daniel struggles with the shock in contrast to people's reactions towards him, something else catches his attention - gangs. 



And that's where the fight scenes sprout from. In the midst juggling his new ability, Daniel finds himself stuck in the crossfire between four major gangs. From abduction to drugs, he has to go against some of the strongest fighters who have intentions so evil they will chill you to the bone. I find the fight scenes captivating and dynamic. That's because each of the characters have their own unique fighting style, making them suitable for different types of opponents. Infact, you may even learn about the various fighting styles such as Muay Thai!

What starts off as a simple school life webtoon, with the involvement of gangs, turns into something much more. Lookism includes themes of, well, lookism itself, among many other important ones - family, power, and courage. Daniel's new body exposes him to the ugly side of humans' superficliaity, but also shows him that some people are capable of genuine loyalty. From learning to stand up for himself to understanding others for the actions that they do, Daniel embarks on a fruitful and tough journey about self-love and growth. 


And that's just skimming the message of the Webtoon. Don't overlook the amazing art style and heart-pumping action scenes and trust me, there's a lot of them. If you're an avid reader of action and drama genres, then this is definitely something you should not miss out on. 



2. Weak Hero

Like I said, many manhwas seem to revolve around the topic of school bullies, and this one is no exception. Introducing Weak Hero, a Webtoon about yet another mysterious new student. Except this time, unlike Daniel, our protagonist Gray is actually a real mystery, even to the audience. He's also incredibly skilled at fighting, with his sly moves and deadly strikes that in time, has earned him the title of "The White Mamba". 



Our protagonist Gray himself is an incredibly quiet boy with a shroud of mystery surrounding him. On the surface, he's simply a pretty boy who keeps to himself. However, if you decide to make the decision to cross him, you'll be in for a big surprise. To be honest half of this manga is basically people underestimating Gray and they always end up regretting it. Despite that, it has never failed to entertain me. 



The fight scenes are so riveting that you wouldn't be able to tear your eyes away from the screen. Every crucial detail is captured so artfully and makes you go "ouch" for the vicitims of a powerful fist or leg. 

Other than the attractive art style, this Webtoon also delves into the different layers of relationships between people. Every character has a significant backstory that makes them special in their own way. You'd be surprised at the depth that is behind a seemingly simple villain character, and how complex their storyline can be. Infact, you may even find yourself rooting for some of the villians - which is also a thing for Lookism, too.


At the start of the story, Gray has the intention to keep to himself in the school. Unfortunately for him, it does not work out well - he's basically a trouble magnet with his small demeanour and feminine features. Thankfully, bullies aren't the only thing he attracts. Slowly but eventually, Gray starts gaining loyal allies and learns to trust and depend on others. This journey of self-discovery and enlightment is to me, one of the most heartening messages in this Webtoon. 

And there you go! These two Webtoons have, in my opinion, pretty top-notch fight scenes that will make your heart thump vicariously as you live through the characters. Just be sure not to learn from the wrong characters, though. Gangs are not approved here. 



Written by Potato.

Manga Review: Alice in Borderland

Saturday, October 30, 2021 / No Comments
Have you ever wished to escape from your boring life and jump into a world of fantasy where you could be the protagonist of an exciting story?

The manga cover featuring our protagonist, Ryohei Arisu.

Everyone surely has thought of it once or twice in their lives— But for Ryohei Arisu, whose wish was granted, things turned from a dream come true to a nightmare quickly.

The spookiest day of the year is fast approaching! Which means, naturally, that you have to whip out some horrifying manga to match the season! As such, I’ve come to you with Alice in Borderland.

For those of you who love anything relating to the death game genre, or want to consume more after dipping your toes into Squid Game, this is the manga just for you! It's perfect for beginners with a good plot, engaging characters, and not much gore, unlike most series in the genre.

This manga has a total of 60+ chapters/18 volumes which, if you’re a fast reader like me, you can binge read in a whole day. If not, you can finish it within a week or two as long as you read a few chapters a day. 

Alternatively, this manga has both an OVA and live action series. However, the OVA only covers up until chapter 13, whilst the live action series covers up until chapter 29. The OVA is quite accurate to the manga while the live action series has differences in character portrayals and the plot, so if you’ve already finished reading the manga, you might want to try out the live action show. 

The live action version of Alice in Borderland.

By the way, the live action will have a second season that covers the rest of the manga’s chapters, so if a live action is more enticing to you, then you might want to pick up the manga right now whilst waiting for the second season to air.

The manga is about Ryohei Arisu and his two best friends, Chota Segawa and Daikichi Karube, who seemingly get isekai’d to a dystopian future, known as the Borderland. They learn that they must play dangerous games in order to extend their visa, or else they will die when the visa expires. Along the way, they meet Saori Shibuki, an office lady who seems knowledgeable about the games. Together, they team up and aim to stay alive while investigating the truth behind the Borderland, and who exactly is orchestrating these deadly games.

Ryohei Arisu with his two best friends during their first day in the Borderland.

I personally feel that the manga draws readers in with its interesting premise and manages to continue pulling you in due to the depth and complexity of the characters. The drama between the characters feels real and genuine, and it’s easy to understand the reasoning behind the actions of many characters. 

Not only that, despite the huge cast of characters, all of them play a large role in the manga’s plot— Many characters make small cameos in early chapters, only to appear later with huge significance, making the world of Alice in Borderland feel real. It feels as if all the characters are real people who have their own past, dreams and ambitions, with none of the characters feeling one dimensional. I believe that’s quite hard to achieve for such a large cast of characters, so I’m impressed by the writing.

The whole cast is endearing too, with only one or two hard exceptions. I love most of the cast equally, though my favourites include Mira Kano, Shuntaro Chishiya and Ginji Kyuma.

Mira Kano, who has both beauty and brains.

The games featured in the manga are unique too, as they are split into four categories: Club (teamwork), Diamond (intelligence), Spades (physical strength) and Heart (psychological strength). Each game tests the players on one of these aspects. The difficulty of the game is determined by a number and, as shown in the manga during the Three of Hearts game, Heart games are notoriously difficult even at a low number.

Some games seem to deliberately mislead players too, like the Four of Clubs game, titled 'Runaway'. The game, held in a 10km tunnel, tells the players that in order to win, they must survive four trials and reach "the goal" before the time limit is up. The trials include cheetahs, a flood with crocodiles, sudden cold temperatures, and an explosion. The characters, knowing this is a game about teamwork, are definitely confused as it seems more like they should be running away in order to survive these trials and reach "the goal", which they think is located at the end of the tunnel.

... However, there is a bus at the start of the tunnel with "GOAL" spray painted onto it. If only the players had worked together, they would have realised that and could have stayed inside of the bus to survive the four trials and win the game. Instead, the players were fragmented, thus most of them chose to ran to the other side of the tunnel, only to be met with a dead end. There are other games which have similar loopholes or misleading instructions, which is truly what makes Alice in Borderland so fun to read even after readers learn how the games work.

There are currently two spin-offs for the manga too; Alice on Border Road and Alice in Borderland Retry. Border Road is a regular spin-off while Retry is a direct sequel which involves Ryohei Arisu once again entering the Borderlands. For fans who have already finished both the manga and live action series, there's still more content to consume!

While I haven't consumed either of those yet, I personally feel that both will be good, considering that the writing and flow of the plot was handled so well in the original. Overall, I highly recommend checking this manga out for anyone who hasn't yet!

I might make a list of recommended manga to read next... or maybe I'll get around to reviewing more crane game apps. Who knows?

Until then, stay home, stay safe, and have fun!


Written by Ririko

Webtoons I Think Are Worth Sharing

Sunday, October 17, 2021 / No Comments

Webtoons I Think Are Worth Sharing 

What I'm about to introduce are works that I think are absolute gems and that more people should know of. So without further ado, let's get started. 


  1. Odd Girl Out


I’m sure at some point in your life, you’ve compared your looks to someone else’s. Be it girl or guy, it’s basic human nature. So here’s a cute little Webtoon about a girl-next-door character being roped into a clique of three drop-dead gorgeous girls. 




In her new school, Nari was looking forward to peaceful, fruitful school days after her personal glow up, when she found herself surrounded by three beauties —  Seonji, Mirae and Yuna.




Seonji looks like an angel and is an angel. She comes from a humble background and although a little naive, she is the sweetest soft girl you’ll ever meet and treats everyone she knows with sincerity. 


Mirae is the kind of girl everyone wishes they were friends with. With her bigger-than-life personality, she can lift up the mood with a step into the room. That paired with her chic looks make her a shining star in everyone’s eyes, quite literally (You’ll understand what I mean when you read the Webtoon).


Yuna, is well, to put it simply, gorgeous. She makes head turns, but no one dares to go near her because of her cold exterior. However, deep inside, is just a delicate girl looking for something genuine in her life.

 




And with that, it’s finally time to introduce our main character ─ sweet ol’ Nari. She’s wholesome, down-to-earth, and has a heart of gold. Warm and caring, Nari is the righteous friend you know you can rely on for help. 


This story takes you on Nari’s school life journey, where she has to navigate through the muddy waters of drama, relationships and more. From being the target of malicious gossip to testing new relationship waters, every episode displays the most simple but tasteful stories. So if you’re looking for something to relive your school days, here you go.




  1. New Normal: Class 8 


A school full of unusual people ─ that’s Class 8 for you. Filled with the most peculiar characters, you’ll be surprised at how much depth is under this odd group. 




Let’s take a look at our main character: Big Head. I-I’m serious, he actually lives up to his nickname. Big Head has, well, a big head. In fact, when he first tried to enter the classroom, he got stuck at the doorway because of his head. 


If you think that’s strange, wait till you hear the rest of the characters. Some of them include a feisty girl the size of your thumb, a guy with arms for noodles, and a teacher with a halo over his head. 




As you may have guessed, the genre of this Webtoon is comedy. However, as it progresses, you’ll also get splashed with some romance, some drama, and everything in between. Two friends crushing on the same girl, being discriminated against by others for your appearance, dealing with family abuse ─ this Webtoon displays a wide range of situations that occur in real life. 


And with that, I hope you will give these two works a try. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the one sharing them with others in the future :  ) 




Written by Potato.




Webtoon Fantasies

Wednesday, August 11, 2021 / No Comments

Webtoon 一 it houses many comics of varying genres across the world. One of my favourite genres to read is fantasy, mainly because of the fascinating visuals that are uniquely catered to every single comic. If you agree with me, I hope this article will help you find one that is just your cup of tea. 


  1. Omniscient Reader


Imagine this: You’re reading your favourite book, manga, or watching your favourite show when all of a sudden you get sucked into the story world. Would you be delighted, or find yourself trapped in a nightmarish world and want to escape? 



Unfortunately for our dashing protagonist, Dokja, his answer is the latter. I don’t think I have to explain why other than the fact that the name of the story he got sucked into is called “Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse”. Thrown into a mix of chaotic life-threatening game scenarios, Dokja has to use his knowledge of the story to promise not only his but the survival of those whom he cares for.  




The world-building in this manhwa (Korean comic) is phenomenal. Characters are forced to undergo life-or-death challenges in order to earn coins 一 a system managed by mythical creatures named dokkaebi. The dokkaebi will stream each challenge for the entertainment of god-like beings called “Constellations'', with famous characters like The Monkey King from the Chinese literature “Journey to the West”. If you are lucky enough to be favoured by one, you will be gifted coins to level up your stats. You may even be sponsored, which in turn offers you skills relevant to the Constellation. Isn’t that interesting? 




Not only does this manhwa have a solid plot, it also has pretty solid characters. The protagonist, Dokja, is an intelligent and level-headed businessman. His thought process is many steps ahead of others, so seeing him try to get out of tough situations is never dull. Dokja isn’t your typical lone-wolf protagonist. In fact, he tries to make meaningful connections with others and aid their personal journeys when he deems necessary 一 although he does believe it is pragmatism driven by personal benefits. Add in characters like a young boy with the uncanny ability to communicate with creatures, a feisty female warrior with a traumatic war past, topped with many others, this makes for a fairly unusual group of personalities.


I think the photos of the Webtoon speak for themselves. With such stunning artwork, intricate plot and characters, what more are you waiting for? Read Omniscient Reader on Webtoon now! 



  1. Eleceed


Cute, funny and thrilling 一 this Webtoon is a three-in-one package deal. Elecced, in a nutshell, is basically about a kind-hearted boy and a grumpy cat with tremendous powers. Throw in some tsundere friends, a couple evil people who abuse their abilities, and many many many cats; that’s about the gist of it. 



In the story world, if you have powers, you’re an Awakened One. When our protagonist, Jiwoo, discovers he is one of them, he is taken under the wing of a cat. Yep, you read that right. A cat. Take note though, if you make the mistake of underestimating the great Mr Kayden (yes, that’s the cat’s name), be prepared to find yourself in hot soup.


As Jiwoo’s mentor, Mr Kayden teaches Jiwoo all about the nics and tricks of training and how to hone his skills in order to protect those he cares about. It’s a little bit difficult to tell the plot without spoiling much (blergh), so I’ll just leave it at that. 




The relationship bond between Jiwoo and the cat is the main basis of this comic. Two characters with contrasting personalities, one warm one cold, hanging out and growing close together 一 isn’t that adorable? I especially fancy stories where you get to see that one “ice queen” character slowly warming up to the main character and growing a soft spot for them. To add on, the cat isn’t the only victim to Jiwoo’s irresistible charm. In fact, many other characters soon fall for our soft boy and will do anything to keep him safe and happy. Wonder why? Just read the first couple of chapters and you’ll get it. 




Character developments plus the top-tier comedy really makes this Webtoon a gem. Kayden’s attempts to not behave like a fluffy chubby cat and tsundere characters trying not to fall for Jiwoo really top the charts. Paired with superb illustrations detailing out fight scenes, Eleceed really makes for a great read. 



  1. Jungle Juice


Ah, where do I even begin with this one? If there’s one thing I can say about this comic, it’s that after reading every chapter, you will most likely gain a new fact about insects. That’s right, this Webtoon is about humans who have mutated into insects, creating new waves of hierarchy between the different species. 



The main story follows our main character Suchan Jang, a once-popular student whose reputation fell into demise after an ugly truth of his was revealed 一 the pair of dragonfly wings attached to his back. One thing led to another, and the next thing Suchan knew? He was enrolled in a school meant for half-human-half-insects like him, and they are all trained to fend for themselves for survival. Over there, he has to discover how to adapt to his skills, make new friends among a sea of sharks and avoid getting screwed over by some not-so-friendly schoolmates. 


Despite having a typical story base of a scared protagonist trying to come into acceptance of his ability and learning to hone it to his benefit, the premise of this comic is a breath of fresh air and oddly unique. I’d recommend it to both insect lovers and insect haters. As part of the latter group myself, this manga will be the closest thing I want to associate with regarding insects. 



To top it off, the art style is *chef’s kiss*. Every page is captivating, even those with deadly killer human-insects trying to devour another insect. For action and thriller fans, this Webtoon would be a great fit for you! 


With all that, I hope you’ve found something that whets your appetite. Happy reading folks. 



Written by Potato.

Gokushufudou: The Way of the House Husband

Friday, September 28, 2018 / 2 Comments
Lately, I've got friends asking me for the name of a particular manga. Funny and fresh, it has been appearing all over social media. It is none other than Gokushufudou: The Way of the House Husband!


The series revolves around Immortal Tatsu, an ex-yakuza who gave up his violent lifestyle to take care of the household as an honest man. Unfortunately, due to his killer demeanour and burning intensity, he not only manages to freak everyone out but also bewilders his wife sometimes.

From this...

...to this.
Since I'm a huge fan of all sorts of gangster movies (mafia, yakuza, triad...you name it, I might have watched it), I enjoyed the way Gokushufudou simultaneously plays up the yakuza stereotype while poking fun at it!

Although originally meant to have only 5 chapters, it has become so popular that the author has continued drawing it. If you find yourself with a few minutes to spare, check it out!

Written by Nana


Isekai Izakaya "Nobu"

Saturday, March 10, 2018 / No Comments
One of the best parts of travelling is getting to sample new cuisines. For me, finding and enjoying delicious foreign food is part of the experience. This time however, the author takes things to another level by transporting Japanese cuisine into a whole new world. Isekai Izakaya "Nobu" is a light novel series that has been adapted into manga and next month, will have its anime debut!



Imagine a bar which serves a variety of food and drinks that makes you feel like you have been transported to another world! In the Old Capital, there is just such a bar. Called "Nobu", it's located in a back alley, where its food wins over the city's inhabitants.





Isekai Izakaya "Nobu" definitely doesn't skimp on its food offerings. Between Japan and the Old Capital ingredients, the chef serves up dish after dish of authentic Japanese food that makes me wish I live within the manga pages! From perennial bar favourites of beer and karaage, to tofu soup for the fussy eaters, there's a dish or drink suitable for everyone who drops by.



Perhaps because it is adapted from a light novel, the characters' personalities shine through more than I expected, which is a pleasant surprise. While there doesn't seem to be a strongly recurring storyline, the series' focus is on food so I don't find the lack of a serious plot much of an issue. In fact, I'm happy simply adding more dishes to my to-try list every time I read a new chapter. I am, however, slightly curious about how this otherworldly bar works!





Admittedly, I have not read its light novel. However, since I enjoyed the manga, I'm looking forward to the anime next month. If you are fond of Japanese food, I recommend checking it out!



Written by Nana



Manga Review for Her Impact!

Tuesday, February 13, 2018 / No Comments


Title: Her Impact!
Writer: Mikel Miles
Manga Artist: Digitkame
Art: Sukma Agustriyana
Genre: Sports/Comedy/Slice of Life

Summary: Sadie Hiroshi, an African Japanese woman who took over her father's legacy in boxing. She's a single mother and having a hard time in life with her profession. With these things currently going on, what will be the impact of boxing on her?




Rate: 8/10

Review: Before I know it, the word "to be continued" stares back at me from the screen, I am much captivated by this indie manga. At the prelude, I peruse the chapters with a little detachment but it instigated my concentration and gratified that the storyline never prolongate; Sadie Hiroshi is a representation of strong women-I'm not a gung-ho feminist but at the same time, support feminism and fight for justice for both men and women. Sadie's character is very genial and as a reader get a charge out of her quirky personality. A fair warning for those who are discomfited with the number of cusses, you are to be of a certain age to read this manga because of the adult words fitted into the chapters, but that only adds on to Sadie Hiroshi's characteristic. She is your typical single mother who detests her working venue yet forces herself to be committed. What really has my interestedness is Sadie's mixed culture and also, curious to learn more about her background. The art design is pleasing to the eyes, both with and without color content.



Give this manga a chance, support the indie society, they have put in a lot of effort for Her Impact! and it shows throughout. I am glad to have the chance to review and I will make sure to send out information to my friends.

You may download the free "Her Impact!" here.

Written by, Rugi chan












Hapi Mari

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 / No Comments
When we broach the topic about marriage, what are the first thoughts that come to your mind?

Maki Enjouji, the creator and illustrator of a mature themed manga titled: Hapi Mari also translated as "Happy Marriage". Mind you, this manga demographically target are readers who revel in the genre(s): romance, josei, drama and comedy. It was serialized on Shogakukan's Josei on June 2009-September 2012. There total 10 volumes altogether and also, it's very own movie respectively acted by Dean Fujioka and Seino Nana.

Allow me to introduce our main protagonist: Takanashi Chiwa and Mamiya Hakuto who are thrust together under a dire circumstances incriminated with unfulfilled debts, the ongoing Mamiya family feud and the cause of Hakuto's mother death. It's a deadly (pun not intended) potent for an intense structure.


*Adjusting my glasses to better admire Hakuto's enigmatic feature*

The addictive development due to the suspense as you delve deeper into the chapters also with the characters mismatched personalities that makes a great combo for a satisfied read. An unlikely couple who has a very different perspective, so what are the odds against them? Hapi Mari warrant a seal of approval from my point of view, similar to a fish hooked on the line because it caught my interestedness. But, can we also discourse about the fine details on the author's illustration?


I won't slander to myself, because I nurture a major crush on Hakuto; he's a man who values his pride, an unhealthy dose of arrogance, temperamental and masculinity *flipped on the fan switch*. Hakuto had his own motive to go along with the marriage to Chiwa whom he had never came up against and the same for our adorable female protagonist. My gratitude to the author for a independent and resilient heroine despite her meek sized, Chiwa proved to be a tolerant character who had to put up with the business mogul and live a life as a married woman in a loveless contract. The readers are advised that the manga incorporate with slight nudity.

But the wedded couple soon pore over to uncover the bitter truth behind the successful fortress of the Mamiya clan.


*Nonchalantly adds a intriguing picture of the pair*

As a satisfied reader, the review star for Hapi Mari is: 10/10. I'm pleased to chance upon this gem and you won't get enough to flipped through 10 volumes just once; it's a manga that beckon you to make a comeback countless times. I was literally glued to my device until the end of the chapter even shed tears of joy. The progression of the manga was rightly balanced with tingling humor, sigh-worthy scenarios between the main characters; loveable encounter with the supporting characters as well and a riot of mixed emotions from dramatic situations.


Written by Rugi Chan

Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom? The Manga

Saturday, November 25, 2017 / No Comments
Hello people! While many of you are soaking in the crazy but fun bliss of C3 AFA Singapore 17 (apparently, the name has gotten longer...or is it just me?), I am sure there is a handful of us that would rather steer clear of the mad rushes. Anyway, because the holidays are here for a lot of people, there seems to be a bunch of stuff everywhere! The new Pokemon movie, the new Pokemon movie, and the new Pokemon movie. Sorry, I just couldn't resist because strangers had been talking about it while waiting to catch some monster opposite my flat! Sure, they were really loud. Well, there is another movie though...but I am going to talk about its manga instead.


I have no idea what is with the even longer titles these days, but I shall still list them down. Uchiage Hanabi, Shita Kara Miru ka? Yoko Kara Miru ka? or Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the bottom? For those who are watching the movie starting November 30th (this coming Thursday!)...actually, I think everything is automated now, right? Anyway, you could just say Fireworks. Incidentally, that happens to be the title of the Chinese translation (when translated back to English). Convenient, but absolutely lazy and missing some very important points.


As its very long title suggests, the premise of this story revolves around the theme of perception, and how differences in such could lead to some drastic consequences. I shall not spoil the story here, especially when I don't even know just how similar or different the two versions are. However, I can say that the manga has a continuity that will pick up from a rather common yet still effective plot device. If you fancy stuff like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, then you might just appreciate Fireworks!


The manga has an easily likeable style, quickly resonating with the general outlook towards life from the perspectives of a group of students. One could also feel the odds and ends of summer throughout the story, and naturally the fireworks that conclude one's memories of the season. But there aren't actually any fireworks in the first volume (I was left rather dumbfounded after reading 160+ pages), so perhaps there would be some in the second book or something. I am looking forward to that! As for the movie, I don't know...maybe I would watch it eventually.


Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪

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