Tears of Themis
summer event~~ |
summer event~~ |
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.
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!
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.
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.
If you find yourself often buried in books or binging documentaries about alien conspiracies, then I have something in store for you. Well, not exactly the same thing, but close enough. Here are some anime with elements of the supernatural that hopefully catches your eye.
Natsume Yuujinchou
The first anime I’d like to introduce is Natsume Yuujinchou, also known as Natsume’s Book of Friends. Undeniably one of my favourites. This slice-of-life series follows a boy who can see yokai (Japanese folk creatures) and his adventures with them through his grandmother, Reiko.
Though passed, Reiko’s name was famous among the yokai as an extremely powerful, beautiful girl who would have duels with the Yokai. If they lost, she would write their names in the Book of Friends and thus obtain the power to command them whenever.
Upon inheriting her book, kind-hearted Natsume’s goal is to return the yokai their own names, but it isn’t an easy task due to the temptations of the power the book possesses. Luckily for him, Natsume has an unusual partner to aid him in his journey 一
一 Nyanko-sensei! Don’t be fooled by this seemingly innocent cat-like creature, for you are looking at one of the most powerful beast yokai with a condescending personality. Bound by a contract, Nyanko-sensei has to protect Natsume in order to obtain the Book of Friends after the latter passes. Although often exchanging snarky remarks with each other, the two soon form a connection no other can break.
If you ask me, their relationship is one of the best things in this show. What’s a better pairing than a soft boy and his tsundere yokai?
Natsume Yuujinchou is all about relationships and connections. In the episodes, we see Natsume’s encounters with different yokai and the people around him. From reuniting yokai to meeting exorcists, we see how his impression of each of them changes over every experience. From accepting your own differences to knowing when to let go, we learn a meaningful lesson with him every single time.
If you’re down for a heartwarming and wholesome anime, Natsume Yuujinchou is your pick. In fact, you have six seasons and one movie to binge through.
Fukigen na Mononokean
To me, this anime is a hidden gem and a great choice for those who enjoy dashes of comedic moments and running gags. Fukigen na Mononokean, also known as The Morose Mononokean, is similar to Natsume Yuujinchou and revolves around a boy named Hanae who has the ability to see yokai. As a matter of fact, he actually collapsed on the first few days of school because of a yokai that was clinging to his back.
Wanting to get rid of the yokai, Hanae seeks the help of Haruituski, the owner of a traditional Japanese tea room called The Mononokean - which is in fact, an extremely huge yokai that communicates via a wall scroll. After granting him the favour, Haruitsuki swiftly uses the debt that Hanae owes him to rope the latter into helping him escort yokai into The Underworld (aka exorcise).
With every episode, watch as Hanae comes to terms with his ability and bonds with the stern Haruitsuki, and try not to squeal over the cuteness portrayed in this show. If you’re someone who can’t resist cuteness, then you definitely can’t resist watching this anime. Reason being?
Fuzzy! Yes, that’s the name Hanae gifted his newly-found friend. Doesn’t it live up to its name?
That aside, this anime has incredibly interesting and fresh visuals. It comes with a myriad of colours that are a delight to see. Especially with scenes in The Underworld, you’ll get to view a colourful and saturated world with unusual creatures.
With two seasons, this anime is an easy and pleasing watch 一 I hope you enjoy your time there!
Kemono Jihen
We are taking a sharp turn here, but it may be right up your alley. That is, you’re into criminal cases and some splashes of gore (and bonus: Jujutsu Kaisen). Kemono Jihen introduces a world where demons, each with their own special ability, secretly coexist with humans. The show revolves around a somewhat emotionless but extremely powerful boy named Kabane, who gets taken in by a detective running an agency that specializes in kemono-related cases.
Kabane is an odd character, to say the least. He is almost like an empty shell, but as the story progresses, you get glimpses of the little changes in his character. His blunt remarks and the way he takes words at face value really chalk up to the show’s humour, especially with the other characters in the agency.
There are many unusual characters in this anime, ranging from a tsundere fox spy to a vampire gamer. There is not a dull moment in their interactions and each character has their own story and intentions - you can never really guess the true colours of one.
Paired with the gritty cases Kabane encounters, you’re in for a ride. Explore what makes someone good and someone evil, and watch the main character learn to trust and depend on his friends and comrades in times of need.
Watching this anime is like going on a rollercoaster. Your heart can be beating frantically in one second and melt in the next, at the most unexpected times. Although of a dark nature, underneath all that, Kemono Jihen is about connections between people and character growth. You learn to care for the characters as you watch them struggle to overcome obstacles, never giving up, and admire their determination to battle their inner demons.
If you’re giving this series a try, then be ready 一 or not. It’ll be a wild one.
P.S. Here’s a bonus anime: Hotarubi no Mori e
A 45-min movie about a human girl, an enchanted forest, and a gentle, masked yokai. The human girl and the yokai grow a close bond but have never been able to physically touch one another, as the yokai would disappear upon a human's touch. This dream-like, magical adaptation will play with your emotions, make you wish for the impossible, and leave you with bittersweet memories.
But it’s worth every second. Just a warning, though 一 try not to get too attached.
Written by Potato.
Just look at the smooth animation~ |
In real life |
In the anime |
And of course, wonderful animation to top it all off. |