Manhwa is the Korean genre of comics or printed cartoons. It is also often called webtoon or webcomics, having its roots in traditional Korean art and storytelling. The influence of webtoons and fantasy manhwa goes beyond the borders of Korea. The success of webtoons globally, designed for smartphones with manhwa in digital format that can be read vertically has helped Korean comics to penetrate into the world market.
One of the most popular genres of web-comics today is fantasy, partly because the reader is very much drawn into highly immersive world-building, along with relentlessly imaginative storylines. Distinctive elements that characterize this particular genre include complex plots, huge doses of magic, love and energetic characters.
This article shares the top five favorite complete fantasy manga that will pull you into the world of comics, royalty, revenge, romance, and rogues.
Disclaimer: Recommendations in this article are based on personal interest and are subjective. The rank may differ according to individuals based on their interests.
WHO MADE ME A PRINCESS

A princess getting killed by her biological father. This story includes elements of magic, tragedy, love and betrayal. Our FL wakes up as Anthanasia de Claude, a side character destined to die by her cold father, Claude de Alger Obelia, the tyrant. To survive her fate, she made three plans. Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. As the story unfolds, at her debutante party, she discovers the mysteries of Anthanasia’s death, Claude and her own reality.
This comic is most watched in fantasy genre and is also my personal favorite. The magic element, the father-daughter bond, supporting ML graces the storyline. For people up for an emotional journey, this is the perfect read for you.
HIS MAJESTY’S PROPOSAL

“His Majesty’s Proposal” is a romance fantasy manhwa about Penelope Zecalion, who has a secret of her own. She remembers being a grumpy, foul-mouthed old grandma in her previous life. As she breaks off her loveless engagement with a Count, her belief in love further withers. Amidst this, after a small incident, she was proposed for marriage by the emperor. The story revolves around Penelope experiencing love all over again as the emperor one-by-one crushes down the wall she had built around herself.
The story shows that if given a second chance and a better environment, even a villain can live better. I can assure you that every character in the story received a justified ending, making it a truly happy ending.
WISHED YOU WERE DEAD

“Wished You Were Dead” is a fantasy manhwa that narrates the story of Queen Evonne and King Carloi, whose marriage has been trenched with resentment. Once profoundly in love with her alias, Carloi turns into the opposite due to misunderstandings and his resentment towards FL’s father, Duke Deluah. Feeling heartbroken and lonely, Evonne wishes to break free from her loveless marriage by ending her life. Through all the mesh of confounding emotions and kingdom politics, it unfolds the deeper meaning of redemption and love. The story develops from the misunderstanding between the characters, which escalates beyond the limits of going back, to eventually finding peace and forgiving each other.
Spoiler alert! This comic contains some depressing and self-harming moments in the characters’ lives. Although it is categorized as fantasy, I would place it in the tragedy section. Evonne is portrayed as experiencing and hiding painful symptoms of depression and PTSD throughout the seasons. I cried every week and eagerly waited for this one. Only read this if you’re prepared to bawl your eyes out! All the best!
MARRY MY HUSBAND

“Marry My Husband” is about Jiwon, who catches her husband cheating with her best friend, only to be murdered by them in the process. After her death, a miracle gets her returned to life 10 years into her past, right before marriage. More determined to change this fate this time, Jiwon works hard for a better life and revenge from her husband and best friend. While avenging her death, Jiwon comes across new allies, hence making this a story of redemption, strategy, and second chances.
Unlike the web comics mentioned above, this is not in a historical setting but in the modern day. You can enjoy the dramatized version starring Park Min-young, Na In-woo, Song Ha-yoon and Lee Yi-kyung, also available on Amazon Prime Videos. For a better experience, I would recommend you to watch the drama first and then read the manhwa. Some new unfolded plots will make your experience of this particular series much better.
Also, check out kdramas similar to Marry My Husband here
HAPPILY EVER AFTERWARDS

“Happily Ever Afterwards” is a story about Peony, who’s an avid fan of the novel “The Song of Askar”. Her favorite character is the second male lead, who was banished to an unhospitable land after the novel ended. Peony reincarnated as the only princess in the Kingdom of Garten. She is determined to marry her favorite character, Richt, the former prince of the Fairspren Empire. He was unfairly banished to the north after giving up his first love, a typical example of second-lead syndrome. The plot revolves around the trials and tribulations of weak Peony as she wins Richt’s broken heart and embraces the second chances given in their life.
This is a light manhwa, according to me. No tragedy and mostly cute, funny depictions. As it takes you through the journey of the characters, readers will find themselves adoring the cute FL.
Manhwa is Korea’s sparkling comic art that has taken the world by storm. Fantasy manhwa has captivated its readers with magic, drama and immersive storylines. If you’re in for a thrilling rush of emotions, these five must-read fantasy manhwas will keep you hooked from start to finish. From the heart-wrenching journey of a princess fighting from her fate in ‘Who Made Me A Princess’ to the twists in the revenge plot of ‘Marry My Husband, each story offers something exceptionally compelling. Dive into fantasy manhwa and explore the world of love, redemption, magic, revenge and second chances.