Last year, I decided I want to start reading more and now I’m obsessed with romance Webtoons. It started out with a few titles my friends had sent me; Lore Olympus, Marry My Husband, Tower of God, etc. It took me a while to get into them, but once I did, I found myself diving into the stories with an insatiable hunger for more. Now, I’m over 100 stories deep on my account and have no plans for slowing down. So here are some recommendations for a quick intro to some gorgeous yet underrated webcomics you’ll probably love. 

Something to keep in mind is that some of these have been ongoing for years, so the art evolves. If you find the art a little unappealing or novice in the beginning, nine times out of ten it gets better with time. Also, this is in no way a paid promo. I just want more people to talk about these series with. Now, let’s begin!

The ‘you’re not mine’ Trope: Love Me To Death by Toonimated 

The story follows Victor, a necromancer who is paid to resurrect the recently deceased bride of a wealthy groom. However, he finds himself tangled with the magic that brings her back and a bond that makes all three of them question what they really want. Spoiler alert, it’s the Bride of Frankenstein meets Challengers and holy shit is it entertaining.

The story explores a murder mystery, magic, and even polygamy. I love that the main characters are POCs and that nobody really knows what’s going on in the beginning. It’s chaotic, fresh, and introspective while simultaneously having a delicious art style. This is an easy binge, but it’ll definitely make you blush. I’m not too deep into the story yet, but the fact that it’s first on this list is a testament to how good it is. Personally, it gripped me from the first chapter, but the way it manages to

The Ultimate Workplace Romance: The Mafia Nanny by Violet Matter, sh00

Davina is an Elite Nanny whose responsibilities are simple: protect the charge, obey the principle, and don’t get emotionally attached. On her first job, she's swept up into the dangerous world of the Venetian underworld with her new boss, Gabriel Angellini. In order to protect his son, Mikey, she must throw herself into the world of organized crime - a world she never thought she’d return to. Follow Davina as she navigates hijinx, kidnappings, and murder on a daily basis, all while juggling play dates and a boss that loves getting under her skin. Super nanny or not, this job is above anyone’s pay grade.

Guys I’m gonna be honest, this is my favorite Webtoon. I love every title on this list, but this is that one. The way the story takes off and never lets up keeps the right amount of pressure on the plot. The pacing never lets you get bored, every character has a lasting presence, and the dialogue balances realism with humor perfectly. No superpowers here, but Davina is a heroine worth reading for. Between the life threatening danger and increasingly intense tension between Davina and Gabriel, my jaw is constantly on the floor. If you’re looking for something in the same vein as Spy x Family, this is the perfect substitute with higher stakes. Not to mention, Mikey is just as entertaining as Anya, minus the telepathy.

A Non-Toxic Dark Romance: Atnomen by ilustrAriane

Lena is a girl trapped in an arranged betrothal to a cruel priest that despises her people. Desperate for salvation, she seeks an angel to save her from her fate. Too bad heaven’s fresh out, but the ultra hot man-eating demon mogging in her garden would do anything for her. He’s got wings, close enough!

This is the definition of be delulu is the solulu. What do you mean my girl went to the ripped gargoyle in her backyard, said “I wish you were real”, and woke up with her man? How am I supposed to believe in realism when she actually poofed Hellboy into her life? Where’s the Masterclass on this level of manifestation?!

My honest reaction to this Webtoon was a resounding - and I cannot stress this enough - fuck yes. This is one of the most original stories I’ve read in a while. It’s noir, beautifully drawn, intriguing and sexy as hell. Yes, it sounds like it’s one of those little Fabio erotica novels in the romance section of any bookstore, but let me tell you something. Any freak can write a monster fucker story. Anyone can write the trope, but what sets this apart is how well it’s executed. The story is undeniably good. Criticism of religious power, the dichotomy of strength and position, hidden powers, tragic backstories, size kink, etc. It’s all wrapped up in the perfect blend of angst, yearning, and hefty grayscale illustration. 

Besides, if I were going to recommend you smut, I would, but that’s not all that there is to the story. (Between the bonus chapters and spin offs, that patreon that’s worth every. blessed. penny.) Not to mention, if you’re tired of monster lover stories that shy away from the actual monster aspect, look no further. Here’s a hot devoted demon whose face peels back when he’s going apeshit. Do with that what you will.

The Only Enemies-to-Lovers That Matters: Dagger to the Heart by oori_

Have you ever seen comments saying “If I could eat this art I would”? That’s how I feel about this and I don’t know how else to describe it. I know I said that all of these stories are gorgeous, but this one by far has my favorite art style. The use of color and how they illustrate texture just scratches my art major brain so perfectly that I’m actually in love with it. (I have to tell my boyfriend we’ll be marrying a comic.)

DTTH follows Rafael, an assassin who’s hired by a secret society to kill the princess of the empire, Sazet. In a turn of events, he finds himself forced by circumstance to team up with her. I want to tell you more, but anything else I say would be a spoiler. This plot has magic, royal scheming, a kick-ass black princess, and a Gojo-esqe assassin. Plus, the will-they-won’t-they-kiss-or-kill-each-other tension is absolutely delicious. The dynamic between them actually leaves you wanting more. Anytime they weren’t stirring up trouble on the same page I was dying to see them reunited again. Really, it’s just a good time all around and I think anybody would like it.

The only downside is that it was originally on Canvas and recently picked up as a Webtoon Original, so there aren’t many chapters out. Even thought it’s a newer story, I can tell it’s going to be a massive hit. Maybe even fill the power vacuum that Lore Olympus has left behind. The author is still updating weekly, so just stick with it. Who knows? Maybe you’ll catch me gushing over the characters in the comments section. 

The Villainess Who’s Actually Awesome: Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story by LemonFrog, A-jin

I’m not a fan of isekais. Much like Peter Griffin, I feel like the genre “insists upon itself”, you know? Not saying it’s bad, just that it’s not for me. A lot of them fall under repetitive themes or can only do so much with their plot to a certain point. However, this reincarnation story is actually unique.

Suna Choi finds herself reincarnated into her favorite novel as the villain, Edith Reigelhof. Determined to not follow a plot dooming her to misery, she attempts to win the hearts of the other characters, including her husband, Killian Rudwick. Who, BTW, is in love with the novel’s protagonist and only sees Edith as the enemy due to their families feuding. Will Edith’s sincerity be a sharp enough weapon to cut the tension formed by opposing bloodlines? I highly recommend you read to find out.

Honestly, this is like if Solo Leveling and The Princess Diaries had a baby. This comic has love triangles, an egregious case of main character syndrome, a good slow burn, and enough wholesome interactions to keep your heart molten. This is one of the few Webtoons that I actually purchase coins for to read the next chapter early. There’s mystery, lots of scheming, an arranged marriage trope, and the costume design is actually fantastic. If you want an easy binge with a lovable MC, look no further. Our Edith proves that she is more than meets the eye and doesn’t back away from a challenge. Even when there’s a plot to end her life.

The Doomed Lovers Trope: Osora by ToniRenea

Prince Osora is heir to Calaveras, a kingdom at war with the Sergos - a magic wielding race that hates humans. Raised to be a man, Osora is forced to present himself as the ideal prince: regal, strong, and aloof. For years he’s been trained to fight, kill Sergos, and take his secrets to the grave. All of that gets shot to hell when he finds himself stuck in a love triangle between his arranged fiancé and lifelong best friend, Arias. With his kingdom needing him now more than ever and the Sergos seeking his capture, Osora must create a future that he's willing to live.

I started this not realizing that it’s a trans love story, but my god it makes the sentiments that much more impactful. The way Osora battles with his identity, familial duty, and his duty to his heart? Ugh! I was bawling my eyes out at the season one finale. These boys actually destroyed me. I love that Arias is like the hottest guy in the nation and doesn’t want anybody else. I know I mentioned yearning being done well in the previous Webtoons, but Arias puts the rest of them to shame. He’s a clear communicator, Osora is just a little dense because he’s the definition of innocent.

I love that there’s so much to be discovered about the Sergos, Osora’s psyche, and everybody’s sexuality. All of the danger is tangible, the emotions radiate through the screen, and the deeper topics are discussed with realistic dialogue that makes it hit home. Spoiler alert: it’s addictively good.

I’m a simple girl. Romance, action, comedy, character depth - what more could I need? Every one of these selections is worth obsessing over and nobody I’ve recommended these to have disliked them. As I find more titles, I’ll probably add to the list. If you have any Webtoons you think we should check out, don’t be shy! We’d love to know what you’re reading.