Webtoon Spotlight

Spotlight #20-30: Canvas Palooza

A couple of weeks ago, Webtoon had a Canvas week celebrating its more underrated webcomics. And considering that I've been late on that and February is just around the corner, I thought what better way to show off my appreciation for the canvas' by getting a massive spotlight celebrating ten great webtoons. To make sure that all of these reviews aren't too long, I'll keep them simple. So with that out of the way, let's begin.

Spotlight #20: Mushroom Movie by Potato-chop

I've tried to avoid comedy webtoons since comedies are subjective and hard to describe. But, overall, Mushroom Movie is a collection of concise and punny stories following a bunch of cute, lovable shrooms. 

What separates it from many other webtoons is that it updates nearly every day and has consistently done it for over three years, so there is a lot of content to enjoy. Plus, it even has an official publication. 

Spotlight #21: Power Pills by bookfangeek

In many ways, power pills could slide slightly into anthology series. As we know, many young adults each get mysteriously given special abilities through one out of 8 mysterious pills that they all take in one form and another. 

As they learn to balance both their powers and their lives together, they soon learn that they're not as alone as they thought while taking on superhero identities. So far, three have been discovered, with more along the way. I appreciate a story that takes a while to simmer, and so far, it's organically built its world and characters, so I can't wait for more.

Spotlight # 22: My Indian Chickk by Krossdraws

For all the singles out there, I think there's something to enjoy the small and relatable adventures of an Indian couple. The humor can get a pretty light chuckle since I never really know what to expect. I also find it one of the more down-to-earth couple webtoons, so I'm sure anyone can relate to the various events. If you read My Giant Nerd Boyfriend, then you've seen this, but it's still worth the read. 

Spotlight #23: Facts and Facterinos by Sharkzy

Facts and Facterinos is your one-stop shop for all basic trivia on everyday concepts. So if you've got an interest in essential trivia, then this is for you. 

Spotlight #24: I like Lycan by Cheese-wen

Follow the fun, and I guess (real-life) adventures of Lycan and Cheese throughout their daily lives. While Cheese is your average girl, Lycan often has a wild side that gets the better of him. Though later chapters show, our best girl can be just as fantastic as her bf. 

What separates Lycan from its contemporaries is that there is at least some continuity in the story. From various arcs about the two's growing love for one another to a surreal chapter, the variety is definitely on display. 

Spotlight # 25:My pet succubus by Carlos G.

Okay, all jokes aside on the title, Pet is a joy to read. Using the power of black magic, a very voluptuous witch named Natasha summons an ironically innocent demon called Giselle. Again I don't have much to say except that it is a very funny and unexpected webtoon with a growing cast of charming characters. 

For every wtf chapter, there is a genuinely heartwarming and self-aware chapter that makes a fun read. Throughout the series, the author has dealt with many mental health issues and writer's block, so I hope he is alright.

Spotlight# 26: Lily and Marigold by Jin Zhan.

The perfect combination of fantasy and slice of life, we follow many fantasy girls and gals as they live in the Sun Flower townhouse with various friends. Overall these great characters lead to significant interactions.  I think this is one of the best art styles on the list, as it's very anime-inspired with a sleek look to characters, nonhuman or otherwise. 

The various fantasy elements create a very varied story with lots to explore. I will touch on its spinoffs another day since their casts are much smaller. Either way, if you like comedy, ninjas, demons, and androids, then this is for you.  There are also a couple of spinoffs I can speak of later. 

Spotlight#27: Mondo Mango by TheKao

The real-life chibi adventures of the relatable artist Kao; his excitable nature, height complex, and constant hard work make for a very enjoyable binge. As a fellow creative, I understand a lot of the adventures Kao usually puts himself in. In terms of art, Mondo Mango is undeniably cute, and I love the diversity in presentation over time (Ex: Kao's dragon mascot GOGO). 

Spotlight 28#: Cinnamon Roll by ReMe

Another top contender for the best art style on the list, tender high school heartthrob Hirose Satu is hopelessly in love with his crush Rin Ozawa. And while she frequently shot down, their bond grows stronger by the day. The jokes always hit hard, and the story is going down a more serialized and emotional road right now, so there is much more to tell later.  While I'm not a fan of the whole obsessive lover trope, this is one of the few times it works. I'll be sure to review the Webtoon original in due time. 

Spotlight 29#: Sarah Scribbles by Sarah Andersen

If I could put mood into a comic, this is precisely what it looks like. This is all about the most random and strange thoughts we have a species rolled up into a fun story for all. It is witty; it is emotional; it is Sarah's Scribbles.

Spotlight 30#: my name is Death by Rumbo

Follow Death as he goes everywhere and everywhen to wreak havoc, take lives and spit a joke or 2. It has a lot of dark, messed-up humor and has a lot of sweet moments that make you question the purpose of life. One of the few supporting characters in the series, a guy named Frank, gives us a lot of perspectives as he ironically lives through Death's intervention. 

It goes to show Death is not bad or good, only equal. It makes you think and makes you laugh. What's even more remarkable is that we get more recurring characters to give flesh to this barebones concept over time. 

Epilogue

And that is it. I hope you all enjoyed the list and support these creators. They deserve it for making a career that is not the most liquid. I hope you all enjoyed the spotlights, and I hope you stick around as the next couple of spotlights are going to be far more: lovely.