When we became colleagues, our love for Japanese and Korean comics brought about an instant office friendship. It was interesting to see how these comics not only brought us together — a Vietnamese American and a Venezuelan — but also acted as a community-builder among people of different walks of life.

While we love a variety of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, we wanted to focus on the stories that shaped us most: those with courageous female leads who wear their hearts on their sleeves and stop at nothing to achieve their dreams — and, on occasion, show the world they are a force to be reckoned with. We hope this podcast episode inspires you to take a dive into these wonderful stories!

Below, find our mini guides and recommendations to help you explore the world of manga, manhwa, and webtoons!

Jump to:

Mini guide: Manga | Mini guide: Manhwa and webtoons | Where to find them | Our recommendations

Mini guide: Manga

Manga are Japanese comics and graphic novels that are geared at both adults and children. Manga has roots in Japanese artistic traditions, with most conforming to a style that was developed in the late 19th century.

Usually published in black and white, manga are typically serialized through magazines that feature various stories and authors in one edition. As more chapters are released, they are later republished as volumes known as tankōbon.

Genres mentioned in our podcast

Shoujo: These are stories of love and romance with emotionally intense narratives. They usually feature a young female protagonist or superheroine who goes on a journey of transformation and self-growth while juggling everyday school drama, budding friendships, and romantic interests.

Bonus definition: Doki doki moment:

• According to Rebecca: The reaction to the fluttering butterflies in your stomach when you read or watch an intense romantic moment.
• According to Phuong: When you kick your feet in the air after witnessing a cute moment!

Shounen: These are stories of action and adventure with a focus on strength and friendship. They usually feature a young male hero in an action-adventure setting sprinkled with slapstick humor, martial arts, and intense tournaments while they gain a better understanding of their community, justice, and their own self-worth.

While the above definitions represent a typical framework, the stories are not limited to these genres. For example, some shoujo works feature lots of action-adventure (such as Yona of the Dawn) and shounen can include romantic plot points (such as Inuyasha).

How to read manga

Manga is read from right to left!

Mini guide: Manhwa and webtoons

Manhwa is the Korean term for comics and print cartoons, and outside of Korea, it's used to describe comics of South Korean origin. Originally taking a lot of influence from manga, manhwa has over the years progressed into its own style, especially with the development of Webtoons. Printed manhwa were usually read left to right and horizontally, similar to books and comics of many Western traditions, whereas webtoons utilize vertical scrolling due to their mobile nature. Webtoons are also unique in that they are usually published in color.

Genre relevant in our podcast

Fun fact! The shoujo equivalent term in Korean is soonjung, which was coined in the 1960s to refer to comics created for and by women. Like shoujo, soonjung stories feature romance and the description of vivid emotions.

How to read manhwa

The same as English comics — from left to right!

Where to find manga, manhwa, and webtoons

Your local library may be a great resource for manga and manhwa! Purchasing manga and manhwa can become expensive, ranging $10–$25 per volume which can add up quickly when there is a long series. In addition to allowing easy checkouts, Houston Public Library's online catalog has a helpful resource for finding and recommending related stories and authors.

Purchase in-person or online

Kinokuniya | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | Half Price Books

Borrow

Houston Public Library | Harris County Public Library

Online

Webtoons | Tappytoon | Manta | Tapas | Asia Society Texas' Adventures of Asia

Our recommended reading

Manga recommendations

Kimi ni Todoke by Karuho Shiina
Recommended by Phuong
Find it on: Viz

Millennium Snow by Bisco Hatori
Recommended by Rebecca
Find it on: Viz

Skip Beat by Yoshiki Nakamura
Recommended by Rebecca and Phuong
Find it on: Viz

In the Clear Moonlit Dusk by Mika Yamamori
Recommended by Phuong
Find it on: Penguin Random House

Love Me, Love Me Not by Io Sakisaka
Recommended by Rebecca
Find it on: Viz

Manhwa recommendations

Super Secret by eon
Recommended by Rebecca
Find it on: Webtoon

The Villainess Turns the Hourglass by Antstudio (Art) and SANSOBEE (Story)
Recommended by Rebecca
Find it on: Tappytoon

The Remarried Empress by Alphatart (Story) and Sumpul (Art) and adapted by HereLee
Recommended by Phuong and Rebecca
Find it on: Webtoon

After School Lessons for Unripe Apples by Soonkki
Recommended by Phuong
Find it on: Webtoon

Villains are Destined to Die by Gwon Gyeoel (Story) and SUOL (Art)
Recommended by Phuong
Find it on: Tappytoon

Our wildcard recommendations for manga (shounen)

D.Gray-man by Katsura Hoshino
Recommended by Rebecca
Find it on: Viz

The Apothecary Diaries by Natsu Hyūga (Story) and Touko Shino (Art)
Recommended by Phuong
Find it on: Square Enix Manga & Books

Our wildcard recommendations for webtoons

The Guy Upstairs by Hanza Art
Recommended by Rebecca
Find it on: Webtoon

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures by C.R.C. Payne
Recommended by Phuong
Find it on: Webtoon

About APAH Month at Asia Society Texas

Beginning in 2021, Asia Society Texas has celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the Houston community and beyond through a curated calendar of events for 31 ways to celebrate over the 31 days of May. Spotlighting the traditions, talents, and contributions of Asians and Asian Americans, the calendar highlights the month's key Asia Society programming, providing a platform to showcase local artists, performers, educators, and leaders who contribute to the vibrant, multicultural tapestry of Houston while also featuring staff recommendations for our favorite music, books, movies, and more by Asian and Asian American creatives.

At Asia Society Texas, APAH Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor Asians and Asian Americans and to uplift their stories to a broader audience as part of our goal to inspire our larger community to better understand one another through culture, conversation, and connection. For information about sponsoring APAH Month and other projects like this one, please contact Saleena Jafry at [email protected] or 713.496.9939.

Presenting Sponsor of APAH Month at Asia Society Texas

Sponsors of APAH Month
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APAH Month 2024 Calendar

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Past APAH Month Calendars

2023: Highlights | Details
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About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.

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