It feels like every time you turn on one of the many streaming platforms, a new movie or TV show hits the digital shelves. From sequels and remakes to spin-offs, there’s a bevy of content to choose from at any given moment. A staple of new televised content is the book (manga, comic, webtoon, tapas, etc) to live-action or full animation adaptation.
Streaming juggernaut Netflix is well known for its archive of various adaptations of books, with adaptations of scrolling webcomics from WEBTOON and Tapas comics being among the newest arrivals. So, if you’re looking for something to watch this weekend, here are six scrolling webcomic adaptations you can watch on Netflix right now!
Heartstopper
Creator: Alice Oseman
Illustration by: Alice Oseman
Genre: Romance, School, LGBTQ, Comedy
Platform: WEBTOON & Tapas Comics (Completed)
Number of Chapters/Volumes: 7 Chapters, 213 Volumes
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Oh, youth! This coming-of-age story encapsulates the essence of “gay panic” and the general anxiety that comes with growing up, coming out, and discovering yourself in a society that is constantly and slowly (emphasis on slowly here) evolving. This tale begins with our soft-hearted and mellow-dramatic main character (MC), Charlie, who seems to be in a not-so-soft and tender romantic situation-ship. As most situation-ships do, this one fizzles out. Through the end of one situation-ship, we begin to see the blossoming of a true blue friendship that could lead to greener pastures when Charlie finds himself aligned with the star of the rugby team, Nick Nelson. Sparks will fly, and emotions will run even higher as this romantic comedy charges forward and tackles your heartstrings.
Business Proposal
Creator: Haehwa
Story by: Guava Farm & Perilla
Illustration by: NARAK
Genre: Romance, K-Drama, Comedy,
Platform: Tapas Comics (Completed)
Number of Chapters/Volumes: 130
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Blind dates are tricky to navigate. They become even more complicated when your blind date turns out to be the CEO of your company. Hahaha, our MC is in danger! Or this could turn into a lifetime opportunity.
In Business Proposal, our two MCs, Ha-ri and Taemu (whose name is way too close to Temu for jokes), end up on a blind date for two completely different reasons: one as a favor for a friend and the other to appease their grandfather. What starts as a rough blindside encounter slowly grows into a smooth partnership, with both sides achieving their desires and much more.
Mystic Pop-Up Bar
Creator: Baehysu
Story by: Baehysu
Illustration by: Baehysu
Genre: Supernatural, Drama, Comedy, Action
Platform: Tapas Comics (Ongoing)
Number of Chapters/Volumes: 361
Streaming Platform: Netflix
At the end of her life, Weol-Ju cursed those who wronged her and her family by desecrating a sacred tree, which would normally lead to her being punished and cast out to hell. However, despite her harsh actions at the end of her life, Weol-Ju spent her life healing and helping people as a shaman. Those good deeds bring goodwill in the eyes of the deities of the upper realm. Thus, Weol-Ju is sentenced to 500 years of divine community service (or something akin to it). Weol-Ju will be allowed to enter heaven if, during those 500 years, she can heal and better the lives of 100,000 people.
With so much on the line and many lives to save, how does one stop becoming jaded while trying to save their mortal soul (and others, too)?
Lookism
Creator: Taejun Pak
Story by: Taejun Pak
Illustration by: Taejun Pak
Genre: Drama, Martial Arts, Action, School,
Platform: WEBTOON (Ongoing)
Number of Chapters/Volumes: 504
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Bullying sucks! In this tale of high school drama besieged by bullying and humiliation, our MC, Daniel, is the victim of many pranks and public acts of humiliation. One night, while fed up with the torment that plagued him, Daniel wishes for a better life. One where he is strong, more intelligent, and better looking. A life opposite of his current one.
The following day, Daniel awakes to find that he is no longer in his own body. He frantically begins to wonder if he has died in his sleep and passed on to the other side when he catches a glimpse of his reflection. In it, he sees the reflection of a new man— the embodiment of Daniel’s hopes. Better equipped to face his bullies and try on his latest body suit custom enhanced with pretty privilege, Daniel’s newfound confidence allows him to have a new lease on life! Yet, even though the grass may seem greener on this side of handsome, not everything is as it seems.
All of Us Are Dead
Creator: Joo Dong-Geun
Story by: Joo Dong-Geun
Illustration by: Joo Dong-Geun
Genre: Zombie, Survival, Drama, Action, School,
Platform: WEBTOON (Completed)
Number of Chapters/Volumes: 9
Streaming Platform: Netflix
It’s just a regular day at Hyosan High School. You know, homeroom, classes, lunch, extracurriculars, the whole nine yards- when suddenly you notice a classmate doesn’t look so well. You check to make sure they’re ok when suddenly you feel an empty pit in your stomach. Fear and apprehension creep in as you further inspect your classmate and ask him questions from a safe distance. He is far from ok. You hear gurgling coughing until it subsides, and you begin to hear screeching. They turn to face you, and finally, it hits you. They’re a zombie.
All of Us Are Dead is a zombie genre fan dream. With action heroics, survival tactics, and gripping stories that play with the dogma of social dynamics in a zombie world, this story will have you clutching your pearls at the heartwrenching events that unfold. The crazy thing about it is that our protagonists are just kids trying to survive the real world and this new zombie hellscape.
Bloodhounds
Creator: Jeong Chan
Story by: Jeong Chan
Illustration by: Jeong Chan
Genre: Boxing, Action, Drama, Survival, Crime,
Platform: WEBTOON (Completed)
Number of Chapters/Volumes: 11
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Family is something you’re born into; it’s also something you call the people who choose to stick by you to the bitter end. Our MCs, Geon-Woo and Woo-Jin, start as rival boxers competing for a tournament championship title. After a decisive boxing match, the two realize they have more in common than their spirit of boxing. A friendship is born that helps iron sharpen iron, and a brotherhood is forged.
One day, Geon-Woo discovers his mom has been caught up in a dirty scheme by a loan shark company known as Smile Company. After facing the Smile Company, Geon-Woo is handily defeated and marked with a scar as a reminder of his failure. Like true brothers in arms, Woo-Jin doesn’t take this lying down, resulting in the two forming an unlikely alliance with some redeemable ex-cons. If you’re looking for a gritty, action-packed story of found family, crime syndicates, and ideals, this is THE show to watch this weekend.
So, if you’re looking for something good to watch this weekend, these adaptations can be found on Netflix right now! And always remember, if you liked the show, continue the story on WEBTOONS or Tapas Comics to stay updated on the latest chapters and enjoy the whole story. — Isaiah Luck
