Valentine’s Day is a day where couples celebrate each other and their relationships…and it can also be a bit of a sore spot for some single people who have to watch a lot of PDA. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Because, you know, what will never hurt you… I mean, make you cry… I mean, will only hurt you in a 2D way? Webcomics.
So for those who don’t have a significant other, don’t be sad! Celebrate being single on Valentine’s Day! Because that only means you have so much more time to spend with your true love… webcomics.
I Got Reincarnated to Save Another World But I Just Want to Pet Animals
I Got Reincarnated to Save Another World But I Just Want to Pet Animals is such a relatable title, because sure, the world may be on fire and sure, maybe some people need me to be a hero but the animals demand to be petted and it’d be a crime to refuse them pets. Yuriko Takagami‘s series is a fluffy (pun intended) read that follows an overworked office lady named Midori Akitsu who dies and reincarnates into a world where God gives her the choice of saving the humans or letting the humans die and saving the animals. While the choice seems like a no-brainer, it’s such a sweet and comforting read that will probably have you cuddling your furry companion (or running to adopt one).
SNACK: Charcuterie board
SIP: Passion orange guava juice or a jasmine iced tea
SOMETHING EXTRA: Load up a playlist of cute animal videos and let it loop
Veggie Table
So you’re a carnivore and love eating meat. Well, after reading Veggie Table, you might not be for any longer. The opening of TANSAE and firebear‘s webcomic is kind of horrifying because Maha has a nightmare of a dead pig begging her to help it. But this isn’t anything compared to what Maha hears on a daily basis: animal voices. Unable to stomach the thought of eating the animal she can hear, Maha looks for plant-based recipes. As scary as Veggie Table begins, this is truly a comforting manhwa and its mouthwatering depictions of food will have you reaching for your own plant-based goodies.
SNACK: Spaghetti with plant-based meatballs
SIP: A cup of yuja tea
SOMETHING EXTRA: Ambient rain sounds & birdsong
I See You
I rave a lot about I See You and that’s because despite its dark subject matter about death, grief, and grim reapers, this is a story about hope and inner strength. Pixel‘s series centers around a young woman named Seowoo who is pulled from making an irreversible decision by none other than a grim reaper. The grim reaper makes a deal with her: Seowoo will keep living for another three months and if she still wants to die then the reaper will grant her wish. Valentine’s Day can be a bit of a dark time for some people, especially those who recently got out of a relationship, but I See You reminds people that they aren’t as alone as they think. Surround yourself with your friends and your family and know that there is still life worth living out there.
SNACK: Ice cream or any cold sweet treat
SIP: Makgeolli (a type of Korean sparkling rice wine)
SOMETHING EXTRA: A pair of fluffy socks
Today’s a New Day
Rarely do we see protagonists who are 100 years old but who don’t have some kind of magical powers that make them immortal. Today’s a New Day, written and illustrated by Chaeun Han, is a slice-of-life futuristic tale about a writer named Jinhee who turned 100 years old and is moving into a new complex in the hopes of finding some way to come to terms that her life is changing and not necessarily for the better. But perhaps her neighbor Baegun and robot caretaker M.U. will change her mind. The comic style is certainly not like the elaborate art styles that are commonly associated with Korean manhwa but it’s perfect for a comforting story about how happiness can be found in the simplest things and encouraging us to never give up when all hope is lost.
SNACK: Finger sandwiches
SIP: A big glass of milk
SOMETHING EXTRA: Reconnect with a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.
I Became a Doting Father
24-year-old Juwon Lee already had a lot on his plate, and he certainly didn’t factor in how he suddenly had a four-year-old child to take care of. But when his uncle unexpectedly passes away, none of his relatives want his daughter Yeondu. But why wouldn’t they? She’s absolutely adorable! Originally written by Kiwoo and illustrated by SAYAN, I Became a Doting Father is such a sweet read and showcases the power of love (and isn’t that what Valentine’s Day really is? The celebration of love?). Little Yeondu has been through a lot and though Juwon has zero experience taking care of anyone except for himself, he quickly grows into the role.
SNACK: Convenience store ramen
SIP: Banana milk
SOMETHING EXTRA: Your cat or dog snoozing in your lap
Running After a Break-up
If there was ever a more suitable story about self-love, it has to be Running After a Break-up by Dolbae. After suffering from a painful breakup, Taesu watches one of his friends run a marathon and, inspired to turn his life around, decides to take up running too. It’s truly refreshing to see a manhwa use exercise as a form of happiness and to make yourself feel good rather than for the sole purpose of losing weight. Taesu’s life had been revolving around making his girlfriend happy rather than him and it’s gratifying to see him put himself first. And it’s a lesson to us all! It’s time we love ourselves first.
SNACK: Korean fried chicken
SIP: Water or if you’re feeling fancy, sparkling water
SOMETHING EXTRA: A song that gets you pumped up
From Bread to Closets
Raehyeon Kim wrote and illustrated the manhwa adaptation of Moonyeun Lee‘s original story From Bread to Closets. Haeyoung stumbles across a job posting at a bakery where it feels like nobody has ever visited. Although apprehensive, she decides to work there and meets her boss Jinsoo who is a hoarder. When Haeyoung helps her declutter her bakery, Jinsoo comes up with an idea for the two to clear their customers’ closets. I’m not as bad as Haeyoung but I completely understand the fear and anxiety of throwing away anything because they hold a lot of memories. But From Bread to Closets demonstrates how you need to make room for new memories and sometimes nostalgia doesn’t have to rest in something tangible.
SNACK: Toasted sourdough bread with butter
SIP: Bubble tea with sea salt cream
SOMETHING EXTRA: A chill lo-fi playlist
Happy Valentine’s Day!
So, what webcomics will you be scrolling through this weekend? Be sure and let us know in the comment section. And from all of us at K-Comics Beat, Happy Valentine’s Day!
 and Manta has the perfect reads for those looking to treat themselves.){kind=link}