How to Bet on Webtoon Adaptations: Which Comics Will Make Hit Shows?

Webtoons, digital comics created for mobile reading, have exploded in popularity in recent years. Platforms like LINE Webtoon and Tapas provide easy access to thousands of webcomics, many of which have developed huge fanbases.

With the success of webtoons like “Lore Olympus” and “True Beauty“, production companies are taking notice and adapting popular webtoons into TV shows and movies. But which webtoons are most likely to make successful adaptations? Here are some factors to consider when betting on upcoming webtoon adaptations.

Source Material Quality

The first key factor is the quality and appeal of the original webtoon. Is the webtoon well-written, with compelling characters and an engaging overarching story? Or is it more of a loosely connected series of comic strips? Complex, character-driven stories like Lore Olympus tend to translate better to the screen than gag-a-day comics.

Popular webtoons with highly devoted fanbases also have an advantage, as they come with a built-in audience excited to see the adaptation. Passionate fans will generate buzz around the adaptation and remain invested in seeing it succeed.

Adaptation Approach

A faithful, high-quality adaptation is important for pleasing existing fans. But some changes from page to screen are inevitable given the differences between the mediums.

The approach the production takes is key – will they retain the heart of the original while judiciously streamlining and enhancing parts that make sense for live action? Or will they disregard the source material and pursue their own radically different interpretation?

The best adaptations find a middle ground that respects the spirit of the webtoon while making sensible adjustments for the new format. Major deviations usually backfire by alienating fans.

Production Pedigree

The team producing the adaptation matters. An experienced producer and showrunner with a track record of success increases the odds that the adaptation will turn out well.

Securing a reliable studio, competent writers, and a talented cast, especially in starring roles, also boosts chances of producing a hit adaptation. Big names attract viewer interest, but skill ultimately determines if the final product will satisfy fans.

Marketing and Distribution

Robust marketing is essential for generating awareness and enthusiasm for an adaptation, especially if it is based on a lesser known webtoon. Strategic social media promotion and appearances at fan conventions help galvanize the existing fanbase who can then spread the word organically.

The distribution platform is also key. Adaptations that premiere on major streaming services have an advantage in reach compared to those that debut on smaller platforms or niche cable channels. But strategic multi-platform distribution can mitigate limitations in any one outlet.

Timing

Is the adaptation coming out at a time when it can capitalize on cultural trends? For example, Korean webtoon adaptations are well positioned currently given the high interest in Korean entertainment. Premiering when audiences are already tuned into that wavelength gives a boost versus releasing against the grain of current viewing patterns.

Capitalizing when enthusiasm for the webtoon itself peaks raises the profile of the adaptation. A years-late adaptation of a webtoon after popularity has waned starts off on the back foot.

Intangibles

Some adaptations just have that special, undefinable quality where everything comes together into something greater than the sum of its parts. Chemistry between actors, that perfect tone, and a production where the stars align in a way that captivates audiences. These intangibles can elevate an adaptation beyond expectations.

Other times adaptations appear to have the ingredients for success on paper, but the final product just fails to come together despite everyone’s best efforts. That unpredictable X-factor is part of what makes predicting hits challenging.

Evaluating these sorts of factors can give a sense of which upcoming webtoon adaptations show the most potential for successfully making the leap to screens. But there are no guarantees – even the most promising adaptations can still miss the mark. Understanding what generally contributes to a successful adaptation though helps evaluate where to place bets when investing time or resources in future projects.

Popular Webtoon to TV Adaptations

While webtoon adaptations are still a relatively new phenomenon, a few have already made the jump to screens with success:

• True Beauty – This romance webtoon about a high school girl using makeup to overcome insecurities was adapted into a popular Korean drama in 2020. It starred rising actors Cha Eun-woo, Moon Ga-young, and Hwang In-youp.
• What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? – The 2018 Korean romantic comedy TV series was based on a 2013 webtoon about a narcissistic vice president and his capable secretary. It gained high ratings thanks to the chemistry between Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young.
• Lookism – One of the most viewed webtoons on Naver, this comic about a bullied student leading a double life after waking up in a new body is getting adapted into an upcoming Korean drama. Fans are eager to see if the adaptation can capture the style and themes.
• Noblesse: Awakening – This popular fantasy action webtoon inspired a drama adaptation, as well as an anime adaptation and mobile game. The dual adaptations demonstrated the cross-media appeal.

Early successes like these have paved the way for even more webtoon adaptations to come as producers mine popular comics searching for the next hit K-drama or anime. The future looks bright for webtoon stories making the jump to screens.

Case Study: Lore Olympus

One of the most anticipated webtoon adaptations was the aforementioned Lore Olympus, based on the popular romance webtoon by Rachel Smythe, which comes to an end this year. It checked many of the boxes for a potentially successful adaptation:

• Hugely popular source material with a passionate fanbase
• Compelling story and characters ripe for live-action drama
• Experienced production team including showrunner Maggie Levin
• Secured high-profile distribution deal with Netflix
• Capitalizing on interest in Greek mythology
• Adaptation coming amid peak popularity for the webtoon

Sadly, the screen adaptation has yet to become a reality, as it still hasn’t been picked up by a network. This may change, but insiders believe the show won’t ever be available as a TV series.

Evaluating these factors can give a sense of which upcoming webtoon adaptations show most potential for successfully making the leap to screens. But there are no guarantees – even the most promising adaptations can still miss the mark. Understanding what generally contributes to a successful adaptation though helps evaluate where to place bets when investing time or resources in future projects.