Overview of Monster Hunter Manhwa
- Invasions by monsters often spawn survival hunts or lucrative endeavors.
- Common themes include time travel, system malfunctions, and exceptional abilities.
- This sub-genre frequently features overwhelmingly powerful protagonists in engaging hunter narratives.
Monster invasions are a prevalent trope in manhwa, with various portals opening across Earth that unleash bizarre creatures and formidable beasts upon humanity. The only individuals capable of countering these threats are hunters. This fantasy sub-genre has gained immense popularity since its emergence in the early 2010s.
In the realm of manhwa, virtually anyone can take on the role of a monster hunter, provided that monsters exist. However, it’s important to differentiate the motivations behind such endeavors. Many characters pursue monster hunting for survival or as a means of income, often thrust into dangerous situations where they must hunt to avoid becoming prey. Conversely, in narratives involving awakened individuals or players, quests may include lofty goals like ascending a tower or conquering a dungeon. The focus of this article will primarily revolve around the former type of hunting.
10 Seoul Station Druid
The King Of The Jungle Becomes A Hunter
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.58
- Publication Period: 2021 – Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai
- Author: Seolwoo Jin
- Illustrator: Hwalseonggom
After portals opened worldwide, transporting creatures into our realm, characters like Park Suho found themselves in perilous new worlds. Stranded on a planet dominated by massive fauna, Suho honed his survival skills over centuries until he returned to Earth, quickly gaining recognition as the mightiest hunter.
Suho’s time in the jungle has shaped him into a primal figure, challenging common human behavior and making the narrative exceptionally engaging.
9 I’ll Retire After Saving The World
Nihilist Government Worker Goes Back In Time
- MyAnimeList Score: N/A
- Publication Period: 2024 – Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Time Travel
- Author: Millem
- Illustrator: Hello
Time travel is a recurring element in hunter-themed manhwa, but it’s rarely explored as distinctively as in this series. When dungeons start appearing at an alarming rate, humanity risks being overwhelmed. In a twist of fate, Woo Hwijae finds himself transported 20 years into the past, opting to prepare society for impending chaos by teaching at the Hunter Development Agency.
Unlike many stories where characters regress to become younger, Hwijae retains his adult form. Instead of focusing on personal power, he dedicates himself to training the next generation of hunters, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of those preparing to face danger.
8 Limit Breaker
A Glitch In The System Creates The Strongest Human
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.58
- Publication Period: 2020 – Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
- Author: Seongbul Yejeong
- Illustrator: Mino
In this manhwa, the awakening of powers isn’t arbitrary, as individuals are subjected to rigorous tutorials against monsters. Kim Kibong, however, faces an unfortunate glitch in his tutorial, keeping him trapped despite fulfilling all requirements. Upon escaping, he emerges significantly stronger, often resolving encounters with a single blow.
Though it follows a familiar power fantasy format, this series does not meander—Kibong faces off against formidable foes without hesitation, leading to thrilling fight sequences, even if some elements may feel repetitive.
7 Metro Hunter
The Adventures Of A Veteran Hunter
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.66
- Publication Period: 2021 – Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Author: Yeop Doo
- Illustrator: Jun-gyeong Cheok
In Metro Hunter, the narrative integrates fantasy elements within the real world as monstrous threats seize the underground metro lines. The story follows Kang Cheol, an experienced hunter, undertaking perilous missions in pursuit of the Master of Fire.
The author masterfully blends magic and monstrous lore into the environment, crafting a cohesive world that feels lived-in from Kang Cheol’s vantage point, making exploration seamless and enjoyable within this cartoonish art style.
6 Solo Resurrection
The Only Strategy He Needs Is His Fist
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.04
- Publication Period: 2024 – Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
- Author: Hanso
- Illustrator: Studio Khit
In a world where individuals over the age of sixteen are subjected to a tutorial while they sleep, Kang Hyeon possesses a unique ability allowing him to resurrect upon failure. This peculiarity enables him to repeatedly tackle challenges, intensifying his growth rapidly.
Characterized by chaotic decisions and a penchant for relentless aggression, Hyeon faces obstacles with uncanny tenacity, embracing sheer power to resolve conflicts. His ability to reset offers thrilling and audacious narrative developments.
5 The First Hunter
The Apocalypse’s Legendary Hunter
- MyAnimeList Score: N/A
- Publication Period: 2019 – 2021
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Apocalypse
- Author: D-Dart
- Illustrator: Chanuk Jeon
The First Hunter portrays a bleak world dominated by monstrous threats, with Kim Taehun, a former special forces soldier, leading a desperate group of survivors through an apocalyptic landscape. They harness magical stones to enhance their strength for monster confrontations.
This gritty tale stands out for its grounded approach, deviating from common systems or guides; the characters must navigate challenges instinctively, emphasizing survival over storyline conveniences.
4 Auto Hunting With My Clones
Two Heads Are Better Than One
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.21
- Publication Period: 2022 – Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
- Author: Mongsik
- Illustrator: Opal
In this narrative, the awakening process enables anyone to pursue monster hunting. Jeong Sang-Woo awakens with a unique cloning ability that creates replicas of himself. These clones bolster his growth and enable him to handle tasks across multiple fronts.
With well-paced storytelling and character evolution, Auto Hunting With My Clones showcases Sang-Woo’s gradual ascent to power, ensuring that the journey feels authentic rather than rushed.
3 S-Class That I Raised
Being Weak Isn’t A Bad Thing
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.39
- Publication Period: 2021 – Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Time Travel
- Author: Biwan
- Illustrator: Geunseo
The story follows Han Yunjin, an F-Class hunter, whose life diverges significantly from that of his brother, Yoohyun, an S-Class. Their fraternal bond weakens until tragedy strikes, prompting Yunjin to time travel and reconnect with Yoohyun while attempting to escape the hunter life.
Despite initial intentions to abandon hunting, Yunjin finds himself embroiled in the complications of hunter society while assembling a guild in his brother’s memory. The series maintains adventure themes while enriching character dynamics through this heartfelt journey, combining humor with gripping action scenes.
2 I Stole the First Ranker’s Soul
Some Accidents Have Terrific Consequences
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.52
- Publication Period: 2022 – 2024
- Chapters: 100
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
- Author: Sulpurenamu
- Illustrator: Ijeong
With Son Mo-Ah leading the charge, I Stole the First Ranker’s Soul introduces a unique female protagonist in a predominantly male-dominated genre. As an unknown office worker inadvertently thrust into a dungeon, Mo-Ah gains harvesting abilities, leading to a mix-up where she unwittingly claims the soul of a prominent hunter, Seo Jihan.
As they collaborate—Jihan’s spirit guiding her—the plot seamlessly weaves intense action with elements of comedy and a touch of romance, elevating it above standard power narratives and presenting a genuinely engaging story.
1 Solo Leveling
Story Of The Most Iconic Necromancer
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.66
- Publication Period: 2018 – 2023
- Chapters: 201
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Adult Cast, Urban Fantasy
- Author: Chugong
- Illustrator: Sung-rak Jang, Disciples
No other monster hunter manhwa has achieved the same acclaim as Solo Leveling. While narratives in this sub-genre existed prior to its inception, it was Solo Leveling that solidified its popularity. The saga follows Sung Jinwoo, initially the weakest E-rank hunter, struggling to make ends meet while caring for his family. But after a traumatic incident leaves his team devastated, he acquires a game-based system that revolutionizes his abilities.
This pivotal moment transforms Jinwoo’s life, cementing his status as one of the most iconic characters in the genre and inspiring countless creators to share their tales.
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