Overview of Rising Action Manhwa
- Action-oriented manhwa are rapidly gaining traction among manga enthusiasts due to their electrifying battles and unique abilities.
- Popular action manhwa series like Tower of God and The Breaker cater to fans seeking dark fantasy adventures.
- Titles such as Solo Leveling and The Legend of the Northern Blade appeal to readers who enjoy tales revolving around powerful characters.
Manhwa, the Korean variant of manga, has gained substantial popularity in recent years. While its history nearly mirrors that of manga, numerous Korean creators have successfully transitioned to the manga industry in Japan.
Similar to manga, action manhwa filled with intense confrontations and exhilarating powers are also thriving. Although they may not yet eclipse their Japanese counterparts in popularity, aficionados of action narratives should definitely explore these captivating series. Below, we highlight some top-rated action manhwa, showcasing their MyAnimeList scores to guide your choices.
Updated: February 6, 2025, by Hamza Haq: The rise of manhwa is relatively recent compared to the longstanding presence of manga, yet this graphic form offers distinct features that appeal to modern audiences. The web-centric design enhances the reading experience on digital platforms, making it more accessible than traditional print formats. Furthermore, action manhwa often delve into graphic storytelling, depicting brutal and intense narratives that push boundaries more than their manga counterparts. For fans craving something more visceral than typical manga offerings, manhwa is an excellent alternative.
12.Second Life Ranker
MAL Score: 7.63
- Published on KakaoPage
Follow the journey of Cha Yeon-woo, a seasoned soldier. After discovering that his long-lost brother has been trapped in a wish-granting Tower, he is devastated by betrayal that leads to his demise. However, his brother’s spirit grants him their shared memories and skills—though many remain untapped due to his low rank. Driven by vengeance, he climbs the tower to confront his brother’s killers with newly unlocked abilities.
Second Life Ranker presents a high-stakes narrative where overpowered main characters dominate their foes with ease, featuring a captivating premise alongside striking visuals.
11.Nano Machine
MAL Score: 8.17
- Published on Naver Webtoon
Cheon Yeo Woon, deemed the illegitimate child of a renowned martial artist, faces neglect and disdain due to his lineage and lack of skill. When assassins target him to eliminate their foe’s bloodline, his life takes a dramatic twist when a time-traveling descendant injects him with nanomachines, unveiling a path to immense power.
Nano Machine merges classic martial arts tropes with futuristic technologies, creating a unique power fantasy scenario.
10.SSS-Class Revival Hunter
MAL Score: 8.25
- Published on Tapas Media
Meet Kim Gong-Ja, an F-rank hunter endlessly envious of powerful peers. His luck changes when he acquires an S+ Rank Skill titled ‘I Want to Be Like You’, which requires him to die to activate. Unexpectedly killed by the world’s top hunter, he inherits the skill ‘The Time Traveler’s Clock’, enabling him to rewind 24 hours with his memories intact. Armed with this ability, he embarks on a quest to become the ultimate hunter.
SSS-Class Revival Hunter fuses action, adventure, and humor, appealing to fans of extraordinary protagonists and epic dungeon battles.
9.Sweet Home
MAL Score: 8.27
- Published on Naver Webtoon
Hyun-soo Cha is a reclusive teenager grappling with the loss of his family. Relocated to a new apartment complex, he faces a new challenge when an epidemic turns residents into monstrous beings—Hyun-soo included.
Sweet Home combines horror and action elements, echoing tales of survival in apocalyptic scenarios, making it a must-read for horror genre enthusiasts.
8.Tower Of God
MAL Score: 8.37
- Written & illustrated by S. I.U.
- Published on Naver Webtoon
Twenty-Fifth Baam, who has only known life at the tower’s base, embarks on a treacherous journey after his friend Rachel ascends the tower. His quest for companionship thrusts him into a world filled with perilous adventures and challenges.
Tower of God offers a thrilling mix of action and adventure, ideal for fans of dark fantasy and intense battles.
7.The Breaker
MAL Score: 8.39
- Published in Young Champ
Shiwoon Yi is a timid student frequently bullied until he meets Chunwoo Han, a martial arts master who agrees to teach him self-defense. Inspired by his mentor, Shiwoon transforms into a fighter capable of standing up to his tormentors.
The Breaker stands out with its stunning artwork and dynamic action sequences, making it a favorite among martial arts and supernatural enthusiasts.
6.Return Of The Blossoming Blade
MAL Score: 8.48
- Published on Naver Webtoon
Once a revered disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, Chung Myung faces ruin after his sect is defeated by Chunma. After an unexpected resurgence in a new body, he seeks vengeance and justice while battling the remnants of evil that plague his world.
Return of the Blossoming Blade captivates with its reincarnation storyline and sword-fighting action, appealing to lovers of historical fantasy.
5.The Boxer
MAL Score: 8.49
- Written & illustrated by Jung Ji-Hoon
- Published on Naver and LINE
Yu, a quiet aspiring boxer, navigates his career with a stoic demeanor, opting for silence over noise. Each arc centers around his match with various opponents, illuminating their backstories and motivations while gradually revealing Yu’s own evolution.
The Boxer offers an emotional and dramatic portrayal of sports, targeting fans of wrestling and combat sports, unlike typical boxing narratives.
4.The Legend Of The Northern Blade
MAL Score: 8.51
- Published on KakaoPage
Moowon, son of a disgraced former leader, is on a quest for justice after his father’s unjust downfall. As he grapples with surveillance and social stigma, destiny provides him a rare opportunity to fight against the evils that tormented his lineage.
The Legend of the Northern Blade engages readers with its revenge-driven plot and action-fueled storytelling.
3.Eleceed
MAL Score: 8.53
- Published on Naver Webtoon
Jiwoo Seo, an ordinary youth with super speed, secretly cares for an injured cat, inadvertently uncovering a world of powers when the cat reveals its true form as Kayden Break, a human with extraordinary abilities.
Eleceed merges supernatural elements with thrilling narratives, tailored for enthusiasts of adventure-oriented shonen series.
2.Omniscient Reader
MAL Score: 8.57
- Published on Naver Webtoon
Dokja Kim, an ordinary office worker, finds himself transported into the world of his favorite web novel, “Three Ways to Survive In a Ruined World”, on its final chapter. Utilizing his profound knowledge of the storyline, he navigates the challenges to alter the fate he faces.
1.Solo Leveling
MAL Score: 8.66
- Published on KakaoPage
Sung Jinwoo, a hunter tasked with protecting humanity from horrific monsters, initially struggles with optimal survival. After a disastrous dungeon exploration, he receives a unique ability from a mysterious System that allows him to increase his strength systematically.
Solo Leveling stands as a hallmark of the fantasy action genre, embodying the common trope of an overpowered protagonist, making it a hit among fans, alongside its anticipated anime adaptation.
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