7 Manhwa that deserve an anime adaptation

With the recent release of Solo Leveling, there have been a wave of new manhwa-to-anime adaptations that have introduced fans to the medium of Korean comics. While these are distinctly different from Japanese manga, they bring their own unique themes and culture to the global audience, unsurprisingly drawing in viewers.

Since there are a few manhwa that have their anime adaptations in the works currently, fans of other specific titles are desperately hoping for their source material to also be animated by reputable groups. Here are 7 manhwa that deserve an anime adaptation and are guaranteed to fascinate viewers if made faithfully.

---

Manhwa that deserve an anime

1) The Legend of the Northern Blade

Considered one of the greatest manhwa of all time, The Legend of the Northern Blade follows Jin Mu-Won, the last surviving member of the Northern Legendary Sect, who thirsts for revenge against the oppressive Central Heavenly Alliance, which betrayed his sect and killed his father.

Starting as a weak boy under constant surveillance, Mu-Won trains secretly to gain the necessary strength to achieve his goals. The Legend of the Northern Blade is a memorable tale of revenge, regret, and growth.

The art style and color palette are stunning while the fight choreography sticks out. The story’s philosophical undertones mirror those of Vinland Saga and Vagabond, and it is capable of becoming a landmark of the martial arts genre if adapted into an anime.

---

2) Wind Breaker

Not to be confused with the delinquent fighting anime that already exists, Wind Breaker is an exhilarating series revolving around the sport of street cycling. The story follows Jay, an introverted boy who sticks to studying and living up to the expectations of his parents.

However, his life changes after he meets Minu, the leader of a biking crew, who notices Jay’s extraordinary talent in cycling. Though the protagonist is initially reluctant about not entering the world of this sport, he is soon entranced into never leaving it again.

Wind Breaker is a refreshing sports series that combines various genres ranging from action and romance to drama and tragedy. It doesn’t restrict itself only to the main character, focusing heavily on the entire cast, their individual motivations and development. Its complex dynamics, adrenaline-pumping racing, and relaxing slice-of-life moments make it deserving of an anime.

---

3) SSS-Class Revival Hunter

Manhwa is infamous for being congested with revival and regression stories that are stereotypical and follow a basic format. Though SSS-Class Revival Hunter may seem the same at first glance, it is an incredible piece of media that is different from the rest.

The series is set in a world where hunters climb a mysterious tower in pursuit of their goals. However, the protagonist, Kim Gong-Ja, is a very weak hunter who often falls prey to his inferiority complex and jealousy. His life takes a drastic turn when he gains a skill that allows him to copy others’ abilities, but after he dies.

Though seemingly useless, Gong-Ja is later killed and, coincidentally, steals a skill where he can go back in time by 24 hours. Through his manipulation of suicide, which is both overpowered and traumatic, Gong-Ja begins his journey of revenge against his enemies and his ascent up the tower.

SSS-Class Revival Hunter perfectly balances dark humor, violence, and psychological tension, never shying away from showing the mental pressures faced by the protagonist. Each season of the manhwa presents a unique setting and different themes, going from a world of murim to a villainess fantasy story. It's satirical yet captivating take on these tropes will fit flawlessly into an anime.

---

4) Pick Me Up, Infinite Gacha

Pick Me Up, Infinite Gacha is an incredibly intense series that dives deep into the mechanics of gacha. It revolves around Loki, a renowned player, who is transported into the world of a difficult game as a character.

Left with nothing but his wits, Loki aims to get through the impossible trials in front of him for the sake of finding the truth behind his circumstances. Pick Me Up, Infinite Gacha is a compelling manhwa that is aware of its harsh stakes.

Heart-breaking deaths occur every chapter, while the protagonist desperately tries to level up and complete the game. Its “edge-of-your-seat” tension is hard to find even among existing manga and anime, making it well-deserving of an adaptation.

---

5) The Greatest Estate Developer

Considered by many to be the funniest manhwa ever made, The Greatest Estate Developer introduces Suho Kim, an engineering student who is transported into the world of a fantasy novel. Making matters worse, he possesses the body of the hated noble Lloyd Frontera.

Stuck in this situation, Suho aims to make the most of it with his knowledge of construction and the magical benefits of his new world. With goals of saving his family and building his ideal future, Suho gets to work on coming up with mind-boggling innovations.

The Greatest Estate Developer is an ingeniously crafted tale that combines informative engineering with a wildly entertaining plot. At the heart of this is the protagonist, who is money-hungry and hilariously expressive. The series’ comedic and uplifting tone will make a superb addition to anime.

---

6) The Stellar Swordmaster

The Stellar Swordmaster is a remarkable manhwa that is emotional, exciting, and hooks readers right from the first chapter. It follows Vlad, a young boy who lives in the dark slums abandoned by society. In this treacherous place, Vlad serves one of five crime bosses who balance the power dynamic.

However, after his home and loved ones are destroyed by a knight, Vlad decides to take the forbidden step of leaving the slums and making a name for himself. Armed with a sword and an enigmatic source of power, Vlad escapes and becomes a swordsman of the House Bayezid.

As the name suggests, The Stellar Swordmaster is a stellar story featuring bloody revenge, exhilarating battles, and an unforgettable protagonist. The manhwa dives deep into noble society, exploring all its formalities and taboos. Additionally, its dialogue is poetic, insightful, and wise, elevating every scene. As a result, it is a no-brainer that the series would rise in popularity should an anime studio pick it up.

---

7) Infinite Mage

Infinite Mage is a beautiful coming-of-age story following Shirone, a poor boy with a natural affinity for magic. Though discriminated against for being a peasant, nothing holds his curiosity back, as he strives to become a top-tier mage.

After entering the service of a noble family due to the efforts of his father, Shirone secretly expands his knowledge, learning about the never-ending world of magic and eventually gaining the means to earnestly pursue his goals.

Infinite Mage sticks out from other fantasy stories due to its rich power system. Though magic is not a new concept, this manhwa treats it like a science, with calculations and preparation necessary before being achieved. Its complexities make the protagonist’s growth even more satisfying, as he aims to rise above his social class.

At the same time, Infinity Mage also features plenty of wholesome family dynamics, emotional depth, and high-stakes battles. An anime adaptation would have the potential to turn the page on fantasy anime, which is often overcrowded with titles and not known for its quality of storytelling.