Manga terminology guide
Manga vs manhwa vs manhua: what’s the difference?
Manga, manhwa and manhua are related, but they are not the same thing. This guide explains the difference, why the terms matter when shopping, and where to browse manga, Korean manhwa and related books at Ripperholics.
Quick answer
Manga is Japanese. Manhwa is Korean. Manhua is Chinese.
That is the simplest difference. Manga usually refers to Japanese comics or graphic novels, manhwa usually refers to Korean comics, and manhua usually refers to Chinese comics.
For shopping, the terms help you understand what type of book or series you are browsing. You can shop the full Manga & Manhwa range, browse Manhwa & Webtoons, or use Browse Manga by Series to find titles by name.
If you are new to anime and manga books, the terms can blur together. You might see Solo Leveling called manga by some people, manhwa by others, and webtoon by others. That is why a clear shop structure matters. If you are starting from anime first, our Best Manga to Start With and Manga vs Anime guides are useful next steps.
Ripperholics sells manga, manhwa, light novels and related books, so this guide is practical. If you are comparing comics with prose formats, read our Manga vs Light Novel guide as well. The goal is to help you understand what you are buying and get to the right collection without making the page sound like a textbook.
Manga vs manhwa vs manhua comparison
| Term | Usually means | Common reading / format notes | Where to browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manga | Japanese comics or graphic novels. | Often black and white. Many English manga volumes read right-to-left, though formats vary. | Manga & Manhwa |
| Manhwa | Korean comics, including many webtoon-style series. | Often associated with webtoons and full-colour print editions, though formats vary by series. | Manhwa & Webtoons |
| Manhua | Chinese comics. | Often read left-to-right in English editions, but format and presentation can vary. | Browse Manga by Series |
| Light novel | Prose novels, often connected to anime, manga or game-style stories. | Not comics. Usually text-led with occasional illustrations. | Light Novels |
Why the difference matters when buying
For casual fans, the difference might sound like wording. For shoppers, it helps avoid buying the wrong type of book or browsing the wrong section.
It helps you find the right collection
If you want Japanese manga, browse the main manga range. If you want Korean webtoon print editions, the Manhwa & Webtoons collection is usually the cleaner route.
Better browsingIt helps you understand the format
Manga, manhwa, manhua and light novels can look different on the shelf. Some are black and white, some are colour, and light novels are prose rather than comics.
Better expectationsIt helps with gifts
If someone asks for Solo Leveling, they likely mean Korean manhwa or light novels, not a standard Japanese manga series.
Better giftingIt helps collectors
Collectors often care about format, edition, language and series type. Using the right term makes it easier to buy the version you actually want.
Better collectingWhere should beginners start?
Start with the type of story you want, then choose the format. You do not need to force yourself into one label.
Start with manga
Japanese comicsChoose manga if you want Japanese series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Dandadan, One Piece or Death Note.
Browse manga →
Start with manhwa
Korean comicsChoose manhwa if you like Korean series, webtoon-style storytelling, power fantasy and titles such as Solo Leveling.
Browse manhwa →
Try light novels
Prose formatChoose light novels if you want prose stories, side stories, anime-related novels or original novel versions.
Browse light novels →Is Solo Leveling manga or manhwa?
Solo Leveling is manhwa
Solo Leveling is best described as Korean manhwa. Some shoppers use “manga” loosely to mean anime-style comics in general, but if you want the correct term, Solo Leveling is manhwa.
That matters because it helps people find the right collection and understand the format. At Ripperholics, Solo Leveling sits naturally with Solo Leveling Manhwa & Light Novels and Manhwa & Webtoons.
What about webtoons?
Webtoon usually refers to a digital comic format, often designed for vertical scrolling on phones. Many Korean manhwa became popular as webtoons before being released in printed book form.
- Manhwa refers to Korean comics.
- Webtoon often refers to the digital scrolling format.
- Print editions are physical book versions of some webtoon-style series.
- Solo Leveling is a common example people search for when moving from anime into manhwa and webtoon-style books.
Which one should you buy?
Do not choose based on the label alone. Choose based on what you actually want to read or collect.
| You want... | Start with... | Browse here |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese anime favourites | Manga | Browse Manga by Series |
| Korean power fantasy or webtoon print editions | Manhwa | Manhwa & Webtoons |
| A larger gift or collector option | Manga box sets | Manga Box Sets |
| Premium shelf formats | Deluxe and special editions | Deluxe & Special Edition Manga |
| Prose stories connected to anime or manga | Light novels | Light Novels |
Browse next
Use these Ripperholics pages depending on whether you want to learn, browse or buy.
Browse Manga by Series
Find manga, manhwa, manhua, comics and graphic novels by title.
Browse series →Manga & Manhwa
Browse the full manga, manhwa and related book range.
View all →Manhwa & Webtoons
Browse Korean comics, webtoon print editions and related releases.
Browse manhwa →Light Novels
Browse anime and manga-related prose novels, side stories and novel editions.
Browse light novels →Best Manga to Start With
New to manga? Use this guide to choose a first series before buying.
Read guide →Manga vs Anime
Coming from anime first? Use this guide to understand the difference before buying manga.
Read manga vs anime →Where to Buy Manga Online in the UK
Ready to buy? Use the UK buying guide to browse manga, manhwa, light novels and box sets.
Read buying guide →Best Manga Box Sets
Want a bigger gift or collector option? Compare manga box sets, single volumes and starter collections.
Read box set guide →Manga vs Light Novel
Not sure whether to choose visual manga or prose light novels? Use this format guide before buying.
Read format guide →Ready to browse manga, manhwa or light novels?
Start with Browse Manga by Series if you know the title, use the main collections to shop by format, or read the beginner guides below if you are still choosing what to buy.
FAQs
What is the difference between manga, manhwa and manhua?
Manga usually refers to Japanese comics, manhwa usually refers to Korean comics, and manhua usually refers to Chinese comics. The terms are often used to describe where the comic style or original work comes from.
Is Solo Leveling manga or manhwa?
Solo Leveling is Korean manhwa. Some people use “manga” loosely, but the more accurate term for Solo Leveling is manhwa.
Is manhwa read the same way as manga?
Not always. Many English manga volumes are read right-to-left, while many manhwa and webtoon-style print editions are read left-to-right. Formats vary, so check the specific book or edition.
Is manhwa usually in colour?
Some manhwa and webtoon-style print editions are in colour, but not every Korean comic or related edition is the same. Always check the product details if colour format matters to you.
Should beginners start with manga or manhwa?
Beginners can start with either. Choose manga if you want Japanese series such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man or One Piece. Choose manhwa if you are interested in Korean series such as Solo Leveling or webtoon-style stories.
Where can I buy manga and manhwa in the UK?
You can browse Manga & Manhwa, Manhwa & Webtoons and Browse Manga by Series at Ripperholics.
What is the difference between manhwa and light novels?
Manhwa is Korean comics, while light novels are prose books with chapters and occasional illustrations. If you are comparing manga and prose formats, read our Manga vs Light Novel guide.