WEBTOON Entertainment has revealed an exciting expansion of its collaboration with Dark Horse Comics, set to bring a range of beloved global franchises to its English-language platform. This new partnership will introduce several acclaimed titles, including The Witcher, Cyberpunk 2077, Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins, The Legend of Korra, and Plants vs. Zombies. These titles will be adapted into WEBTOON’s unique vertical-scroll format, with the launch of these adaptations anticipated in the latter half of 2025.
This latest venture builds on the already fruitful relationship between WEBTOON and Dark Horse, which previously saw the adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender into the platform, garnering an impressive 13 million views thus far. The Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global WEBTOON, Yongsoo Kim, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, emphasizing WEBTOON’s role in making comics accessible to a new generation of fans. Kim stated that the collaboration with Dark Horse aims to deliver high-quality storytelling and engage a passionate community of readers.
Tim Wiesch, the Vice President of Business Development at Dark Horse, also shared his excitement regarding the partnership. He noted the successful transition of Avatar: The Last Airbender comics to WEBTOON’s audience, expressing confidence in the platform’s ability to handle the upcoming titles with care and expertise.
The new webcomic adaptations include:
- The Witcher
- The Legend of Korra (Exclusive to Vertical Scrolling Format)
- Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins (Exclusive to Vertical Scrolling Format)
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Plants vs. Zombies (Exclusive to Vertical Scrolling Format)
The expansion of Dark Horse’s titles on WEBTOON aligns with the platform’s broader strategy to reformat and distribute popular licensed intellectual properties (IP) to its global webcomic audience. Earlier this year, WEBTOON introduced vertically reformatted adaptations of other well-known manga series, such as Fullmetal Alchemist and From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman, showcasing its commitment to innovative storytelling.
In addition to the new titles, WEBTOON has announced its participation in Anime Expo 2025, scheduled for July in Los Angeles. This event will mark WEBTOON’s debut at the convention, featuring a series of panels and appearances by creators, including the highly anticipated first-ever U.S. appearance of SIU, the creator of Tower of God. This engagement at Anime Expo highlights WEBTOON’s dedication to connecting with fans and creators alike, further solidifying its place in the comic and webtoon industry.
The partnership between WEBTOON and Dark Horse Comics is poised to create a significant impact within the comics community, especially among fans of these popular franchises. By adapting these titles into a vertical-scroll format, WEBTOON not only caters to the preferences of modern readers who enjoy mobile-friendly content but also introduces these beloved stories to a new audience that may not be familiar with traditional comic formats.
Vertical-scroll comics have gained popularity in recent years, particularly among younger audiences who consume content primarily on their smartphones. This format allows for an immersive reading experience, where users can scroll down seamlessly, making it a perfect fit for digital storytelling. The adaptations of titles like The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 into this style are expected to enhance their appeal, drawing in both existing fans and newcomers to the stories.
The Witcher, originally a series of fantasy novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, has grown into a massive franchise, encompassing video games, a hit Netflix series, and now, webcomics. The adaptation of this rich narrative into WEBTOON’s format promises to bring the world of Geralt of Rivia to life in a new and engaging way. Similarly, Cyberpunk 2077, a game that has captivated audiences with its futuristic setting and complex characters, will likely find a fresh audience through this adaptation.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins will delve into the backstories of characters from the beloved web series, allowing fans to explore their journeys in a new light. The Legend of Korra, a sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender, continues to attract a dedicated fanbase eager for more adventures in the Avatar universe. The adaptation into a vertical-scroll format will provide an opportunity for fans to experience these stories in an innovative way.
Plants vs. Zombies, a game that has entertained millions with its quirky characters and strategic gameplay, will also be reimagined for WEBTOON’s platform. This adaptation is expected to maintain the humor and charm of the original game while presenting it in a format that appeals to a broader audience.
WEBTOON’s initiative to reformat established IPs is not just about expanding its catalog; it is about enhancing the storytelling experience for readers. By taking beloved franchises and presenting them in a modern, accessible format, WEBTOON is paving the way for the future of comics and webtoons. This strategic move aligns perfectly with the evolving landscape of digital media, where engagement and accessibility are paramount.
As the comic industry continues to evolve, partnerships like that of WEBTOON and Dark Horse will play a crucial role in shaping the future of storytelling. By merging traditional narratives with contemporary formats, these collaborations are setting the stage for a new era of comic consumption, appealing to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
While specific release dates for the new Dark Horse titles on WEBTOON are yet to be announced, the anticipation continues to build within the community. Fans of these franchises can look forward to a new way to engage with their favorite stories, all while enjoying the innovative storytelling techniques that WEBTOON is known for.
In summary, the expansion of WEBTOON’s partnership with Dark Horse Comics marks a significant moment in the world of comics and webtoons. With a lineup of highly anticipated titles set to be adapted into a unique vertical-scroll format, readers can expect an engaging and immersive experience that brings new life to beloved stories.
