Webtoon and Webcomic, the formats teenagers are devouring. How to create them and capture young people’s attention?

The digital revolution in the comic world: how teenagers are redefining reading

In a world where immediacy seems to govern every aspect of our lives, a fascinating paradox emerges: teenagers, who are constantly accused of “not reading,” are consuming digital comics at an unprecedented rate. Far from abandoning reading, they have transformed their habits to adapt them to the digital universe they inhabit so naturally.

The audience that consumes comics is extremely broad, ranging from children who haven’t even learned to read but can follow stories through their visual sequence, to adults who find in these narratives ways to reflect and enjoy unimaginable scenarios. And, of course, within that wide spectrum we reach adolescence, a complex and fascinating life stage where the search for identity intertwines with the need for belonging.

In recent years, we have witnessed how reading modes are changing substantially. The proliferation of social networks and the culture of immediacy have modified the way young people consume content. Everything seems ephemeral: trends, digital publications, and even social relationships. This reality presents us with a challenge as creators: how do we capture the attention of such a volatile audience and keep them captivated?

Today’s digital universe operates under the logic of reaction. A series, a movie, a post, or a comic is not only consumed but also sparks comments, debates, and emotional connections. Users want to express themselves, and the digital context provides them with the perfect platform to do so. This dynamic of interaction can become our best ally: each reaction is potentially free advertising that amplifies the reach of our creations.

What defines contemporary adolescence is the intensity of their passions. Young people don’t just consume content; they build entire communities around them—the famous fandoms. Any cultural product can become the center of these communities, generating shared identities and intense emotional connections. Would you like to explore ways to connect emotionally through drawing? Discover practical tools here.

The evolution of the teenage reader: contemporary sensibilities

Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s essential to understand our audience. We cannot (and should not) generalize adolescence in terms of their tastes and preferences. Each sector has its particularities, and understanding these differences is the first step to creating content that genuinely resonates.

Sensibilities have evolved significantly in recent decades. Today, there is a much broader space to address topics related to mental health, something that would have been unthinkable in previous generations. Sexual and gender diversity, far from being taboo, constitutes a central element in many contemporary narratives that seek to represent the plurality of human experiences.

Adolescents, immersed in the constant process of discovery and construction of their identities, seek spaces where they feel represented and understood. The break with tradition and conservatism of the past century allows us to play with different levels of interpellation, creating stories that not only entertain but also validate diverse experiences.

Narratives that recognize the emotional complexity of adolescence, that don’t underestimate their processing capacity or simplify their experiences, tend to find a receptive and loyal audience. Authenticity is the currency in this universe: young people can detect insincerity from miles away.

This generation has grown up in a hyperconnected world where the boundaries between digital and physical constantly blur. It’s not surprising that the formats that best adapt to their mobile devices—inseparable companions of their daily lives—are precisely those that have found the greatest success.

Webtoon and Webcomic: the narratives that conquered the digital universe

It’s no mystery that, in recent years, two formats have emerged with unusual force in the graphic narrative landscape: Webtoon and Webcomic. Their popularity is not coincidental but the result of a perfect adaptation to contemporary consumption habits.

It’s common to hear adults lament that “young people don’t read anymore,” but this statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Teenagers read voraciously, but they have mostly migrated from paper to screens. They consume content that adapts to their mobile devices, which can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. This is precisely the reason for the success of digital formats.

To illustrate the differences and particularities of these formats, we will analyze two emblematic works that have transcended the digital realm to conquer other media: “Home Sweet Home” (2017-2020), a Webtoon with a script by Kim Carnby and illustrated by Hwang Young-chan, and “Heartstopper” by Alice Oseman (2016-present), a Webcomic that has also been adapted to other formats.

Both works, despite belonging to radically different genres—psychological horror in the case of “Home Sweet Home” and LGBTQ+ romance in “Heartstopper”—have achieved international success and have been adapted into Netflix series, demonstrating the potential of these formats to cross media boundaries.

The democratization of creation: everyone can tell stories

One of the most significant revolutions these formats have brought is the democratization of the creative process. Webtoon, in particular, has created an ecosystem where non-professional authors can publish their works, similar to what happens with platforms like Wattpad in the literary field or what happened with the proliferation of Creepypastas a few years ago.

This accessibility has broken down the traditional barriers of the publishing industry. It is no longer necessary to pass through the filter of a publisher to reach the public: anyone with a story to tell and basic drawing skills can find their audience. Do you have a story to tell but need to improve your visual skills? Find inspiring resources here.

The community that forms around these platforms doesn’t just passively consume but actively interacts with creators through comments and rating systems, creating immediate feedback that allows authors to adjust their narratives based on reception.

Home Sweet Home: horror in vertical format

Webtoon is characterized by its vertical format, where each panel can occupy the full size of the screen and reading progresses by scrolling down. This structure provides a particular rhythm to the narrative, allowing each panel to be appreciated individually before moving on to the next, which is especially effective for genres like horror or suspense.

“Home Sweet Home” masterfully takes advantage of this format to build an atmosphere of growing tension. The story follows Cha Hyun-soo, a teenager who, after losing his family in an accident, must move to a strange building and live on his own. The situation takes a dramatic turn when mysterious monsters begin to stalk the building’s inhabitants.

In a particularly effective sequence, we see Cha Hyun-soo locked in the bathroom of his apartment, already aware of the threat lurking outside. The panel shows his face distorted by fear, with wide-open eyes looking back, while a choppy dialogue, represented in blood-red speech bubbles with straight and aggressive lines, suggests the threatening presence on the other side of the door.

The color palette plays a fundamental role in building the atmosphere. Dark tones predominate, creating environments where figures cannot always be clearly distinguished, which increases the feeling of uncertainty and constant threat. This strategic use of color enhances the emotional impact of the narrative.

One of the most significant advantages of the Webtoon format for horror stories is the intimacy it generates. When each panel occupies the full screen, the reading experience becomes more immersive, almost claustrophobic, as if the reader shared the space with the characters. The simple act of scrolling down becomes a game of tension: we never know what horror awaits us in the next panel.

This control of narrative rhythm allows creators to play with reader expectations, alternating moments of relative calm with sudden outbursts of visual terror, thus enhancing the emotional impact of the story. Want to master the art of creating impactful atmospheres in your drawings? Access specialized resources here.

Heartstopper: simplicity in service of emotion

At the opposite end of the thematic spectrum, we find “Heartstopper,” a Webcomic that tells the story of Charlie Spring, a teenager navigating the complex territories of first love, acceptance of his sexuality, and struggles with mental health issues.

Unlike Webtoon, the Webcomic format allows for multiple panels on each screen, more closely resembling the traditional structure of a comic page. This arrangement facilitates the establishment of varied narrative rhythms and the juxtaposition of different moments or perspectives in the same visual space.

The aesthetic proposal of “Heartstopper” stands out for its apparent simplicity. The panels contain precise but not overwhelming visual information, with simplified anatomies that don’t get lost in unnecessary details. The generous use of negative spaces “gives air” to the composition, creating pages that breathe and invite a slow but fluid reading.

The grayscale, predominant in much of the work, avoids the visual overload that could result from extensive use of color. This choice not only simplifies the production process (an important factor for periodic publications) but also helps focus attention on the essential: the facial and body expressions of the characters.

The variety of shots is one of the most effective narrative resources in “Heartstopper.” Alice Oseman skillfully alternates between close-ups that capture subtle emotional nuances and wider shots that establish the context of the action. Backgrounds are often minimalist, often represented as flat color spaces or with schematic details, which directs all attention to the characters and their interactions.

This visual economy is not a limitation but a deliberate choice that amplifies the emotional impact of the story. By reducing the superfluous, each line, each expression, each gesture acquires a deeper meaning, effectively communicating the emotional complexities experienced by the protagonists.

Narrative rhythm: the key to success in digital comics

Both Webtoon and Webcomic require a deep understanding of narrative space and how it is experienced on digital devices. Adapting to different screen proportions is not just a technical challenge but also a narrative one: how do we tell a story that works equally well on a phone, a tablet, or a computer?

A fundamental characteristic of these publications is their reading rhythm. Unlike traditional comics, where the entire page is perceived as a visual unit before proceeding to sequential reading, digital formats impose a more linear progression. This directly influences how we structure the narrative and dose information.

Short but substantial episodes constitute the predominant model. A digital publication can extend for years—as is the case with “Heartstopper”—but each installment must function as a complete narrative unit that satisfies the reader and simultaneously awakens their desire to continue.

The art of the cliffhanger: promises we must keep

This is where the strategic use of the cliffhanger comes into play, that narrative resource that leaves the reader in suspense at the end of an episode. Used correctly, it can become a powerful tool to build audience loyalty; poorly employed, it can result in frustration and abandonment.

The cliffhanger establishes an implicit promise with the reader: something significant is about to happen, a relevant change is approaching. This promise generates expectations that must be satisfied in subsequent installments. If we constantly resort to false alarms or if the resolution is anticlimactic, we will be betraying our audience’s trust.

The best cliffhangers are those that not only generate suspense about what will happen next but also raise questions about how this will affect the characters with whom the reader has established emotional bonds. It’s not just “what will happen?” but “how will this change the characters I care about?”

The dosing of these high-tension moments is equally important. One cliffhanger after another can be exhausting and diminish the individual impact of each one. As in any narrative, the contrast between moments of calm and intensity is what creates a satisfying rhythm.

The danger of filler: maintaining narrative relevance

At the other end of the spectrum, we find “filler,” those episodes or segments where the plot seems to stagnate, where nothing significant happens. In a medium where attention is the most valuable and disputed resource, filler represents a risk that few creators can afford.

The pressure to maintain a constant publication rhythm can lead us to dilute our narrative with superfluous content. However, it is preferable to take the necessary time to develop quality material than to risk losing readers due to deliveries that do not add value to the story.

This does not mean that each episode must be filled with dramatic twists or shocking revelations. Character development, relationship exploration, atmosphere building are elements that, although subtle, contribute significantly to the richness of the narrative. Interested in creating characters with emotional depth? Explore our visual tools here.

The key is to ensure that each installment, regardless of its dramatic intensity, contributes something relevant to the whole: a new nuance in a character, an element of worldbuilding, a clue about future developments. Readers should feel that their time and emotional investment are being respected.

Strategic planning: building a lasting work

Creating a successful digital comic is not the result of improvisation but of detailed planning that contemplates multiple aspects, from theme to format, through narrative structure and publication rhythm.

Below, we explore some of the fundamental questions that every creator should consider before embarking on this journey.

Themes that resonate with the contemporary teenage audience

The choice of theme is perhaps one of the most determining factors in the potential success of our work. What stories are teenagers currently consuming? What themes generate greater engagement?

Research on the most popular Webtoons and Webcomics can offer us valuable clues. Currently, we can observe clear trends towards:

• Coming-of-age narratives: Stories that explore the transition from adolescence to adulthood, with its discoveries, crises, and transformations.
• Diversity and inclusion: Stories that reflect the plurality of identities and experiences, especially in terms of sexual orientation, gender identity, and neurodivergence.
• Fantasy and alternative worlds: Universes that allow escape from everyday reality but simultaneously address relevant issues through metaphor and allegory.
• Psychological horror: Narratives that explore contemporary fears and anxieties typical of the adolescent experience.
• Complex relationships: Stories that go beyond traditional romance to explore nuanced and realistic interpersonal dynamics.

However, the popularity of a theme does not guarantee success. Authenticity in approach, the unique perspective that each creator brings, is what truly distinguishes a work in a saturated market.

The selection of narrative genre

Genre is not just a label to categorize our work but a decision that will profoundly influence every aspect of the narrative, from rhythm to visual style, to the expectations it will generate in the reader.

Each genre has its conventions and possibilities for subversion. Knowing them allows us to play with reader expectations, creating moments of surprise, recognition, or complicity.

The innovative combination of genres can be particularly effective in capturing the attention of an audience constantly exposed to content that follows established formulas. The mix of romance and science fiction, comedy and horror, fantasy and psychological drama, can generate fresh and stimulating narrative proposals.

Narrative structuring: the balance between episodes and story arcs

Once the theme and genre are defined, we must consider how we will structure our story. What will be the main narrative nuclei? How will we distribute them throughout the publication?

The division into brief episodes that maintain interest and narrative tension requires a delicate balance. Each installment must offer a satisfying experience in itself while contributing to the development of the broader story arc.

Planning these story arcs, their duration, and their interrelationship is fundamental to maintaining the global coherence of the work and to effectively managing reader interest in the long term. Want to enhance your visual narrative? Find advanced composition techniques here.

Strategic use of cliffhangers

As mentioned earlier, cliffhangers are powerful narrative tools but must be used with discretion. In the planning phase, we must identify those moments in the story that truly deserve this treatment.

The best cliffhangers are usually situated at narrative turning points: important revelations, crucial decisions, unexpected encounters, imminent dangers. Their effectiveness depends not only on the situation itself but on what is at stake for the characters and, by extension, for the reader’s emotional investment.

Planning these moments in advance allows us to build toward them organically, progressively increasing tension to maximize their impact when they finally occur.

Format decisions: Webtoon vs. Webcomic

The choice between Webtoon and Webcomic is not trivial nor should it be based solely on personal preferences. Each format has its own strengths and limitations that we must consider in relation to the story we want to tell.

The vertical format of Webtoon, with its progression from panel to panel through scrolling, is particularly effective for:

• Narratives that benefit from precise control of the revelation rhythm (horror, mystery, suspense).
• Stories that seek to generate visual impact through sudden revelations.
• Content that takes advantage of vertical continuity to create visual effects such as falls, ascents, or fluid transitions.

On the other hand, the Webcomic format, closer to the traditional page but adapted to the digital medium, works especially well for:

• Narratives that require the juxtaposition of multiple panels to establish comparisons or contrasts.
• Stories with extensive or complex dialogues that benefit from a more flexible spatial distribution.
• Content that seeks a smoother transition to print format in case of success.

In addition to these narrative considerations, we must evaluate our own technical capabilities and available resources. Webtoon may require a different approach in terms of composition and visual design, while Webcomic may demand a greater number of panels per installment.

The path to creating a successful digital comic

The digital revolution has democratized the creation and distribution of comics, opening unprecedented opportunities for new and diverse voices. Webtoon and Webcomic represent not only formats adapted to contemporary consumption habits but authentic creative ecosystems with their own rules, challenges, and possibilities.

Success in this field is not measured solely in terms of popularity or monetization, although these aspects are certainly relevant. The ability to establish meaningful connections with readers, to tell stories that resonate emotionally and remain in their memory, constitutes perhaps the most valuable indicator of achievement.

Teenagers, contrary to what is sometimes thought, are avid readers and demanding critics. Their familiarity with multiple narrative formats, their constant exposure to diverse content, and their ability to detect inauthenticity makes them a challenging but immensely rewarding audience when one manages to connect with them.

Digital platforms have eliminated many traditional barriers but have introduced new demands: consistency in publications, ability to manage direct feedback, skill to maintain long-term interest in an environment saturated with stimuli.

To successfully navigate these waters, strategic planning is fundamental. Knowing our audience, clearly defining our proposal, structuring our narrative with precision, and choosing the format that best adapts to our story are essential steps in this process. Ready to take your creations to the next level? Discover transformative visual resources here.

But beyond these technical and strategic considerations, we must not lose sight of the essential: telling stories that passionate us, that reflect our unique vision of the world, and that have the potential to resonate with others. Ultimately, genuine emotional connection is what distinguishes works that endure from those that fade in the incessant flow of digital content.

With these triggers, you can begin to conceptualize your own digital comic, knowing that you have the tools and perspectives necessary to navigate this exciting creative universe where the only true limitation is imagination.