Over the years many forms of media have been adapted into television shows and movies. From books to video games there was no shortage of media to adapt for the big screen. Lately, this pool of selection has grown even deeper. Webtoon comics are showing high success rates – so high that some have gotten their own screen adaptations.
If you haven’t heard of Webtoon before, you can visit the site here to see what it’s about. It’s a platform where you can read a wide genre of comics, manga, and manhwa (Korean comics). Anyone can be a creator so there is a vast mix of professional-standard stories alongside amateur comic strips. Some are created by teams, with dedicated roles to the storyline, line art, and colouring, while others are the work of one person.
The most interesting thing about Webtoon is watching a small creator start off with their first project. You can see it bloom into a successful world of their own creation with a large supporting fanbase.
This very thing has happened with several works, including Nevermore, School Bus Graveyard, and Heartstopper.
Many of you will be familiar with the popular Netflix adaptation of Heartstopper, or even know of the books. But did you know that it originated as a comic webseries? Heartstopper is a prime example of the success this platform can bring to small creators. However, it’s not the only big success.
Webtoon Partner Initiative
Wattpad Webtoon Studios and Screen Queensland partnered on a screenplay adaptation initiative which built on the arrangement first established in 2020. The initiative will see three Queensland-based screenwriters or teams develop series or film projects based on popular Wattpad and Webtoon works. School Bus Graveyard, created by “LilRedBeany” on Webtoon, was listed as a potential option for teams to pitch for.
School Bus Graveyard is a horror-sci-fi comic that follows a group of teenagers as they find themselves in an alternate dimension every night. The group works together to uncover the secrets of this dimension – how it works and why they can access it – in an adrenaline-pumping yet heartwarming ongoing tale.
It will be interesting to watch this new chapter of television and media unfold. A chapter that allows smaller creators access to the world of production. The change is looking to be positive.
Instead of over-worked superhero stories being shown, a trope that many viewers are fed up of seeing be run into the ground, a new realm of stories and possibilities opens up. Creators from various backgrounds with unique stories have got a shot in the spotlight, something we can all celebrate.
Featured Image Credit: Red/ Webtoon
Fourth year student journalist studying Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism Studies.
Words at Brig, The Daily Evergreen, Alloa Advertiser, Discovery Music Scotland, and The Mourning Paper.
