K-Drama Comics Platform Manta Introduces Webnovels Vertical So Audience Can Read Original Source Material

EXCLUSIVE: K-drama‘s popularity continues to soar, and digital platform Manta has found a spot in the genre’s ecosystem, offering webcomics for a price. Manta is now introducing Manta Novels, which will bring the source material for several of the platform’s most popular comics to English-language readers.

The IP for Korean dramas have often been sourced from original novels, and Manta Novel will allow its subs to read the stories that laid the creative foundation for webcomic series such as Under the Oak Tree, Betrayal of Dignity and I’ve Become a True Villainess.

The stories will be curated into ebook format available directly within the Manta platform, and subs can collect them in digital libraries.

“The introduction of our exclusive, unique, and exceptional novel collection to our global audience is a testament to Manta’s commitment to building a robust and sustainable IP ecosystem,” said Manta CEO Travis Kim. “We have a long history of offering the most proven stories, some of which have already achieved global success through digital comics and screen adaptations. As a company deeply rooted in the power of stories, we understand what fans seek, and we are proud to provide them with outstanding story IP in every way possible.”  

Manta has also begun publishing the likes Disobey the Duke if You Dare and the upcoming Under the Oak Tree as print novels in partnership with Penguin Random House’s Inklore imprint. 

Manta, owned by South Korea‘s RIDI Corporation, launched in November 2020 and quickly became a leading comics app in the U.S., Mexico, Mexico and Spain. As of September 2023, it had been downloaded more than 12 million times.

In October last year, we revealed Kim had been hired as Manta’s first CEO.