Summary
As an up-and-coming comic medium rooted in Korea, most manhwa are naturally set within the Korean Peninsula. In a bid to create novel narratives that stand out, manhwaga look towards foreign settings that not only serve as a passive backdrop but also enrich the premise, and America checks all the boxes for such compelling settings.
With over 50 states, each brimming with its own subculture, theUS offers the perfect settingfor all manner of storylines — be it a superstar scandal in Hollywood or a wholesome love affair in the great plains of Texas. Owing to the States’ cultural influence across the globe, nailing the all-American experience isn’t too studious, and these manhwa prove this notion with tales that draw on the richness of the vast American lands.
95
Serialization
Lezhin Comics Webtoon
With an all-Korean lineup of characters set across New York City,Eunsoopresents a dramatic tale laden with twists and turns. While the manhwa starts off with a premise suggesting a romantic account, the plot is soon marred with a ton of surprising revelations.
Despite having a promising career as a ballerina, Bae Eunsoo unknowingly walks down a dark path, though it’s her own insecurities that drive her actions. The backdrop of New York’s skyscrapers, coupled with the dark art style, lends the manhwaan urban gothic theme, perfect for a narrative that revolves around a thrilling mystery.
2021
70
Bomtoon
As a place of stardom and fame, Hollywood is the perfect setting for a scandalous affair between two celebrities, andKill the Lightscapitalizes on this very aspect. Haley Lusk’s life in the limelight was over after his botched confession to American sweetheart Noah, though things take an even graver turn after Haley’s body is taken over by a reincarnated mercenary.
Though the premise may seem bizarre, it certainly holds merit with its twists, as the reincarnated mercenary has a history with Noah that rekindles their forgotten affair. Asa BL manhwa,Kill the Lightsis laced with mature themes and some explicit scenes, though the story’s appeal lies in these very subtexts.
2015
40
Comic Korea
Revolving around the misadventures of a morticianand his criminal partner,Coffin Jacksonis all about action and drama, albeit with a tinge of comedy cutting through the heaviness of the plot. As a mortician and cadaver seller, Roman Piotroski is naturally level-headed, yet his partner Jacob balances out the sternness with his goofy antics.
Since several scenes are set in Roman’s funeral parlor, the manhwa has plenty of graphic panels with dismembered human remains, meaning viewer discretion is advised. Apart from the gore, the art style is quite detailed, and the characters visually reflect their roles in the narrative.
2019
Kakao Page
Timingplays on the usual BL tropes that manhwa are known for, albeit with the backdrop of rural Texas. Drawing onthe enemies-to-lovers trope, Stefan unknowingly finds love in the fields of Texas, and that too, with his best friend’s brother.
While the manhwa doesn’t exactly offer anything novel, its allure lies in its controversial affair, coupled with a bit of exploration about Rand coming to terms with his sexuality. The Texan setting further adds an American touch to the premise, even more so with Rand being a bonafide cowboy.
2020
81
Lezhin
Max Mojave Case Filesinitially seems a bit chaotic with all sorts of themes thrown into the narrative, from an undercover mafia boss anda self-proclaimed investigatorto a budding enemies-to-lovers BL romance. However, the narrative soon starts falling into place, revealing an intricate storyline teeming with mystery, suspense, and most importantly, a tempestuous affair.
Enemies-to-lovers might be a common trope within BL manhwa, yet a budding romance between a murderer and his witness is surely a first. With an all-American character roster, the manhwa presents a reading experience that truly transports readers to its American setting.
2017
28
Naver Webtoon
Despite being set in modern-day America,Hell & High Waterpresents a sort of dystopian world where mankind is forced to live with another species — therians. With such a concept embedded in the narrative, interspecies relationships are rather common, though some elements can trudge towards the controversial side of things.
Dex and his therian partner might have started off on the wrong foot, yet the two Defense Agents slowly form a bond that goes a bit further than being mere professional partners. As a BLmanhwa with supernatural themes, Hell & High Water throws in a bit of eccentricities, though the solid plot makes up for these oddities.
64
Daum Webtoon
WhileJack: The American Ghostinitially starts off in Korea with Go-Eun’s failing haunted house, her desperation leads her to a terror-filled mansion in America. With a prize awaiting those who survive 15 days in Jack’s haunted mansion, Go-Eun sets out on an ambitious horror-laden escapade to save her own haunted house.
Despitebeing a horror manhwa, romantic elements are dotted throughout the narrative, though the twisted nature of this affair can, at times, be rather appalling. Despite being limited to just above 60 chapters, the manhwa does an impressive job at presenting fleshed-out characters, especially for the two primary leads.
