Sometimes, you just want to go beyond mainstream WEBTOON Originals and explore stories from smaller, independent artists. If you're looking for romance stories from emerging creators and want to support them, this list is perfect—especially if romance is your genre. Famous for my top romance recommendations at Anime Corner, I reached out to these artists and compiled a list of stories that I would recommend to those looking to discover new talent.
If you're not familiar, WEBTOON has a section called CANVAS, a space where independent artists can bring their passion for art and storytelling to life. CANVAS enables aspiring creators to share their work and build an audience, making CANVAS a great platform for discovering unique, heartfelt stories
Index
Because we are enjoying our youth
ⓒ Ricemeal/WEBTOON CANVAS
Entering class late, top student Hazel accidentally meets the rebellious new student, Mocha. Sparks fly as their worlds Muyi and Zoe are classmates, an ordinary student who serves as the school's student council president. Two different people who don't often communicate with each other are connected by a love letter. This joke causes the two to start working together to find out who is behind them. In the process, they understand each other better and become good friends, but something is changing in their hearts.
This story has the cutest art! Every time I read it, I feel extremely warm. Even though the story is relatively new, I can already see an interesting story unfolding and I'm excited to see where it goes. When I first saw the illustrations, I knew this story would give me a warm, cozy feeling—and that's what initially attracted me.
It's a simple story about two people trying to understand a misunderstanding that has created conflict between them. The only solution they can think of is to pretend to go on a date. This setup leads them on a joyful journey to solve the mystery of the misunderstanding that first brought them together. The story plays like a light-hearted mystery, where two young characters become closer as they uncover clues, eventually learning about each other and themselves. We all know how fake dating stories tend to go, but this one has a gentle charm that makes it easy to read and comforting, like a warm hug.
Read Because we are enjoying our youth on WEBTOON CANVAS
Oh my God ! Give me a boyfriend!
ⓒ Strawbewyy_/WBTOON CANVAS
Melody, a workaholic is a people pleaser, always putting everyone in her life first before herself. Until one day, after meeting old “friends”, she realized she wanted love. After a drunken prayer, the next morning she woke up and saw a strange man next to her claiming to be her boyfriend. Little did Melody know that her life would never be the same.
I chose this story because it really resonated with me. Sometimes I wish for a boyfriend to come into my life and reading this makes me hope it can actually happen. Character development is beautifully portrayed, showing how someone can help push you forward. I appreciate how the story illustrates that change can come from simply having someone by your side.
I also had the opportunity to chat with the author and one aspect I really admired was the way they expressed emotions through their movements. The illustrations are so well done that you can almost feel what the characters are going through just by looking at their lips. This is a heartfelt story that captures a journey of self-discovery and love, making it a must-read!
Read Oh my God! Give me a boyfriend! on WEBTOON CANVAS
How to take care of your introverted heart
ⓒ aishihearts/WEBTOON CANVAS
How would you heal a young girl's trauma? How can she also be a beacon of light to those who lift her up? In a world of lingering loneliness and elusive friendship, timid and nervous Chiko yearns for connection. Her life changes when she meets a group of seemingly gentle and protective people. However, underneath their kindness lie hidden complexities and mysteries. What secrets do their warm smiles hide and how will they reshape Chiko's perception of herself and the world?
I discovered this story on social media and was immediately captivated by this beautiful work of art. Although I haven't explored WEBTOON CANVAS much lately, this story has inspired me to read more. The artwork is bright and attractive, and I loved the designs and personalities of each character. The way the characters interact with each other is both interesting and entertaining.
I especially appreciated how the story tackled mental health issues. The author highlights this important topic and sheds light on how having supportive people around you can really make a difference. This provides valuable insights into healing and connection, making the book a compelling read for those interested in the complexities of relationships and the exploration of self. close.
Read How to Take Care of Your Introverted Heart on WEBTOON CANVAS
I will keep your Secret
ⓒ toast_bun/WEBTOON CANVAS
She's hiding her vTuber fame-he's hiding the romantic faux pas. Will their secret be buried? Hyejin, a successful vTuber with aspirations of becoming an idol, has been hiding her online life from her day job. However, when the CEO's son, Daehyun, discovered her true identity, he proposed a deal: keep her a secret in exchange for pretending to be his girlfriend to please his parents. Older brother!
If you're someone who enjoys the pretense of dating and anonymity, this is a great book! The interactions between Hyejin and Daehyun are both captivating and engaging, like something out of a classic drama. For readers who love stories in which the main characters help each other in secret plans, this story is a perfect choice.
The story also gives us the perspectives of both characters, helping us understand the unique struggles they face and why they have chosen to keep these secrets from their families. Like many fake dating stories, their arrangement gradually helps them form a bond that hints at true love. Themes of social class add a layer of complexity, deepening the plot and character development as the plot unfolds. If you like romantic dramas with depth, secrets, and development then you will love this story!
Read I'll keep your secret on WEBTOON CANVAS
To our 20s
ⓒ smvnnei/WEBTOON CANVAS
After having to put her life on hold, 25-year-old Isla is given the chance to pick up where she left off. With this, she is forced to look back at the life she missed. Luckily for her, she meets a local cafe waiter who helps her try to catch up as much as possible of what she missed.
This story is easy to understand for me, a person in my twenties. I found myself staying at home and only focusing on studying, rarely interacting with others. I can feel a little sad sometimes, especially since I've never really been in a relationship or tried to express myself. Isla's journey home is because someone pushes her forward, and as she begins to step out of her comfort zone, she experiences new adventures.
I often wish I could be in a story like this, and it inspired me to think that if I push myself to meet new people like the blue flag and hot male protagonist in this story then maybe leads to great things. This story serves as a reminder that sometimes we need to take that leap and connect with others, because you never know what opportunities for love and friendship might be waiting for us. ta. It's a moving story that encourages personal growth and discovery, and I believe many people can relate to Isla's journey.
Read To Our 20s on WEBTOON CANVAS
Thank you for checking out this list of recommendations! I hope to explore more WEBTOON CANVAS stories and create another list soon. I've reached out to all of the authors of these stories and I want to thank them for responding to my DMs and being so kind and appreciative. I really appreciate it, I wish them all the best and am even more excited!
Find more stories to read on WEBTOON: 5 Modern Romantic Manhwa you should read on WEBTOON