Martial Arts Webtoon Recommendation: Swords, Fists, and Honor
For over ten years, I’ve been binge-reading martial arts manhwa, tracing its evolution from the raw, monochromatic intensity of The Breaker to the dazzling, full-color brilliance of Nano Machine.
And after diving into hundreds of series, I’ve sifted through the noise to bring you a handpicked list of the genre’s finest. These aren’t just stories I stumbled upon. No, these are the elite. Without further ado, here are my all-time favorites. Thank me later.
My Top 15 Martial Arts Manhwa
- Myst, Might, Mayhem
- Absolute Regression
- Return of the Blossoming Blade
- The Legend of the Northern Blade
- Log-in Murim
- The Breaker
- Nano Machine
- The Reaper
- Chronicles of a Doomed Prodigy
- Return of the Mad Demon
- Absolute Reign
- Father, Unrivaled
- Return of the War God
- Absolute Sword Sense
- Best Teacher Baek
1. Myst, Might, Mayhem
Haunted by his grandfather’s savage murder, Jeong craves a second chance for revenge. And oh boy, he receives it and finds himself transmigrated into the body of the future Scythe Demon.
Yet rage alone won’t suffice for his mission. Jeong must master the art of scheming and combat to stand a chance. Can he sharpen his skills, survive, and reach the end of his bloody path?
My Rating: Are you tired of heroic main characters with no substance? If so, then Myst, Might, Mayhem is the martial arts webtoon for you. It stands tall with its evil MC, peak-tier art style, and dark plotline.
How do I say this? It reminds me a lot of Reverend Insanity. Not my cup of tea, but I can’t deny its badassery. So if you vibe with dark fantasy webcomics, then don’t miss this cookie. Overall, I’ll rate this a solid 9/10.
2. Absolute Regression
Geum Mugeok can only watch in despair as the peerless warrior Mugi Hwa kills his father and ruins hundreds of other sects. Full of regret, Mugeok invokes a forbidden ritual, bending time to thrust himself back into the past.
Racing against fate to face Mugi’s inevitable return, Mugeok sets out to make things right. This time, he seeks to mend old wounds, build new bonds, and unite his people before the man destined to crush Murim arrives.
My Rating: Absolute Regression is the best martial arts manhwa I’ve ever read yet. It has all the elements I look for in an epic story. It grips you with well-written plot arcs, masterful art panels, and immersive character interactions.
It doesn’t just make you invested. It takes you deep into the character’s life. It drags you into the story, making you see the MC’s perspective as he transforms one panel at a time. This magnum opus deserves nothing but a 10/10.
3. Return of the Blossoming Blade
In a fierce stand to save Murim, Plum Blossom Sword Saint Chung Myung clashed with the dreaded cult leader Cheon Ma, killing him at the price of his life and hundreds of others.
Miraculously, fate grants him a second chance, hurling him a hundred years forward. The punchline? Mount Hua Sect has fallen deep, becoming a third-rate shadow of its former self. Of course, he has no plans of letting it continue like that.
My Rating: Return of the Blossoming Blade secures a flawless 10/10. This martial arts webtoon blends rapid-fire pacing, sharp comedy, and witty characters into one must-read tale.
Its fight sequences are downright glorious. It also has one of the funniest character micro-expressions, adding a comedic charm to each panel. It’s a must-read masterpiece.
4. The Legend of the Northern Blade
The Northern Sect, once a towering force, now lies in tatters. Its walls ravaged, its treasures looted, and its legacy in the hands of a prisoner orphan named Jin Muwon. What led to it all? Betrayal.
Fueled by an unyielding resolve for revenge, Jin escapes with nothing but his blade and clothes. Little does he know that his new path will lead him face-to-face with the evil that caused his father’s death and his entire sect’s downfall.
My Rating: The Legend of the Northern Blade ranks among the pinnacle of martial arts manhwa. It boasts electrifying fight choreography so masterfully crafted it sends shivers down the spine.
Plus, its characters aren’t cardboard. Each one has flaws and depth, adding life to the plot. My only regret is that it ended too soon. Overall, this story deserves a solid 10/10 and a stamp of recommendation.
5. Log-in Murim
In an age teeming with dungeons and hunters, broke hunter Jin Tae-Kyung discovers a mysterious VR machine that catapults him into the world of Murim.
The twist? The machine can transport him to a mysterious world. Not only that, this world also allows him to grow stronger without limit.
My Rating: Log-in Murim scores an impressive 9/10. This martial arts webtoon stands out with its epic fight scenes, gritty plot, and hilarious cast. Oh, don’t forget the character interactions, those parts are comedy gold.
It also consistently defies expectations with its clever storytelling. If you’re looking for a brilliant blend of cultivation and dungeon fantasy, then this cookie is for you.
6. The Breaker Series
Pushed to the brink of suicide by relentless bullying, Shi-Woon turns to his new teacher, Chun-Woo, for salvation. Fortunately or unfortunately, Chun-Woo takes him under his wing.
Little does he know that this smooth teacher conceals a perilous truth behind his gentle facade. What is it? Well, he’s the Murim’s notorious Nine-Arts Dragon, a fugitive hunted by many.
My Rating: As a longtime reader, I consider The Breaker Series to be the granddaddy of all martial arts manhwa. It started the craze in this genre, spilling over to what it is now.
Of course, that’s not the only reason it’s here on my list. This tale is a time-stumping classic. It has stunning art, glorious character arcs, and lovable characters that grow on you. I might be biased, but this iconic series commands a solid 9/10.
7. Nano Machine
The life of a Demon Cult heir is cruel. One has to survive countless schemes and hidden blades. Unfortunately, Yeo-Woon-Cheon has fallen to both and lost his mother at an early age.
Still, his fate shifts anew when a future descendant equips him with revolutionary nano-machines for fun. Will it be for his good, or will it lead him to take his rightful place in the world?
My Rating: For fans of high-octane, action-driven, face-slapping manhwa, Nano Machine is the must-read masterpiece for you. It has adrenaline-fueled action scenes, an edgy revenge plot, and sleek art.
The best of it all? Unlike its peers, it keeps its promises and delivers crunchy payoffs so good they’ll make you invested. Overall, this martial arts webtoon deserves a 9/10.
8. The Reaper
Pyo Wol’s heart once yearned for the simple joy of exploring endless lands. Yet, a cascade of tragedies forced him down a grim path, transforming him into a ruthless assassin.
His hands, once pure, now drip with blood, wielding death without mercy to survive. What destiny awaits this tragic soul, forever marked by violence? Well, only the reaper knows.
My Rating: If you’re fed up with one-dimensional revenge stories, The Reaper is a revelation. It boasts one of the most electrifying and unforgettable MC I’ve read. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed its gripping plot, high-tier art panels, and realistic characters.
Call it funny, but I liked it so much I binge-read its entire novel. So yeah, this martial arts manhwa deserves a perfect 10/10. Still, I hope it can maintain its current quality, or even exceed it.
9. Chronicles of a Doomed Prodigy
Despite his unparalleled martial arts gift, Jeong Yeonshin bears a cruel curse. Perhaps out of jealously, the heavens destined his life to end before he reached adulthood.
With time slipping away, Yeonshin must carve a path to defy his looming fate. Even if it means facing demons or heroes, he shall push forward to claim the greatness he was born for.
My Rating: Imagine a martial art webtoon with elves and Tolkien races. Well, that’s what makes Chronicles of a Doomed Prodigy special. It also hooks you with stellar fight scenes, solid pacing, and badass characters. Overall, I’ll score it a 9/10.
My only gripe about this tale is the lackluster character development. Though not a biggie, a well-written character arc can make readers invested in this tale.
10. Return of the Mad Demon
Jaha Lee isn’t just a martial arts prodigy. No, he is a gleeful madman with one audacious dream—to reign as the god of martial arts. He needs cultivation herbs? He swipes them. Hunting for elusive martial artifacts? He scours and loots with reckless abandon.
In the end, he hits a hornet’s nest and steals the great treasure of the Demon Cult. His ending? Death by jumping off a cliff. The punchline? He regresses when he’s still an easily bullied innkeeper. Well, time for some face-slapping.
My Rating: Return of the Mad Demon scores a flawless 10/10. This martial arts manhwa stumps you with its comedic undertones. The main character’s title as a mad demon is quite literal. He is so crazy it’ll leave laughing until breathless.
Plus, it boasts striking art, masterful pacing, and endless meme-able scenes. I don’t know who its artist and writer are, but damn this webtoon deserves an award.
11. Absolute Reign
At the young age of 20, Jeok Leegeon has traveled the world of Murim. He has seen all that it offers with his own two eyes. His judgement? He loathes its current form. It’s filled with greed, injustice, and blood.
Thus, he raises a new sect amidst the chaos. His goal? Unite the entire murim and build a world of honor, justice, and peace for the common folk. Yes, even if it means killing lords and demons, he shall make his dream come true.
My Rating: No bull, Absolute Reign is a masterpiece. Of all the martial arts webtoon I’ve read this year, this stands among the best. It grips you with a crisp lore, mystery-filled plotline, and bewitching pacing. I said bewitching, and I meant every word.
Reading it gave me the feeling of being pulled into an abyss. The best of it all? It boasts a stunning art style so good it’ll be a crime not to give it an award. I’ll be stupid not to give it my 10/10 and a full-blown recommendation.
12. Father, Unrivaled
Renowned and feared throughout Murim, Gajang Noh is a martial artist of prowess. He is fierce, indomitable, and awe-inspiring. Yet, tragedy strikes when his cherished wife dies giving birth to their triplets, leaving him a widower.
Resolute in his devotion to his children, Noh turns his back on Murim, embracing the quiet life of a city guard. But in a realm where danger lurks around every corner, can he shield his family and raise his children in peace?
My Rating: Father, Unrivaled is a one-of-a-kind martial arts manhwa deserving of a 9/10. It weaves action, drama, slice-of-life, and good ol’ humor so well it strikes an emotional chord in you.
It also stands tall with its well-written character arcs, immersive plot, and crisp art. If you’re tired of testosterone-filled stories in this genre, then you’re going to love this tale’s depth and originality.
13. Return of the War God
Dam Woohyun has been his era’s greatest martial master. People also call him the slaughterer, a demon, and even a martial god. Overwhelmed by his unrivaled strength, the sages united to seal him for reasons unknown.
Millennium later, Woohyun emerges from his long slumber. The hook? Well, the world has changed, and it seems like the kindness of an orphaned world is about to change his battle-scarred soul too.
My Rating: Return of the War God secures an 8/10. This martial arts webtoon offers an evocative art style, fluid storytelling, and tons of hilarious moments. The character arcs? Solid and intriguing.
In the dog-eat-dog world of martial arts, the interaction between the protagonist and his newfound adopted daughter is also a breath of fresh air.
14. Absolute Sword Sense
With his dantian shattered, Woonhwi So finds himself relegated to a lowly spy role within the Blood Cult. Unfortunately, even that can’t save him from a brutal death at the hands of his enemies.
But fate has grander designs, and he regresses in time. The hook? He also gains a peculiar edge: the ability to hear swords. Can this mysterious gift help Woonhwi defy his past and carve his name as a legendary swordsman?
My Rating: Absolute Sword Sense scores a 9/10 and stamp of recommendation. Yes, it’s filled with tropes, but this cookie stands tall with its solid execution and buttery pacing. his martial arts manhwa also has consistent art, a character-focused plot, and a romance subplot.
How do I say this? While not revolutionary, it grips you so hard you won’t even notice you’ve been reading for hours. And yes, it’s a harem webtoon.
15. Best Teacher Baek
Trapped in the Blood Cult’s prison and coerced into mastering their ruthless martial arts, Baek Suryeong gritted his teeth through the torment, only to perish brutally during an escape attempt with other prisoners.
Fate, however, had other plans. Reborn in the frail body of a young boy, he dedicated years to rigorous training and recovery, forging himself anew. But the last phase of his healing came with a steep price tag. Not time or precious herbs, but money. Lots of it.
My Rating: Best Teacher Baek is a hilarious martial arts webtoon worth a 9/10. Its brisk pacing, captivating hooks, and electrifying plot twists breathe new life into familiar tropes.
Add a witty, scheming main character into the mix, and you’ll laugh until your stomach cramps. The characters, though drawn from classic archetypes, also feel real and vivid with backstories that resonate with the readers.
Martial Arts Manhwa: Final Takeaway
Far from its early days, martial arts webtoons have long been a bedrock of the manhwa industry. This pulse-pounding genre has taken the world by storm, pulling teens and young adults into sleepless reading binges.
Still, note that this list an all-and-be-all recommendation. I had seen tons of new, promising stories, but held back in adding since they’re still in their early days. If those stories keep their quality, I’ll add them here to make the lineup fresh. Alright, see you on my next recs.