Perhaps because I love to write and draw, I have become very fond of webcomics. Successfully combining visual art with writing is a talent I envy, and I find that the possibilities it opens for storytelling are very exciting.
For those who aren’t familiar, webcomics tend to work differently than books or even graphic novels. They usually update a number of pages on a set schedule, and often, the artist creates them as they release them, rather than finishing an entire work and releasing it. Some release large numbers of panels at once; others release only a few. Many are available for free online; others are available on apps like Webtoon.
I’ve prepared a short list of my favorite webcomics. They are exceptional for both their art and their stories. These are the ones I think about in anticipation of each update, and mull over after each release. If you look at any of my suggestions, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Shiloh, by Kit Trace/Kate Flynn
With some of the most mind-blowingly beautiful artwork I’ve ever seen in a webcomic, Shiloh follows a rookie officer and a band of criminals as they untangle the web of mystery and deceit which forms the foundations of the city Shiloh. Creatures, murder and a fair bit of gore keeps the tone gritty without spilling into excess, and I do not lie when I say these characters drew me in like few other stories ever have.
Available for free on Webtoon: https://www.webtoons.com/en/thriller/shiloh/list?title_no=1649
BUUZA!! by Shazleen Khan
Set in a fantasy Middle East, the beautiful art, excellent characters, and deep worldbuilding set this story apart from the rest. Political intrigue and a terrific romance subplot make it impossible to stop reading.
Available for free on Webtoon: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/buuza/list?title_no=283871
Aurora by Red
Created by the brilliant co-host of the YouTube series ‘Overly Sarcastic Productions,’ Aurora is a gorgeously-executed fantasy adventure. The art is fast and playful, and the narrative weaves together everything I love about fantasy, complete with extraordinarily thorough worldbuilding and a motley cast of complex characters. Available for free online: https://comicaurora.com/
Soul to Call by Katherine Lang
A post-apocalyptic dystopia. The characters shine, and the development of said characters is truly masterful: trauma, love, and growth all mingle to create beautifully intense dynamics. With the addition of deep worldbuilding and lord, this comic reaches impressive heights.
Available for free online: https://soultocall.com/
E.G. RADCLIFF IS A PART-TIME pooka and native of the Unseelie Court. She collects acorns, glass beads, and pretty rocks, and the crows outside her house know her as She Who Has Bread. Her fantasy novels are crafted in the dead of night after offering sacrifices of almonds and red wine to the writing-block deities.
You can reach her by scrying bowl, carrier pigeon, or @egradcliff on social media.