In the digital age, webtoons—those vertically scrolling, colorful comics made for smartphones—have become a global sensation. But what's fascinating is how many of these digital-first stories make the leap from screen to page, becoming printed volumes you can hold in your hands.
The journey usually begins with popularity. If a webtoon garners a large, loyal readership online, publishers take notice. High view counts, fan engagement, and buzz on social media can all lead to a series being selected for print. The next step is adapting the format. Since webtoons are designed for scrolling rather than flipping, artists and editors often rework the layout to suit traditional book dimensions, ensuring that the pacing and visual flow still feel right.
Once ready, the series is printed—sometimes with bonus art, author notes, or even exclusive chapters—giving fans a fresh reason to collect the physical version. And for creators, seeing their work in bookstores is a dream come true.
The trend shows that even in our digital world, the charm of a good book isn’t going anywhere—it’s just finding new ways to begin.
Check out some YA webcomic that have made the leap.
Check out these YA Graphic Novels that started out as webcomics. HerrickDL TeenPicks
