Teen manhua means Chinese comics written for readers roughly 13 to 19: school settings, first jobs, first relationships, and coming-of-age stories that treat teenage characters as people rather than plot devices.
Twenty below, ranked. Most are far lighter than the cultivation manhua the medium is known for, and several are complete, which is unusual for manhua. If you are new to the format, manhua vs manhwa explains how it differs from Korean webtoon.
All twenty, ranked
- Apotheosis
- Heaven Official’s Blessing
- Here U Are
- 19 Tian
- Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation
- Nan Hao Shang Feng
- SQ
- 10 Years That I Loved You the Most
- Soulmate
- Salad Days
- The Long Ballad
- The Devil Butler
- Please Bully Me, Miss Villainess!
- The Ravages of Time
- Starting With a Lie
- Papa Wolf and The Puppy
- Tales of Demons and Gods
- Feng Shen Ji
- Dou Po Cang Qiong (Battle Through the Heavens)
- The King’s Avatar
Top 20 Teen Manhua Series
This section presents a curated list of the top 20 Manhua series that are particularly popular among teenage readers. Each series is selected based on its thematic richness, appeal to teen sensibilities, and overall popularity. From epic fantasies to heartwarming slice-of-life tales, these series offer a glimpse into the diverse world of Manhua teen comics.
1. Apotheosis: Fantasy Adventure with Themes of Power and Redemption
Luo Zheng, born into wealth but reduced to slavery, seeks to overcome adversity and rescue his sister using a secret divine technique left by his father, giving him immense power.
2. Heaven Official’s Blessing: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, and Romance
The story of Xie Lian, a demoted prince-turned-god, who, accompanied by the mysterious Ghost King, starts an adventure filled with secrets and dangers.
3. Here U Are: Drama, Romance, and Slice-of-Life
Focuses on Yu Yang and Li Huan, who navigate misunderstandings, personal growth, and an evolving connection, despite their opposite personalities.
4. 19 Tian: Comedic Adventures
Follows the story of four school friends in various hilarious situations, offering a light-hearted read.
5. Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Action-Packed Adventurous Comedy
Wei Wuxian, reborn after a bloody death, starts a journey with Lan Wangji, tackling monsters and mysteries while developing feelings for each other.
6. Nan Hao Shang Feng: High School Comedy
A comedic story following two high school boys and their humorous interactions and escapades.
7. SQ: Begin W/Your Name!: Light-Hearted Romance and Slice-of-Life
About Qui Tong and Sin Jing’s evolving relationship, full of subplots and holiday specials.
8. 10 Years That I Loved You the Most: Emotional Romance
Centers on a teen boy who leaves his love upon discovering he has cancer, to avoid being a burden.
9. Soulmate: Comedy, Drama, and Romance with a Body-Swapping Twist
Qi wakes up in her 17-year-old self’s body, facing the challenge of altering the future and saving her terminally ill girlfriend.
10. Salad Days: Determination and Friendship
Explores the life of “The Little Swan” Shen, a ballet aspirant, and Jinyi, a boxing enthusiast, supporting each other’s ambitions.
11. The Long Ballad: Action, Adventure, and Drama
Set during the Tang Dynasty, it follows a female protagonist seeking revenge against a powerful man.
12. The Devil Butler: Isekai Story of Power Struggles and Vengeance
Yifan Zhuo, a reincarnated Demon King who aims to regain his place and take revenge, navigating power struggles as a servant boy.
13. Please Bully Me, Miss Villainess!: Unique Isekai with a Twist
Yifang gets transported into an otome game as a villainess, leading to awkward and funny situations with the main character who enjoys the bullying.
14. The Ravages of Time: Historic Action and Drama
Set during the Three Kingdoms period, this historical action Manhua revolves around legendary figures like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, exploring loyalty and betrayal.
15. Starting With a Lie: Comedy About Pretend Dating
A comedic tale of two friends, Tang Tang and Chen Qingey, who pretend to be dating to avoid unwanted confessions, leading to unexpected feelings and complications.
16. Papa Wolf and The Puppy: Heartwarming Comedy and Slice-of-Life
Depicts the father-son-like relationship between a wolf and a puppy, highlighting their daily struggles and adventures.
17. Tales of Demons and Gods: Action-Adventure with a Touch of Romance
Nie Li, once the strongest demon spiritist, is reborn into his younger self and rises to protect his city and loved ones with his past knowledge and experience.
18. Feng Shen Ji: Mythological Epic and Fantasy
A visually stunning Manhua blending Chinese mythology with fantasy, depicting the fall of the Shang dynasty and the rise of the Zhou dynasty through the saga of Wu Geng.
19. Dou Po Cang Qiong (Battle Through the Heavens): Chinese Fantasy with Cultivation Themes
Xiao Yan, abandoned by his clan, rises to become a strong cultivator in a world where cultivators gain supernatural abilities to fight demons and monsters.
20. The King’s Avatar: Competitive Online Gaming and Fantasy
Ye Xiu, a legendary player of “Glory,” returns under a new identity to reclaim his title, exploring themes like loyalty and redemption.
These Manhua series offer a diverse range of themes and stories, making them gripping reads for young audiences.
Conclusion
The listed Manhua series offer a mix of stories that range from fantastical adventures to realistic narratives. Their growing popularity underscores the global appeal of these Chinese comics. Each series on this list offers unique insights and experiences, encouraging young readers to explore the diverse and imaginative world of Manhua. Whether it’s for entertainment, cultural understanding, or artistic appreciation, these Manhua series are proof of the creativity and storytelling prowess of their creators.
FAQ
What is Manhua?
Manhua refers to Chinese comics and graphic novels. Originating in China, Manhua can encompass a wide range of genres and artistic styles, and it’s a popular form of entertainment and storytelling in Chinese culture.
How does Manhua differ from Manga?
While both Manhua (Chinese comics) and Manga (Japanese comics) are forms of Asian graphic novels, they differ in their cultural contexts, art styles, storytelling techniques, and language. Manga tends to have a distinct Japanese aesthetic and themes, while Manhua is rooted in Chinese culture and traditions.
Manhua vs Manhwa: What’s the Difference?
Manhua and Manhwa, though similar in concept, originate from different countries – Manhua is Chinese, while Manhwa is Korean. The primary differences lie in their cultural influences, art styles, and storytelling methods. Manhwa often incorporates Korean settings, culture, and characters, and is read from left to right, unlike Manhua, which follows the traditional right-to-left format like Manga.
Who are the target readers for Manhua?
Manhua caters to a wide range of audiences, with content varying from children’s stories to more adult themes. However, many Manhua series are particularly popular among teenagers due to their striking art, engaging narratives, and exploration of themes relevant to young adults.
Where can I read Manhua?
Manhua can be read on various digital platforms and websites dedicated to comics. Some popular Manhua series are also available in print form. Blibli Comics is similar to Webtoon.
Are there English translations available for Manhua?
Yes, many Manhua series are available in English translations. The growing global interest in Manhua has led to an increase in the availability of translated versions, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Can Manhua help in learning Chinese culture?
Absolutely! Manhua often incorporates elements of Chinese history, folklore, and societal norms, making it a fun and engaging way to learn about Chinese culture and traditions.
How often are new chapters of Manhua released?
The release frequency of Manhua chapters can vary. Some are released weekly or monthly, while others might have a different schedule. It often depends on the publication platform and the creators.
Are there any Manhua adaptations into other media?
Yes, several popular Manhua have been adapted into other forms of media, including animated series (donghua), live-action movies, and TV shows. These adaptations further increase the popularity and reach of the original Manhua stories.