I’m back with another installment of WEBTOONs to check out! Once again, I have to commend all of their creators for all the work they put into these comics. It’s been wonderful to fall into these worlds for a few minutes every day to escape the troubles of our world right now.
CRUMBS by Danie Stirling
Ray enjoys visiting a local magical bakery where a person can order items like Romance and Focus. As a Seer, she doesn’t believe she will ever find real love, but things change when she meets Laurie, the baker’s nephew. With Laurie, she begins to open up and that seems to cause problems for her abilities.
This comic has some of my favorite artwork because it looks like it’s drawn and colored in by pencil. It’s all very comforting. The world is so sweet and pure, with Ray and Laurie as the softest characters. What I like best is the character of Ray and how she starts off super lonely due to her abilities. She feels like she can’t have friends because when she touches someone, she sees things whether she wants to or not.
It gives me some Pushing Daisies vibes with the magical bakery and the no touching. And those treats look and sound so delicious! Who wouldn’t want to taste Romance and Awe? She gains more confidence with a position in the Council and becoming friends with Laurie. Their relationship is super supportive, and I love it. Laurie dreams of becoming a musician like his parents and his passion for music helps Ray figure out her feelings. I’m also obsessed with the phones in this world; Ray’s Stella is so cute!
BRASS & SASS by Antlerella
One day Camilla stumbles across the jazz band practicing and lays eyes on Victor. She becomes determined to win him over by joining the band. The problem, she is not musically talented, and Victor is not in the mood to deal with her lack of skill. When the school threatens to shut down the music program due to lack of interest, Camilla feels it’s her responsibility to save the band.
Immediately, this draws you in with the colorful artwork and the music. But what I’m loving most of all is how it’s a story of acceptance. Camilla doesn’t feel like she belongs anywhere, and that’s how a lot of teenagers feel in high school. Hearing the band woke something up in her, and yes, Victor is very attractive, but she’s realizing certain things are more important than a romance. Because Victor is also a bit of a stuck-up jerk.
The relationship between them is reminiscent of Elizabeth and Darcy. Still, it’s full of tons of fun characters, like the band teacher Mrs. Petracki, who definitely ships it. Throw in some fun sister dynamics and you officially have all my favorite things!
CASTLE SWIMMER by Wendy Lian Martin
Prophecies are the worst, right? Two underwater kingdoms are desperate to save their people and rely on prophecies. One is that a child will be born to become the Beacon. The other is that a child will be born specifically to kill the Beacon. When the Beacon, named Kappa, is captured by the Sharks, Prince Siren is supposed to kill him, but can’t. What are these feelings that Siren is having for Kappa?
The character design for this comic is too cute to ignore. But more than that, I grew attached to both of these underwater creatures immediately (I call them boy mermaids, but that doesn’t seem correct). When the two of them meet, they both reminded me of Tom Holland’s whole personality, which is a plus! Also, they’re totally gay. In fact, Siren’s kingdom is very supportive of his sexuality, which is nice. Watching the relationship grow fills me with all the warm feelings in the world, even though that stupid prophecy says Kappa has to die by Siren’s hand!
They both are such lonely beings because of the prophecies and don’t feel like they can live up to their people’s expectations. This has really added some depth to their relationship because they encourage each other to want more out of life. The side characters, like Skiff and Silver, are amusing, and I love that Siren’s mom is a badass queen, even if she doesn’t trust Siren to do his duty.
SUBZERO by Junepurrr
For years, two dragon clans, Crimson and Azure, have been fighting. Princess Clove is desperate to help save her people and end this war. One way that might help is to marry Prince Kyro, her enemy. But Kyro is cold and untrusting, can she be strong enough to endure this?
Enemies to lovers to one of my favorite tropes (when done properly!), so I was hooked instantly. And there’s a dash of Beauty and the Beast as well! It’s such a sexy comic. The glances and banter between Clove and Kyro, are truly smoldering. Add in some nice chemistry with one of her bodyguards, Aaron, and you’ve got even more tropes I love! I’m pretty obsessed with Kyro’s sister, Kharis, as well as she brings some comedic moments and is fierce in her own way.
But I’m also interested in the politics of this war, especially since some members of Kyro’s clan would prefer it to last forever. Good thing Clove is such a badass, even though she’s being underestimated time and time again. But Kyro isn’t the monster everyone seems to think he is. I’m very excited to see them work through all this and prove everyone in their kingdoms wrong.
Have you checked out any of my recommendations? Agree, disagree with my picks? Let us know in the comments!
