Webtoon platform Manta to add manga to its content catalog

Global webtoon platform Manta is set to add manga to its catalog, according to its parent company Ridi on Wednesday, in order to broaden its offerings and deepen user engagement.

A promotional image of webtoon platform Manta provided by its parent company Ridi [RIDI]

Global webtoon platform Manta is set to add manga to its catalog, according to its parent company Ridi on Wednesday, in order to broaden its offerings and deepen user engagement.

The move marks Manta’s latest step in expanding beyond webtoons. Since its global launch in 2020, the platform has grown on a hybrid business model that combines subscriptions with pay-per-title purchases, reaching 19 million cumulative downloads across 175 countries.

Following the introduction of serialized web novels in December, the addition of manga, or Japanese comics and graphic novels, positions Manta as a more comprehensive “all-in-one” story platform spanning webtoons, web novels and comics, according to Ridi’s press release.

With the new service, users will be able to access a wider range of genres and formats within a single platform, from romance and action to sports. The expansion into manga is aimed at “encouraging fans to explore different types of content seamlessly, reinforcing a fandom-driven ecosystem,” Ridi said.

The initial lineup includes well-known titles such as “Wind Breaker” (2021-), “Medalist” (2020) and “The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” (2021), with plans to broaden the catalog through partnerships with additional publishers.

To mark the launch, Manta will hold a promotional campaign in collaboration with Kodansha. Through April 20, more than 400 titles will be offered at discounts of over 90 percent for their first volumes.

Users who participate in the promotion will also receive in-app currency, known as Gems, for future purchases.

“Webtoons, web novels and manga each have distinct appeal,” said Bae Ki-sik, chief executive of Ridi. “Manta will continue to strengthen its content competitiveness so users can enjoy a wider range of stories within a single ecosystem, without having to switch platforms.”

Manta is available for download via major app marketplaces, including the Apple App Store and Google Play, and can also be accessed on web browsers.

BY MICHAEL LEE [lee.junhyuk@joongang.co.kr]