In a world drowned by rising seas and ruled by monstrous leviathans, Leviathan delivers a gripping narrative of survival, sacrifice, and humanity’s fragile resilience. This Korean manhwa stands out in a saturated genre by blending visceral action with emotional depth, making it a standout in post-apocalyptic storytelling.
With countless reincarnation-themed manhwa flooding the market, Leviathan carves its niche through originality and authenticity. This review cuts through the noise, offering a balanced analysis of its strengths, weaknesses, and hidden symbolism, while addressing fan debates (like Kana’s unresolved arc!) and future adaptation prospects.
Synopsis
In Leviathan, the setting is a future where the continents have been submerged due to escalating sea levels, forcing humanity to adapt to life on an immense ocean. The plot follows Bota, a young harpooner, along with his family as they navigate this treacherous aquatic world. Their expedition is filled with dangers, particularly from gigantic sea monsters that surface after dark, threatening their very existence. The narrative explores important themes such as survival, the strength of familial connections, and the resilience of the human spirit when confronted with daunting challenges.
Details
- Author: Lee Gyuntak (이경탁)
- Artist: Ooyama Takumi (노미영)
- Genre: Seinen, Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic, Drama
- Publisher: Naver, Toomics, English releases available on platforms like MangaPark and Mangaread
- Published: 2018
- Status: Completed
Characters
- Main:
- Bota & Rita: Siblings navigating loss and survival after their father’s sacrifice.
- Kana: A mysterious harpoonist tied to their father’s past, sparking debates about her loyalty and motives.
- Supporting: Teon Ma (father), sea monsters, and factions vying for dominance in the aquatic hellscape.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Worldbuilding: A hauntingly immersive drowned Earth with creative monster designs.
- Character Development: Bota’s growth from vulnerability to leadership resonates deeply.
- Weaknesses:
- Pacing: Some arcs feel rushed, and Kana’s overpowered abilities lack explanation.
- Ending: Divisive—some praise its boldness, others find it abrupt.
Themes & Symbolism
- Survival vs. Humanity: Explores moral decay in desperate times, symbolized by the leviathans’ relentless predation.
- Family & Legacy: Teon Ma’s sacrifice and Kana’s unresolved ties to him underscore generational trauma.
Anime Adaptation
While no official announcement exists, Leviathan’s popularity and cinematic action sequences make it ripe for an anime. Fans speculate studios like MAPPA or Wit could amplify its visual grandeur.
Who Should Read It?
For those interested in exploring Leviathan, the series is available on various platforms:
In Leviathan, the artwork is exceptionally impressive. Noh Miyoung’s illustrations effectively portray the underwater world, highlighting its captivating beauty alongside its inherent risks. The lively action sequences are paired with meticulously designed characters and immersive settings, allowing readers to fully engage with the emotional richness of the narrative.
Leviathan has garnered acclaim from both readers and critics. A user on Reddit praised it as “one of my earlier and favorite action manwhas, featuring rich lore, intricate world-building, and captivating monsters to battle.” They suggested it for fans who appreciate “intense and fast-paced combat, intertwined with emotional scenes set in a grim apocalyptic landscape.”
Where to Read
For those interested in exploring Leviathan, the series is available on various platforms:
Toomics: Offers the English release of Leviathan, providing readers with easy access to the series.
Webtoon: Hosts the series, allowing readers to enjoy it on a user-friendly platform.
Mgeko: Provides chapters of Leviathan for online reading.
Liviathan Manhwa Rating
- MyAnimeList ranks Leviathan 29th among top Manhwa, with a score of 8.27 out of 10 based on ratings from 15,258 members.
- This score equates to roughly 4.135 out of 5 stars, which was rounded to 4.5 for ease of understanding, consistent with typical blog rating systems.
- The conversion was achieved by dividing the score by 2 (8.27/2 = 4.135), and the positive feedback from the community justified the 4.5/5 rating.
- Discussions on Reddit highlighted its strengths, with one user in October 2023 praising it as “one of my earlier and favorite action manwhas with deep lore, world building, and fascinating monsters.”
- However, some users raised concerns about the portrayal of female characters, with an October 2022 post describing it as feeling “cheap and dirty.”
Final Thoughts
Leviathan is a flawed masterpiece its emotional highs and imaginative world overshadow pacing hiccups. Whether you’re here for the monsters, the moral dilemmas, or Kana’s enigmatic allure, this manhwa leaves a lasting impact. A sequel seems unlikely, but its legacy as a genre standout is secure.