Webtoon fans, brace yourselves! The digital comics landscape is shifting once again as Pocket Comics, the global webtoon platform operated by NHN, is set to close its English, French, and Korean services on October 31st. This announcement marks a significant pullback from the European market and a consolidation of NHN’s webtoon business, leaving many readers searching for alternatives and wondering about the fate of their favorite series.
What’s Happening?
Pocket Comics has officially announced that its English and French platforms, along with the Korean Comico platform, will cease operations on October 31st, citing “business reasons” for the decision. Coin purchases on the platform will be available until July 15th, and users can spend their existing Coins until the service officially ends. This means fans have a limited window to enjoy their favorite comics and potentially discover new ones before the platform shuts down.
Why Is Pocket Comics Closing?
Several factors appear to have contributed to this decision. The webtoon market, while still growing, has seen a slowdown in momentum, leading to increased competition and the closure of smaller platforms. Major players like Naver Webtoon and Kakao Page have solidified their dominance, making it difficult for other platforms to gain a lasting foothold.
NHN’s decision also aligns with a broader trend among Korean IT companies to optimize costs and focus on core markets. The company had previously withdrawn from Southeast Asia by selling its KoMiCo Vietnam and Thailand entities. The closure of the English, French, and Korean Pocket Comics services suggests a strategic shift towards prioritizing the Japanese market, where NHN operates its Comico platform.
According to Korean business media, Pocket Comics had already halted new content uploads in France earlier in 2025 and was considering shutting down its French service. France, despite being Europe’s largest comic book market, has proven challenging for webtoon platforms, with local readers still largely favoring traditional print manga.
What Does This Mean for Readers?
The closure of Pocket Comics has several implications for its users:
- Limited Access: Readers will lose access to the platform and its content after October 31st.
- Coin Refunds: Users will be refunded for previously purchased coins and for collected works purchased less than a year ago.
- Content Migration: The fate of ongoing series is uncertain. Some may be picked up by other platforms, while others may be discontinued.
What Happens to Purchased Content?
A major concern for users is what will happen to the content they have purchased on Pocket Comics. Fortunately, NHN is providing refunds for coins and collected works purchased within the last year. However, the long-term accessibility of purchased content remains unclear. Some possible scenarios include:
- Sale of Catalog: NHN may sell its catalog of comics to another platform.
- Rights Reversion: The rights to the comics may revert back to the original authors and publishers.
- Continued Access (Limited): Some series may remain accessible if purchased with coins, but not through “Gauge” or “Watch ad” options.
Alternatives to Pocket Comics
With Pocket Comics shutting down, readers are looking for alternative platforms to continue enjoying their favorite webtoons and discover new series. Here are some popular options:
- WEBTOON: The leading global platform for webtoons, offering a vast library of original titles, many of which have been adapted into series or dramas. It is free to read with weekly updates and has apps available for Android and iOS.
- Tappytoon: Provides access to premium manhwa with official translations and excellent image quality. It offers professionally translated content with pay-per-chapter or “wait-for-free” options.
- Manta Comics: A subscription-based platform that offers unlimited reading for a monthly fee. It provides an ad-free experience with a focus on romance and fantasy stories.
- Lezhin Comics: Known for its mature themes and sophisticated storytelling. It offers a user-friendly interface and an extensive catalog of BL, GL, and adult drama, available in multiple languages.
- Comixology: A popular platform for digital comics, offering a wide selection of manga, comics, and graphic novels.
Other alternatives include:
- VIZ Manga
- Shonen Jump
- INKR Comics
- Bilibili Comics
- NetComics
- WeComics
How to Prepare for the Shutdown
If you’re a Pocket Comics user, here are some steps you can take to prepare for the platform’s closure:
- Spend Your Coins: Use any remaining coins before July 15th, as purchases will no longer be possible after this date.
- Keep an Eye on Your Favorite Series: Stay updated on whether your favorite series will be picked up by another platform.
- Explore Alternatives: Start exploring other webtoon platforms to find a new home for your reading habits.
- Check Refund Policies: Ensure you understand the refund process for coins and purchased content.
The Future of Webtoon Platforms
The closure of Pocket Comics highlights the challenges and competitive nature of the webtoon market. While the industry continues to grow, smaller platforms face increasing pressure from dominant players and the need to optimize costs. This may lead to further consolidation and a focus on core markets.
Despite these challenges, the webtoon format remains incredibly popular, with a diverse range of stories and art styles attracting a global audience. As the market evolves, platforms will need to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of readers and creators.
Community Reaction
The announcement of Pocket Comics’ closure has sparked discussion and disappointment among fans. On Reddit, users have expressed concerns about losing access to purchased content and are seeking recommendations for alternative platforms. Some users have also speculated on whether NHN will sell off its catalog or revert the rights back to the authors.
NHN’s Strategy
NHN’s decision to shut down Pocket Comics in several regions reflects a strategic move to consolidate its webtoon operations and focus on more profitable markets, particularly Japan. This move allows the company to streamline its resources and prioritize its core business.
Data Privacy
With the shutdown of Pocket Comics, users may also have concerns about their data privacy. While Pocket Comics states that personal information is not sold or rented to third parties, it is unclear whether user information can be transferred in the event of a merge, acquisition, or bankruptcy. Users have the right to access, review, modify, and delete their data, but it’s important to understand the platform’s privacy policies and how they will be affected by the closure.
Conclusion
The closure of Pocket Comics marks the end of an era for many webtoon fans. While the news is undoubtedly disappointing, it also presents an opportunity to explore new platforms and discover even more great comics. As the webtoon market continues to evolve, readers can look forward to innovative storytelling and diverse content from creators around the world. Remember to spend your coins, explore alternatives, and stay tuned for updates on your favorite series as the October 31st deadline approaches.
