WEBTOON has recently added the manga adaptation of “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” to its English-language platform. This addition allows fans to enjoy the series in full color and a vertical scroll format, optimized for mobile reading.
What is “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” About?
“From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” follows the story of Beryl Gardenant, a middle-aged swordsman who runs a humble sword-fighting dojo in the countryside. His life takes an unexpected turn when Allucia, a former pupil, revisits him, now an elite commander. He discovers that many of his former students have become renowned warriors. Allucia forces Beryl to become a special instructor for the kingdom’s strongest order of knights. Beryl is left to confront whether he can reach his full potential, despite his age.
The series is adapted from a light novel by Shigeru Sagazaki, with illustrations by Tetsuhiro Nabeshima. The manga adaptation features art by Kazuki Satō. The original web novel debuted on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in November 2020.
From Light Novel to Manga to Anime
The story has grown from its original form as a web novel into different formats:
- Light Novel: Authored by Shigeru Sagazaki and illustrated by Tetsuhiro Nabeshima. Square Enix published the first novel volume in April 2021. As of March 2025, nine volumes have been released. J-Novel Club has licensed the light novel series for English release in digital format.
- Manga: Illustrated by Kazuki Satō, the manga adaptation was first published in Akita Shoten’s Dokodemo Young Champion magazine in August 2021. As of March 2025, seven tankobon volumes have been released in Japan. Yen Press releases the manga in English for North American audiences.
- Anime: An anime adaptation by Passione and Hayabusa Film began airing in Japan on April 6, 2025. Amazon Prime Video is streaming the anime worldwide.
What is WEBTOON?
WEBTOON is a digital comics platform and app where users can read comics, manga, and manhwa online. It was launched in South Korea as Naver Webtoon and then globally as Line Webtoon in July 2014. WEBTOON has become a global hub for digital comics, boasting millions of users and creators.
WEBTOON Features:
- Accessibility: WEBTOON makes comics easily accessible to a global audience.
- Vertical Scroll Format: WEBTOON is known for its vertical scroll format, which is optimized for reading on smartphones.
- Full Color: Unlike traditional manga, WEBTOONs are typically in full color.
- Diverse Content: WEBTOON offers a wide selection of webcomics across various genres, including action, romance, and thriller.
- Original Content: WEBTOON is home to original webcomics that have been adapted into TV shows and films.
- Community: WEBTOON fosters a community of fans and creators.
- Creator Monetization: WEBTOON offers monetization programs for creators, such as Super Likes.
WEBTOON vs. Manga vs. Manhwa
It’s helpful to understand the distinctions between these terms:
- Manga: Refers specifically to Japanese comics. Manga are typically black and white and are designed to be read from right to left.
- Manhwa: Refers to Korean comics. Manhwa are often in color and read from left to right.
- Webtoon: A type of digital comic that originated in South Korea, designed to be read on computers and smartphones. Webtoons are typically published in a long, vertical strip and are often in color.
WEBTOON’s Growing Popularity
Webtoons have gained immense popularity due to their online accessibility and diverse range of free digital comics. The global webtoon market is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. WEBTOON has played a significant role in the increasing popularity of webtoons, partnering with major publishers and entertainment brands.
Reading “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” on WEBTOON
“From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” is now available on WEBTOON’s English-language platform. The series is presented in full color and reformatted for WEBTOON’s vertical scroll format. New episodes are released every Wednesday and Saturday.
Other Manga on WEBTOON
WEBTOON continues to broaden its catalog by bringing established titles to its platform. “Fullmetal Alchemist” is another manga that is set to arrive on WEBTOON.
How to Stay Updated on WEBTOON Releases
Finding the exact release date and time for manhwa and manga on WEBTOON can sometimes be tricky. Here are some tips:
- Check the Official WEBTOON App/Website: Official platforms like WEBTOON usually announce release dates and maintain a regular schedule.
- Follow the Author/Artist: Check the author’s or artist’s official website or social media accounts for updates.
- Join Online Communities: Scanlation sites often have Discord servers where they announce new chapter releases.
- Observe Release Patterns: If you follow a series, note the day of the week when new chapters are typically released.
Final Thoughts
The addition of “From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman” to WEBTOON’s platform provides fans with an accessible way to enjoy this manga series. With its vertical scroll format and full-color presentation, the WEBTOON adaptation offers a unique reading experience. As WEBTOON continues to expand its library, readers can look forward to a diverse selection of manga and webcomics.
