Manhwa about the underdogs' rise to power

Summary

• Manhwa's underdogs rising to power provide compelling storylines.

• The main characters show growth, hard work and bonds of friendship.

• Stories like Eleceed and Tower of God captivate fans with twists and turns.

Losers they were part of the manhwa culture for a long time, but in recent times, the popular cliché of these seemingly weak characters rising to power has gained strength. For those fans who are specifically looking for these stories, with hard-working heroes or growing protagonists, there are several recommendable series they can choose from.

Characters with few chances in life who grow through sheer force of will, heroes not by chance but by choice, and, above all, those who are often considered misfits generate some of the best plots in fiction. So, this topic highlights some underdog rise to power manhwa that fans should read.

1

Elece

A meek and shy boy becomes the best disciple

• Genres: Action, Martial Arts, Comedy, Urban Fantasy, Dystopian
• Author: Son Jae-ho
• Artist: ZHENA

Jiwoo has always been afraid of being discovered as a superhuman and a lifetime of hiding his abilities has caused them to stagnate, making him one of the weakest awakened. When he was discovered by Kayden by pure chance, the (supposedly) most powerful man on the planet saw something special in him.

So in addition to developing a tender friendship and an incredibly well-written student/mentor relationship, Kayden made sure Jiwoo's efforts didn't go to waste. It's nice to see this underdog who never strayed from the right path finally get the recognition he deserves.

2

Summoners' Academy

A group of misfits work together to survive

• Type: Action, School Life, Comedy, Sword and Sorcery, Drama
• Author: Tarzyan
• Artists: Grami

What started out as one of the best new fantasy manhwas has now turned into the struggles of four underdogs to stay afloat in one of the harshest high school life environments readers will see in a fantasy trope. With a gripping plot, unexpected dark twists, and a pace that will have readers giddy, this underrated series tells the story of diverse wizards of various origins searching for their place in the world.

But a dark secret buried deep within the Academy will test not only their courage but also their bonds of friendship. Will they survive the impending onslaught or will they fall prey to the evil plans of the mysterious Elven Director who seems determined to make them suffer? A big loser becomes a top dog story.

A trashy but hardworking character becomes essential

• Type: Action, Isekai, Sword and Sorcery, School Life, Shounen, Drama
• Authors: Korita
• Artist: Girin Geurin

The Extra Academy Survival Guide has a loser as the main protagonist: a trash character named Ed Rothtaylor, who has been expelled from the school dorms and needs to live in a cabin in the woods, getting food, clothes and at the same time keeping track of his studies. He's not a particularly gifted character: his magic is terrible, his physical stats are poor, and he has no allies.

But as the others witness how hard-working and relentless Ed has become after being partially expelled from the Academy, they begin to see him in a new light. It turns out that someone else is occupying his body, and this former low-level villain is slowly becoming essential to the plot. Despite some questionable decisions, Ed's choices have always been for the greater good. Even the pseudo-harem that grows around him starts to become interesting to read.

4

Nano-machine

An exiled prince receives a gift from the future and rises to the top

• Genres: Martial arts, science fiction, fantasy, drama, tragedy, time travel
• Author: Jeolmu Hyeon
• Artist: Geumgangbulgoe

An exiled prince from a martial sect, a visitor from the distant future, and nanotechnology that enhances martial arts; all these tropes make up the script for a truly intriguing underdog story, in which a seemingly defeated martial artist becomes powerful again using strange technology that seems out of this world.

Honor, revenge and the feeling of walking the right path (even if sometimes morally complex) complete this compelling story of rise to power. But readers beware: unexpected turns and brutally difficult moral choices abound in this story. This isn't just a simple underdog becoming the best and getting a revenge story, it's a really deep and twisted path to power story.

5

Tower of God

A weak boy, a big dream and many morally complex decisions

• Type: Psychological, Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Fantasy, Action, Shounen
• Author and artist:SIU

Tower of God has become a fan-favorite tale of the underdog's rise to power in modern manhwa. With its intriguing main characters, a plot full of betrayals, unexpected twists and bloody battles for supremacy, it is one of the best in the shonen genre.

The story has a lot of mysteries, so if readers don't have a chance to figure them out on their own at first, it's a great excuse to reread the first few arcs and scroll through the pages trying to connect the dots. And for those who have never picked it up, get ready for the ride of a lifetime, as Bam's story of climbing to the top against all odds will give them no respite.

6

Weak hero

The best anti-bullying strategy is to unite

• Genres: Action, School, Drama, Martial Arts
• Author: SEOPASS
• Artist: Razen

Weak hero is one of the best climbs to the top of the underdog stories, and the best part is that it has an interesting anti-bullying message in plain sight. The main character isn't particularly strong, but he's smart and knows his way around.

So, tired of the bullies at his school doing what they want, he stands his ground and his example leads others to slowly but steadily become an anti-bullying force. It has some of the greatest and most endearing friendship moments, and it also has some of the best character development and villain redemption arcs.

7

Search for reality

From bullied student to street thug and local hero

• Type: Urban fantasy, martial arts, theatre
• Author: Lee Joo-woon
• Artist: Lee Joo-woon

At the beginning of Reality Quest, it was about a bullied boy who suddenly gained power through a mysterious system. But now, as Han Do-Wan's intentions become increasingly focused on uncovering the connection between his father and the infamous Council of Bullies, this loser has become a powerful hound seeking justice.

With incredible action scenes, this series is all about overcoming weakness through sheer willpower. There is no room for doubt as the main character ties the ties that tie her dead father's past to her current situation, and steps forward strong and forward as she takes the reins of her own future. Great character development here, ripe for any reader who loves drama, action and martial arts.