How webcomics are powering the next global franchises

Webcomics: Powering the Next Wave of Global Entertainment Franchises

Host Mr. David Savage opened a discussion on storytelling at Web Summit Vancouver 2026, introducing Mr. Sam Register, President of Warner Bros. Animation, and Mr. David J. Lee, President of Wattpad and CFO for WEBTOON Entertainment. Mr. Lee described Webtoon as a leading digital storytelling hub, specializing in webcomics. This format allows users to vertically scroll through visual storyboards on their phones, offering engaging narratives with motion and minimal text.

Webtoon boasts 145 million monthly active users, each spending 30 to 60 minutes daily. It hosts 120,000 stories from 27 million creators, many of whom are independent amateurs. Webtoon’s core mission is to lower barriers for storytellers, enabling global reach for diverse narratives. Mr. Lee noted Webtoon went public, gaining resources for significant partnerships, such as the one with Warner Bros. Animation.

Mr. Register explained Warner Bros. Animation’s strategic interest. While they possess iconic characters, their growth strategy actively seeks new intellectual property. Webtoon, a robust engine for creating fresh stories and characters, is an ideal partner. Its global platform aligns with Warner Bros. Animation’s worldwide audience goals, complementing efforts to evolve existing characters while seeking new content externally.

The webcomic format, established two decades ago, translates effectively across languages and into animation, with over 100 film adaptations already stemming from Webtoon’s platform. Mr. Lee highlighted the platform’s low barrier to entry for creators, making it easier to produce a webcomic than a feature film. This provides an evergreen source of diverse, often cross-genre, stories, with the market itself driving hits.

A core principle for Webtoon is aligning incentives with its creators. Mr. Lee proudly stated that the company has paid creators $2.8 billion, ensuring they directly benefit from their success. This model inspires others to join, seeing the potential for their stories to be adapted into animation, film, or games. Mr. Register added that Warner Bros. Animation’s extensive capabilities allow for a tailored approach to each unique project.

The evolving creator-audience relationship, particularly through fan fiction, was discussed. Mr. Lee views fan fiction as a powerful tool for lowering entry barriers, allowing aspiring creators to hone skills and gain positive reinforcement from existing fanbases. Mr. Register noted the unique, direct one-to-one interaction between Webtoon creators and their fans, where audience feedback can influence story development, a dynamic distinct from traditional television production.

Both executives emphasized trust and authenticity as the bedrock of their partnership. Mr. Register expressed optimism for a long-term collaboration, appreciating Webtoon’s efficiency in expediting the lengthy animation process. Mr. Lee underscored the importance of consistently delivering strong interactions that benefit all stakeholders: creators, companies, and consumers. This builds momentum and trust, especially for independent creators whose success is mutually shared.

Regarding what resonates, Mr. Lee observed that successful creators, particularly those appealing to Gen Z, cultivate a strong sense of community. They write for an audience that often aspires to create, driving viral and authentic growth. Mr. Register clarified that while animation is a valuable extension, not all creators define success by an animated series; many are content with drawing their comics.

The partnership aims to broaden Webtoon’s demographic reach, leveraging Warner Bros. Animation’s wide appeal. Initial titles selected for adaptation focus on the Young Adult (YA) genre, an area where Warner Bros. Animation previously had less presence. This strategic selection, a collaborative effort, aims for stories that resonate deeply rather than just widely, demonstrating the crucial role of human insight alongside data in identifying compelling projects.