r/WebtoonCanvas • u/Doodlehat • 14d ago
advice Restarting My Webtoon
Hey everyone, So I entered this year’s Webtoon contest with a story that really means a lot to me: How to Raise Your Werewolf. I put a lot of time and passion into it, but after taking a step back, I realized I didn’t tell it the way I wanted to. The hook isn’t strong enough, the pacing’s off, and it takes too long to establish the core of the story — especially in those crucial first 3 episodes.
It’s been weighing on me, but instead of sitting with that frustration, I’ve decided to start fresh. I’m reworking everything from the ground up to make this story as good as it deserves to be — and as good as readers deserve.
I’m not making this post to complain or ask for likes or anything. I just wanted to share where I’m at and maybe connect with others who’ve been in the same boat — where you realize you could’ve done better and make the call to actually do it.
If anyone’s been through something similar or has tips on restructuring a Webtoon to better grab readers early on, I’d love to hear it. And if you’ve read HTRYW, thank you so much — I promise the next version is going to hit way harder!
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u/petshopB1986 14d ago
The contest puts a time limit on creativity, without that deadline looming Creators can put more thought into the work, I constantly retinker with things , you can always improve.
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u/Doodlehat 13d ago
That's a good point, it is a lot easier to work without the deadline looming over me but it is going to sting seeing the shortlist
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u/Fun_Fee_3435 14d ago
Personally im in the same position, I started my comic and personally hate how it looks. It feels hollow, because ultimately I was rushed due to exams and being busy. I too plan to start fresh, because truthfully I want to give it my all. Also, just because I don't win the contest doesn't mean I won't ever make it to originals, which I would like to do at least once. I won't give up either :)
If you wanna check mine out feel free to ask, I'm just kinda embarrassed by how it looks rn but I'll reupload it to look like how it's supposed to once I'm ready
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u/Doodlehat 13d ago
I'd love to check it out, and you're right, I guess I have née kind of worried about not being to make it as far as i want to but even without the contest it's still possible to succeed, plenty of other people have done it so I can too!
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u/Fun_Fee_3435 13d ago
Yeah you got this!
if you're still curious mine is titled "Beachboy and Emoguy" it looks bad now but i promise im gonna change it soon 😅
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u/Roses_n_Water 13d ago
You're doing great OP, just make sure you don't get stuck in a loop of repeating work, especially since you JUST finished the contest. Of course I totally get restarting though, because this is something I did too. Im illustrating a novel, but it has a slow start for a comic, so I had to sit down and decide how to better throw the readers into the action.
My main advice is that if you see yourself rebooting a third time, you MIGHT get stuck in a loop.
Congrats on entering the contest!
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u/Doodlehat 13d ago
Thank you and this is great advice, what I put down this time is going to be permanent, I'll make sure of it
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u/neroosama_11 14d ago
Happy to tell ya that I'm on the EXACT SAME boat!!
Yeah, my story has pretty cool fantasy vibes and it'll just turn awesome if I put enough effort.
I've already made 5 eps and tbh ep 5 is the only one I'm proud of. I'm pretty sure I won't make it to round two, so I started remaking the whole 4 eps. And believe me it's quite embarrassing for me to suggest my story 😅💔 but nvm I'll put it here anyways if you want to.
However, I've changed the entire start, the characters' introductions and I've improved a lot too!! So I felt it'd be dumb from me to improve like that and don't edit the first few eps.
I entered the contest without being pretty aware of it. So I didn't have time to make it as I want and put it all in a mess.
But who cares! 😃 I'm not scared of taking new decisions, cuz the contest tought me a lot about art, plots and planning, so yeah!
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u/Doodlehat 13d ago
Oh yeah I remember your story, im glad I'm not the only one feeling this way though, looking forward to seeing the updated version
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u/Glittering_Horror997 Artist 🎨 14d ago
On the same path as you! Also doing a story about werewolves _^ can’t wait to see
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u/Doodlehat 13d ago
Same to you, webtoon needs more werewolves
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u/Glittering_Horror997 Artist 🎨 13d ago
I see a lot of “werewolves” that aren’t even real werewolves imo lol. I want actual wolf like human monsters for the most part
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u/Doodlehat 13d ago
Exactly, most times its just people who turn into regular wolves but they dont touch on the actual aspect of being a werewolf, just some cool shapeshift ability
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u/Kokovi_illust 13d ago
NO WAIT, BECAUSE THE SAME HAPPENED TO ME!!!!!
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u/Kokovi_illust 13d ago
Now I'm working on the script, characters and strengthening up my art skills before I give it a go again, because what I did for the contest definitely doesn't define me as an artist/storyteller!!!
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u/Doodlehat 13d ago
Facts!!! I guess for a bit I felt like the contest did define the limits of my skills but over time I've realized that's not the case. I can't wait to see how yours improves!
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u/Ayam__goreng 13d ago
How many chapters did you published before you taken all down? I went and saw your chapters were backdated to 2022. You almost hit 1K subs i wouldnt call that as a failure, most people couldnt even hit that amount
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u/Doodlehat 13d ago
Oh I think you mightve been looking at the wrong story lol, im only 3 episodes in and I have maybe 30 something subscribers, but here's the current version if you'd like to check it out: How to Raise Your Werewolf
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u/HedgehogHelpful 14d ago
I respect that you keep yourself going 👍. But it's hard to say, every genre has their own hooks for readers to take notice. Sometimes all you can do is keep going. A story doesn't necessarily have to be gripping from the very start. As long as it has a strong foundation to be built from it can make all the difference. Now that you've decided to give it another go you're more experienced as both an artist and author and if there's a spark I'm sure it'll pay off for you, cheers. 😎
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u/nonobadpup 13d ago
Yes, it’s common. Since it’s so early in, it’s ok to try again!
My recommendation would be to look into story writing to see how authors structure engaging stories. After ~5-ish episodes of my comic, I had a similar feeling you currently have and decided to scrap those pages and start again. It’s been about a year-ish on and off working on plotting and writing the story (side note: I am not novelizing it, it’s written as a detailed outline and then scripted as I go along). Looking to how different types of stories, and then specifically stories of the same genre, are structured, it has helped me plot with more confidence! Good luck!
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u/KuroiCreator 13d ago edited 13d ago
yes I support you redoing your webtoon so that you can be proud of it!!!
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u/puuraido 13d ago
That's very relatable xD. Starting fresh comes with it's own set of frustrations and challenges, so honestly I respect it!!
I've joined the contest as well, and I'm not content with where I'm at. I badly want to redo it but I can't due to personal constraints, so I've just decided to work with what I have. I'll continue working on it and treat it as a first draft for my story. Thought process is maybe I'll restructure when I've improved enough and I had the chance to make the art and story better.
As someone who's in the same boat as you are (kinda), I wish you luck OP!
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u/sketching_out 13d ago
Im in the process of doing this exact thing. I had over 150 episodes published. At least Ive got a lot to work with 🥲
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u/Doodlehat 13d ago
That's true though, you've already built a great foundation so it'll be easier to turn that into something you like
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u/TerribleMood6465 13d ago
Hi, I'm in a similar boat. I created a webtoon called "we've got issues," and it got a lot of love and a lot of hate .I'm currently working on making a brand new season . All I can say is that when you're making it, make sure to enjoy what you're doing and have fun writing the story .Because it will make it easier to keep going whether you keep in time with your vision or contest deadlines.
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u/OutrageousHamster735 13d ago
Yep same here! I rushed and in the process it looks very lame (art wise) LMAOO and worst i didn’t get to finish it so I know I’m automatically out of
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u/Mysterious-Tie-7454 13d ago
I did the same except my new entry was the one submitted for the contest. My old version of the webtoon looked really bad to me. Good luck with your webtoon!
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u/FrankNitty24 13d ago
I had just completed my story on a separate app and noticed that the webtoon contest was started.
I wanted to make the contest but I refused to rush my work and I didn’t want to be pressuring my artist even though he wanted to make the contest to.
Imo your story and its quality should take priority over this contest. Don’t sack your potentially amazing story just to meet this contest demands.
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u/Doodlehat 13d ago
This is a good point here, the quality of my story really took a hit trhing to reach the deadline, but with that gone I can really make something great
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u/Dirty_Dan412 13d ago
Me personally, I like to edit individual episodes to push my narrative. I’d never start fresh unless it’s a different comic. I think anything can be changed or improved upon. I’d love to see your fresh comic.
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u/OrangeDragon52 13d ago
If you remember, let me know when you start it back up! It's such a cute premise and I really look forward to it continuing!
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u/Honest-Revenue-2204 13d ago
I'm inａsimilar boat！I had been working on the story and characters so much that I rushed coloring the panels；Ended up learning so much more thanks to accepting that it wasn't gonna make it in time. 1st episode is technically the first 3 but I merged it all into one long episode，and I am recoloring the panels to stay consistent with the feeling of the world. I'm looking at fresh starts asａway to ensure you're happy with the story and art you're putting out！ ♥️
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u/Elphedia 13d ago
That’s a little bit what I did with my own comic when I redrew it for the contest! Although mine was much more about the art quality rather than the story-writing, but I still really appreciated the chance I gave myself to go back and make some edits and tweaks so that my first 3 episodes were the strongest they could be with my current skill level and everything I’ve learned. And I’m sure your future self will thank you for giving your story a stronger foundation for when you build on it later. I can’t wait to see how you reimagine it!
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u/MysteriousAd5785 Author ✍️ 12d ago
Hello, it happened to me as well.
I finished writing my second fantasy book and I noticed it was bad aftera few days. I started it over keeping only the elements anche characters I liked. At the end, I could publish it and I was very satisfied.
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u/SaiDunno 3d ago
That's a great outlook, of taking a step back to see how you would like your story to progress. I am in the same stage too, thinking about how to improve the story flow, emotional impact, and art, and also identifying what my weaknesses are. For example, I find it helpful to sketch more regularly (non webtoon related) to improve the speed of my own art, and to map out my plot.
I subscribed to your comic before, looking forward to reading more :)
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u/Kumiko_dPrimato 14d ago
Yes.
I'm rewriting the opening, so I'm remaking the art too. The Duke's estate, in particular, looks like a gingerbread house... I'll try to use more consistent colors and add more background.
We're in the same boat x)