Quick Info

Title: Eleceed (Korean webtoon)
Author/Story: Jeho Son (a.k.a. Son Jae Ho)
Artist: ZHENA (Kim Hye Jin)
Publisher: Naver Webtoon (English release on WEBTOON app)
First Published: October 2018
Status: Ongoing (~362 episodes as of Sept 2025)
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Superpower, Supernatural, Comedy

Blurb

Jiwoo Seo, an ordinary high schooler with super speed, rarely uses his ability. One night he rescues an injured stray cat—who turns out to be Kayden Break, a powerful Awakened hiding in feline form. As Jiwoo and Kayden bond, Jiwoo is drawn into the hidden world of Awakeners: humans with superpowers, international rivalries, and plenty of danger. Alongside Kayden’s grumpy mentorship (and claws), Jiwoo begins his journey of growth and survival.

Recent News

In June 2025, it was announced that Eleceed will receive an anime adaptation, slated for release in 2026. With Solo Leveling’s anime being so well recieved (don't get me started), fans are curious if Eleceed can deliver the same level of energy as the manhwa. Different team and studio from Solo Leveling. Also, for all the gamers out there, some old news (as of 2023), there is a game in the works.

Ratings & Reviews

General reception: strong fanbase, often rated 8–9/10 overall.
My rating: pretty much the same, but on a 5 star scale a 4.7/5 for being consistently enjoyable and one of my weekly or biweekly cozy reads when I need a quick shot of catisfaction.
Common critique: Some say Eleceed can feel formulaic.

My Personal Review

Worldbuilding
Set in a version of our world where Awakeners exist in underground networks shaped by national borders and alliances. I’d love to see more of how Awakeners interact with everyday society, but the international conflicts and hidden system keep the world engaging.

Characters
Not the deepest character studies, but distinct personalities carry the story. Jiwoo’s optimism, Kayden’s snark, and the wider cast strike a fun balance that makes me keep coming back.

Pacing
Generally solid. Earlier arcs are fast-moving; more recent episodes slow down at times, leaning into humor or slice-of-life beats. Episode 356? Proof the humor still lands.

Takeaways

Yes, Eleceed is somewhat formulaic. That said, I don't believe that’s always a bad thing.

The good: Formulaic rhythm creates comfort. Readers know what kind of payoff to expect, which is why this series feels like a cozy weekly read for me.
The bad: Too many filler-style episodes risk dulling the excitement, especially for readers looking for big plot twists.

Think of Dragon Ball Z or One Piece: both beloved, both long-running, both often critiqued as formulaic (training arcs, power-ups, extended fights, filler episodes). Yet those patterns are part of their staying power. Formula keeps readers hooked when they love the rhythm.

Note to Storytellers: Don’t fear being formulaic! Just make sure your formula matches your target audience’s expectations. Also, “formulaic” doesn’t mean “predictable" with no twists. It just means the story has found its beat.

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