Mage Manhwa series are an upcoming genre that fans continue to enjoy, especially when it is mixed with adventure. However, they are not often the main characters but mainly a support for the protagonist. Even though some series give more of the spotlight to mages, like the anime Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic.
You know great stories happen whenever there is a Manhwa with a mage as protagonist. This list features 11 manhwa with mage protagonists, and we ranked each one with care.
Get ready to explore 11 amazing stories, where the incredible magic of the mage will blow you away
If you’re a fan of manhwa and also enjoy different themes like action and intense character growth, you may also want to check out these:
➡️ The 6 Best Regression Manhwa of All Time, Ranked
➡️ The 6 Best Swordsman Manhwa Webtoons You Must Watch
➡️ 6 Epic Manhwa Series With an Overpowered MC
Prepare to explore these 11 incredible stories, where the astonishing magic of the mages will amaze you.
11. I Really Don’t Want To Learn Forbidden Spells
Storyline:
In a world ruled by magic, powerful spells hold the key to wealth, influence, and power. However, among these magical powers lie forbidden spells. These are techniques so dangerous they change the very soul of the caster. The protagonist Ning Feng is a talented but lazy mage.
He desperately avoids learning these forbidden arts. Despite his talent, he desires a simple life away from the politics and power struggles of the magical world.
He has awakened the secret class of the Ultimate God of Magic, allowing him to use Forbidden Magic and Dark Energy without consuming his life force.
Unfortunately, his peaceful life is shattered when he’s falsely accused of practicing forbidden spells.
In a desperate attempt to clear his name, he finds himself drawn into the dark world of spellcraft that he tried so hard to avoid.
Genre:
Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Shounen, School Life, Action
Author and Artist:
Xin Bo
Chapters:
Over 50 chapters (ongoing)
10. The Great Mage of the Hero’s Party Reincarnates
Storyline:
Long ago, the legendary mage Albrecht, one of the world’s most powerful magic users, sacrificed himself to save the world from the rising darkness. For centuries, his name became a myth, and his legacy was forgotten. However, fate grants Albrecht another chance when he’s reincarnated hundreds of years later in the body of a young boy.
Lista, the Heroine, and her party have finally defeated “The Abyss,” a great evil that was consuming the world. However, this victory came at a great cost: their mage, Rin the Sage, was consumed by darkness, and his soul entered a near-dormant state.
Cast out from the regular life-death cycle, Rin eventually reincarnated as one of his descendants, named Rain. However, there is a problem.
Rin’s original body has been perfectly preserved and remains in a near-comatose state for the past 300 years, hidden away in a vault within the Papal Palace of the Kingdom.
Genre:
Adventure, Fantasy, Reincarnation
Author and Artist:
Jeonghoon and Potetorosu
Chapters:
Over 70 chapters (ongoing)
9. Extra’s Academy Survival Guide
Storyline:
In Reincarnated as the Villain of the Magic Academy, Ed Rothaylor, a former Korean gamer, finds himself trapped inside the fantasy world of a game he once played. Unfortunately, he’s not the hero — he’s been reborn as a minor villain infamous for his poor reputation and inevitable downfall. To survive, Ed must rely on his strategic mind and gaming knowledge to avoid triggering tragic “bad endings.”
The academy is teeming with powerful and unpredictable figures. Among them are the hero, the strongest magician in the school; a righteous princess devoted to justice; a dangerously unstable summoner with obsessive tendencies; and a cunning alchemist, the ambitious daughter of a merchant who seeks to ruin Ed’s foster father’s business.
Starting from rock bottom and nearly facing expulsion, Ed slowly builds a respectable reputation within the academy.
Using his knowledge of the game’s mechanics, he expertly navigates events, secures rare items, and masters powerful spells to improve his strength.
As he carefully manipulates key moments in the storyline, Ed’s ultimate goal is to ensure the True Good Ending, which is steering the main characters away from destructive paths.
Genre:
School Life, Fantasy, Comedy
Author and Artist:
Corita and Girin Geurin
Chapters:
Over 80 chapters (ongoing)
8. Magic Academy Genius Blinker
Storyline:
In A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special, Baek Yu-Seol, a dedicated Korean gamer, finds himself unexpectedly reincarnated into the world of his favorite RPG, Magic Academy World. However, instead of being reborn as a powerful hero or destined protagonist, Baek Yu-Seol assumes the role of a seemingly insignificant side character, which is a “useless” mage whose only notable skill is teleportation magic.
Despite his underwhelming role, Baek Yu-Seol quickly discovers that his real-world experience as a skilled gamer grants him an exceptional understanding of magical abilities and game mechanics.
With a deep knowledge of key events, powerful items, and future catastrophes, he realizes that the world faces a devastating bad ending that could destroy everything.
Determined to prevent this grim fate, Baek Yu-Seol uses his newfound magical intuition, teleportation mastery, and tactical thinking to shape the course of events.
To make things worse, another reincarnated individual appears. But this mysterious figure knows the Light Novel version of the game’s plot instead of the original RPG storyline. This unpredictable wildcard complicates Baek Yu-Seol’s attempts to prevent the world’s downfall.
Genre:
School Life, Fantasy, Action
Author and Artist:
Eunmilhi and Seoyu
Chapters:
Over 90 chapters (ongoing)
7. The Last Adventurer
Storyline: In The Last Adventurer, the story follows a once-renowned adventurer who now lives in quiet obscurity.
As the last surviving registered adventurer, he represents a fading legacy in a world that has moved on from the age of exploration and heroism. With dungeons sealed, monsters mostly eradicated, and society advancing in peace, adventurers are seen as outdated relics of the past.
Despite his retirement, the protagonist is unexpectedly drawn back into action when ancient threats begin to stir once more. Forgotten evils, long believed to be myths, start resurfacing, and no one but him possesses the knowledge and skills to face them.
Throughout his journey, he encounters powerful adversaries, hidden conspiracies, and remnants of past evils that threaten to plunge the world into chaos.
Despite his experience, the challenges he faces are unlike anything he’s encountered before. The world’s magical system has evolved, new powers have emerged, and the protagonist must adapt quickly if he hopes to stand a chance.
Genre:
Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
Author and Artist:
Dedart and Salty Dog
Chapters:
Over 100 chapters (completed)
6. The Academy’s Undercover Professor
Storyline:
In The Academy’s Undercover Professor, the story follows a man from modern-day Earth who is unexpectedly transported to a magical world.
Upon arrival, he assumes the identity of Ludger Cherish, a newly appointed professor at the prestigious Ceoren Academy. However, what he doesn’t know is that the real Ludger was involved in dangerous activities and was killed during a terrorist attack.
Now disguised as Ludger, the protagonist must carefully maintain his cover while teaching elite students at the academy. While adapting to his role as a professor, he discovers that his predecessor was secretly tied to a powerful and dangerous underground organization.
As mysterious threats begin to surface within the academy, Ludger finds himself investigating magical anomalies, corruption, and hidden conspiracies that threaten both the institution and the world itself.
Equipped with his sharp intellect, scientific knowledge from Earth, and an unexpected knack for magic.
Ludger introduces new spell theories and innovative concepts that challenge traditional beliefs in the magical community. His unconventional methods earn him both respect and suspicion among the academy’s staff and students.
Genre:
Isekai, School Life, Fantasy
Author and Artist:
Sayren and WAG
Chapters:
Over 110 chapters (ongoing)
5. Infinite Mage
Storyline:
Infinite Mage is a great webtoon that tells the story of Arian Shirone. He is a determined and gifted young man who faces constant adversity yet refuses to abandon his dreams. Born as the bastard son of a noble, Arian’s path is far from easy. Despite his disadvantaged background, he develops a relentless fascination with magic and the mysteries of the universe.
Enrolling late into a prestigious magic academy, Arian struggles to keep up with his peers — students who have years of magical training behind them. However, his unconventional mindset and willingness to question established magical theories soon make him stand out.
While others adhere strictly to magical formulas, Arian dares to experiment with deeper theories, seeking to uncover the truth behind the mythical Immortal Function. This is a mysterious formula said to unlock the path to infinite magic and the ultimate power capable of defying the known limits of spellcraft.
Throughout his journey, Arian’s thirst for knowledge leads him into the heart of magical research, where he battles against rigid traditions and powerful rivals.
Alongside his trusted friends, Arian faces intense magical duels, confronts dangerous conspiracies, and challenges dark forces seeking to control this forbidden power.
Genre:
Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
Author and Artist:
Kim Chiwoo and Redice Studio
Chapters:
Over 120 chapters (ongoing)
4. A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
Storyline:
Desir Arman was once one of humanity’s last surviving mages, fighting to stop the catastrophic Shadow World from consuming everything. Despite his powerful magic, Desir and his allies ultimately fail, leading to the destruction of the world.
However, Desir awakens to find himself thirteen years in the past, just before enrolling in his magic academy. Armed with his future knowledge, Desir dedicates himself to preparing stronger allies, stopping hidden threats, and rewriting fate itself.
While Desir is immensely powerful, the story emphasizes his strategic mind and leadership skills. His journey unfolds with intense magic duels, political conflicts, and moments of emotional reflection as he rebuilds bonds with those he once lost.
The combination of time travel mechanics and tactical combat makes this one of the most beloved manhwa with a mage protagonist.
Genre:
Fantasy, Adventure, School Life
Author and Artist:
Written by Usonan and illustrated by Wookjakga.
Chapters:
Over 200 chapters (ongoing)
3. Return of the 8th Class Mage
Storyline:
Return of the 8th Class Mage follows the story of Ian Page, the most powerful 8th-class mage in history, which is a rare rank achieved only by the most gifted sorcerers. After dedicating his life to protecting the kingdom, Ian is betrayed by the very king he served and is assassinated in cold blood.
However, instead of death being his end, Ian awakens to find himself regressed to his younger self, years before his rise to power. With his memories and magical knowledge intact, Ian vows to change the course of history and prevent the kingdom’s descent into corruption.
Determined to gain power faster than before, Ian manipulates court politics, trains relentlessly, and crushes those plotting against him. He exposes corrupt nobles, strengthens loyal alliances, and equips himself with powerful spells designed to overcome future threats.
As Ian navigates this second chance at life, he walks a fine line between vengeance and justice, ensuring the kingdom no longer suffers under selfish rulers.
With a mix of strategic maneuvering, intense magical duels, and emotional character growth, Return of the 8th Class Mage is a top-tier mage Manhwa story.
Genre:
Action, Fantasy, Reincarnation
Author and Artist:
Written by Ryu Song and illustrated by TES.
Chapters:
Over 150 chapters (completed)
2. The Great Mage Returns After 400 Years
Storyline:
The Great Mage Returns After 400 Years follows the story of Lucas Traumen, a legendary 9th-class mage betrayed and sealed in an endless void for defying the gods. After suffering in isolation for four centuries, Lucas’s soul unexpectedly merges with Frey Blake, a weak noble scorned by his family for his lack of magical talent.
Now in Frey’s body, Lucas finds himself in a world where magic has stagnated, and powerful families control society. Determined to reclaim his former strength, Lucas uses his unmatched magical knowledge to reshape the world’s understanding of magic.
While seeking revenge against those responsible for his imprisonment, Lucas also uncovers a deeper conspiracy tied to ancient forces threatening the world.
As he trains, he faces corrupt mages, powerful enemies, and dangerous political schemes that seek to suppress his rise.
With sharp tactics, innovative spellcraft, and his formidable past-life experience, Lucas quickly rises through the ranks of magic society, becoming a feared and respected figure.
Genre:
Fantasy, Action, Reincarnation
Author and Artist:
Written by Barnacle and illustrated by Redice Studio.
Chapters:
Over 180 chapters (ongoing)
1. 66,666 Years: Advent of the Dark Mage
Storyline:
66,666 Years: Advent of the Dark Mage follows Diablo Volpir, a powerful dark mage condemned to Limbo for defying the gods. Known as the Demon Lord, Diablo was once the most feared sorcerer in existence.
After enduring 66,666 years of imprisonment, he awakens in the body of Jamie Welton, the eldest son of a declining noble family.
Jamie quickly realizes that magic has drastically weakened over the centuries, reduced to a system controlled by power-hungry aristocrats. Determined to restore magic’s former glory and reclaim his strength, Jamie sets out to defy the gods once more.
However, an unexpected twist changes his path. A Goddess of Magic appears and begs Jamie to become her Apostle. With her power fading and her siblings threatening the world’s balance, the Goddess believes Jamie is her last hope.
Although reluctant, Jamie accepts, seeing this as a chance to regain his former power.
Genre:
Dark Fantasy, Action, Reincarnation
Author and Artist:
Written by Hwabong and illustrated by Pasa.
Chapters:
Over 150 chapters (ongoing)
