Webtoon–Disney Alliance Aims to Redefine Online Comics for Global Audiences
Webtoon Entertainment, the U.S.-based arm of Naver Webtoon headquartered in Los Angeles, has joined forces with The Walt Disney Company to roll out a new global digital comics platform. The service will showcase content from Disney’s wide-ranging catalog, including franchises from Pixar, 20th Century Studios, Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney itself.
Under the deal, Disney is set to take a 2% stake in Webtoon Entertainment. The two sides have signed a nonbinding term sheet, signaling a significant move toward broadening digital comics distribution while also boosting Webtoon’s international footprint.
A Unified Platform for Disney Comics
For the first time, Disney plans to gather over 35,000 of its comics under one roof. Until now, Marvel Unlimited had been the company’s only dedicated platform, limited to Marvel stories alone. The new initiative marks Disney’s first attempt in more than 100 years to build a single, all-encompassing digital comics service spanning its entire archive.
Importantly, the platform will support both the traditional left-to-right reading style and the vertical scrolling format popular among webtoons. This dual approach bridges two audiences: long-time comic book readers and younger, mobile-first users.
Integration with Disney+
Disney plans to leverage its streaming service to expand the reach of the platform. A curated selection of titles will be included in Disney+ subscriptions at no additional cost, encouraging fans to engage with comics alongside film and television. This move strengthens Disney’s cross-platform ecosystem and adds new value to its streaming base.
Webtoon’s Role and Global Reach
Webtoon Entertainment will lead the development and operation of the service. The company intends to localize content in key markets such as Korea and Japan, while also integrating select Naver Webtoon originals into the catalog.
The collaboration builds on an earlier announcement that 100 Disney franchises will be adapted into webtoon-style stories. This positions Webtoon as more than a distribution partner — it becomes a central enabler of Disney’s digital strategy.
Executive Perspectives
Kim Jun-koo, CEO of Webtoon Entertainment, called the partnership a turning point for the company’s global growth strategy. He emphasized the combination of Webtoon’s technical expertise with Disney’s legendary characters and stories.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, stressed that consolidating Disney’s unmatched collection of comics will give fans “unprecedented access” and that working with Webtoon allows Disney to connect with new audiences in the digital era.
Market Reaction and Strategic Outlook
The announcement sparked strong investor interest. Shares of Webtoon Entertainment surged nearly 90% in after-hours trading before settling with a 5% daily gain, while parent company Naver Corp. also saw a modest rise. Analysts described the deal as a validation of Disney’s modernization strategy and a milestone for Webtoon’s position in the global digital comics industry.
The partnership reflects broader shifts in media consumption: comics are moving from print to digital-first platforms, major studios are integrating content across ecosystems, and global audiences are increasingly consuming stories on mobile devices.
Conclusion
The Webtoon–Disney collaboration marks more than just a new comics platform. It represents a convergence of legacy storytelling and digital innovation. For Disney, it is a long-awaited step into comprehensive digital comics distribution. For Webtoon, it is an opportunity to cement its role as the gateway between traditional media giants and the next generation of readers worldwide.
