When you walk into the buzzing halls of LightBox Expo later this month, you might expect to see animation studios, game companies, and illustrators. But for the first time, you’ll also find WEBTOON Entertainment — the powerhouse behind many of the world’s most popular web-comics — stepping into the spotlight to nurture and empower the next generation of creators.

Making the Debut: WEBTOON Enters LightBox Expo

WEBTOON Entertainment is making its debut appearance at LightBox Expo, taking place October 24–26, 2025, at the Pasadena Convention Center. The move signals a deliberate push by the digital-comic leader to engage directly with aspirant artists and storytellers, not just readers. Founded as a mobile reading platform, WEBTOON has grown into a global entertainment brand — and now it’s bringing its behind-the-scenes know-how to the expo floor.

Panels That Empower: Creators, Editors & The Craft

What makes this debut especially exciting is the programming. WEBTOON is hosting two major panel sessions: “Creator to CEO: The Rise of Webcomic Entrepreneurs” on Friday, October 24 at 4:45 pm, and “Telling Stories That Stick: What Makes a Comic Stand Out” on Sunday, October 26 at 1:15 pm.

The first panel features creators like Purpah (“Suitor Armor”), GRAVEWEAVER (“I’m the Grim Reaper”), ROSEOAK (“Not So Silent”), and Ucheomaaa (“Vibe Check!”), along with moderator Josh Cain of the “What’s Up,” Fandom podcast, and journalist Rob Salkowitz. They’ll discuss what it takes to evolve from hobbyist to professional, balance creative drive with business decisions, and build a global fandom.

The second panel brings in WEBTOON’s senior editors and producers — such as Bre Boswell, Ethan LeBlanc, Sonia Tagari, and Mickey Anda — to break down how to make a web comic that stands out in today’s crowded digital space, examining narrative structure, visuals, pacing, and character development.

Why It Matters for Aspiring Artists

For creators just starting, these panels offer a rare inside look at an industry that’s still relatively new but rapidly expanding. As WEBTOON itself notes, its mission includes empowering “anyone to become a creator” via its CANVAS platform, bridging hobbyist ambition to professional success.

In an era where digital reading habits, social media, and mobile formats are reshaping the comics industry, understanding how to craft storylines that hook readers, build recurring visits, and scale across platforms is key. By attending, artists not only get practical tips but also exposure to the evolving business of web comics.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Experience

• Arrive early for the panels to secure a good seat and possibly network before the discussion starts.

• Bring specific questions: whether you’re curious about how to monetize, how to grow your audience overseas, or how editors read submission art.

• Take notes on actionable advice — for example, what editors say about pacing or art style — and follow up with personal project adjustments afterward.

• Network with fellow attendees: the expo setting is just as valuable for connecting creators and finding collaborators.

• Follow WEBTOON’s social channels for updates, schedule changes, and any spontaneous meet-ups.

The Bigger Picture: Webcomics as a Creative Frontier

What’s happening here is more than just a company showing up at a trade show. WEBTOON’s participation at LightBox Expo underscores how the comics industry continues to evolve. Mobile-first platforms, global reach, creator-driven formats — these are shaping what comics look like and who gets to make them. As one of the major players, WEBTOON is effectively saying: “We want you.”

For emerging artists, this is an opportunity to be seen, to learn, and to break in. And for the next generation of storytellers, the message is loud and clear: your art matters, your story matters — and there’s a place for you in this digital frontier.