An icon of American patriotism, now scrolling on your smartphone. Captain America, the torchbearer of US storytelling, has been reinvented for the webtoon format. Alongside him is Darth Maul, a dark and ultra-modern figure from the Star Wars galaxy. The entire operation is happening on a cutting-edge South Korean platform, orchestrated by a French studio with over twenty years of experience: MAKMA. This isn’t just a fusion of formats; it’s a three-way cultural conquest. It’s an unprecedented alliance between powerful American IPs, Korean distribution technology, and European expertise in narrative adaptation. When Captain America Changes His Battlefield Symbolically, seeing Captain America move from traditional comic book panels to the webtoon universe is like watching a general abandon a rigid battlefield map for vertical guerrilla warfare. The rigid pages, the turning, the word balloons frozen in a classic comic structure are gone. In their place is the scroll, a fluid narrative, and a mobile-first rhythm. America is no longer speaking through physical fascicules sold in comic shops. Its myths are now deployed in the palm of your hand, on a screen, in a format designed for a connected global generation. The Power of Comic to Webtoon Conversion The US storytelling migration is taking place on Webtoon, the explosively growing South Korean platform. Webtoon is a massive export of the Korean narrative format, and in just a few years, it has become the gold standard for Gen Z readers. Vertical reading, natural scrolling, and mobile-optimized design: this formula works, and now attracts the biggest Western franchises. With over 100 Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, and 20th Century titles in the process of conversion, the star-spangled banner now flies in scroll format. The first to lead the way is none other than Captain America, an emblem of the US, who is now reaching young readers worldwide, directly on their phones thanks to the Avengers webtoon series. MAKMA, the European Asset in New Global Storytelling In this three-continent operation, the cultural bridge is French, more specifically, from Bordeaux. The MAKMA studio, already a key player behind the scenes of American comics, is at the center of the game. Its role is to handle the technical and narrative metamorphosis of print works into the webtoon format. This isn’t a crude job of cutting up pages. The process is a work of artistry. It involves deconstructing the original narrative, understanding it in depth, and then reconfiguring it for the scroll. This expertise was developed by MAKMA’s Printoonize! division, which is exclusively dedicated to this type of comic to webtoon conversion. Bryan Wetstein, who heads the division, sums it up: “Captain America was designed to embody a certain American reading experience. Our job is to ensure he speaks with the same power in a Korean format. It’s a balancing act between respecting the original material and adapting it for a new ecosystem.” Darth Maul, Modernity in Scroll Mode To embody this generational shift, Disney isn’t relying on overused figures. Darth Maul, a cult but and contemporary antagonist, is a visual, sharp, and mysterious character, perfect for a pixel-by-pixel narrative. On a smartphone, Maul takes on a new dimension. His silhouette, style, and almost religious silence, everything lends itself to a vertical build-up of tension. He becomes the symbol of this move toward a more direct, fast-paced narrative that’s compatible with the fleeting attention span of the digital age. Europe as a Cultural Strategist What’s striking is that the point of contact between two giants (the US and Korea) is in Europe. MAKMA doesn’t just translate; the studio acts as a full-fledged cultural operator. It’s a player capable of understanding American narrative imperatives and Korean aesthetic expectations, and making them all work together in a new language. This strategic role is built on over two decades of experience in translation, lettering, writing, and publishing, collaborating with the biggest names in the industry. This versatility gives MAKMA a major advantage. At a time when storytelling has become a global commodity, knowing how to precisely adapt it is a powerful tool. The US Market in the Midst of Redefinition Captain America is more than a hero; he’s a narrative territory, a way of telling the world from an American perspective. Seeing him migrate to a mobile format is witnessing a re-carving of the market. US storytelling, once centered on print and TV series, is now digitizing, globalizing, and adopting codes from Asia to continue existing in the minds of young readers. In this context, MAKMA acts as a creative customs agent, a mandatory checkpoint for transforming a work designed for Midtown Manhattan into content ready to scroll in Seoul, Jakarta, or São Paulo. The Scroll, a Global Playing Field The vertical format is no longer a gimmick; it’s the new standard. It’s replacing pages, absorbing panels, and transforming dialogue. It’s breaking down boundaries between styles. And in this new grammar, MAKMA’s role is to translate the DNA of the biggest franchises while preserving what makes them unique. The challenge is technical, narrative, and aesthetic, but it’s also symbolic. It’s about bringing the myths of the 20th century into the interface of the 21st. A French Studio at the Heart of the Shift Perhaps the most surprising part is this: the operational heart of this revolution is in France. An independent studio, skilled in both Marvel standards and webtoon demands, has become an essential link in the new global chain of graphic entertainment. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s the result of smart positioning, strategic choices, and the ability to read the evolution of formats before others do. The World Scrolls, and MAKMA Keeps Pace With the Avengers, Captain America is moving from the battlefield to screens. Darth Maul is reinventing himself for readers’ thumbs. Disney is relying on Webtoon to speak to a generation that no longer reads comics but scrolls for hours. And on this new world map, MAKMA draws the invisible lines, the ones that allow an American narrative to land in a Korean format, thanks to European expertise.
When Spider-Man Goes Vertical, the Industry Turns Upside Down
Disney is going all-in on the webtoon format. And that’s no coincidence. With 100 titles in development, the global entertainment giant aims to bring its iconic characters to a format designed for mobile, fast reading, and a younger audience. Spider-Man, Darth Vader, Belle… all will soon be scrolling vertically on your screen. Why this strategic move? Because in just a few years, webtoons have become the preferred narrative channel for a generation that no longer reads comics the traditional way. And behind this quiet revolution, a French team is playing a key role: the MAKMA studio, through its Printoonize! service. For over 20 years, MAKMA has refined a unique expertise in adapting comics, graphic novels, and manga. Today, that same expertise fuels a new momentum: webtoonization. Transforming traditional works into fluid, immersive digital stories takes far more than resizing panels. It requires a complete rewrite of rhythm, dialogue, and layout. An alchemy that MAKMA has mastered like few others. “Seeing icons like Spider-Man or Darth Vader move into the webtoon format confirms what we’ve been witnessing for years: this format has become a universal language to reach a new generation. For MAKMA, it’s a unique opportunity to bring our expertise to stories that travel from one continent to another, while proving that Europe can play a key role in this new era of visual storytelling.” — Damien Gay, Chief Operating Officer at MAKMA That adaptation work is being led by MAKMA’s Printoonize! division, a team specialized in transforming traditional print comics into vertical webtoon formats, and vice versa. “Adapting Disney comics into the webtoon format is more than a job, it’s a true challenge! What matters most in this process is fully understanding the page composition and knowing how to translate it into a vertical reading model. That’s where our team truly shines. It’s a colossal task that demands highly trained and ultra-efficient people, but it’s also a real joy to work on licenses that make both kids and grown-ups dream.” — Bryan Wetstein, Head of the Printoonize! division at MAKMA The Disney–Webtoon partnership is the ultimate recognition of a format long seen as niche. And it’s a historic opportunity for European creators. Because when global pop culture icons shift to this new medium, it’s clear that the future of visual storytelling lies here. France has a card to play. With its mastery of transcreation and a multiplatform vision, MAKMA proves that it’s possible to elevate graphic culture while speaking the language of today. Those who still see webtoons as a passing trend are going to miss the train. This isn’t evolution. It’s a paradigm shift.
Printoonize: Turn Your Webtoon into a Printed Manga Book
You tell the story. We reshape it for print. Your readers get a book they can hold. You’ve published your webtoon online. Maybe it’s on Webtoon Canvas, Tapas, or another platform. You’ve built a loyal audience. But now you’re dreaming bigger: holding your creation in your hands, printed as a manga-style book, ready to share at conventions, sell in shops, or ship to fans. That’s where Printoonize comes in. 🧠 What is Printoonization? Webtoons are designed for scrolling on smartphones. No fixed pages, no classic comic grid — just one long, flowing strip. To turn that into a book? You don’t just cut and paste. You rethink the story. “Printoonization isn’t just technical work. It’s creative work. It’s about rebuilding the rhythm of the story for a new format.” — Pierre Minne, printoonizer at MAKMA Recutting the scroll into print-friendly panels Redrawing or reformatting when necessary Rebalancing pacing and page-turn effects Adding or adjusting speech balloons for clarity Preparing a HD PDF file ready for any professional printer And yes — we can print and ship the final books directly to you, anywhere in the world. 🔧 What Do You Get with Printoonize? ✅ A fully redesigned, print-ready PDF High-resolution (300 DPI), bleed and margin compliant, and ready for any printer. ✅ Dynamic visual storytelling “We’re not using AI to chop things up. This is real, human storytelling work — done by professionals who live and breathe comics.” — Edmond Tourriol, MAKMA co-founder ✅ Optional: Print and delivery service We can print, package, and ship anywhere — from 10 copies to 1,000+. 📣 Why Print Your Webtoon? 🔁 Give your series a second life Sell at conventions Use as crowdfunding rewards Reach bookstores and libraries Collect and gift offline 💡 Stand out in a competitive market “I didn’t handle the print adaptation myself — Studio MAKMA took care of everything. I got an early look at the pages, and they’re absolutely stunning.” — Kiri, creator of Mon vœu le plus sincère 💼 Who Is Printoonize For? Webtoon creators (Webtoon Canvas, Tapas, Lezhin…) Indie artists wanting to print manga Publishers needing print-ready files Studios seeking layout expertise “The way we arrange the panels guides the reader… that’s our job.” — Pierre Minne, printoonizer 🌍 Trusted by Creators and Publishers Worldwide Clients include Wattpad Webtoon (USA), Papertoon (Germany), and Kamondo, Kotoon, Kbooks, Koyohan (France)… We work globally, speak English, French, Spanish, German, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, and adapt across time zones. 📦 How It Works — Step by Step Contact us with your project details Send your files (JPEG/PNG + script) We propose a print structure We redesign everything into a print-ready PDF You receive the files + optional print & delivery Simple. Stress-free. Professional. 📬 Start Your Printoonization Today e-mail: contact@printoonize.com Phone: +33 6 89 74 59 69 Location: Studio MAKMA · Bordeaux, France REQUEST A QUOTE 🖋️ From Digital Dream to Printed Reality Printoonize is not a tool. It’s a team. Made of artists, editors, and layout experts who love storytelling. We know what your webtoon means to you — and we’ll give it the printed form it deserves. Let your readers turn the page — for real. Printoonize your story.
From Scroll to Page: Professional Web-to-Print Conversion for Publishers and Webtoon Studios
As webtoons continue to dominate digital platforms, more publishers and content studios are exploring how to bring these stories to print. But the transition from vertical scroll to traditional book format is anything but straightforward. At Printoonize, we specialize in webtoon-to-print layout conversion, providing high-quality, print-ready PDF files tailored for publishers and studios who want to produce printed manhwas or manga volumes from digital-first content. 🧠 Printoonization: What It Means and Why It Matters Webtoons are designed to be scrolled, not flipped. Their structure is fluid, uninterrupted, and optimized for mobile reading. This format, while ideal for apps, presents major challenges when adapted to print: No standard page breaks Irregular panel arrangements Non-linear visual rhythm Printoonization is the craft of converting that scroll into a fully functional print layout. It’s not automation. It’s not about resizing images. It’s a professional editorial process that respects the creator’s vision while delivering a layout that feels natural in book form. “You can’t just cut up a webtoon and expect it to work in print. Each panel has to be rethought in context. That’s our job: to make it read like it was always meant for the page.” — Pierre Minne, printoonizer at MAKMA 🎯 Who Needs Printoonize? For Publishers: Whether you’re a large-scale publishing house or a boutique manga label, Printoonize gives you a reliable way to convert licensed webtoons into printable books — without draining your in-house resources. We help you: Expand your catalogue with digital-first titles Meet growing demand for manhwa and webtoon-based print Ensure layout quality meets reader expectations For Webtoon Studios: If you’re producing webtoon series in-house, we offer a way to take control of the print adaptation process, without relying on third-party improvisation. With our service, you get: A professional layout team at your disposal A file you can send directly to your preferred printer Editorial consistency across volumes and series “We’ve worked with both indie creators and large publishers. In every case, we’re not just formatting — we’re editing. Our layouts carry the rhythm of the original work, adapted for a new medium.” — Edmond Tourriol, co-founder of MAKMA and creator of Z United 🛠️ What We Deliver We provide press-ready, print-optimized PDF files formatted to your specifications. Our deliverables include: High-resolution files (300 DPI) Print dimensions to your request (manga size, US format, custom) Proper bleed, margins, and crop marks Rebuilt panel layouts with careful pacing and page flow Optional title page, credits, backmatter design Compatible with all major printers (offset and digital) We focus on delivering the best possible layout file, so you remain in full control of your production pipeline. 🧩 Our Process Brief & Assessment You send us the source material (JPG, PNG, or PSD files), desired page count, format specs, and any branding or editorial guidelines. Editorial Layout Design Our team analyzes the flow of your series and reconstructs it into a professional print layout — with pacing, readability, and visual impact in mind. Client Review You receive a first version for approval. Revisions and feedback are part of the process. Final Delivery We deliver a fully print-ready PDF, tested for professional printing, ready for your internal production or external printer. 🌍 Trusted by Global Content Creators Printoonize is a service by MAKMA, a French studio with over 20 years of experience in comics and editorial design. We’ve worked with: Wattpad Webtoon (USA) Papertoon (Germany) Kamondo, Kotoon, Kbooks (France), and more We understand the standards of publishers, the urgency of studios, and the need for narrative respect in every adaptation. “Webtoons can absolutely work in print — but only if the adaptation respects the visual tone and pacing of the original. That’s what our layouts are built to do.” — Pierre Minne, print layout specialist 📩 Request a Custom Quote Every project is different. We adapt to your needs, your schedule, and your specifications. Let’s talk about your next title. 📧 contact@printoonize.com 📞 +33 6 89 74 59 69 📍 Based in Bordeaux, France — working worldwide ✅ Printoonize — Bring Your Digital Stories to Print-Ready Life We don’t publish. We make webtoons printable, and we do it with care, storytelling sense, and professional precision. Request your custom quote today.
Mon vœu le plus sincère in Print Manga Format: Author Kiri’s Enthusiasm
Mon vœu le plus sincère makes the leap from web to print thanks to studio MAKMA. The webtoon, written by webcomic author Kiri, has successfully made the leap from digital to print format, thanks to the creative support of MAKMA’s Printoonize service. Kiri speaks with genuine excitement about seeing her series reimagined in physical form and praises the work done by MAKMA’s team. The story follows Api Cramberry, a 20-year-old woman whose quiet life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Praince, a genie. He offers her one wish—but rejects her first request for being too ordinary. With Praince’s help, Api embarks on a journey to discover her “most heartfelt wish,” a quest that could potentially disrupt the natural order of things. Author Kiri Shares Her Experience Asked about the adaptation process, Kiri shares her candid thoughts: “I didn’t handle the print adaptation myself—Studio MAKMA took care of everything. I got an early look at the pages, and they’re absolutely stunning. And no, I’m not just saying that to help promote the book! It felt surreal seeing the panels rearranged, especially since I didn’t do the layout this time, but they’re gorgeous. Honestly, it was hard to believe they managed to do this with my work.” Transitioning from digital to print came with a few adjustments. The first episodes had to be reworked to ensure visual consistency with the rest of the series. For example, Kiri switched from using a textured brush to a smoother one for the inking, creating a more cohesive look. Reflecting on her creative process, Kiri highlights the importance of visual consistency in the webtoon and how much she appreciated MAKMA’s layout work. Seeing her story take physical form is a brand-new and thrilling experience for her. From Web To Print Mon vœu le plus sincère is now available in print manga format, brought to life by Studio MAKMA. The care taken in layout and stylistic coherence played a key role in this successful transition from web to print—and Kiri’s enthusiasm for the printed version of her story is clear in every word she shares.
Interview with a Printoonizer: Pierre Minne
In this interview, we meet Pierre Minne, a printoonizer at MAKMA. He takes us into the world of printoonization, where he juggles comic book techniques to bring webtoons to life in print format. Pierre, to start off, could you tell us a bit about yourself? Pierre Minne: I’m 49 years old and I live in Toulouse. I’m married and a father of three. Pierre Minne, a Familiar Face Returns to MAKMA When and how did you first join MAKMA? Pierre Minne: I originally joined MAKMA back in 2003, right when it was founded. Before that, I was part of Climax Comics, an association created by Stephan Boschat and Edmond Tourriol, where I worked as a penciler and inker. When MAKMA launched, I transitioned from Climax Comics to MAKMA like many other artists at the time. I continued drawing and inking there until 2008, when I left to focus on creating my own comics. I did that until 2021. Then, in 2023 (yes, very recently), I knocked on the door again and Stephan gave me a shot at printoonization. Bryan Wetstein and Nathalie Spampinato are the ones teaching me the ropes. Can you tell us about your role at MAKMA? What does your job involve as part of the Printoonize team? Pierre Minne: I’m a printoonizer, which means I transform webtoons—designed to be read on smartphones—into printed comic books. That requires both technical skills with graphic design software and a solid grasp (or willingness to learn) of comic storytelling conventions. Since I come from a traditional comic book background, that part is easier for me, but I still need to adapt to the specific codes of manga and manhwa, which are new to me. How long have you been working as a layout artist on printoonization projects? Pierre Minne: I started very recently, in April 2023. The work is intense and engaging. Nothing stands still—every new project brings something different. I’m constantly learning. Do you enjoy it? Pierre Minne: I love it. I’m right in my element: graphics, comics, storytelling. And since manga and manhwa are new territory for me, I’m diving into fresh styles of art, pacing, and narrative techniques. It sparks all kinds of ideas for my personal work—and when you feed a creative person, they’re usually insatiable. The Role of a Printoonizer Why is your work important in the printoonization process? Pierre Minne: It’s the printoonizer who sets the tone and rhythm of the manga or manhwa. The way we arrange the panels guides the reader and immerses them in the story. Ideally, readers should keep turning the pages without even realizing it. Sure, the script and artwork are key, but bad pacing or storytelling can ruin the experience. That’s where my job—and our whole team’s job—comes in: we aim to keep the reader engaged, panel after panel. Can you tell us about some projects you’re proud to have worked on? Pierre Minne: Since I’m still new to this, I don’t have a huge list of projects yet. But I’ll start with the first one I handled: Les Chroniques du Disciple Dragon. That was a great learning experience. After that, I worked on Necromancer Survival, which had a totally different narrative approach. Switching between the two was a fun challenge. You can’t use the same storytelling style for every series, which keeps things from getting repetitive. Right now, as I’m answering these questions, I’m working on The Advanced Player of the Tutorial Tower, which is being printoonized for the German market. Again, it’s a different storytelling style—another big challenge. A Comic Book Swiss Army Knife Do you see yourself continuing in this field at MAKMA? Pierre Minne: Based on everything I’ve said, I think it’s clear this work is driven by passion. Working in this field is no problem for me, but like many of the artists and writers at MAKMA, I’m something of a Swiss Army knife. I can draw, ink, design, do web work, and I’d love to apply those skills and even explore new ones. I think MAKMA can help me grow in that direction. For now, I’m still training in printoonization, but who knows? In a while, I might be able to contribute in multiple areas at MAKMA. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You have to truly master one thing before moving on to the next. Thanks, Pierre, for taking the time to chat with us and for sharing your passion for comics and storytelling in the Printoonize department at MAKMA!
Printoonization: bringing webtoons to print
As the first European studio to specialize in webtoon adaptation, MAKMA launches Printoonize, its dedicated printoonization service. From web to print Printoonization is the process of converting a webtoon — a digital comic designed for vertical scrolling on smartphones — into a traditional print format. Originally developed for mobile reading, webtoons use a continuous vertical layout, often without traditional comic panels or pages. This makes their adaptation into books a creative challenge requiring editorial expertise, graphic design skill, and a strong understanding of both mediums. With the boom of webtoons worldwide, many creators are looking to extend the life of their work beyond the screen. A printed version offers new commercial opportunities and allows stories to reach bookstores, libraries, and comic book festivals. But this transformation isn’t just about cutting and pasting images. It involves rethinking the layout, adjusting pacing, sometimes redrawing panels, and ensuring the narrative flows naturally in a book format. A new life for digital comics By launching Printoonize, MAKMA responds to this growing demand. With over two decades of experience in comic book production and localization, the studio offers creators, publishers, and platforms a complete service to rework digital content into a print-ready format — while preserving the original artistic vision. Printoonization is not just a technical process. It’s a new way of giving digital comics a second life, creating a bridge between two worlds that are often seen as separate: online serialization and traditional publishing. For creators and rights holders, printoonisation offers the chance to expand audiences and multiply revenue streams — while readers get to rediscover their favorite stories in a new, tactile form.