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The Reaper and The Waiting
Reaper spends his days completing his task of sending souls into the afterlife, until he meets a peculiar but familiar soul that has him questioning everything.
Waiting follows him everywhere, and Reaper’s spirit helper, Dog, seems to take a liking to Waiting. Reaper, however, has his reservations.
Souls must be guided to the other side, and it’s his job to help them cross, but something draws him closer to Waiting.
Reaper prefers to live in ignorance of his past life, while Waiting insists that knowing who you were is important to understand where you come from—and who you may have left behind.
Who is Waiting, and why is he so intrigued by the one meant to seal his fate?
Through their journey together, travelling the realm in search of lost souls Waiting and Reaper unpack the bittersweet mystery of their previous lives.
This graphic novel collects the complete stunning WEBTOON comic series The Reaper and the Waiting.
Waiting follows him everywhere, and Reaper’s spirit helper, Dog, seems to take a liking to Waiting. Reaper, however, has his reservations.
Souls must be guided to the other side, and it’s his job to help them cross, but something draws him closer to Waiting.
Reaper prefers to live in ignorance of his past life, while Waiting insists that knowing who you were is important to understand where you come from—and who you may have left behind.
Who is Waiting, and why is he so intrigued by the one meant to seal his fate?
Through their journey together, travelling the realm in search of lost souls Waiting and Reaper unpack the bittersweet mystery of their previous lives.
This graphic novel collects the complete stunning WEBTOON comic series The Reaper and the Waiting.
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
May 10, 2026
I read this years ago on webtoon so im happy to see it in print now. Love love love this story
May 7, 2026
I buddy-read The Reaper and The Waiting with my teenage daughter (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...), who is in her manga/romantasy era (and I am living for it). My daughter had already read the webtoons version online but she spent her own money to pre-order the paperback version.
First of all, the illustrations are STUNNING. I mean, like little works of art. It was visually beautiful to look at. In terms of content, the story was impactful and more emotional than expected, but I sometimes got confused as to what was actually happening (my teenage daughter had to explain it to me a few times...).
A lovely book and one to treasure in paperback/hardcover.
goodreads|instagram
First of all, the illustrations are STUNNING. I mean, like little works of art. It was visually beautiful to look at. In terms of content, the story was impactful and more emotional than expected, but I sometimes got confused as to what was actually happening (my teenage daughter had to explain it to me a few times...).
A lovely book and one to treasure in paperback/hardcover.
goodreads|instagram
January 11, 2026
4.5 ☆
”I would rather be hurt than live deprived.”
oh, my heart.. this made me feel all the emotions in such a short amount of time. a beautiful love story that spans across lifetimes, following two souls that were torn apart but will always find one another again. i loved the imagery and the gorgeous art style. Ruo Yang going on his grim reaper duties, all while being accompanied by spirit Song Weili was so sweet.. also, love the dog 🤍
➤ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Webtoon book Group for the arc, all opinions are my own.
”I would rather be hurt than live deprived.”
oh, my heart.. this made me feel all the emotions in such a short amount of time. a beautiful love story that spans across lifetimes, following two souls that were torn apart but will always find one another again. i loved the imagery and the gorgeous art style. Ruo Yang going on his grim reaper duties, all while being accompanied by spirit Song Weili was so sweet.. also, love the dog 🤍
➤ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Webtoon book Group for the arc, all opinions are my own.
February 11, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Wattpad Webtoon Book Group for accepting me as arc reader for The Reaper and The Waiting. 💗🫧
I really loved the art, it was gorgeous and really comfortable to look at. The story was simple but good, and I really liked the fact that they choose to be together each life. It was easy to read, and warmth lingered after I was done reading it.
I really loved the art, it was gorgeous and really comfortable to look at. The story was simple but good, and I really liked the fact that they choose to be together each life. It was easy to read, and warmth lingered after I was done reading it.
November 14, 2025
4.5
It was the coloring and how it matches the vibe of the situation which captured me first, this and the romantic ancient-China setting. I would have followed the webtoon even without understanding the words – but it would have been a pity to not understand the story even while for a long time it's a sad romance where you had to hope that there is a happy ending eventually.
It's starting with the Chinese version of a reaper. Don't know if the author made it up but he's not the skeleton with a scythe like in the West. Here a soul under certain conditions can choose between a 60 year contract as a reaper or being send into his next life. During that period he's not allowed to remember his past life and that makes it difficult for Weili to follow Ruo Yang but he follows him nonetheless always hoping that his lover remembers, that he wants to remember, that Weili is able to tell him what really happened, that he still loves him. We already suspect that their past had a tragic end and the snippets we get in cold harsh winter colors show a heart-breaking tale of 2 princes and a scheming king and it's understandable why Ruo Yang harbors that feeling that he doesn't want to remember.
As sad and tragic as their story is it's quietened down into a melancholy vibe by the artist and then there is also the reaper's companion, a sassy black dog who's always able to light up the mood. So despair is only showing her toolkit from time to time but is never able to take over the story. If you like to indulge yourself with romantic melancholy with impunity where sadness is balanced by a smile then you will like this story … and do not fear, there is a happy ending and if you stay until the epilogue, it's not even the bitter-sweet variety but a real one even I believe and consent to.
It was the coloring and how it matches the vibe of the situation which captured me first, this and the romantic ancient-China setting. I would have followed the webtoon even without understanding the words – but it would have been a pity to not understand the story even while for a long time it's a sad romance where you had to hope that there is a happy ending eventually.
It's starting with the Chinese version of a reaper. Don't know if the author made it up but he's not the skeleton with a scythe like in the West. Here a soul under certain conditions can choose between a 60 year contract as a reaper or being send into his next life. During that period he's not allowed to remember his past life and that makes it difficult for Weili to follow Ruo Yang but he follows him nonetheless always hoping that his lover remembers, that he wants to remember, that Weili is able to tell him what really happened, that he still loves him. We already suspect that their past had a tragic end and the snippets we get in cold harsh winter colors show a heart-breaking tale of 2 princes and a scheming king and it's understandable why Ruo Yang harbors that feeling that he doesn't want to remember.
As sad and tragic as their story is it's quietened down into a melancholy vibe by the artist and then there is also the reaper's companion, a sassy black dog who's always able to light up the mood. So despair is only showing her toolkit from time to time but is never able to take over the story. If you like to indulge yourself with romantic melancholy with impunity where sadness is balanced by a smile then you will like this story … and do not fear, there is a happy ending and if you stay until the epilogue, it's not even the bitter-sweet variety but a real one even I believe and consent to.
November 24, 2024
Disegni meravigliosi. Storia struggente. Una graphic novel che è pura poesia.
May 18, 2026
My pookies ugh how I love them 🥹💓
April 30, 2025
Everything by this author is beautiful! I finished this last year but forgot it has a physical book now, so yay, I can mark it as complete here. Please check out her other comics if you like this. They are so well done 🫶🏻
September 30, 2024
Moje biedne serduszko ❤️
January 15, 2026
The art style is phenomenal. The character designs are amazing, but what really stood out to me was the beautiful, ethereal backgrounds, giving the story an otherworldly quality.
I did feel a bit confused at the beginning of the story and wish the circumstances had been explained more clearly. However, I quickly grew invested in the yearning between Waiting and Reaper, which the author conveyed beautifully. The overall story is soft and sweet, perfectly fitting the art style.
The pacing worked well overall, and I finished this in just two sittings. However, a time jump near the end felt jarring and ultimately made the ending seem rushed. I think including a few brief scenes during the time skip would have helped convey the passage of time more clearly - maybe a short scene for each year that passed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and would be interested in seeing more stories about these characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review
I did feel a bit confused at the beginning of the story and wish the circumstances had been explained more clearly. However, I quickly grew invested in the yearning between Waiting and Reaper, which the author conveyed beautifully. The overall story is soft and sweet, perfectly fitting the art style.
The pacing worked well overall, and I finished this in just two sittings. However, a time jump near the end felt jarring and ultimately made the ending seem rushed. I think including a few brief scenes during the time skip would have helped convey the passage of time more clearly - maybe a short scene for each year that passed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and would be interested in seeing more stories about these characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review
May 6, 2026
—• 5.0 •—
OH MY GOD?!
i want to tattoo this art on the back of my eyelids
OH MY GOD?!
i want to tattoo this art on the back of my eyelids
July 12, 2025
This has to be one of the most beautiful art styles I’ve ever encountered. The story was so so good too but the art left me speechless. Wow, I fear I will have to buy the physical edition too, I need this is my book collection 😂
Dog stole the show I have to say
12/7 reread time because I bought the physical copy and this is still one of the most beautiful art style I’ve ever encountered. 5 stars confirmed once again
Dog stole the show I have to say
12/7 reread time because I bought the physical copy and this is still one of the most beautiful art style I’ve ever encountered. 5 stars confirmed once again
October 6, 2025
Oh!👏🏼My!👏🏼GAWD!👏🏼 Can we talk about soul crushing agony for a second? Because that is what I was just put through. The pain of watching lovers ripped apart by war, greed and a need for power and the loss being so great that they have to find each other again for answers on why.
Not only was this so heartbreaking, but it mended the little cracks in my heart that it put there!! The Reaper and the Waiting follow two characters, a reaper and a lost soul, as they travel the world collecting souls and falling in love. One of them remembers their past, while the other only gets glimpses and flashes of visions that maybe could have been him.
Both of them hold still have their last scars to show how they died, matching necklaces across their necks. As the story progresses, we get to see what actually happened and it is incredibly sad. (Please check your triggers) But at the same time, this story is about finding the person you love across every plain of existence. Whether you believe in soulmates, the red string of fate, the afterlife, or reincarnation, after finishing this, I definitely believe in love.
Not only was this so heartbreaking, but it mended the little cracks in my heart that it put there!! The Reaper and the Waiting follow two characters, a reaper and a lost soul, as they travel the world collecting souls and falling in love. One of them remembers their past, while the other only gets glimpses and flashes of visions that maybe could have been him.
Both of them hold still have their last scars to show how they died, matching necklaces across their necks. As the story progresses, we get to see what actually happened and it is incredibly sad. (Please check your triggers) But at the same time, this story is about finding the person you love across every plain of existence. Whether you believe in soulmates, the red string of fate, the afterlife, or reincarnation, after finishing this, I definitely believe in love.
May 12, 2026
My goodness, the art in this is just gorgeous!!
Please get yourself a physical copy so you can just fully appreciate the gorgeous art through this graphic novel - especially some of the bonus content art, like I want to frame it and put it on my wall.
This is a gorgeous graphic novel centered around reincarnation and two star-crossed lovers who were ultimately doomed in one life but maybe have hope for the next. Ruo Yang is a Reaper who must spend the next 60 years collecting souls. Song Weili is a spirit, who is not allowed to tell Ruo what they are to each other.
I just found this whimsical, heartbreaking, emotional, and Ruo Yang's dog provided allll of the comedic moments. I will definitely be following this artist (I see their current project is mermen!!) and hope that we get that put together in a gorgeous book as well!
I received a copy from the publisher; my thoughts are my own.
Please get yourself a physical copy so you can just fully appreciate the gorgeous art through this graphic novel - especially some of the bonus content art, like I want to frame it and put it on my wall.
This is a gorgeous graphic novel centered around reincarnation and two star-crossed lovers who were ultimately doomed in one life but maybe have hope for the next. Ruo Yang is a Reaper who must spend the next 60 years collecting souls. Song Weili is a spirit, who is not allowed to tell Ruo what they are to each other.
I just found this whimsical, heartbreaking, emotional, and Ruo Yang's dog provided allll of the comedic moments. I will definitely be following this artist (I see their current project is mermen!!) and hope that we get that put together in a gorgeous book as well!
I received a copy from the publisher; my thoughts are my own.
February 6, 2026
I love that these webtoons are coming out in print. There are so many amazing works there that are so worthy of the attention. This is definitely one of them. Even had I still been on Webtoons (just haven't had the time between reading all my books and everything else), there's no guarantee I would have ever found this, and that would have been so sad. This graphic novel is so amazing.
This was so romantic, shocking, sad, tragic, heart-wrenching and heart-warming. Pretty much goes through every single emotion you can think of. Anger at the obvious villians of the story.
I would definitely recommend this.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
This was so romantic, shocking, sad, tragic, heart-wrenching and heart-warming. Pretty much goes through every single emotion you can think of. Anger at the obvious villians of the story.
I would definitely recommend this.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
January 4, 2026
- ARC Received on Netgalley in exchange for honest review.-
I haven’t read a webtoon in a few years now, but this webtoon has made me want to read a lot more. I didn’t really know what to expect going into this comic. I really just chose to read it because from the cover, the art looked pretty, and they name-dropped Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, which I loved a lot.
Despite not knowing exactly what I was expecting, I feel it really exceeded my expectations. The art is absolutely stunning and has a very whimsical, dreamy vibe to it that really drew me in and made me not want to put it down. The plot itself I also found very beautiful, and it really held my interest. When it comes to afterlife stuff, specifically, I feel like it can either be very sad or very touching. As someone who’s not a big fan of sad things, I found that this was definitely much more touching and kind of had me in awe at some points.
Really, my only complaint is that I wish it were longer because I would’ve loved to read more. I definitely intend to buy a copy for myself when it gets physically released.
I haven’t read a webtoon in a few years now, but this webtoon has made me want to read a lot more. I didn’t really know what to expect going into this comic. I really just chose to read it because from the cover, the art looked pretty, and they name-dropped Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, which I loved a lot.
Despite not knowing exactly what I was expecting, I feel it really exceeded my expectations. The art is absolutely stunning and has a very whimsical, dreamy vibe to it that really drew me in and made me not want to put it down. The plot itself I also found very beautiful, and it really held my interest. When it comes to afterlife stuff, specifically, I feel like it can either be very sad or very touching. As someone who’s not a big fan of sad things, I found that this was definitely much more touching and kind of had me in awe at some points.
Really, my only complaint is that I wish it were longer because I would’ve loved to read more. I definitely intend to buy a copy for myself when it gets physically released.
May 2, 2026
A touching story about love that asks the question, just how much are you willing to give for a second chance?
This was SO CUTE! The Reaper and the Waiting was my first webtoon by this artist and I was delightfully surprised. I thought the art was absolutely beautiful, and I enjoyed the story immensely, and I realized I am a bit of a sucker for reincarnation 😭
The ending had be in TEARS, and truly wouldn't have minded if the story continued on even longer because I was not ready to say goodbye to these two 🥹 I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future, and will definitely be picking up anything they decide to write in the future as well!
Thank you so much to the publisher for this beautiful gifted copy!
✨out MAY 5th!!!✨
This was SO CUTE! The Reaper and the Waiting was my first webtoon by this artist and I was delightfully surprised. I thought the art was absolutely beautiful, and I enjoyed the story immensely, and I realized I am a bit of a sucker for reincarnation 😭
The ending had be in TEARS, and truly wouldn't have minded if the story continued on even longer because I was not ready to say goodbye to these two 🥹 I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future, and will definitely be picking up anything they decide to write in the future as well!
Thank you so much to the publisher for this beautiful gifted copy!
✨out MAY 5th!!!✨
December 9, 2025
ITS ON GOODREADS 🎉
update 12.9.25
I WANTED TO GET THIS IN PHYSICAL FORM SO BADLY BUT I MISSED THE PREODER WINDOW AND COULDNT BE CAUGHT WITH A BL BOOK. VERY SAD BUT I SHALL SOMEDAY ACQUIRE A HARDCOVER ❤️❤️😛😛
update 12.9.25
I WANTED TO GET THIS IN PHYSICAL FORM SO BADLY BUT I MISSED THE PREODER WINDOW AND COULDNT BE CAUGHT WITH A BL BOOK. VERY SAD BUT I SHALL SOMEDAY ACQUIRE A HARDCOVER ❤️❤️😛😛
December 20, 2025
I put it on hold for months and finally finished. The story is cute, the art is cute, but it's not a memorable webtoon for me.
April 16, 2026
This was such a lovely story! My poor little heart 💖🥺💖
I was immediately drawn in by the artwork in this—especially the colors chosen for scenes. Everything felt so vivid. The color scheme was melancholy when it needed to be, but so vibrant and enthralling in happier moments. It was lovely to look at!
The story itself was wonderful as well. We follow a Reaper who has chosen to work in collecting souls in order to have a wish granted. During his time as a reaper, and with no memories of his past, he comes across this spirit that calls himself Waiting. Together, they spend their days collecting souls and falling in love… However, it’s made clear pretty early on that Waiting knows something about Reaper’s past, but he’s now allowed to say what it is. The tension in all of that was SO GOOD!
When you get the reveals of what happened in their past, it was all so tragic 😭 Every moment that was uncovered was either bittersweet as you saw how much they cared for each other, or absolutely devastating as you saw what tore them apart. It was great 😩
My one wish is that this had been longer! The story takes places over so many years, but within such few pages, that I found myself wanting more time with these two characters. It felt like my time with them was cut short! Still, the story is lovely even with its brevity.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an eARC of this book.
I was immediately drawn in by the artwork in this—especially the colors chosen for scenes. Everything felt so vivid. The color scheme was melancholy when it needed to be, but so vibrant and enthralling in happier moments. It was lovely to look at!
The story itself was wonderful as well. We follow a Reaper who has chosen to work in collecting souls in order to have a wish granted. During his time as a reaper, and with no memories of his past, he comes across this spirit that calls himself Waiting. Together, they spend their days collecting souls and falling in love… However, it’s made clear pretty early on that Waiting knows something about Reaper’s past, but he’s now allowed to say what it is. The tension in all of that was SO GOOD!
When you get the reveals of what happened in their past, it was all so tragic 😭 Every moment that was uncovered was either bittersweet as you saw how much they cared for each other, or absolutely devastating as you saw what tore them apart. It was great 😩
My one wish is that this had been longer! The story takes places over so many years, but within such few pages, that I found myself wanting more time with these two characters. It felt like my time with them was cut short! Still, the story is lovely even with its brevity.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an eARC of this book.
March 9, 2026
Volevo leggere questa storia da tantissimo tempo ed evidentemente avevo le mie buone ragioni!
Innanzitutto: I DISEGNI !!!!! non sono il classico stile da manga/manwha e mi sono piaciuti tantissimo ~
Altro punto a favore ovviamente la storia: io sono debolissima per questo genere di racconti in cui due persone sono predestinate a stare insieme o comunque ad amarsi in un qualche modo in qualsiasi universo e qualsiasi tempo (debolissima per i soulmates insomma) e questa breve storia racchiude proprio l'essenza dei soulmates, sempre insieme in qualsiasi forma e tempo.
Consigliatissimo!!!
Innanzitutto: I DISEGNI !!!!! non sono il classico stile da manga/manwha e mi sono piaciuti tantissimo ~
Altro punto a favore ovviamente la storia: io sono debolissima per questo genere di racconti in cui due persone sono predestinate a stare insieme o comunque ad amarsi in un qualche modo in qualsiasi universo e qualsiasi tempo (debolissima per i soulmates insomma) e questa breve storia racchiude proprio l'essenza dei soulmates, sempre insieme in qualsiasi forma e tempo.
Consigliatissimo!!!
March 12, 2026
thank you edelweiss and webtoon unscrolled for this advanced copy!
in awe of this art style, cannot wait to have the physical copy of this just to stare at the pages.
incredibly quick read, had it finished in maybe an
hour. grateful i didn’t have to sob at the end. big fan of the quips from the dog that is also the reaper, but not him.
will definitely be looking forward to more releases from january sun!
in awe of this art style, cannot wait to have the physical copy of this just to stare at the pages.
incredibly quick read, had it finished in maybe an
hour. grateful i didn’t have to sob at the end. big fan of the quips from the dog that is also the reaper, but not him.
will definitely be looking forward to more releases from january sun!
May 6, 2026
The artwork in the graphic novel is stunning, and the color contrasting is perfectly done. I loved this graphic because it makes you feel something, it follows two souls that are torn apart but always seem to find their way back to each other in every lifetime. The sassy black dog was probably my favorite character though because it kept the reaper on track when he gets distracted by difficult decisions and flashbacks from his previous lives.
December 21, 2025
4⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I really enjoyed this webtoon! It had a beautiful story, with equally as beautful illustrations.
As a note, I would not recommend reading this on your phone, it would be easier on an e-reader of some sort because the typeface was very fine, and every page has a watermark to prevent duplication, making it a struggle to read.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I really enjoyed this webtoon! It had a beautiful story, with equally as beautful illustrations.
As a note, I would not recommend reading this on your phone, it would be easier on an e-reader of some sort because the typeface was very fine, and every page has a watermark to prevent duplication, making it a struggle to read.
July 12, 2025
Una favola molto bella e poetica, mi sono commossa. Peccato che sia così corta, avrei preferito un maggiore approfondimento dei personaggi, ma l’ho adorata 🥰
Read
April 30, 2026LOVED THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL! The story was cute and the art was amazing!
May 5, 2026
"It's okay to be selfish sometimes, my dear Reaper".
This is hands down one of the most beautiful written and illustrated graphic novels I have ever read and it was an absolute honor to be an early reader.
This story follows two Incredible souls who are bound to find each other in every life. They are never the same, but always drawn to one another. Fate has reworked their tales over and over, but one thing always remains...love. Love in all its tragedy and wonder.
This is hands down one of the most beautiful written and illustrated graphic novels I have ever read and it was an absolute honor to be an early reader.
This story follows two Incredible souls who are bound to find each other in every life. They are never the same, but always drawn to one another. Fate has reworked their tales over and over, but one thing always remains...love. Love in all its tragedy and wonder.
June 18, 2026
OBSESSED!!!!!!
February 6, 2026
3.5✨
Es una historia tragica pero con un final feliz (que bueno jajaja), el arte es muy bonito y ellos dos son muy bellos 🤧🤍
Me encantó que haya una mascota tipo sombra molestandolos con sus bromas hacia ellos por estar de coquetos
Thanks netgalley for the arc
Es una historia tragica pero con un final feliz (que bueno jajaja), el arte es muy bonito y ellos dos son muy bellos 🤧🤍
Me encantó que haya una mascota tipo sombra molestandolos con sus bromas hacia ellos por estar de coquetos
Thanks netgalley for the arc
February 20, 2026
If we reincarnated, would you wait for me in every lifetime? 😭🤍
My heart.
Even though this was a quick lil read, I got all the feels. I loved this lol.
It wasn’t an overcomplicated story, very short, but very sweet. I choose to be Song Weili in every lifetime…
Waiting for my Ruo Yang!! 💔
Absolutely loved the ending.
I wouldn’t have minded a bit more reaping, but I guess this isn’t neither here nor there lmfao.
Aka it’s not that type of story.
My heart.
Even though this was a quick lil read, I got all the feels. I loved this lol.
It wasn’t an overcomplicated story, very short, but very sweet. I choose to be Song Weili in every lifetime…
Waiting for my Ruo Yang!! 💔
Absolutely loved the ending.
I wouldn’t have minded a bit more reaping, but I guess this isn’t neither here nor there lmfao.
Aka it’s not that type of story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews