The Reaper and The Waiting: A WEBTOON Unscrolled Graphic Novel

by January Sun (Creator)

Un Mietitore e un'anima misteriosa che lo segue ovunque. Un mistero da risolvere. Tristi ricordi andati perduti. Cosa sarà successo fra loro due? Star Comics presenta, in collaborazione con Jundo, l'edizione cartacea dell'emozionante webcomic di Jayessart, una delle autrici più popolari della piattaforma WEBTOON! Un delicato Boys' Love dalle tinte acquerello che toccherà i vostri cuori.

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Queer, Romance, Comics, LGBT

288 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Laura Costantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disegni meravigliosi. Storia struggente. Una graphic novel che è pura poesia.

[Achim · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[havies_tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🫶🏻

[Kasia (kasikowykurz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moje biedne serduszko ❤️

[Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Frank Chillura (OhYouRead) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[ca11ie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 ❤️❤️😛😛

[... · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[bailey elizabeth smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tiashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🥰

[Gaia Rolando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Se siete alla ricerca di un boys love con atmosfere eteree ed una storia dolce e malinconica allo stesso tempo questo titolo edito Star Comics in collaborazione con Jundo fa al caso vostro!✨

"The reaper and the waiting" è un volume unico che segue le vicende di un mietit0re incaricato di raccogliere le an1me delle persone defunt3 e che non ricorda nulla della sua vita passata.
Quest'ultimo viene seguito da uno spirito che si fa chiamare "Aspetto", il quale sembra provare un legame affettivo molto forte verso il ragazzo.🤍

Perchè Aspetto segue il mietitore? Lo scopriremo nel corso dei capitoli, passando tra flashback e ricordi di una vita che non sembra essere stata vissuta sulla propria pelle, delle memorie lontane.

Ho apprezzato moltissimo l'aura onirica e sognante che gira attorno a questa graphic novel, rende giustizia agli argomenti trattati e le vicende illustrate nelle varie tavole.
Scene delicate ed ironiche vengono alternate ad elementi più mal1nconici ed oscur1, trasmettendo al meglio le emozioni dei vari personaggi.✨

Uno dei punti forti della storia sono proprio le illustrazioni, le espressioni del viso dei personaggi sono "dense" e cristalline.
I disegni a piena pagina riescono a dare giustizia al tratto elegante e dettagliato dell'autrice. 
Lo scorrere degli anni, del tempo e delle stagioni, tutti questi elementi vengono scanditi dalle varie illustrazioni e dall'Amore, genuino e sincero che diventa sempre più forte tra i due ragazzi.
Leggetelo con calma, immergetevi e perdetevi tra le pagine, sono dei veri gioiellini che riescono a trasmettere una perfetta sensazione agrodolce di calore.🤍

Questo racconto gira attorno, in maniera indiretta, alla leggenda cinese del "filo rosso del destino".
Vita, m0rte e rinascita, i nostri protagonisti passano attraverso tutte queste fasi, perdendosi e ritrovandosi, tenendo sempre accesa la scintilla della speranza.🌱

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't super love the story but I LOVED the art. Genuinely so stunning.

The Reaper and the Waiting is a very short read and I am not sure it worked as a well-rounded story, but it did work as a piece of art. Every panel was beautifully rendered and you can tell how much love the creator put into this. The characters themselves felt a bit shallow and it felt like there was so much more that needed to be said that wasn't because of the medium. Because of this, the flow of the story felt quite clunky. But I still am amazed by the art.

2 stars for the story / 5 stars for the art

Thank you to WEBTOON and NetGalley for the ARC!

[rika ⋆₊˚⊹ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una storia semplice, ma decisamente incisiva nella sua immensa dolcezza, grazie allo stile dell'autrice che sicuramente mi ha catturato fin dal primo momento. Ho adorato quest'opera fin dalla prima pagina! Davvero tenera come storia (no spoiler 👀), anche se, in alcune parti, nostalgica e quasi triste. I due protagonisti (o forse, è meglio dire tre?) hanno dei caratteri notevolmente differenti, ma sono stati capaci di catturarmi (e addolcirmi) tutti e tre come pochi.
Sicuramente una piacevole scoperta, consigliato a chi cerca una storia che trasmetta del vero comfort 💚🤲🏻

[Ada Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC!

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toto bola tak krásna, krátka grafická novela!!
Tá kresba je jednoducho dokonalá a príbeh chytí za srdce.

[lauwisteria · Rating 3 out of 5]

"THE REAPER AND THE WAITING" di Jayessart racconta la storia di un Mietitore e di un'anima misteriosa che lo segue ovunque. Ma qualcosa in quell'anima sembra dolorosamente straziante e familiare. Il manhua si alterna tra presente e passato/flashback in modo che entrambi gli aspetti del racconto si sviluppino armoniosamente. Gli stacchi avvengono sempre al momento giusto, la narrazione in alcuni punti si fa lenta, si concentra su dettagli minimi, poi all'improvviso esplode. Insomma, la storia d'amore tra i due protagonisti è il fulcro narrativo del volume. Ogni vignetta è un dipinto ad acquerello e la storia è decisamente commovente di suo, ma il tutto è arricchito dal modo poetico in cui è raccontata.

Una lettura poco impegnativa ma a dir poco commovente, mi ha colpito principalmente per la bellezza delle tavole. Nonostante la trama e i personaggi sono poco sviluppati, lo rileggerò perché mi è piaciuto.

[Mela · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely brilliant! I re-read it so often!!

[Poulomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful

[Yuls ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOS AMO RUOYANG Y WEILI 😭😭😭💘

5/5 ★

aun no me creo que encontré esta obra de arte por casualidad 😭 the reaper and the waiting es una de las historias más preciosas que me pude leer. Lo acabe literalmente en horas y no me arrepiento de nada.

¿Como empezar? el webtoon nos cuenta la historia de ruoyang, es un reaper o parca qué se encarga de recolectar las almas de los recién fallecidos para que puedan reencarnar o morir en paz, qué en su camino se encuentra a waiting. Un espíritu anclado al mundo con un propósito, hacer que ruoyang recuerde su vida pasada, la vida que compartían juntos. condenado a no poder decirle nada, o si no, los 2 se desvaneceran.

Fueron separados por una tragedia que no estaba bajo su control, lo que lo hace desde el inicio una historia muy triste y trágica. Pero nuestra autora solamente nos da las pequeñas piezas de todo esto por pocos durante toda la historia, lo que hace que se sienta que estamos recordando junto con ruoyang y dios, fue una experiencia TAN linda y en parte dolorosa ver como poco a poco se iban enamorando en un mundo en donde no existe la vida ni la muerte (porque son seres sobrenaturales) pero al mismo tiempo ver el porqué de su separación en un inicio.

Muchas veces sientes que no entiendes que fue lo que paso o sientes que todo se mezcla pero creo que esa es la magia. Todo hace sentido en el momento justo y cuando lo hace o lloras o sientes un dolor en el corazón (o ambos, yo la vdd). Lo único "malo" es que fueron tan poquitos capítulos 😭 yo quería más de 1000 porque me encariñe demasiado con ruoyang y weilin y no me quería despedir de ellos tan rápido. Mis respetos a january porque en 17 CAPITULOS pudo desarrollar una historia tan increíble, bonita y bella. Sin mencionar el arte tan HERMOSO que tiene este webtoon que hace que sientas a los personajes tan cerca de ti <3.

weilin definitivamente fue y será mi personaje favorito, quisiera adentrarme al webtoon y darle mil abrazos y jamás soltarlo. y ruoyang 🥹 mi protegido, lo amo en esta y en mil vidas.

Btw, el perro se llevó el protagonismo en TODAS sus escenas JAJAJA lo ame la vdd.

Weilin y Ruoyang son almas gemelas destinadas a estar juntas por miles de vidas. Se amaron siendo príncipes de distintos reinos, siendo una parca y un espíritu (en donde incluso aqui vivieron juntos por 60 AÑOS) y por último, siendo 2 chicos universitarios en el mundo actual que pueden disfrutar de su amor lo que les reste de vida y ¿saben que? me quedo tranquila porque se que no importa cuantos años pasen, ellos van a volver a encontrarse 🥹❤️‍🩹

[Elaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley

~

The Reaper and the Waiting, by Jayessart
★★★★★


In one word, The Reaper and the Waiting is...stunning!

Both in storytelling and artwork, this was a visual masterpiece and an emotionally bittersweet story about second chances, grief, loss, memories, and the afterlife. Through themes of identity, politics, betrayal, death and sacrifice, this is a reincarnation story that somehow manages to pack a punch, and a whole lot of story, into a single volume.

The story was clever, an original concept with expansive world building, and the characters were easily distinguishable from each other, each with their own personalities.

I have only two problems, neither of which lowered my rating and only one of which was a problem with the actual story:
1) I HATE the copyright logo with a passion. There were so many times when it impacted the details of the artwork or the actual dialogue text.
2) I actually had to back and check a few details, because I thought I was misremembering, but it turned out I wasn't. Right at the start, Waiting is specifically told NOT to speak to the Reaper about the past or they would both be erased from existence. This happens within the FIRST FIVE pages! Then, from the moment they meet again, the first thing Waiting does is try to tap into those old memories and inspire Reaper to remember him. I could accept this if Waiting couldn't remember who he was and slowly remembered, or if he hadn't been specifically given those instructions, but he was told and it didn't make sense for him to immediately disregard those orders when the consequences are so severe. It was something that really bugged me, but the rest of the story made up for it.


In the end, this was a really strong story, with great characters, well plotted and beautifully crafted. It managed to give a complete, complex story – which included TWO well fleshed out back stories – within a single volume. This is one that I'll be adding to my physical bookshelf as soon as it releases.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a completed webcomic (on webtoons.com) that was self-published by the author/illustrator in a limited quantity. I really loved this story. It's a story of regret but mostly hope for a new future when the past one went very wrong. It was a joy to read. It's still available on webtoons if you can't get a copy of the limited print. You can find it here: https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/th...

When one dies they either pass on and reincarnated, they become a spirit that unless it's unfinished work is completed eventually passes into oblivion never to be reborn, or rarely one soul may be chosen to be a Reaper that collects the souls for 65 years before they can make a choice of what happens to their souls after they serve that time. This story is about a Reaper and a Spirit who have ties from when they were living. However, when a Reaper is chosen they're living memories are blocked so as it doesn't interfere with their work. The Spirit is told that if he wants to potentially reunite with this soul in another life he is forbidden to tell him anything about their lives. Both have their death scars across their throat hinting at a violent death. When they meet in this inbetween space the spirit responds, "I'm waiting." when asked what he's doing. Thus the Reaper calls him "Waiting" as a name. However, he cannot understand why Waiting is insisting on traveling with him as he collects these souls. Waiting is hoping that by being exposed to him now he can make him understand what he couldn't during life. This is a story of two souls that were connected in life but torn apart by death and where one is desperately hoping that a second chance is possible.

[Tiffany Seward · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ Fantasy | Graphic Novel | Romance

Thank you to Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Reaper and The Waiting is a hauntingly beautiful story set in the afterlife, where reapers are strictly forbidden from forming attachments. While carrying out his duties alongside his loyal dog familiar, a reaper encounters the Waiting, a being who is neither ghost nor spirit, not human, yet undeniably part of the afterlife. The Waiting longs to accompany the reaper, and from that moment, a emotional connection begins to unfold.

The narrative weaves together hinted queerness, prince and warrior romance, flashbacks, and themes of reincarnation. The relationship develops slowly, making the emotional stakes feel earned rather than rushed.

Visually, the artwork is breathtaking, atmospheric, and expressive, perfectly matching the story’s reflective mood.

Overall, The Reaper and The Waiting is a poignant, visually stunning graphic novel that explores love, duty, and connection beyond death. Readers who enjoy soft fantasy, emotional storytelling, and subtle romance will find this one especially moving.

[Vanna Book-Mage · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reaper & the Waiting is a graphic novel love story filled with adventure, action and fantasy. It tells the story of Reaper who sends souls to the afterlife alongside Dog, his spirit helper (the best comic relief & support!). He meets Waiting who is following him around subtly reminding him that it’s important to remember your past. As they go on a journey for lost souls they unearth their mysterious past through a slow and emotional journey that explores fate, destiny and the pull of remembering versus forgetting and how that can mold an individual.

The water-colour style illustrations are beautiful, moody and almost haunting-like which enhance the melancholic feel of the story and help in the movement of the plot and the emotional depth of the characters. Overall, this was a pretty strong BL story with rounded characters, an interesting plot and a fated love that was beautiful, cozy and had all the feels.

Thanks NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group | WEBTOON Unscrolled for this free arc/copy of The Reaper and The Waiting by Jayessart; all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[la_serializzata · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎐Aspetto é uno spirito, vaga nei boschi aspettando l’anima di cui si é innamorato. Lui, infatti, ricorda tutto della sua vita precedente. Nonostante tutto il tempo passato ad aspettare (per l’appunto) il suo amato, l’amore che prova per lui é rimasto immutato o, per meglio dire, amplificato al solo ricordo della loro sofferenza.
•
🎐Il Mietitore, invece, non é per niente della sua stessa opinione. Perché ricordare una vita passata se questo comporta infinito dolore? Lui è ignaro di chi é stato nella sua vita precedente ma questo non sembra interessargli. Sa soltanto qual é il suo compito: mietere le anime incastrate sulla terra fino allo scadere della sua permanenza, in cui gli sarà finalmente concesso di scegliere se reincarnarsi portando con sé i suoi vecchi ricordi.
•
🎐Il Mietitore e Aspetto inizieranno a vagare insieme per il mondo, ad amarsi dolcemente. Aspetto avrà sessant’anni per far cambiare idea al Mietitore, riuscirà a convincerlo a ricordare?
•
🎐Insomma, una storia dolcissima accompagnata da disegni sublimi, impossibile non metterlo nel carrello!

[Vippi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Reaper with no memory and a mysterious soul that follows him everywhere: past and present intertwine in a tender tale of love and the choices that shape us.

While the plot and characters could have been explored in greater depth, January Sun's breathtaking illustrations more than make up for it. Sun's art captures an extraordinary blend of delicacy and evocative power, infusing the graphic novel with a poetic quality that resonates deeply. This is a story that lingers in your heart, staying with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

*************

Un Mietitore senza ricordi e un’anima misteriosa che lo segue ovunque: passato e presente si intrecciano in una storia delicata, che parla di amore e di scelte.

Nonostante la trama e i personaggi avrebbero potuto essere sviluppati in modo più approfondito, le tavole di January Sun riescono a colmare queste lacune grazie alla loro straordinaria delicatezza e al loro potente impatto visivo. Sun dona alla graphic novel un’aura poetica capace di toccare le corde più profonde del lettore, accompagnandolo ben oltre l’ultima pagina.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I wasn’t totally sure about Waiting/Weili, without much context about the characters’ pasts, he came off as a bit selfish and I didn’t fully get his motivations. But as the story went on, it all made sense, and by the end, it’s really comforting to see the characters finally find each other and have a chance to be together.

I’m not usually into past-life stories, but this one was handled really well. The story itself is simple, but it works. The main theme is unselfish love, which I like.

The art is gorgeous. The panels are soft, expressive, and you can tell the author put a lot of care into key moments. There’s a lot of death in the background because of the whole reaper thing, but it’s never shown in a graphic way, so it’s not too heavy or violent.

Overall, I liked this one a lot. It’s not perfect, but it’s heartfelt and the ending leaves you feeling satisfied.

[frances walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Reaper and the Waiting" is a short graphic novel taking place in the realm before the afterlife. A love story blooms out of beautiful illustration, heartfelt and tragic memories, and lots of blushing.

I love this artist's work in general for it's simplicity and beautiful lines. I enjoyed reading this in book format (I have read it before on Webtoon). The writing was a bit juvenile for me--it definitely reads as Young Adult in my opinion in terms of writing style, if not necessarily in terms of content. There is not a ton happening beneath the surface of the illustration, dialogue, and characters, but I really, really love the surface. It is heartwarming and beautiful. I would recommend this to folks who enjoy K. O'Neill's work (Tea Dragon Society, etc.).

(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.)

[Rhiley Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visually impeccable! Story-wise, heartbreaking AND mending! The dog character being an extension of Reaper's soul?! What an amazing plot point! It added so much to the overall story!
Reaper and Waiting's story shattered my heart into pieces the more little bits we were given throughout the course of the graphic novel until the very end when we were gifted with, well, I won't spoil it but you won't be disappointed.
Reincarnation love stories like this are WHY we read reincarnation love stories! A treat both for the mind and the eyes! I loved, loved, loved!

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-ARC given in exchange for an honest review.

[Adri Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Waiting” is a spirit that knew the Reaper when they were living. Reaper is bound to ferrying souls and has had his memories stripped while he performs his reaper duties. Waiting is unable to speak to the Reaper about their past. Reapers must not have attachments to the mortal world, as long as they’re the keepers of life and death. Will true love bypass the boundaries of life and death? You’ll have to read to find out!

That was so cute that I found tears welling up in my eyes.

#ThxNetGalley #Jayessart #TheReaperandTheWaiting

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molto carino, mi è piaciuto. Nonostante sia un volume unico riesce a non essere affrettato nel raccontare la storia. La trama è abbastanza semplice ma comunque intrigante, non ha colpi di scena perché comunque è "prevedibile" in certe cose ma credo che quello non fosse così importante. Il punto focale è il rapporto tra il mietitore e lo spirito, che ho trovato molto dolce e che ho seguito con interesse.