''unOrdinary'' is a

superhero A superhero or superheroine is a fictional character who typically possesses ''superpowers'' or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity, and fits the role of the hero, typically using their ...

webcomic Webcomics (also known as online comics or Internet comics) are comics published on the internet, such as on a website or a mobile app. While many webcomics are published exclusively online, others are also published in magazines, newspapers, or ...

written and illustrated by American artist Chelsey Han, better known as "uru-chan" (written only with lowercase letters). It was serialized on

Tapas Tapas () are appetisers or snacks in Spanish cuisine. They can be combined to make a full meal and are served cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as , which are battered, fried baby squid; or , spicy potatoes). In some bars ...

from November 2015 until January 2016; it has been published weekly on the platform

Webtoon Webtoons () are a type of episodic digital comics that originated in South Korea usually meant to be read on smartphones A smartphone is a mobile phone with advanced computing capabilities. It typically has a touchscreen interface, allo ...

since May 2016, with its chapters collected into two volumes as of July 2024. The story follows a powerless high school student named John Doe navigating a world full of superpowered people. The narrative focuses on how a society built on raw strength affects those at the bottom of the hierarchy, and the brutality of the institutions used to enforce it. At the

Ringo Awards The Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards, commonly shortened to the Ringo Awards, are prizes given for achievement in comic books. They are named in honor of artist Mike Wieringo and they were founded by the Reisterstown, Maryland–based C ...

, ''unOrdinary'' has won three awards for Fan Favorite Villain category in 2017, 2018, and 2020. It also received one nomination for Best Webcomic category in 2017.

Plot and themes

Set primarily in Wellston Private High School, it features John as a second-year transfer student enrolled in a school full of students with superhuman abilities, despite having no abilities whatsoever, thus labelled as a '

cripple A cripple is a person or animal with a physical disability, particularly one who is unable to walk because of an injury or illness. The word was recorded as early as 950 AD, and derives from the Proto-Germanic ''krupilaz''. The German and Dutc ...

'. There, he meets Seraphina, a 'god-tier' student, also known as Wellston's Ace, who can manipulate time. Despite being at extreme ends of the hierarchy, Seraphina and John strike a close friendship. ''unOrdinary'' deals with themes focusing on

coming of age Coming of age is a young person's transition from being a child to being an adult. The specific age at which this transition takes place varies between societies, as does the nature of the change. It can be a simple legal convention or can b ...

and high school drama. It also has themes of

bullying Bullying is the use of force, coercion, Suffering, hurtful teasing, comments, or threats, in order to abuse, aggression, aggressively wikt:domination, dominate, or intimidate one or more others. The behavior is often repeated and habitual. On ...

abuse of power Abuse of power or abuse of authority, in the form of "malfeasance in office" or "official abuse of power", is the commission of an Crime, unlawful act, done in an official capacity, which affects the performance of official duties. Malfeasan ...

, and

mental trauma Psychological trauma (also known as mental trauma, psychiatric trauma, emotional damage, or psychotrauma) is an emotional response caused by severe distressing events, such as bodily injury, sexual violence, or other threats to the life of the ...

Awards and nominations

References

Webtoons in print 2016 webtoon debuts Tapastic webcomics Superhero comics Science fiction comics Ringo Award winners American comics titles {{Webcomics-stub