Strange And Wild Webtoon: 7 Reasons Why Luca And Roman's Slow-Burn BL Fantasy Is Still Dominating The Canvas Charts In 2025
The digital comic world is constantly evolving, but few series manage to capture a dedicated fanbase and maintain topical authority quite like Strange and Wild. As of late December 2025, this beloved WEBTOON Canvas series by creator Sammy Montoya remains a powerhouse in the Fantasy and LGBTQ+ genres, captivating millions of readers with its unique blend of high-stakes criminal drama, supernatural elements, and a notoriously slow-burn romance. The main storyline may be complete, but the excitement is far from over, as the highly anticipated side stories are currently being released, giving fans fresh content to obsess over.
Originally published on platforms like WEBTOON Canvas and Tapas, Strange and Wild quickly stood out from the crowd, not just for its stunning art style—which draws inspiration from 90s shojo manga—but for its complex, morally grey protagonist and his unlikely, heartwarming relationship with a powerful, yet endearingly clueless, love interest. If you’re looking for a completed series with new content dropping now, or simply want to dive into the phenomenon that is the Luca and Roman dynamic, this is your definitive guide.
The Central Conflict: Luca, Roman, and the Criminal Empire
The core of Strange and Wild revolves around two dramatically different individuals whose lives collide during a botched heist. The webtoon is a masterful blend of several genres, including Fantasy, Drama, Romance, Comedy, Action, and Adventure, ensuring there is something for every reader.
Character Profiles: The Criminal and the Himbo
- Luca (The Criminal Protagonist): Luca is the spiky-haired main character who starts the story as a self-proclaimed "huge asshole" and a small-time criminal. His primary goal is to rob a train using a magical monster he summoned. He is a complex character whose journey is one of very slow, begrudging personal growth, moving from a self-serving jerk to a "moderate asshole" through the power of getting a clue—and a massive crush. His initial actions drive the central conflict of the series.
- Roman (The Himbo Love Interest): Roman is the white-haired "himbo" who becomes the object of Luca's affection. He is physically imposing and handsome, but possesses a charming naiveté and a deep interest in summoning magic. Roman's gentle nature and genuine desire to help others stand in stark contrast to Luca's cynical worldview, creating the perfect dynamic for a compelling slow-burn Boys' Love (BL) romance.
- The Magic Otter: A fan-favorite entity, the Magic Otter is an essential, if often comedic, supporting character. Its presence adds a layer of whimsical fantasy to the otherwise gritty plot of criminal activities and demon summoning.
The plot kicks off when Luca’s attempt to use a summoned magical monster to commit a robbery goes awry, leading him to cross paths with Roman. From there, the narrative expands to involve much larger stakes: the running of a terrifying criminal empire, the intricate politics of summoning demons, and the ever-present threat of various supernatural monsters.
The Phenomenon of the Slow-Burn Romance
One of the most talked-about elements of Strange and Wild is the relationship development between Luca and Roman. As a quintessential slow-burn romance, the creator, Sammy Montoya, takes their time in building the emotional connection, making the eventual payoff incredibly satisfying for the dedicated readership.
The relationship succeeds because it is rooted in genuine character development. Luca’s journey is not just about falling in love; it is about his redemption arc. He is forced to confront his own selfishness and learn to care for someone else, a process that is often hilarious and frustrating for both him and the reader. Roman, with his unwavering kindness and interest in the arcane, acts as a catalyst for this change.
The dynamic is a classic "opposites attract" scenario, but elevated by the high-fantasy setting. The tension between their personalities—the cynical rogue and the earnest hero—is what keeps readers hooked for hundreds of episodes. The series is rated Young Adult, ensuring the focus remains on the dramatic and romantic tension rather than explicit content, making it accessible to a wider audience interested in LGBTQ+ narratives.
Why Strange and Wild is Still Relevant in Late 2025
Despite the main story arc being officially complete, the webtoon continues to generate buzz, especially with the release of new, fresh content. The creator’s announcement that side stories would be arriving in mid-2025 has been fulfilled, with new episodes dropping regularly, often featuring alternate universe (AU) scenarios and deeper dives into supporting characters and world-building.
7 Key Entities Driving Current Topical Authority
- The Side Stories Release: The ongoing release of new content keeps the series active on the WEBTOON platform, drawing in new readers and satisfying long-time fans.
- Sammy Montoya's Art Style: The distinctive art, noted for its nostalgic 90s shojo manga aesthetic, gives the series a unique visual identity that stands out among other modern webcomics.
- Complex World-Building: Entities like the Criminal Empire, the Demonic Summoning Circles, and the Magical Monsters create a rich, detailed fantasy world that encourages fan speculation and detailed lore discussions.
- The "Jerk with a Heart of Gold" Trope: Luca's character arc is a masterclass in this popular trope, providing a satisfying emotional journey.
- Strong LGBTQ+ Representation: As a prominent BL title on the WEBTOON Canvas platform, it serves as a crucial point of representation within the fantasy genre.
- High Episode Count: With over 260 episodes in the main story, the sheer volume of content makes it a perfect binge-read for new fans.
- The Himbo Phenomenon: Roman’s popularity has cemented the "himbo" character type as a desirable love interest in modern webcomics, influencing other creators in the BL and romance space.
The ongoing side stories, which include recent updates in December 2025, are crucial for maintaining the series' momentum. They allow Montoya to explore the aftermath of the main conflict, delve into the domestic life of Luca and Roman, and provide closure on minor plot threads. This continued engagement ensures that Strange and Wild remains a top-tier recommendation for anyone seeking a completed yet continually updated fantasy romance webtoon.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read Fantasy BL Webtoon
Strange and Wild is more than just a romance comic; it's a sprawling fantasy epic about finding love in the most chaotic circumstances. From the high-stakes action involving the criminal underworld and powerful demons to the quiet, tender moments between Luca and Roman, the series balances its disparate elements perfectly. Its status as a completed series with fresh side stories available now makes it the ideal time to dive in. Whether you are a fan of slow-burn romance, detailed world-building, or just a good old-fashioned redemption story, this webtoon delivers on all fronts.
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