I think that’s it right there... and in the end I think it shows... especially with time... but I don’t think that’s a model that’d be economically efficient...
Especially webtoons model feels more fast comics (consumption side at least), not gourmet food... so 3D assets just make sense... even poorly integrated, because bg matter less than addictive stories, simple dialogue (simple is the hardest thing to do...!), engaging storytelling / paneling, gorgeous faces and emotions... I feel these matter much more to hook readers, and artists should probably spend more time on that... Even more so for readers on phone screens packed in subways (like me)...
So my stance: I love personal backgrounds, they show artist’s personality and sensibility; and obvious third party assets thrown there with little rework is... huh... a missed opportunity to say it nicely. But to make an economically successful webtoon, poorly integrated bg is fine as long as the time you save there is spent to improve other aspects more important for that particular type of comics...
