beta
i think this manhwa portrays its themes very well to be honest. you're not supposed to look at this like an actual "BL", but as a horror story instead.
As an SA survivor, the themes are deeply troubling and i understand all of the backlash it's getting, but the reactions of the MC to his constant abuse and rape are very real (and hits insanely close to home). i think this is one of the few stories i have read that made me cry just because of how scarily accurate the emotions, thoughts, and actions are portrayed.
Not to say that Non Zero Sum is a "peak" manhwa by any stretch of the word, but the backlash for this being "too gruesome" or "there's no plot, just SA" is just... tasteless. The plot IS how the MC manages to survive his constant abuse, and to highlight the VERY REAL responses to intense trauma. it's not supposed to be a happy manhwa with a happy ending, nor does this manhwa "excuse" any of their themes.
all this to say, I haven't read the novel, I don't know how it ends. ╮(￣▽￣)╭. but what we have so far is really good at its job!!