Beachloves's manga / #Showbiz(21)

Ch 1-3 are the main story and its really good. Short and sweet.

9/8/2021 Ok so normally I don't write reviews until the work is completed but I just can't help myself. I'll call this a halfway check-in, season 1 was 29 episodes so I think it's safe to assume this series will be at least 60-70 chapters in length (I hope it goes on forever.) We are currently at ch.37 so I'm calling it pretty close to halfway. This series has me wrapped around its little finger. As soon as this is licensed in English I will be purchasing every chapter. And if the book is translated into English I would like to purchase that as well. This artist does such an amazing job of conveying emotions through symbols and colors. Honestly, it is just like watching a fucking movie, so many scenes in this can only be described as "cinematic." There are such fine details in moments that you wouldn't consider for example in important scenes you can see scenery reflected in the eyes of the protagonist. One of my favorite things in the whole world is the way this artist shows TRANSITIONS!!! When showing time passing or a change of location, the artist won't just write "six months later..." (which is kinda lame, but much easier.) They take advantage of the visual medium and show us the season changing from fall to winter, or show us driving down a road turning into the sea. The way the artist shows Each character's facial expressions are so delicate, as the "CEO types" are not very expressive, and yet the tiniest changes are obvious to the reader. While more flamboyant characters have more obvious expressions and movements. What I'm trying to say is not only is each character's personality unique because of the dialogue/script/original story, but their unique characteristics are reflected in the way they are depicted in this series. This again is so exceptional because I feel like I can see their movements despite this being a two-dimensional medium. Finally, this artist deserves a medal for their ability to make us EMPATHISE. It is easy to make an audience empathize and support a character they feel is "honorable" or "relatable." But when we are first introduced to Jung Jaehan, he can only be described as despicable. In chapter 1 it is clear Jung Jaehan is manipulative, corrupt, cruel, sadistic, drug-addicted (consistently high), violent, and his corporate family background made him a multi-millionaire since birth. Nothing about him can be described as “honorable or relatable.” Even as you learn more about him nothing can justify his past wrongdoing. But once Jung Jaehan starts to understand his own feelings he vows (to himself) to try to make it right and this whole story is born again (around ch.22) as a redemption arch for Jung Jaehan. By the end of season 1 we feel really sad for him but haven’t forgiven him. By episode 35 our heart breaks with him, now I can't help but root for this guy. I want Jung Jaehan to get the help he needs for his drug and alcohol problems. I want Jung Jaehan to escape the pressures and expectations of his corporate family and do what he loves. I want him to be able to express himself and tell Yoon Heegyeom that he is in love with him. I want them to start again and have a healthy relationship. I feel truly invested in this character and his success or failure. It is easy to make an audience empathize and support a character they feel is "honorable" or "relatable." But to make us champion a character who we used to hate is truly inspiring. Watching Jung Jaehan’s evolution over the past 37 chapters can only be described as a transformative experience. For any aspiring storytellers (writers, filmmakers, directors, actors,) this is a must-read.