80+
93: literally amazing. Deeply entrenched in myth and folklore with an intricate story and fascinating characters. The main story is revealed little by little with flashes back to the past, and in between their journey are woven some side stories of side characters and some that become relevant again in their present journey. Characters are flawed and not only benevolent, though Ryeong has more of good and Paljae has more of evil, but that doesn’t really define them. It’s more complex than that. The depth of their love and willingness to sacrifice is amazing. It’s really an us against there world feeling, more than I will kill or die for you, it’s really the embodiment of I will move and fight the heavens for you. Moving, powerful, fascinating, intricate, captivating, incredible. Love this story so much. Stunning art and captivating story! The worldbuilding is so immersive with the references to folklore and explanations. I love that we're piecing together their history bit by bit and now coming full circle.
There are a lot of dark themes in this, and plenty of violence and gore and disturbing images. Also they meet the other in child forms, though it can’t really be counted as a child.
More and more as we learn about their history, I feel like these two were made for each other. Like more than just fates intertwined, they seem to be two parts of one whole. Paljae being a creature with overwhelming Yin energy, and Munryeong overflowing with Yang energy. Jae soothing the raging energy in Ryeong, and Ryeong filling the hungry void in Jae. The parallels in their repeated encounters, the mirroring in their words and fates, it's really their destiny. It's so fascinating and wonderfully written.
Also, I'm very curious on what exactly Munryeong is. They say he's different from other humans because he has the "makings of an ascendent" and is filled with yang energy, but is he unique in that? Are there other ascendents who have a similar constitution? How did he come to be born and left in the snow? Even when he was an apprentice he seemed different to the others and special somehow. I'm excited to see if these questions will be answered as we unravel more of their past and future. There's still so much of their story to be told and I can't wait for the next season.
TW: age gap - it's a bit tricky as neither are really human. Beginning Paljae has the appearance of a child but is mentally older as he was an adult as the heir of winter. He is just unaware of humans and emotions, but he was the same way as an adult and he was born that way and never learned as a powerful being (like a demon). Also their relationship is mainly platonic. Only iffy part was when they first met, Paljae was a grown demon and Munryeong was a child/teen. Their relationship was mostly platonic then too with learning feelings of friendship for the first time, but Paljae kissed Munryeong. That was the only iffy instance, and now they're both adults.
Paljae