oh god. this was definitely one of the heaviest story I have ever come across I can even put in the same level as Killing Stalking. Knew it was gonna be heavy and psychologically depressing, since that's what everyone who read it said before I did, but holy shit...the amount of courage this author has to address all those controversial issues in a manhwa. Since the first chapter, you'll know right away it's gonna be something really dark. I even told myself, "Ah, I have to read 80 chapters of this trauma?" I was even scared to read it first because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to take it.
So let's talk about the issues discussed in this book. I think almost every fucked up issue on this planet about humanity has been demonstrated I'm so awed. Racism, rape, drug abuse, homophobia, exploitation, domestic and child abuse, police incompetence, abuse of power, murder, the hypocrisy of religion...like holy shit I bet Juns received hate for being this brave. She managed to put all of that in this story like wow. I'm so impressed.
And that Veronica bitch. I agree with Simon btw ever since I saw her I knew she was fucked up. BUT SHE WAS BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS. She was worst wtfff she was mentally ill, though. When her eye twitched I went bananas it was fucking creepy, but like other fucked up people she also had a terrible child that made her become like that. She deserved treatment, but ngl I'm glad she died f that bitch she made my babies suffer so much T_T
And Gale...aw man I think I need help. Like, I disliked him when he first appeared ofc because what a fucking piece of shit of a brother but I can't help but like him too. Like the detectives said, it was hard to know what's on his mind, because he's fucked up and all that...but I kinda do, I just dunno how to explain it. He claims to hate his brother, and I do believe that, but not as much as he claims. He only disliked Simon bcs Simon resembles their father in terms of facial features, and we all know that the father is fucking shit too, raping a child...geez I hate pedos so much I wanna skin them alive. Simon has been kind to him (until they grew up ofc because Simon was blinded by his desire for revenge for Conor). I also believe the father's dead and my best theory would be Gale murdering him, it was implied by the symbol of a knife stabbed on him in the family photo, but could be anywhere else too. Dead, I hope.
And Mona uwu best lady!! This supportive woman deserves happiness as well, being there for Conor and Simon ever since. She's different from all those hypocrites. I'm glad she found herself a lady too uwu.
And ofc our couple, Simon and Connor! Aw man they definitely went through so much. It hurt. They were only loving each other, but had to suffer so much just because of the society they're in. I'm glad the world we currently live in is more open to homosexuality now. I'm glad they are happy!! They definitely deserve it!! Though I wanted to see them together with their adopted child! T_T
If I could rate this more than 5 stars I would. The amount of drama feels overwhelming but author has this style of making the ambience lighter (esp chibi art lol) and adds a touch of comedy sometimes but it doesn't ruin the dramatic mood. I love the art style ofc!! And how poetic this was..oh God the metaphors don't even get me started. This is prob the longest review I made xD I have more to say but I read this for 5 hours straight and my head's starting to ache but I LOVE IT!! It's a masterpiece, especially for a debut manhwa.
Dark Heaven