Killing Stalking (Manhwa)

A few volumes are out so far as this is a new webtoon. If you're into thriller comics, this is the one for you.

It is unfortunately yaoi, and it is mature, so no one under 16 should read this. That part is what makes it confusing, it is a psychological horror and the fact it's also marked as "tragedy" is giving me a few premonitions on its ending.
I say unfortunately, because I absolutely loathe the romanticization of abusive/dysfunctional relationships as often portrayed in BL mangas.

So, what's it about?

Yoonbum

The story starts with this pathetic looking man's (Yoonbum) perverted obsession with his crush (Sangwoo). However, our little Yoonbum doesn't just dress like a girl to stalk Sangwoo undercover, he not only tracked down where he lives, but also dedicated several months worth of time on figuring out his apartment code, broke and entered, sniffed his bed, then hid in the basement like the sad creep he is.

(Sorry it's hard being objective because I'm rather frustrated with Yoonbum.)

Sangwoo is the ideal man; tall, handsome, kind, smart, loved and respected by all

However, he is not by all means perfect for he has this tiny little itty bitty flaw...

Sangwoo

...He's batshit crazy; pun intended.

The story was already rather interesting, as I had not read the summary and only clicked on it because of the genre and cover. The ultimate twist was Sangwoo's antisocial personality disorder (to say the least without spoiling too much)

---Spoiler Alert---

What is perplexing is that Sangwoo's actions don't deter Yoonbum from continuing to love him, which makes me believe he has Stockholm Syndrome. Yet, at the same time, Yoonbum is fully aware of the gravity of the situation and has several escape attempts. So, it isn't Stockholm Syndrome in the sense that he sympathizes with the man, it's more of "i need someone that needs/wants/loves me". What ever his definition of "love" may be.

I love how I can never predict what happens (so far), the author really takes you from a nice moment, to a sudden violent act, to a sexual moment, to an escape plot, and both characters are quite unpredictable which is understandable. But it leaves me wondering, what will happen next?

The fact that this manga is a tragedy means someone is bound to die. Perhaps homocide/suicide? There's no other way. Otherwise it means they will magically love each other, somehow growing more twisted "love" for one another, but that will not make sense, I really do hate how BL genres often romanticize abuse, however, the author has been logical through out the manga thus far.

There are some inconsistent things. Bones can't fully heal properly without being realigned by doctors. How much of that soup did they have? Shouldn't it have a bigger affect, if not, then shouldn't have Sangwoo lashed at Yoonbum for it?

I also dislike the unnecessary sexual little things like "oh, I took my shirt off because it's wet" I think considering that his pants are also wet, he either changes his entire outfit, or keeps the shirt on.

However, everything else, is pretty spot on, but I won't be able to discuss nor rate it until the manga is over. Bad endings always ruin a good story.



I will just say, this manga has just the right amount of violence for me. Perfect suffering and anguish that I often seek and I just want to pick Yoonbum up and give him a hug. I love that the author drew them this particular way, how skinny Yoonbum is from malnourishment and stress, that he still can't walk properly despite months passing, that despite his love, he still tries to escape and he still struggles. I love his reactions and flinches despite how much he lusts for Sangwoo. Detail is vital for me.




Those flip moments really put me on edge. I keep thinking, is he gonna kill him? Will he kill him now? Please don't maim him! There's no predicting Sangwoo's actions. I honestly thought he was gonna bring Yoonbum's uncle in the basement next!
That would have just put the icing on the cake!


Peace,
M.D.