Hyperventilation is a Korean manhwa written and illustrated by Bboong Bang Kkyu, who is a a well known BL animator. This short story was actually an animation first and most people have seen the story in that formate first. The original story was also released years ago online. It's just that now manhwa is becoming more popular internationally, hence the English printed release.
Two men haven't seen each other since they were eighteen but they suddenly reunite at a high school reunion. One man has loved the other since High School. While the other's feelings are unknown.... Or are they?!
Hyperventilation is a quick read that can be either enjoyable or confusing depending on how one comprehends comics. I for one am an art person, who strives to find the best visual aid to enhance a good story. So, this manhwa was everything to once I real digested the overall atmosphere and underline message. My biggest question going in was why was this manhwa titled this way? Was it because of the sex scenes or was it a deeper reasoning? I noticed that many people wrote off this story are something that looks pretty without much substance. These people normally aren't good at comprehending a story unless it's spoon fed to them in detail - Which not every comic book will be like that. Bboong choose to tell the progress the story using art deprived of words. Much of the story also goes back and forth between the present as well as the past. In this way, you learn about the two character's motives for their actions. You also learn the real reason this story is titled Hyperventilation to begin with. I thought the plot was solid while leaving room for the future of the two men. Korean culture is taken into account for the last ark of the plot. Many Korean gay man live in a more underground world in fear that they will lose their jobs or be outcasted from their families. A lot of down low men even get married just to abide by societal norms.
There's a couple beautiful moments that are shown just as full page art with on words, that I think are amazing parts of the story. If I didn't mention it already, the manhwa is in full color. I don't believe that they story would have had the same effect on me in black and white.
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