The Overview of An Alley Story Raw Manhwa
An Alley Story Raw Manhwa is a Korean webtoon that is set in the 1980s when South Korea was undergoing urbanization. The story is about a young girl, Eun-ju, who grows up in an impoverished family, and her path crossing with the Rat, the kingpin of the alley. Their lives intertwine, and the story uncovers the reality of poverty and crime in Korean society.
The Plot and Characters of An Alley Story Raw Manhwa
The series follows the life of Eun-ju and her little brother, who are raised by their single mother in a cramped shanty in Seoul. Eun-ju’s depictions of her mother’s struggle to make ends meet and provide for them is heart-wrenching. She relentlessly works in a garment factory but never earns enough to provide well for them. On the other hand, Eun-ju’s brother is always hungry, and Eun-ju cannot afford to send him to school, which adds more torment to their already miserable life.
Despite all, Eun-ju is tenacious and is determined to change their financial situation. Her first encounter with the Rat happens when she tries to sell knocked off foreign cigarettes to him. But this incident sets her on a path of self-discovery, and the Rat becomes a mentor, making her a pawn in his unlawful dealings. The Rat is ruthless, but his troubled personal history unfolds in the series, making him susceptible to Eun-ju’s compassion.
The characters in the series are well-developed, and each of them has an unexpected backstory that makes them relatable. The attention to the nuances of the characters’ development is one of the strong points of the manhwa.
The Illustration of An Alley Story Raw Manhwa
The webtoon is beautifully illustrated with a distinct visual style. The artist does an excellent job of capturing the urban environment of the alley, the alleys’ sleazy bars, and the various personalities that inhabit them. The art is gritty, dark, and gives off the atmosphere of the 1980s Korean atmosphere. There is often a stark contrast between the alley’s squalor and the beauty of nature that surrounds it, such as the cherry blossom trees that Eun-ju and Rat often sit under.
The Value of An Alley Story Raw Manhwa
The value of An Alley Story Raw Manhwa is in its portrayal of the real struggles of the working-class people in South Korean society. A significant part of the Korean population lives in poverty, and the series captures the reality of their lives in a way that is relatable and empathetic. It also sheds light on the problems of crime, corruption, and the dark underbelly of Seoul’s urbanization that may be overlooked by the outside world.
The series also presents a unique take on the coming of age story, where the protagonist’s growth is not always positive or ideal. Instead, Eun-ju’s development is often tested through difficult circumstances, and she learns to adapt and survive in the harsh world. The manhwa’s message is powerful, reminding readers of the importance of resilience, and the ability to persevere in trying times.
Conclusion
Overall, An Alley Story Raw Manhwa is an excellent webtoon that is worth reading. The poignant tale and the characters’ relatable hardships make for a compelling read. The art style adds to the atmosphere and inner turmoil of the characters, making it an immersive experience. The manhwa’s honest depiction of the struggles of the working-class and their determination makes it an unforgettable read.