Ranked #472

Running on Empty (Manhwa)

I just happened to come across this manhwa and I was really surprised to see the whole thing was in color. I'm already comfortable with reading yaoi so the shounen ai genre didn't scare me away. But for people who are scared of becoming "gay" just by reading yaoi or start complaining that it's disgusting just because it's shounen ai, this manhwa has very light boy/boy interaction, nothing hardcore. You would think they were merely friends. For those who are homo phobic, I wouldn't advise you to read this then, if any slight insinuation or if you misunderstand easily then all I have to say is that you're missing out from a touching story.

I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful art. There's a blend of real pictures and the hand drawn art but it was melded nicely that there wasn't a stark contrast. I really enjoyed this unique aspect about this manhwa, the colors were wonderful and it just made the story seem more real along with the pictures. The story has a themes that are commonly found in manhwas and I was surprised to even find a shounen ai manhwa, I don't see many of these but it was artfully done.

The story seems simple yet full of depth depending on how you react or try to connect with the characters in any way. But the art was definitely something new to most manhwa and manga artists that I have seen and it won't disappoint you. Though I've heard some complaints elsewhere about how the mix of pictures and art ruined the story for some people. It's something each person has to get used but undoubtedly I have to say the story is sweet and incredibly beautiful. I was left with a happy fuzzy feeling within me. read more

Yes, this is the first time I say 'there isn't really room for improvement'. Hence the 10's. The story is truly wonderful. Two young men dealing with hideous life events that 'happen' to cross paths. Afterwhich a journey both literal and esoteric begins for each. Two ppl finding themselves while learning slowly about each other.

The art for me was a first time experiance. It was the most interesting blend of actual photographs and hand drawn images, mixed with every degree of combining the two. The color of the hand drawn to me brought a vividness of events and the characters that made them stand out wonderfully, while the true photo's grounded me in solid reality making the out of the norm aspects of the story all the more real feeling. Not to mention the bonus aspect that it was ENTIRELY done in color!

The characters were just real for me. The truth is I have know ppl similar to the leads. They were not too overblown despite what some might think. The characters were kept as simple as possible otherwise the manga would have been endless, LOL.

I enjoyed this manga imensely. A huge note to anyone who shies away from shounen ai. In this case DON'T. Holding hands is the most 'boys love they show' ... not including a non sexual nude scene. This manga is about understanding people... not 'finding love' so to speak. Ever wondered about shounen Ai... this is a great safe way to start. It is also just a damn great manga to read - period. ^^ read more