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Not So Bad, Vol. 1
by E. Hae
"Even with his hot career, top movie star Eunhee finds his life empty and without reason. Then one day, in front of his door, he finds Gain... who looks like an abandoned cat from a bad mugging incident. From that day on, the two men get to share Eunhee's house... and his bed, though not intended. Eunhee gradually realizes that his hopeless and meaningless life has changed forever since Gain has entered his house, and his love for the boy storms up his heart and changes him altogether.
"
"Even with his hot career, top movie star Eunhee finds his life empty and without reason. Then one day, in front of his door, he finds Gain... who looks like an abandoned cat from a bad mugging incident. From that day on, the two men get to share Eunhee's house... and his bed, though not intended. Eunhee gradually realizes that his hopeless and meaningless life has changed forever since Gain has entered his house, and his love for the boy storms up his heart and changes him altogether.
"
204 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 27, 2008
This is a Korean manhwa, not a Japanese manga book. And the cover artwork seemed to me to be not up to the Japanese standards. So I was hesitant about getting this series.
I am glad I finally did break down and get it. I disagree with the other review posted for this book. I enjoyed it, much more than I thought I would. The story revolves around a self-absorbed, semi-depressed actor Eunhee and the homeless waif Gain he lets move in with him. The interaction between these two IS the story. The bond that forms between Eunhee and Gain and the interplay showing how it begins to form is key to the story. This isn't typical shounen-ai 'seme vs uke' romantic sparring. Unlike indicated in previous review, this ISN'T a "conflicted about attraction to boys" storyline - never is gender an issue here. None of that "but-it's-a-BOY-I'm-attracted-to" angst here. But reviewer is correct in stating that there isn't a whole lot of kissing, cuddling or sexcapades happening. The author, E.Hae, is concerned with the boys' emotions rather than physicality and draws us into the story in that manner.
The artwork is spare and lean, without a lot of extra detailing and background clutter, hence more simplistic than many manga. But the characters are drawn strongly and there isn't any trouble distinguishing between them, a problem I find common to the Japanese manga I've read. The style is distinctive, but the inside artwork is far better than the outside cover would indicate.
And, again contrary to the other opinion listed here, I found "Not So Bad" to be, well, not so bad. Much better than I expected. The other reviewer listed "Boy Princess" by the same publisher as being a better story. I have read the first couple of volumes in that series, and while I liked that storyline, I found the artwork not as good (although seme is a cutie!) and the princess-uke character to be the whiny spineless type that annoys and irritates me. So, with better artwork and more sympathetic and likable characters here, my vote goes to Not So Bad. I'm looking forward to volume 2.
TERMINOLOGY NOTE: 'Manga' is the term given to a Japanese graphic novel with pictures, and 'Manhwa' is the term for a Korean book of the same type. 'Seme' is a term for the dominant partner in a pairing, and 'Uke' is the term for the non-dominant partner.
I am glad I finally did break down and get it. I disagree with the other review posted for this book. I enjoyed it, much more than I thought I would. The story revolves around a self-absorbed, semi-depressed actor Eunhee and the homeless waif Gain he lets move in with him. The interaction between these two IS the story. The bond that forms between Eunhee and Gain and the interplay showing how it begins to form is key to the story. This isn't typical shounen-ai 'seme vs uke' romantic sparring. Unlike indicated in previous review, this ISN'T a "conflicted about attraction to boys" storyline - never is gender an issue here. None of that "but-it's-a-BOY-I'm-attracted-to" angst here. But reviewer is correct in stating that there isn't a whole lot of kissing, cuddling or sexcapades happening. The author, E.Hae, is concerned with the boys' emotions rather than physicality and draws us into the story in that manner.
The artwork is spare and lean, without a lot of extra detailing and background clutter, hence more simplistic than many manga. But the characters are drawn strongly and there isn't any trouble distinguishing between them, a problem I find common to the Japanese manga I've read. The style is distinctive, but the inside artwork is far better than the outside cover would indicate.
And, again contrary to the other opinion listed here, I found "Not So Bad" to be, well, not so bad. Much better than I expected. The other reviewer listed "Boy Princess" by the same publisher as being a better story. I have read the first couple of volumes in that series, and while I liked that storyline, I found the artwork not as good (although seme is a cutie!) and the princess-uke character to be the whiny spineless type that annoys and irritates me. So, with better artwork and more sympathetic and likable characters here, my vote goes to Not So Bad. I'm looking forward to volume 2.
TERMINOLOGY NOTE: 'Manga' is the term given to a Japanese graphic novel with pictures, and 'Manhwa' is the term for a Korean book of the same type. 'Seme' is a term for the dominant partner in a pairing, and 'Uke' is the term for the non-dominant partner.
October 7, 2011
You see how it's called Not So Bad? That is a lie, and it is that bad.
Sadly, it is not even weird and sex-crazed enough to at least have some hilarity factor. Thankfully, the angst is cut short by the fact that the story is wrapped up in two measly volumes. What can I say, I got it for free.
Sadly, it is not even weird and sex-crazed enough to at least have some hilarity factor. Thankfully, the angst is cut short by the fact that the story is wrapped up in two measly volumes. What can I say, I got it for free.
July 30, 2007
I really enjoyed this manhwa. Refreshing mature characters and stunning art. Looking forward to more from this author
April 29, 2023
The kisses are tender and sweet, like I can feel someone’s lips on mine. Gently brushing against mine as I part my own lips as I kiss back. That’s the sort of sensation it gives me, to provide just one example.
The author, E. Hae, states at the beginning of the volume that she doesn’t write based around events, but rather she writes according to her characters and their development. She also speaks about kindness. “My interests as a writer are more geared towards the characters’ emotions and mental states rather than certain events or stories.
I look at the kind of relationship that a person creates when he meets another person. My hope and task is for that relationship, whether it’s between soul mates, families, or temporary lovers who are merely passing by, to continue being sweet and constructive kind of human love, and as much as possible, not destructive to humanity.” (Hae, 2007.)
This foreword from the author assists in setting the stage for the entire story; it places the reader in the mindset that they should be reading for the characters and their development and mental states, not for the story or plot.
Gain is an insomniac who can only sleep when he’s next to Eunhee, a very particular man who keeps everyone iced out, and has never slept beside another person, regardless of circumstances. But the heat of Gain’s body slowly melts Eunhee’s ice, their hearts beating in sync, their bodies nestling into each other to combine the perfect body temperature for sleeping.
This story pierces the great depths of the mental states of these two men (who are older, both 27 by the way) as they unfurl into something different as they develop meaningful and significant feelings for each other. Eunhee is changing, but so is Gain. But when people are changing and only just learning their new selves (and are stressed), frustration is bound to arise.
I greatly appreciate the intricacies and depth which Hae-sensei put into the characters’ psyches. Things make sense and when they don’t, it’s because they’re not meant to. Because they don’t make sense to the person feeling it. The characters are terribly transparent but it does not distract from any of the charm, in fact, it’s a part of the charm. Everything within this story works hard for said story.
Calling this story not so bad would be an understatement. (And yet, it’s the most lukewarm-feeling title which fits this story almost perfectly.)
The author, E. Hae, states at the beginning of the volume that she doesn’t write based around events, but rather she writes according to her characters and their development. She also speaks about kindness. “My interests as a writer are more geared towards the characters’ emotions and mental states rather than certain events or stories.
I look at the kind of relationship that a person creates when he meets another person. My hope and task is for that relationship, whether it’s between soul mates, families, or temporary lovers who are merely passing by, to continue being sweet and constructive kind of human love, and as much as possible, not destructive to humanity.” (Hae, 2007.)
This foreword from the author assists in setting the stage for the entire story; it places the reader in the mindset that they should be reading for the characters and their development and mental states, not for the story or plot.
Gain is an insomniac who can only sleep when he’s next to Eunhee, a very particular man who keeps everyone iced out, and has never slept beside another person, regardless of circumstances. But the heat of Gain’s body slowly melts Eunhee’s ice, their hearts beating in sync, their bodies nestling into each other to combine the perfect body temperature for sleeping.
This story pierces the great depths of the mental states of these two men (who are older, both 27 by the way) as they unfurl into something different as they develop meaningful and significant feelings for each other. Eunhee is changing, but so is Gain. But when people are changing and only just learning their new selves (and are stressed), frustration is bound to arise.
I greatly appreciate the intricacies and depth which Hae-sensei put into the characters’ psyches. Things make sense and when they don’t, it’s because they’re not meant to. Because they don’t make sense to the person feeling it. The characters are terribly transparent but it does not distract from any of the charm, in fact, it’s a part of the charm. Everything within this story works hard for said story.
Calling this story not so bad would be an understatement. (And yet, it’s the most lukewarm-feeling title which fits this story almost perfectly.)
December 9, 2017
3.5/5
I thought the romance in this was nothing but melodrama and it went too fast, but I'm interested to see if the MC changes his heart or not. He's so scared of getting close to people that it's hard to see him going a different route. However, there's only two volumes in this manga series so I'll find out very soon :)
I thought the romance in this was nothing but melodrama and it went too fast, but I'm interested to see if the MC changes his heart or not. He's so scared of getting close to people that it's hard to see him going a different route. However, there's only two volumes in this manga series so I'll find out very soon :)
July 1, 2022
A simpler manga, there wasn't much to it mostly just sunshine and grumpy dumpling concept but it was okay. Sometimes I'm all right with just a simple story.
did-not-finish
July 13, 2022The art style in here really didn't work for me.
November 27, 2011
I'm a big fan of "shonen ai" and don't usually pay much mind to manga vs. manhwa puritainism (Japanese comics are better than Korean) - but... with this title, I have to say I can see their point.
Something must have been lost in translation, cuz this jumps around a lot, characters say weird things suddenly and scenes shift abruptly in the middle of a page. And the art is inconsistant (which can always make up for a bad story-imo).
This is from the same publisher that put out "Boy Princess" which is much better.
It's rated 16+ for "sexual content" - but it's kind of like "Fake" in that everything is mostly dream sequence and 90% "edited for tv" type shots. It's a "conflicted about attraction to boys" storyline - so there is barely any kissing, and nothing is resolved at the end. But I'm not bothering with volume 2. Bleck.
But, maybe it's just me.
Something must have been lost in translation, cuz this jumps around a lot, characters say weird things suddenly and scenes shift abruptly in the middle of a page. And the art is inconsistant (which can always make up for a bad story-imo).
This is from the same publisher that put out "Boy Princess" which is much better.
It's rated 16+ for "sexual content" - but it's kind of like "Fake" in that everything is mostly dream sequence and 90% "edited for tv" type shots. It's a "conflicted about attraction to boys" storyline - so there is barely any kissing, and nothing is resolved at the end. But I'm not bothering with volume 2. Bleck.
But, maybe it's just me.
February 17, 2015
Eunhee is a popular actor and Gain is a bartender. Eunhee finds Gain outside his apartment building, injured and looking for a place to stay, so he lets him move in. The romance between these two is slow to build and the attraction is very subtle. They seriously kiss at the end of the book, that's as graphic as it gets. Gain has insomenia and has been going from relationship to relationship hoping to find a cure. Turns out Eunhee is his cure, and Gain is happy with the arrangement. Eunhee is having trouble processing what his attachment to Gain is. They have a fight over it and Gain leaves. While separated Eunhee begins to work himself sick, hoping to forget Gain. That's where the story ends. I liked the characters and their complex relationship.
July 18, 2014
so far a great read, need Vol. 2 now.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews