Walk on Water 1

Walk on Water #1

by JAXX, Jang Mokdan

Ed, a broke bodyguard in search of some fast cash, enters the world of porn by applying to the adult film company McQueen Entertainment under the alias 'Tommy.' He originally planned to just perform as a top. But one day when his partner couldn't make it on time for the shoot, Ed ends up playing bottom to the charismatic owner of the company himself, Glenn McQueen!

Genres: Manga, Manhwa, Romance, Yaoi, LGBT, M M Romance, Queer

538 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2020

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

All-time fav. Sad, twisted, loving. So different. An adaptation would be great 😭

[I Will Elaborate And That's a Threat✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, but leaning more towards 4.

This is a graphic novel/comic about the gay porn industry and how it effects the people that work there. It follows the protagonist, Ed Talbot who works multiple jobs, hoping to pay back a debt he has because of an accident he was in. While the start sounds like so many other BLs, the unique thing about this one is that even though it is centred around sex workers, it isn't something you can just call porn and call it a day.

The author uses the narration excellently to portray the intense and sometimes conflicting emotions someone can feel when they're beneath a crushing burden and dabble in something that society shuns to get out of it. To make matters worse, Ed, who had previously thought himself to be straight, finds himself falling for the very man who's using his body to make money. (It isn't Stockholm syndrome or anything like that, though.)

This is such an intense story with so many struggles, all depicted in a very realistic way, even if it made the story very difficult to read. There was so much pain, and things were so difficult, and you just wanted to hug the characters and tell them it'll be okay, knowing full well that only a miracle could make things better.

This was good, don't get me wrong, but I think it was a bit on the short side. There was a lot that was being discussed, but other than the apologies, nothing else took its time. Things happened a little too fast.

[Maartje · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ Walk on Water - Jang Mokdan/JAXX ❤️

🌈 bi-awakening
😭 childhood trauma
🥵 gay porn industry
💰 mob
🗽 New York City

Walk on Water was such a good read! 😍 I was attracted to the artstyle of this manhwa and was pleasantly surprised JAXX (from UTGL) has illustrated this 🥰 the storyline about Ed aka Tommy going into the gay porn industry to earn money was written really well and it was such a sweet love/awakening story 😭💕 all its main characters including Creed had so much debt to them as well ✨️ also the title explanation is just EVERYTHING 😭🦋 needless to say I devoured the whole manhwa in like 2-3 nights 🤗

[Shakera✿✿✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Anastasia ⋆｡☽˚｡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest, the plot isn't my favorite BUT damn the writing in this one is strong! From the dialogue to the monologues, there's a very poetic feel to them. As for the art, it's just so sharp and clean and appealing to the eyes- I mean, the character designs are just such studs!! The characters themselves are also extremely well-written. They're likable and authentic- they garner your sympathy and you want to root for them until the very end. In this sense, the author absolutely nailed the mark because hardcore BLs usually disregard its characters, and Walk on Water subverted this cliche effortlessly.

That story walked so this one can fly. THIS was truly a standout in all the BL webtoons I've read (that's saying something because I've read a lot!), and it has already established itself as a classic in my mind (albeit a raunchy one, but a classic nonetheless hehe).

[simp4fictionalcheracters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it 3.5

[i love be sarcastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

No sentí química en los personajes

[lady moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The me inside the screen, was caressing the bottom of a man's eye that was void of any tears."

This is a reread for me but I didn't remember the ending... and oh damn, who'd have thought I'd shed a few tears for a manhwa centering porn. It just have to be said, the mood was truly immaculate. The art, the feelings, their faces... ah! Putting all the sex aside, it's actually such wonderful story, the artstyle is everything. I truly felt these characters' emotions and I'm actually? Kinda sad right now? I'm not sure why, the mood in the story just has a taste of bittersweet... borderline melancholic. The story just captured me as much as the first time.

Rep: bi Korean-American MC with leg pains, gay love interest, Chinese-American side characters, achilliean side characters

[Jorgely༄ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustaba Chang lástima que era un red flag.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, a couple years ago I learned that about 90% of the men who do mainstream gay porn are actually straight. Apparently the reason for this was because it paid better than doing straight porn - the women get paid better in straight porn while the guy bottoming gets paid better in gay porn.

Honestly, I couldn't tell you where I learned this tiny detail - part of me thinks it was on Twitter and the other thinks that it was a random little line from Insatiable: Porn - A Love Story, idk - it for some reason stuck in my brain

Finding this manhwa was like a little peek to behind the scenes of that. It sorta answered the questions that teenage me had - why would a self-proclaimed straight guy shoot gay porn? And can he claim to still be straight after? While we definitely cannot use the manhwa as a scientific study or something that speaks for all straight guys doing gay porn, it was certainly an interesting lens into this part of life

As to whether a straight guy can do gay porn, clearly the answer is yes. As to whether they can still claim to be straight after that.... well that line seems to be very blurry, but, to each their own.

Now regarding this story specifically,
💦Someone once said that the basis of all Korean BL was a bottom with debt and an asshole top with lots of money - this is continues to ring true., at least in regards to the bottom
💦Idk if it's the art, the story or what exactly but the chemistry between Ed and McQueen is straight up electric. I had to get up and go grab a glass of water after reading their scene
💦Ed's 'brother'... I want to ask how someone can be so horrible but if there's something that humanity has taught me, it's that there's not end or measure to it's cruelty. Doesn't mean that I'm still not disappointed of saddened by it
💦The confession threw me off. It just came out of nowhere and felt a little rushed

4.5⭐s

[Büşra Arlı · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alışık olduğum manhwalardan daha farklı bir yapısı vardı. Hardcore bir hikaye bekliyordum ama beni ters köşeden yakaladı.

Sanatsal çizimleri, karakterlerin birbirleriyle olan uyumu, diyalogların yazımı, hikayenin akışkanlığı, monologlar beni kalbimden yakaladı. Çok hoş bir tat bıraktı kalbimde. O kadar minnoşlarki anlatamam 🥰🥰🙃

[Anne Melvine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the first Manga of this type i’ve ever finished, which already says how inexperienced i am in the genre but also how much i liked it. It honestly took me by surprise, and I’ll definitely look into reading more

[Stephanie Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this in a whole day, not disappointed at ALL. Beautiful smut and very intriguing storyline. All the characters had me invested! It has just about the right amount of angst (mind you I hate angst) but it fits! Gets a high 4.5~

[Bookteafull (Danny) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I aint even gunna front. This was spice-sayyyyee... for the most part. The ending did lose it's way for me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ .

[✧desiree✧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd Read: 3☆’s

*This is a review of the entire story, not just part 1*

1st Read: 5☆’s

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still one of the best yaoi series I have read in recent years. The writing is wonderful. Sad and complex. Doesn't fall into most of the tropes you see in the biggest series these days.

A definite for those who was to try a smutty yaoi.

[Cassie Renais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this one left me feeling sad instead of hopeful and romantic, but that's just a testament to how well the author/artist portrayed the complexities of the story. It starts with a guy getting into porn because it's the only way he can think to pay off his crippling debt, and the tone doesn't get lighter from there. But even though it gets dark, it doesn't dwell there or glorify the characters' struggles. Eventually, things work out.

My bigger issue with this story is that I'm not entirely persuaded by the romance - Tommy seems to fall in love very suddenly and without much reason. The other guy gets an entire episode to try and explain why he's into Tommy, and even then, I just didn't feel convinced. The connection seems to have developed too fast to be deserved. Outside of their work together, which presumably gets complicated, the two MCs don't actually spend that much time together. They certainly don't talk much about themselves or their issues.

In case the premise doesn't make it obvious, this is a very adult comic. Smut is abundant and explicit.

Overall, I think this was mostly well done, but was not the right story for me. Desperate, sad, lonely people make my heart hurt, even if sometimes they end up together.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

My "dates read" are going to be incorrect for a fair amount of things I've read digitally, since it's harder for me for some reason to motivate myself to write a review after finishing something that I'm not physically putting down after. But I should go back through and mark what I've read, especially so I can track what I want to request from English publishers.

This was a great one. Might even be 5 stars if I could sit down with it in my hands, since to me that does change the reading experience (I'm just not great with reading stuff on screens). Some themes that I wouldn't ordinarily be drawn to, but there was surprisingly very little that bothered me in this one...the characters were just wonderfully developed, and the plot was tightly, intelligently written. Loved it a whole lot more than I would've expected, and will definitely reread.

[ℂ ✧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cor força dividit amb aquest BL, la veritat :( m'ha semblat molt interessant el rerefons dels protagonistes i com va evolucionant la seva relació tenint en compte l'origen en el món del porno gai, però el detonant de tot el conflicte entre els personatges i com el resolen se'm fa massa exagerat, moralista i poc versemblant. El problema principal és la reacció de l'entorn de la parella que els jutja i margina així com la "cultura de la cancel·lació" cap al director de cinema, és a dir, factors externs als protagonistes. Hi ha molta complexitat en les històries dels dos protagonistes que no s'acaba de resoldre bé amb el progrés de la trama... sabent això, no acabo d'encaixar les disculpes ni per què la relació fracassa el primer cop. Una llàstima l'embolic perquè era una història que prometia ser espectacular, però no està a l'altura...

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end, it somehow feels bittersweet. I cannot help but to really love this work. I love that nothing is perfect, i love that they fight just like normal couples do, i love the fact that Ed got ashamed when he got outed, not because i want him to be ashamed but I think it's a normal reaction. They kept it real, and that's what i liked about this much. I think i would never understand Chang's behavior or his feelings, i couldn't imagine myself hating so much someone I love. It hurt me tho when Yeonwoo said Yui not to look for him anymore, i thought they were closer than that. But anyways, i think that's the beauty of it. I resonate with Yeonwoo with no having a dream anymore, i think he's my favorite character.

[Eris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember when I first picked up this manhwa(seven years ago or eight??) The first idea that crossed my mind after reading just the first 2 chapters is I don't care about the sex workers or the pornography industry at all, and those people are lucky for doing something they enjoy and being paid for it. But now I don't think the same anymore, for that I decided to pick up this manhwa again and trying to understand and empathise with the people around me more.

I enjoyed the work very much, each chapter was satisfying and well written, especially the dialogues and the personality development of each character.

You can hate me if you want, but I wish Ed ended up with Ryan and his cute little kid, they seem like a happy family all living together.

[Chichi · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was an emotional roller coaster.....



But the relationships and plots were more complicated than i initially thought they were gonna be. The story explored themes of exploitation and abuse in the sex industry, as well as in more interpersonal relationships and they how they can affect one's mental health.

I am glad that ed/ye weon/tomy got the happy ending ne deserved. I enjoyed his characterisation, his calm and reserved nature and i sympathized with his loneliness and his desired to be loved.
I also appreciated that Glenn despite being a porn director and the power dynamic that existed between him and ed that he never was abusive. As it way to common on a trope in bl to have that abuser to lovers story line, their relationship was always consensual and he clearly respected ed.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

god, this is so messed up. i still love it, though, lol! i’m reading it for the third time right now and i have absolutely no regrets. surprisingly enough, i love both the storytelling and its pacing. the characters stand out to me… it’s hard to figure them out. (i always do appreciate some emotional complexity, heh.) it’s so good. and the smut is RIDICULOUSLY hot, too… really, i can’t complain! jaxx is a great storyteller in my book. “under the green light” is truly spectacular as well! i’d recommend you all to check that one out if you haven’t already. there’s some beautiful, steamy masterpieces awaiting you. ;)

[Milliexxreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐
3 🌶️

WELL WELL WELL, I love the plot a lot, untill at the end... It became too complicated but if I leave that part out... Then I loved this!! The characters were fun and I never found a manga with that quite of plot so that is what intrested me the most!! 🫶💫💗

rankings manga
1# Under the green light (5 ⭐)
2# Traces of the sun (5 ⭐)
3# 10 years I loved you the most (5⭐)
4#Lost in the cloud (4.5 ⭐
5#define the relationship (4⭐)
6# Low tide in twilight (4.5 ⭐)
7# Roses And Champagne (4 ⭐)
8#Killer crush (3.5 ⭐)
9# Walk on water (3.5 ⭐)
10# The Shape Of Sympathy (3.5 ⭐)
11# Omega Complex (3 ⭐)
12# Dangerous Convenience Store (4 ⭐)
13# Dead or Alive (3.5 ⭐)
14# Osora (4 ⭐)
15# Bye, Bye (3 ⭐)
16# The time between dogs and wolf ( 3 ⭐)
17# Jinx (3 ⭐) -> isn't on goodreads
18# Passion (3.5 ⭐)

[bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so entertaining watching how porn stars have their office days. It's randomly the most slice of life story I have read where I didn't even anticipate that. Idk what I anticipated but I'm super happy about this direction.

Anyway, I like how mc is making his way into a bi awakening. I am learning so much about this industry...like they have awards? What? Also the main love interest is very interesting and very deliberate in their thoughts and words It's comforting.

[Camila A. ❲ ☘ ❳ · Rating 3 out of 5]

La historia en general no me llegó tanto pero tuvo elementos que me hicieron sentir lindo, como lo de Ryan y su niña, y elementos que me sorprendieron por su complejidad como el personaje de Chen y las malas decisiones que cometió Glenn y que luego reconoció e intentó enmendar. El romance también fue mejor de lo que esperaba. Fue… genuino, en cierto modo, aunque funable también por momentos tal vez y demasiado apresurado para mi gusto. Pero me gustó mucho más que UTGL.

[MIEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5
c'était vraiment deep enft et le sujet de l'industrie porno/ prostitution était vraiment bien abordé
par contre je suis un peu mitigée sur la relation à la fin mais bon bref, j'ai beaucoup aimé le personnage de Ryan uuhhhh (larmes) et je suis un peu triste pour Youyu aussi j'ai pas vraiment compris pourquoi Ed était autant énervé contre lui... il était vraiment mimi gentil et je m'attendais à mieux idk

[Carolina✌ ItsCaroBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pero que montaña rusa de sentimientos y es que esta historia jugó con mis sentimientos a otro nivel. Ahora entiendo porque todos aman esta historia y con justas razones, el tema de la pornografia homosexual y los sentimientos que esto con lleva están TAAAN bien tratados. Y contra todo pronóstico hay final feliz y con eso ya me ganaron🤧🧡

[Melany Carstairs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me ha gustado mucho la primera parte de este Manhwa. La historia me ha parecido interesante y el dibujo está muy bien.

Aún no he decidido que personaje me gusta más, pero ambos me gustan y la historia te hace mantenerte ahí todo el rato para ver qué pasa.

Veremos qué pasa en el siguiente volumen.

Me despido de momento. Nos vemos en la siguiente reseña. Saludos!!

[iii555 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encanta como se representa el dilema de la industria del porno. Personas vulnerables que toman una decisión apresurada por presión económica que después deben afrontar las consecuencias de uno de los estigmas más arraigados en nuestra sociedad.

Es refrescante leer a los personajes llevar una relación que escapa de los clichés bl como la miscommunication, el despertar gay del hetero con prejuicios, los celos del pasado, etc.