"The Boxer," a South Korean manhwa crafted by Jung Ji-Hoon, delivers a powerful punch that is levels above the typical sports genre. It is a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of discipline. The story follows Yu, a seemingly ordinary high school student. Unlike the athletic prowess often associated with young men his age, Yu is a magnet for trouble. He's withdrawn, introverted, and frequently finds himself the target of bullies.
However, fate takes an unexpected turn when Yu catches the eye of a legendary boxing trainer known only as Coach K. Coach K recognizes a raw potential simmering beneath Yu's apathetic exterior, a spark that ignites his passion for the sport. He takes Yu under his wing, offering him a chance to channel his frustrations and find purpose within the confines of the boxing ring.
"The Boxer" delves into the grueling world of professional boxing, portraying the dedication, sacrifice, and intense training that forge champions. Yu's journey as he transforms from a scrawny high schooler into a disciplined athlete and ruthless killer is something to witness. The manhwa doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the sport – the relentless training, the brutal injuries, and the psychological pressure that comes with competing at the highest level.
Beyond the physical challenges, "The Boxer" explores the emotional complexities of Yu's character. We see glimpses of a troubled past that fuel his apathy and detachment. As he embraces boxing, Yu must confront these inner demons and learn to channel his anger into focused determination.
While the narrative centers on Yu in the boxing world, a cast of characters surrounds him, each with their own motivations and rivalries, adding depth and intrigue to the competitive landscape.
However, an internet user had something else to say, "Honestly, I can see its appeal as a story. Having loved 'The Horizon' by the same author I wanted to read his other works to get a feel for his stories further. I wish I hadn't. Ultimately 'The Boxer' is another nihilistic tale that is rather glum and gloomy in its final acts. Having enjoyed the story highly throughout its initial chapters I was hoping for some sort of character development throughout but it never seemed to occur; I am sorely disappointed with how this manga ended up and hope that the author can really get a grip."
Though I can see the potential nihilism in the story, The Boxer is so much more than that. Whilst looking on the surface, it may seem to be a simple gloomy tale, however, it portrays what leads to gloom, why people take the actions they do, their motivations, and how they change over time. It also shows why people continue living, it is anything but nihilistic as a whole, sure there are some parts, but to label the whole manhwa as that is unfair.
Overall, this is a great read, however, it has a very niche audience, so I would not recommend this for everyone. This is a great 8.5/10.
1 Comments
bro this one was deep asf i like this one
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