My First Review - Second Life of a Gangster

My First Review - Second Life of a Gangster

So, I’ve been a big anime fan since I can’t remember when. Seriously, it’s been too many years to count. Television was my first taste, however, once computers invaded our homes in the nineties, I was on a friend’s computer basically downloading and digesting anything I could find on anime, manga and western comics. Back then the websites and any available material was scarce, and equally as difficult to find.

In a few years I saved enough to purchase a Microsoft desktop with ME (Millennium Edition). Honestly, it wasn’t that bad, not like everyone has made it out to be. Yes, there were issues, but that computer did me for a lot of years.

Nonetheless, you get the gist. I’m an old timer when it comes to anime, manga, and western comics. Back in the day, I got my daughter then son (briefly) hooked on the Japanese animation and video games—but that’s a topic of discussion for a different blog post. But my love of Japanese culture doesn’t stop there—the food, history, traditional clothing, and language have always fascinated me. My first major project in elementary school was about, you guessed it, Japan.

How many have I read? No idea.The same goes for anime or cartoons. Truthfully, I wish I’d kept a running list. Half the time, I need to see the book cover, or read a bit, or watch the start of the anime before it rings a bell. Then, I snap my fingers and say, “Oh, yeah, I remember that one.” Sometimes with fondness. Sometimes with a ‘meh.’ While other times, I recoil with disgust. Not everything I’ve consumed throughout the years has been wonderful or noteworthy.

Anyway, I used to consistently post various reviews under my other pseudonym, so I thought, I’d do it again. Just in case you aren’t familiar with the terminology, I’ve added a bit of information below.

Definitions: Manga is a variety of Japanese graphic novels and comics, generally printed in black and white, and read right to left, often serialized in weekly or monthly magazines with a range of genres and stylized art with usually very detailed backgrounds.

Manhwa is the Korean term for comics and print-cartoons. Outside Korea, the term usually refers to South Korean comics. Most are full colour and read top to bottom—left to right, and better for online consumption, thus the format (vertical scrolling).

Manhua is the Chinese term for comics and graphic novels, which are known for a distinctive art style, which often features realistically detailed illustrations with simple backgrounds. These comics tend to focus on storytelling and character development, often featuring a mix of traditional Chinese and Western influences.

And we all know traditional “comics” like DC and Marvel, etc., are North American or Western.

Webtoons refers to digital comics optimized for mobile devices, normally read from top to bottom by scrolling vertically on a phone or tablet. They are a popular form of digital entertainment, originating from South Korea, and have gained global recognition in recent years.

One last thing that’s worth mentioning, if you’re familiar with these entertainment mediums, then you might be well versed with the “tropes.” If you’re unfamiliar, then you will soon learn that each, regardless of the genre, has distinctive tropes. And if you’ve experienced them as I have, you’ll either have a total meltdown and come to detest the medium, or you’ll just ignore and learn to weed out the good stories from the bad. In my humble opinion, as with anything in life, it’s simply about personal preference. Manhwa and manga aren’t for everyone.

Second Life of a Gangster

Alternative Title: Let’s Live a Good Life

Medium: Manhwa

Year: 2018 (complete)

Author: SaYeol Artist: Yerang.

Genre(s): Action, Fantasy, Psychological, School Life, Slice of Life

Warning: Violence, Substance Use, Bullying, Swearing, Crude Language

Publisher: Kidari Studio

By age forty-one, Oh Joong Seok (surname first), was a man who had done all kinds of evil things. He dropped out of school and joined a gang, then became the head of a criminal organization, running Incheon city. Joong Seok was well-known for his brutality and volatile temper; he killed a detective, maimed countless men, and ruined many lives with a seemingly apathetic attitude.

After twenty years of ruling Incheon with an iron fist, a subordinate undermines Joong Seok’s authority/power and Joong confronts him. His own men, upon the orders of his subordinate, in an act of betrayal, stab then beat him. He manages to escape only to collapse on the street, where he comes to terms with his imminent death. He knows he isn’t a good person, and he knows what death holds for him, but regardless, he asks for forgiveness.

And this is where the story gets interesting. Joon Seok dies and instead of seeing hell, he sees nothing but white and he hears a voice, to soon discover that he’s talking to an angel. Their conversation is a bit strange, however, Joong Seok learns that he has a chance at atonement. But he doesn’t just jump at the chance—due to his past life he’s wary. Eventually, Joong Seok agrees to the angel’s terms and then he wakes up as his eighteen-year-old self.

What makes this gangster story good is the twist on an old trope. Joong Seok doesn’t return as some overpowered revenge seeker, or a vengeful spirit, instead he does the complete opposite. He’s already strong, knowledgeable and clever due to his previous life, and he has no interest in revenge. He genuinely wants to live a better existence, and that means righting the wrongs he committed. Which is exactly what he does, and along the way he sees the cause and effect, how his actions change those around him. The angel always watches, and they talk often, but he doesn’t interfere.

Initially, Joong Seok isn’t the most likeable guy, but once you get to know him, you can’t help but love and root for him. Get ready for a roller coaster of emotion, and a surprise ending, that adds context to his past, while providing closure to the biggest cliffhanger throughout the entire story.

I give Second Life of a Gangster 5 stars, and the art is very nice too!

D. G. Pearse