Writing Better Stories #2

Coincidentally, this second entry in the Writing Better Stories series will be another case study on Criminal Case: Pacific Bay. (Click here to read the first entry.) This post will be about the Rhine Canyon arc – that is, Chief Andrea Marquez’ arc. Although she is among my favorite characters in the Criminal Case franchise, I cannot bring myself to like fully her character arc for two main reasons. First, I don’t quite enjoy alien stories. This one purely depends on personal taste, so I don’t think more explaining is needed. Second, I believe it would be better if her arc didn’t end like that.

Navigating Magic and Logic

Note: This post is the third part of a series that explores the main message of the Korean webtoon Annarasumanara. You might want to read the introduction, the first part, and the second part first.

After a long journey examining our main characters’ views, in this post we will sum up the stance that Annarasumanara holds in relation to life. In the two previous posts, we have seen Ah-ee, Il-deung, and R’s perspectives on life. I have demonstrated that the story rejects Ah-ee and Il-deung’s (and Min-hyuk’s) initial view which champions academic and economic success. Now, I will first show that the story, too, does not tell us to adopt R’s view. Then, I will point out the view Annarasumanara suggests we have.

[Part 2] Violet Evergarden Episode 4: You Won't be a Tool, but a Person Worthy of that Name

Iris and Violet on the train home from Kazaly

This episode's analysis is divided into two parts. This post is the second part. Click here to read the first part.

[Part 1] Violet Evergarden Episode 4: You Won't be a Tool, but a Person Worthy of that Name

Note: This episode's analysis is divided into two parts. To my own surprise, I had a lot of things to say. Click here to access the second part. I have put the link at the end of this post as well.

Iris and Violet on the train to Kazaly

After her graduation from class in episode 3, Violet now finds herself in the middle of a mother-daughter conflict. Iris, Violet’s coworker, receives her first job request as a doll from her hometown – Kazaly. But alas! Disaster strikes. Iris hurts her right hand thanks to a fall down the stairs. As a result, Violet accompanies Iris on her trip back home to act as her hands. The business trip, however, forces Iris to face her feelings about herself, her feelings about her hometown, and her strained relationship with her mother.

Magic and Childhood: The Magician's Rose-Tinted World

Note: This post is the second part of a series that explores the main message of the Korean webtoon Annarasumanara. You might want to read the introduction and the first part first.

The magician in chapter 4

One main character in Annarasumanara aside from Ah-ee and Il-deung is the mysterious magician, R. He suddenly appears in an abandoned theme park to perform magic. Though R’s childlike demeanor and odd way of living invite the suspicion of many, Ah-ee and Il-deung find themselves drawn to him. Eventually, the two students discover that R was once a top-of-the-class student called Min-hyuk, and that he has been living like this ever since his damaging high school years. R, previously a believer in the necessity of becoming a good typical adult, now believes in “magic”.

Money and Straight A’s: The Recipe for a Good Life?

Note: This post is the first part of a series that explores the main message of the Korean webtoon Annarasumanara. You might want to read the introduction first.

Il-deung and Ah-ee in chapter 8

Despite coming from different backgrounds, senior high school students Ah-ee and Il-deung share the same view on life. They believe that life is about becoming typical successful adults. To do so, one must attain economic and academic success. Nonetheless, the story conveys that economic and academic success do not necessarily guarantee a fulfilling life. This can be seen through the juxtaposition of Ah-ee and Il-deung themselves.

Between Magic and Logic, Adulthood and Childhood: Annarasumanara's Main Message

Annarasumanara is a Korean webtoon by Ha Il-kwon. The art style and story might put you off at first - like what it did to me - but all things considered, the story is worth the read. In fact, Annarasumanara is among the best stories I have ever read. It narrates the story of senior high school students Yoon Ah-ee and Na Il-deung (spelling may vary across translations) as they find themselves questioning their worldview after meeting a strange magician. The story touches on many interesting topics, but for now, I’d like to focus on its main message.