Bastard by Carnby Kim (Webtoon)

Description:

Bastard follows the life of a teenager called Jim Seon embittered at his own life, his dad, and the world around him . His mental state isn't particularly good, and there is something really dark inside of him that always stirs when he thinks about his father...

The fact that he has a glass eye, artificial valves in his heart and various pins in his bones doesn't help others in seeing him in any more of a positive light, with most of his classmates calling him an emo loser, disabled, among other things. Although bleak, things seem normal enough until a series of kidnappings and murders start to happen around the neighborhood, and that causes things to take a sharp turn for the worse. 

Review:

Bastard has an interesting plot where a boy in his early teens with his weak body and heart has to overcome many difficulties in order to save those important to him. The story starts with a dream that Jim Seon has where he is falling from the roof of a building and probably the reason for the weak constitution of his body. His dullness and lack of interest in people around him makes him an easy target for bullies. His dad is a rich man with a kind and very likeable attitude. His father is a respected member of society with admirers ranging from small children to friends and colleagues 

The story takes a turn when the true nature of his father and the relationship they have is revealed. The story turns darker and things start to make sense. It is also thought provoking that how easy for a person with power and connections it is to commit crimes and get away with it. But for the main protagonist it is a life where from childhood he is an accomplice to a murderer and the only way for him to survive is to do his fathers bidding.

The changes that happen when his father targets the girl he likes are drastic, the new found courage to defend someone he loves and bring an end to his father's crimes is a huge development for the main protagonist. The chain of events that this triggers where each struggles to come out on top is the beginning of a dark and wild ride where you can't help but wonder if this story has a happy ending.

Conclusion:

Bastard is a well written twisted tale of a relationship between a serial murderer and his son. It provides an insight into the kind of trauma and horror that is faced by a child who experiences horrifying crimes and is a part of it since a young age, their desperation and helplessness. This kind of work of fiction might not be enjoyed by everyone but nevertheless a thrilling and wild ride from start to finish.