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A riveting story that is bound to take one on a roller coaster ride of emotions. With phenomenal art and good character designs, each character is distinct in both appearance and dialogue. While the tension builds up well, it seemingly falls flat at the end as the story reaches what is meant to be the crux, but feels anticlimactic with a rushed resolution. The pacing towards the end threw me off, but it was still a good read that I would recommend. What does romance between a stone-faced killer and a charming actor look like? Hard to imagine, perhaps, but take a dive, and you're ... bound to find yourself smiling

A scattered mess of prolonged incontinence, painfully presented and poorly executed. This manhwa could have done without half its chapters because for more than half of them, we're spun in a circle—a repetitive cycle that leaves you questioning why. To sum up my exact thoughts, I'll quote one of the characters: "Why run at all if you were just going to end up back here?" It perfectly captures the frustration. What was the point of everything if the characters end up right where they started? Those loops I was taken on led nowhere. Literally.

To have a story so poorly told, stretched out with terrible dialogue, ... unnecessary new characters, and pointless events just to fill time—it’s bad. The characters are one-dimensional, and while the art is commendable enough, it doesn’t save the story. The manhwa includes depictions of violence and rape, themes often thrown into stories without real meaning or, at times, romanticized. Although that isn’t entirely the case here unless it's our protagonist. There is also the tired romanticization of possessiveness and control, which is... not cute and lacks creativity.

In the case of Min Jiwook, it’s especially disturbing since he was assaulted by the very person he ends up with. A common issue with manhwas is how violence and abuse are sugarcoated—just because a character is "good-looking" or because of their status, doesn't make their actions less horrifying, yet that seems to be how it's framed. It's disturbing how normalized and glossed over this behavior is and it's worth calling out. It's not creative and it's not okay.

I would not recommend this manhwa. It is long for no reason, and the entire story wraps up in under 15 chapters after dragging us through a repetitive loop for more than quadruple that amount

18 years - that's the age difference between our two protagonists. This significant gap presents challenges and stark realities, yet it's a love story nonetheless. The mangaka has skillfully incorporated the obstacles that come with such a relationship: the prior history, conflicting emotions, insecurities, differences in life stages, and the emotional and mental intelligence that experience and age bring. These factors are thoughtfully woven into a story that is bound to leave you smiling.

This isn't just a romance with moments between two people hastily labeled as love. It delves into the reality and potentially uncomfortable aspects of such a relationship, which I commend. Musakazu is ... presented as a true gentleman, with dialogue capturing his maturity, gentle yet authoritative demeanor, and simple but attractive way of caring and loving. Shihori, while an adult, clearly feels the disparity in life stages, leading to insecurities about her place in life compared to the man she is falling for. Despite this, their age gap is never a point of contention; it just exists. They are two people who found each other at the right time, leading to something more.

The final few chapters felt rushed to me, but there was no need to prolong specific events. Overall, it's a decent read that is romantic, steamy, and a realistic reflection of an age-gap relationship. Whilst some might deem 6 out of 10 as being negative, it is not to me. I think that it did enough with the amount of chapters it had and whilst it could be presented better in other aspects, it was still an enjoyable read.

Do we choose who we love? I'll leave the answer up to you, but feelings are a complex part of our being, and love is one of the most complex things to understand. This manga, though short, does a good job showcasing the complexity of love and the burden it can bring when it's beyond our control.

Koba and Oshiro are childhood friends, now in their late 20s, navigating life in their own ways. One thing hasn't changed despite the time: Oshiro's feelings for Koba. He has spent a lot of time trying to understand these feelings and even longer trying to let go of them. ... It hurts to love someone who you believe will never feel the same way. No matter how much you may want it, keeping things as they are seems best because it means you still have your friend. That's what Oshiro decides to do, but it isn't easy because each interaction with Koba is a harsh reminder that those feelings are still there, alive and as strong as ever.

When Oshiro meets the outgoing and older Satoru, he's initially unnerved by his presence but slowly finds solace in the man who seems to notice something in him. Maybe it's fleeting or not, but it provides an escape from the pain of loving someone you can never have. We see how love can hurt and how it can end, and it's not always two-sided, as in this case.

I think there was room to explore more of the themes presented, but in a sense, those aspects fell short. It would have been more interesting to have that depth. The expressions are drawn wonderfully, capturing the sadness, solace, and even the happiness that radiates in the story. Many may find it relatable due to its exploration of the complexity of unrequited love and the slight questioning of one's own sexuality. Though not explored in depth, it's a moving story and a simple capture of love's complexity.

The art is decent, but my critique is that the mangaka may have struggled with "same face syndrome," as some characters are hard to tell apart due to their similar features.

This manhwa takes us on a journey of blossoming love between two young men, Gusam and Suchae. The story unfolds over what feels like months but is really only a matter of weeks (if not days). Despite this short time together, they fall deeply in love, becoming so attached that they fear each other's possible departure. However, behind their budding love story is a harrowing reality that slowly threatens to tear their worlds apart.

Set in the late 80s, the creator chose to depict the era through their art style. While some might find it too simplistic or unremarkable, I found this touch refreshing. The art ... complements the intricate and intimate moments shared between the characters, where no words are needed.

The story was good until it no longer was, dismally taking a nose-dive by leaving plot holes with no clear resolution. Certain events are introduced or set in motion, only to amount to nothing. This creates a sense of unnecessary complexity, as some plot points seem to serve no purpose other than to stir up new conflicts that lead nowhere. That is plenty to make this piece go from good to bad.

Characters who appear to have significant roles suddenly see their arcs end abruptly, making the story feel incomplete rather than creatively open-ended. There's nothing to interpret; instead, we're left with unresolved plot threads and unanswered questions. The story feels like it was abruptly ended, leaving me wondering about all the pieces I was given but now have no use for.

It was beautiful but ultimately underwhelming, especially given the short timeframe in which the events occur. At times, the author's plot direction seemed more intent on evoking a reaction than telling a genuinely good story. While the manhwa had a lot of potential, it could have benefited from more thoughtful development.

I enjoyed it until the final chapters, where I found myself wondering where the rest of the pages were and why the characters' decisions contradicted what we knew of them from the start. It felt as if not much thought went into the ending, as certain characters were left out completely, their plotlines evaporating into nothing, and the main characters' decisions contradicting their established personas.

Like the story itself, Kasane strikes at the unsettling aspects of our own character as human beings. The psychological warfare influenced by the power of identity and what we attach to said identity is almost palpable. What better way to emphasize this point than through a world where eyes scrutinize every part of you—theatre. We see two different sides of Kasane: when she is herself with her own face, she is timid, reserved, unsettling, and visibly uncomfortable and inferior. But when she takes on the face of another, she exudes confidence, not only in how she walks and carries herself but also in how she ... speaks. She is like a flame, capable of being warm but also of burning everything in its path. It's a different face but the same person and the mangaka did a wonderful job of capturing this aspect.

It's not about what is just or who is deserving of this or that—life is never that fair. Whether Kasane was wrong or not is irrelevant. What is relevant is her fervent hunger to be more, her talent, her capabilities, and the anguish that eats her alive from the inside. On the surface, it appears that this manga is a shallow depiction of pretty privilege in a world where beauty and talent intertwine. But truly, it’s a harrowing tale of how we as humans are and can be. How putrid we are and how we hardly ever look at ourselves; we see ourselves through everyone else, thus determining much of what we do and how we act based on how we are received.

Then, are you really you? Or are you an idea of what you think others want you to be, or what is more digestible and acceptable within your world? It’s tough and uncomfortable, but this story is moving and captivating—riveting, like the scenes portrayed in each act. The art is bold and sharp - drawings that depict the sickly feeling that comes up in the story. It's gut-wrenching but somberly beautiful. A truly wonderful and painfully sad experience.

The ending did not come together neatly. It felt rushed, perhaps because we had gotten too comfortable. Oh, Kasane—of course, of course this manga had to be a name for in the end that is usually all that is left of us. A name. Not what we looked like but the memories attached to the name. The things that were felt and stained with our being is what remains and this manga is a harsh reminder of that.

In fiction, any theme can be explored, no matter how controversial. The beauty of storytelling lies in its ability to delve into complex, often uncomfortable aspects of the human experience - at least I think so anyway. However, I believe it's crucial that these themes serve a purpose and are handled with care. The creator of this manhwa failed to critically reflect on their story and themes surrounding it. We have a 17 year old character who seemingly falls for an older man, which is fine but when you have the objectification and sexualization of a minor.... When stories introduce unethical elements or sensitive topics, ... it's vital for the narrative to reflect on these aspects critically rather than romanticizing or trivializing them. For instance, age-gap relationships (depicted in this manhwa), particularly those involving very young adults, are a delicate subject. When a character who has just turned 18 is suddenly objectified by an older man, with comments like "I imagined your body would look like this," it’s deeply problematic if this behavior is portrayed as normal or acceptable without any critical examination. Which is the case in this story.

Am I badgering this simply because of an age-gap relationship? Not at all. I am reflecting on the themes, the message being shared and how that message unfolds and is delivered within the story. Such portrayals can inadvertently send harmful messages if they’re not thoughtfully explored. It's essential for authors to engage with these themes responsibly, examining the implications and the ethical dimensions within the story. This kind of critical exploration can lead to richer, more meaningful narratives that resonate with readers and provoke thoughtful reflection.

When sensitive themes are included merely for shock value or to drive the plot without a deeper examination, they risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes or normalizing unethical behavior. Which this story has done. Stories should strive to illuminate and interrogate these themes, offering insight and fostering understanding, rather than glossing over the complexities involved. I welcome fiction to be daring and controversial but with an awareness and with care.

This anime stands out as a truly romantic piece, skillfully capturing the perspective of its deaf protagonist through a lovely combination of visual elements and sound. I think there is such a masterful use of color, turning it into a language that speaks volumes on its own. Conveying emotions, moods, and nuances, which essentially transcends the need for spoken words. Very fitting.

Whilst the main character is deaf - I like how this story is not focused on that aspect. It's considered but it does not make it the sole point. We do witness Yuki's story through her lens, and I appreciate the intricate details of ... her communication, notably sign language. The anime beautifully portrays the hand movements, expressions, and the emotions which let's us into Yuki’s world. Yuki takes notes of the details that make you appreciate her form of communication even more. The details in the way hands look, how they move and what kind of emotion or tone is conveyed just by their movements - it’s intricate and beautifully portrayed.

The use of touch and eye contact is emphasized so well. (My heart has been skipping beats)

The attention to detail is impeccable in my opinion, highlighting Yuki's heightened awareness of her surroundings or wherever her attention may be at that time. This thoughtful approach not only adds depth to Yuki's character but also enhances the overall viewing experience, which is very important in order for this story to be told well.

One commendable aspect is the anime's avoidance of stereotypes surrounding deaf individuals. Yuki's life is not portrayed as tragic or limited; rather, she is presented as a curious and vibrant girl with a desire to experience and explore more. Her journey into the realm of love becomes a central focus, showcasing that her deafness is just one facet of her identity, not defining her entirely. Love is a beautiful and diverse experience, encompassing various expressions and circumstances involving people from all walks of life. It's heartening to witness romantic relationships that include individuals with different abilities, in this case - the deaf community. These relationships not only exist but thrive, showcasing the universal nature of love. So, watching this presented as well as it has been is heartwarming and simply beautiful.

In portraying such diverse love stories, there may be discussions about accuracy and representation. At the end of the day, it's impossible to satisfy everyone's expectations. The paramount goal should be to narrate a compelling love story that acknowledges challenges without overly emphasizing or romanticizing them. Striking a balance allows for a genuine and beautiful portrayal of the complexities of love while respecting the diverse experiences of individuals in romantic relationships. I have to say, A Sign of Affection does just that.

This manhwa contains sensitive content involving rape.

Despite the "love polygon" tag, the story predominantly focuses on one relationship, with the second one progressing at the very end. The author plants certain seeds that just never amount into anything and in the end I found myself asking questions.

One significant element of the story is an issue involving Chiwoo's hiatus from school and an incident with Jihyun. However, it takes the entire manhwa to reveal the nature of this event making it feel drawn out.

Chiwoo is depicted as romantically interested in girls. When a classmate shows care and interest, Chiwoo reacts by questioning the classmate's ... sexual orientation. This hints at Chiwoo's discomfort or lack of interest in that direction. However, this potentially intriguing dynamic is introduced briefly and remains unexplored throughout the narrative. It could have been creatively linked to certain plot elements. I found Chiwoo plain, with a linear personality. Jihyn was a character that I found to contain more complexities but they were never deeply explored.

The story deserves commendation for realistically portraying a character's response to trauma. I also commend it for not romanticizing rape, as is done too often in "boys love" works. The art style, while not terrible, lacks distinctiveness as characters share similar features, giving them a similar appearance and they look more like grown adults than high schoolers.

Overall, while not the worst I've read, it could have been significantly better. However, I believe some readers may appreciate the story's commendable aspects.

Trigger warning: This manhwa contains distressing content, including excessive scenes depicting sexual abuse and torture.

The initial concept of the story gets completely lost and then entirely forgotten, which is unfortunate. Numerous plot threads are introduced but they are either left unresolved or poorly developed. As bad as it seems, it manages to get even worse. After more than half of the chapters, it abruptly deviates into a confusing mess, making the story even more disjointed.

The excessive portrayal of sexual abuse lacks any purpose. Despite its prevalence, the story fails to explore the traumatic impact of these themes, which contradicts their heavy inclusion. There's a ... lack of relatable character development reflecting the characters' endured trauma which I think is a missed opportunity given its prominence in the storyline.

Overall, the potential of the plot becomes lost, making the reading experience feel like a waste of time and energy. The handling of sensitive themes is barely done and the story just unfolds into a jumbled mess with characters that lack depth.