Misanthrope and Sunshine are Neighbors
About:
Warning:
There will be spoilers for the OEL comic series To The Stars and Back.
Content Warning: There may be references to child abuse, perceived cheating, bullying, fat-shaming, self-deprecation, overwork, haunting, blood, PTSD, violence, alcoholism, child abandonment, and child neglect, as they appear in the comic.
Synopsis:
Kang Dae hates everyone. He’s experienced bullying and pain from a very young age, which has made him distrust everyone. He has absolutely no friends, and he prefers it that way. Thankfully, due to his aloof nature, most people avoid him, too, that is, until his next-door neighbor moves in. His neighbor is bright and bubbly, everything Kang Dae isn’t. And no matter how hard Kang Dae tries, the guy doesn’t get the hint.
Kang Dae doesn’t expect to run into the new guy very often, but then he sees him on campus. As it turns out, they both attend and Bo Seon, the new neighbor, is all too excited to invade Kang Dae’s space there, too. Kang Dae hates everyone. But he might just hate this guy the most.
Review:
The art is the pinnacle of growth, much like our characters. It’s wild how much the art changes from beginning to end. It’s sketchy and inconsistent throughout, but there is a gradual settling of the style. The characters steadily grow more and more consistent. The sketchy style remains, but over time, it feels more like a purposeful choice than anything else. It all just really grew on me. And there’s a distinctness to every character, which is really satisfying to see. Bo Seon, with his open features, Kang Dae’s much more narrow and sharp face, and even the friends look quite distinct. I adore the designs of the entire cast.
I love almost all of the characters we see (minus a few super side characters), but I must admit that Bo Seon, that precious bean, is why anyone should read this. He is a ray of sunshine that overtakes all other rays of sunshine. Kang Dae is fine. Honestly, his misanthropy, self-hatred, introversion, and writer-self remind me a lot of myself. His storyline hits a little too close to home for me, but maybe that’s why I love Bo Seon so much. He is the complete opposite of me and Kang Dae, which is also why Kang Dae can grow. Bo Seon’s kindness, even in the face of Kang Dae’s cruelty and the horror of his childhood, makes Kang Dae finally discover that he likes people. Maybe not all people, but a chosen few.
But as much as I love Bo Seon, I have to admit that his friends Kyo and Cindee are the real heroes. Cindee is a muscle mommy, while Kyo is a comedic protector of Bo Seon. They are the allies we all deserve. Also, I very rarely see elderly couples in the BL I read. Seeing them aged, married, and raising a child together just gave me everything I needed and more. These two have gone through a lot together, and seeing them happy alongside their friends Kyo and Cindee is everything. It gives a perfect finality to this slice-of-life story. This is the kind of finality and closure I wish I had gotten with yesterday’s review, My Brother Left Behind Someone We Loved. I don’t expect every slice-of-life romance story to go on until they’re an old married couple, but I’d love it if they all had clear and definitive relationships like this one. But maybe that takes the life out of slice-of-life. Life isn’t always so clear-cut.
Now, while I have been praising the mess out of this story, that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Bo Seon and Kang Dae have a very linear romance storyline. There are no major misunderstandings, third-act break-ups, or anything of the sort. To me, none of these are bad things. What is a bit harder to swallow is Kang Dae and Bo Seon’s growth. They each went through immense trauma in their youth, which does cause some issues in their relationship. But the way they’re handled feels a bit rushed. Kang Dae signs up for therapy, and while he does mention that there are days when he struggles, I wish we had seen a bit more of that. Similarly, Bo Seon shares his past with Kang Dae. They have a crying session and talk about whether or not Bo Seon will sign up for therapy, and that’s the end of that. This title is far too lighthearted for all the darkness I’m looking for, but I was still looking for more of it. I love their growth and their kindness. I love their relationship. But I will always long for more.
Results:
This title is a light in the darkness. It does have some shady bits, but there is always more light and love to be found. It’s a lovely reprieve for those looking for something fluffy and sweet, but you might feel like you’re missing something if you want intense hurt and comfort. This was very close to a favorite for me. I’m on the fence, but I’m sure this could be a favorite for someone else out there. I highly recommend this to everyone.
Have you read To The Stars and Back? If so, what do you think? Do you agree with my assessment? Do you not? Let me know, and comment below!