This article discusses topics such as bullying and violence that may be triggering for some readers. This article does not in any way condone or promote the use of violence.
Bullying remains a prevalent issue in society, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it takes the form of physical violence, verbal abuse, or online harassment, bullying can have a devastating impact on its victims, causing long-lasting emotional scars and possibly permanent physical marks. While there are many efforts to combat bullying, the social issue simply dwindles but never gets eradicated. Given its impact on society, it is unsurprising that it is one of the common topics tackled by numerous media, including manhwa.
Manhwa, or Korean comics, are known for their bold storytelling, vivid characters and ability to connect with readers on an emotional level. That being said, manhwa can take an already appalling scenario and amplify its effects. When these bullies get their backsides handed back to them, it may therefore offer some sense of relief and satisfaction -- and there seems to be a rise in manhwa that address bullying using violence. Here are the ones that are worth checking out.
To Not Die Highlights Perseverance and Grit
Dajun is a high school student who suffers relentless bullying from his classmates on a daily basis. The constant torment he experiences leaves him feeling desperate and hopeless, leading him to consider ending his own life. However, when he sees a news report of a student who supposedly murdered his bullies, the murderer's sentiment echoes deep inside Dajun, who then realizes that it is not he who deserves to suffer but rather the bullies who have made his life a living nightmare. Dajun thus resolves to embody the manhwa's title -- To Not Die.
To Not Die is a gripping manhwa that tackles the themes of bullying, revenge and redemption. Dajun seeks to overcome his traumatic past and take control of his life, and his plan to do that is to become stronger and give his bullies a taste of their own medicine. He runs away from home and seeks the tutelage of a runaway who has caught his admiration. He does achieve his goal, becoming stronger bit by bit until he can finally hold his ground in a fight. While the series does have a compelling story, it is important to note that it can be rather graphic. To Not Die shows bullying in a rather barbaric form, making it not suitable for some readers.
To Not Die is available to read in English via WEBTOON.
Viral Hit Calls Out Big Bad Bullies on Stream
Hobin Yoo may not have been blessed with the strongest physique, but he is a very persistent person. He does whatever he can to earn enough money not only to sustain his living expenses but also to pay off his mother's medical bills. Unfortunately, that isn't enough for the world to smile at him. Due to his weak frame, he is a favorite subject of his school's bullies. He is often presented as a feature for his classmate Pakgo's streams and videos. Of course, his role is nothing short of humiliating. He is the video's laughingstock. However, things start to change when Hobin gets internet-famous as he accidentally streams his wussy fight with Pakgo's videographer Snapper. Since Pakgo has abandoned Snapper after said incident, Snapper proposes to partner up with Hobin. Together, they create the titular channel Viral Hit.
Unlike in To Not Die, Viral Hit gives a cyber twist to taking down bullies. After going viral, Hobin starts to take his career seriously. The theme of his channel is taking down bullies. To achieve that, he starts training, learning various unconventional fighting techniques while also working out to toughen his body. Since the series shares the same universe as Lookism, it offers numerous epic fight scenes. There is also a colorful cast of characters, the majority of whom can hold their own in a fight. Together, they set out and take down heinous bullies and unscrupulous online streamers.
Viral Hit is available to read in English via WEBTOON.
Get Schooled Has an Unconventional Way of Handling Academic Misfits
In the world of Get Schooled, school bullying reaches its worst. The manhwa is set in an era where bullies are free to do what they want while enjoying the protection of the law. They've become all but untouchable, but that's set to change when Hwajin Na enters the picture. Hwajin works for the Ministry of Education, and his primary role is to straighten up those who are destroying academia. He infiltrates schools and uses his authority to rid the institutions of bullies. His methods, however, are far from conventional. He has no qualms about throwing a punch or two, even when facing underage students. Of course, he never goes as far as beating them up unreasonably, and while some may question the appropriateness of his methods, there is no denying that he has a unique ability to get through to bullies and make them understand the serious consequences of their actions.
As the title suggests, Get Schooled primarily focuses on bullying in the school setting. Interestingly, the manhwa doesn't single out its students. It also features teachers that abuse their authority, be it by gaslighting their students or even extorting them, as well as parents who abuse the educators of their children's institutions. While Hwajin doesn't have any qualms about using force to teach his subjects, he also doesn't simply resort to violence any chance he gets. He actually plans his actions well, which frequently results in the bullies realizing the errors of their ways.
Get Schooled is available to read in English via WEBTOON.