Moonchild is excellent, and absolutely captivating. I've been looking up as much information as I can about this series because of how much its gripped me, but the few posts I've found don't do it justice. This manhwa combines so many genres with a perfect blend, so much that I struggle to recall another series that had this masterful of a genre balance other than something like Attack on Titan. It is a horror series no doubt, but it is also so much more than just horror. It mixes folklore and history into its terror, with extensive spiritual backstory that is shrouded in questions. Itdoes psychological themes spectacularly. While the main character is dealing with brutal and inhumane conditions of living, his mental state and characterization is completely reflected in this. It explores the nuances of humanity, abuse, pain, loss, trauma, religiosity, and love all in this beautiful and brutal tale. There's a wide cast that all seem to play a role in what is happening, and all of the characters revolve around the center of the storm, Bakha and Jindo.

The relationship Bakha and Jindo have is also extremely compelling and very well done. You can see evidence of their traumas and conditions by the way they care for one another in borderline obsessive ways, and it's masterful. It's not difficult to see how closely they are toeing the line between loving one another and toxic attachment. It's not exactly BL in the same way The Summer Hikaru Died isn't exactly BL, but it is very clearly a bond intended to be far deeper than friendship. I'm really looking forward to how their dynamic will play out.

The main thing I would criticize it for is that the cast does feel TOO broad sometimes. I love an ensemble, but there are some characters I cant keep track of their roles and importance. I do feel the ensemble is still more of a strength than a weakness, and I have adored how all of the stories lingering in the background have intertwined into the events of the main characters, but it isn't something that's easy to read casually. Moonchild is something to get invested in and keep close track of the details, as they are so subtly yet tastefully done that you cant ignore even a corner of these panels. The art is gorgeous, the plot is captivating, the relationships, horror, and mystery are masterful, and I am working SO hard to not read it all in one day so I can savor what is available for longer. I'm very surprised that more people haven't latched onto this series yet, but I'll recommend it to anyone who is even mildly interested in any of these themes. I cant get it off my mind since the moment I started it, and I'm at the edge of my seat for Moonchild to finish.