Salty Studio

Oh boy the story really was a big trainwreck. It really did feel like a slice of life with the plot being such a giant mess. It did become confusing especially at the end. I get what the author was trying to do but the way it was carried out in the story felt too awkward and to some degree forced. Other than that, it was enjoyable seeing this group of individuals all being around together for no particular reason other than the company. It felt nostalgic, like spending time with friends but not something like going to the mall. It struck meas doing something memorable with people close to you, something you'd never usually do like hiking or (cough) going to Antarctica. It's only in those times where you all are experiencing new things together and you see each other not as someone you grew up with or met at school but as who they are with their own distinct background and personality. It's a raw feeling. I really admire omoyo's style of art and the main characters are adorable. It's a pretty minimalistic and simple style like most webcomics so there's nothing to really critique. The characters are amazing. I truly loved how the author displayed how each character dealt with each problem, confronting them and running away from them. They're all human like with good aspects about them alongside traits that conflicted with others. Their interactions with each other felt human and not an artificial cliche. I did enjoy this series, even now after rereading it and getting the story fresh in my mind once more. Overall, Salty Studio was heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time.

I was in for a little bit of a surprise when I picked up this manhwa. Of course, the main character's search for purpose in life as an artist was not unique, but the author's inclusion of other characters and their stories intertwining together made Salty Studio a great read. Sixty-six chapters about one single character's ambition can get tiring, so it was really fun poking into the lives of others who weren't in Togeun's situation but were similarly in their own conflicts. Aside from Togeun, there was Sonagi, a girl he met in high school who was also an artist like him. Other neighbors intheir apartment were two siblings who fought all the time (a feisty girl with a crush and a brother lost in his own world) and a foreigner born in Korea. Don't forget Togeun's ex-girlfriend. The whole mix of these people sounds fun, doesn't it? The soft and pretty artwork lends well to the feelings portrayed by the various characters as they go through their ordeals. I wasn't so impressed by it before due to its simplicity, but it grew on me and was easy to look at when I could feel a character's sadness, confusion, and loneliness. There were a few shots that I really liked looking at, too; they were so cute! At first, I was bothered by how disjointed the plot seemed. I had expected this story to be all about Togeun and was randomly put in different places to learn about other people. That isn't to say that I disliked it, though, as I got used to it. I could identify with some of the characters' situations and it was very touching. Salty Studio was also pretty funny at times. The author really knew how to handle the things that happen in everyday life, which I really like. If you're looking for a slice of life webtoon with some nice artwork, Salty Studio wouldn't be a bad choice. It's an enjoyable read and leaves you with a lovely taste in your mouth.