Webtoon Spotlight

Spotlight#154: Mr. Baek XX

Have you ever wanted to be a mafioso? If so, you're in for a treat as I spotlight the action-packed story Mr.Baek XX by Haetea and Punch Kick!

Summary

Despite being twin brothers, Yisoo Baek and Dogeyeong Baek couldn't be more different. And that's just because of their personalities. As the two drifted apart, both men rose to very different positions. Yisoo became a member of the Korean special forces while Dogeyeong ruled Taesan, a prominent gang within Seoul's criminal underworld.

In a perfect world, these men's double lives would have remained separate until they both find themselves in a dangerous conspiracy that leaves Yisoo presumed dead and Dogeyeong dead. Anguished over the loss of his better half, Yisoo decides the only way he can probably get answers and revenge is to not only wholly become his brother but also to lead Taesean through a city of liars, criminals, and killers. A grand undertaking that may cost Yisoo more than his life.

Characters

Yisoo Baek: Yisoo was an incredibly timid and reclusive boy in his brother's shadow growing up. However, through his time ranking up as a special forces member, Yisoo has evolved into a cold-blooded, resourceful spy who can adapt to any scenario, no matter how dangerous. By adopting more of his brother's mannerisms, Yisoo gains a more aggressive and braggadocious edge over his dark dealings.

Donyeong Baek: Unlike his sibling, Donyeong's always been a man who's stepped into the forefront. While he's not the first to throw a first punch, he will goad you into doing so before kicking your ass twelve ways till Sunday. Still, in an unflinching world, no one cares about their better man like Donyeong Baek.

Summary

So this is a new one for me, story-wise. Stories like Lookism and Study Group have loads of stories based on gangs and criminal syndicates, but they're usually from the perspective of underaged heroes. However, Mr. Baek fully embraces its mafia-like tale with a protagonist who isn't morally clean.

Unfortunately, Mr. Baek is one of those stories where the initial premise is better than how it's executed. Both brothers' secret lives get revealed and moved on from in the first few chapters, and the fateful pin-drop doesn't happen too long after that. This does stick a little because it means we must get the best sense of the two characters' relationships.

There are plenty at play throughout the story, which helps to flesh out some of the character interactions, but at this time, 37 chapters in, I don't get enough to see the complete picture of our titular characters. As such, the initial hook fails to feel emotional because I didn't get the time to be emotional.

Luckily for Mr.Baek, many other factors hook me in to stay on board. Those mostly being the characters, worldbuilding, and art. In only a couple of dozen chapters, the story shows an immensely interconnected underworld where power dynamics shift faster than the seas. As Yisoo uses his newfound power to shake the status quo, every character changes and adapts to keep their pedestals as feared/respected leaders. All with a larger conspiracy surrounding Yisoo's "death" coming into play.

In a society where laws practically mean nothing, it's cool to see the personal codes and relationships you are willing to maintain under fire. It's always been a fascinating draw. The sheer scope also means we get plenty of new players who can unexpectedly be drawn from at any time. American mercenaries, North Korean soldiers, and Chinese marauders all have their place here without feeling forced.

The broad scope also leads to the best thing about Mr.Baek: those sexy ass fights. Mr Baek's sleek shades, thin outlines, and strong paneling mean you'll get at least one wallpaper worthy once a chapter. And since fights can break out anywhere, anyplace can become a melee-centric battlefield that can end through a single blow.

Epilogue

Overall, Mr. Baek feels like a "summer blockbuster." It doesn't have a compelling main character or intricate story, but the extensive web of interesting characters and cool action are enough of a draw to keep me around. Until then, let's shine the spotlight round to another Webtoon.