Wow that sux, especially since BJ Alex was their first and best, Jinx was a big miss right off that bat. These artists follow what’s popular very closely and you see these patterns and bursts of particular tropes coming in waves. The most popular Manhwas around the time just before its release were Limited Run; Legs That Don’t Walk;
Even If You Don't Love Me: and Payback. Lots of tall dark and handsome seme’s with loads of money and anger issues, plus a poor uke with declining family members and huge debts.
With all the military and omega/guide stuff out now, I’m expecting that their new projects might follow suit too. Wait and see ig. However, would be nice to see more like The Third Ending; Pizza Guy and the Golden Palace; and Ways of Parting. Those had smart plots, warm MLs and loads of interesting aspects without the need of abuse as a plot device. Hopefully we get more creators backing these types of dynamics.
I think people like the "dark, mysterious, and rich" trope is because of the curiosity readers have for their character and also the "I can fix him" mentality the Uke would have. Mainly the second one. Humans have evolved with a drive for curiosity and solving unanswered questions, very evident throughout science and even religion. I think the same can also be said with personality traits. Readers want to know the why behind the mysterious character, so naturally he gains more traction. And with Jinx, JJK didn't even get any good development. I'm very glad Guide verse and historical and other worldly settings are becoming more popular, because authors build a whole new concept of society instead of building onto what already exists in the real world. I think new concepts stimulate the brain in places that gives us the power to actually focus. With new stories, they are more developed, they are unique, and they require thinking skills. And also with the fluffy slice of life ones, they are actual romance rather than an abuse story disguised as a romance, which makes the actual romance stories a million times better. Even if its set in the real world and the storyline is just an average plot, atleast the characters are actually developed and good and the way they interact with each is realistic and not infuriating. I really don't get why abuse should be a main plot point in stories if it's being romanticized or for shock value. I'm glad now when creators start making unique and out of the box stories, it gets popular. I'm looking forward to more stories in the future. Oh and I love Pizza Delivery Man And the Golden Palace ^_^. Thanks a lot for the comment, I loved ur opinion
I absolutely agree
Also, I happened to find smth new that’s similar to Pizza Delivery Man and the Golden Palace and it’s an OV https://www.mangago.me/read-manga/to_me_who_doesn_t_love_you_team_hazama/
I remember reading this, I kinda dropped it cuz it was boring and I didn't like how they drew the smut scenes, but now I rlly want to pick it up and read it again(づ￣ ³￣)づ
Since it's the ending I just want to thank Mingwa for giving us a whole lot of nothing. Sadly to say, Jinx was one of my first looks into the world of yaoi (but I mean it was a very shallow look and I also didn't get into it that much until 2 years after). Also ONE of my looks. It isn't the first. I remember when Jinx was just a promo, then it had one chapter, then it grew to 15, and now it has ended with 102 chapters. Me personally I think it has grown into a huge fanbase and might as well be the face of yaoi. But why? Well number one....it romanticizes sexual assault and rape. Even if KD did agree to the contract, he was practically forced to because of his situation, and also JJK simply did what was out of bounds for KD and is morally wrong to him. Number two. It has a basic digestible plot with barely any good writing and a very easy to follow with story. KD is in debt and has to take care of grandmas hospital bills so he becomes JJKs physical therapist. But JJK has this "Jinx" which is that he only wins a fight if he has sex with someone the night before. So he offers KD a contract to become his sex partner whenever and whereever. Yeah wow very original