It is extremely difficult to find any fault in either the sweetness of this story, or the charming and often clever ways in which A1 tells it. The initially unusual art style that reminded me constantly of 1960s/1970s Batman or Superman (Kang’s jawbone ya’ll), but brighter, and the unusual use of yellow that warms every panel, it takes a few moments (panels) to get used to, but by the end of episode 1, it is clearly part of the story’s wonderful identity.

You can separate On or Off from hundreds of manhwas with similar art styles to each other. A1 really sets themselves and the story apart simply by looking like nothing else I’ve seen to date. And the writing is witty and so well done. Director Kang’s initial, overly mature coldness melting into the most delicious and bright kelly green flag top notch simpin is the perfect balance for Yiyoung’s pretty face and youthful, painfully naive, unabashed feenin for said Director Kang.

This is the main meal, but this story’s charm is in the way its secondary characters play such a fundamental role in the narrative. Secretary Cha deserves the most praise here. Her timely assists, sensitive yet decidedly meddling ways and her shameless shipping of Director Kang and Yiyoung make her the gold star supporting character. Her scenes are often howlingly funny and at the very least snicker inducing. However, the delightfully weird supporting cast are also wonderful in their characterizations. They make the story so much richer just for being part of how the relationship between the MCs plays itself out.

Director Kang, Director Kang… he has quickly and easily become a favourite around here. Starting off as a bit of an asshole (of course he does, because BL), Yiyoung Ahn’s loveliness, pure hearted pursuit and work ethic, quickly win over this workaholic, emotionally walled off hunka hunka burning love. Yiyoung’s internal monologues, self observation and self-discovery will make you scream with laughter… “Youth. So vulgar”,  but so will Director Kang’s jaded world weariness. Despite his initial assholishnesss, and Yiyoung’s over eagerness, Director Kang and Yiyoung’s relationship plays out in a way that does not ever get boring, even though this manhwa becoming a solid and reliable comfort read. It stands up to multiple re-reads easily.

There is no trauma, and there are no villains, and nothing that really interrupts the emotional development. It all grows in a way that feels organic for BL. The emotional payoffs for both characters are so satisfying to read and re-read. In an imperfect BL world, there is always Director Kang and Ahn Yiyoung to return to. Even in an imperfect real life world, there is always Director Kang and Ahn Yiyoung to return to.

And the smut… lawd have mercy, the wholesomeness and eroticism of the smut. It’s : chefskiss :. Dirty enough to inspire the drip, but heartwarming enough to continue to push the relationship forward.

I mean, erotic, erotic… without being obscenely smutty (not that there is anything wrong with obscenely smutty). Director Kang’s fucking sock garters stole my breath and Yiyoung’s, because really… sock garters!!!!! ** passes out **

I like very much that the story spends time with this couple after they’ve gotten together, and we continue to see the level of their commitment grow. And while the relationship development mostly happens in the first two seasons, the third and weirdly chopped third season is occupied with a plot that drifts from one erotic adventure to the next. We do not care though because it’s perfect for these two closet pervs, that perv for each other so.

There is a planned English print planned for later this year, and it is absolutely on our purchase list. This my dears, is one not to miss. The comedic antics of both Director Kang and Mr Ahn in their stumble, tumble fall into love is a delightful, witty journey worth making. Repeatedly.