Notes on "Cry or Better Yet Beg"

Overview

• Title: Cry or Better Yet Beg
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Webtoon Release: November 2023
• Chapters: 24 before Hiatus in March 2024
• Reception: Highly criticized for its content

Main Characters

• Leila Luellin:

  • 12-year-old orphan girl
  • Abused and neglected by family members
  • Sent to live with Uncle Bill, who becomes attached to her
  • Lives on the estate of the Grand Duke of Berg

• Mathias (Mias):

  • 18-year-old male love interest when first introduced
  • A Duke who hunts birds, causing conflict with Leila
  • Engaged to Claudine, a rich girl

• Kyle:

  • Another love interest, also introduced at age 12
  • Grows to have feelings for Leila as adults

Themes and Story Elements

• Found Family Trope: Leila finds a family with her uncle and the mansion staff.

• Age Gap Concerns:

  • Leila is 12, Mathias is 18 when they first meet.
  • Raises questions about consent and power dynamics.

• Conflict:

  • Leila loves birds, but Mathias hunts them, disturbing her peace.
  • Leila is depicted as a person of low power, manipulated by Mathias.

Mathias's Manipulation

• Uses his power to control and demean Leila.
• Engages in degrading behavior, such as destroying her belongings.
• Acts cruelly, including forcing her to apologize for his actions.

Plot Development

• Leila and Kyle grow up to 18, while Mathias is now 25.
• Mathias's sadistic approach to winning Leila's affection is highlighted.
• Kyle's feelings for Leila are dismissed by the narrative as a roadblock.

Break in Story

• Comic went on Hiatus shortly after the introduction of darker themes.
• Speculated reasons include author being bullied or running out of storyboard.

Comparison with Source Material

• Yonder Novel:
  • Described as worse than the comic adaptation.
  • Labels Mathias as a straight-up villain with reprehensible actions.
• Distance from Source Material: Significant changes made from novel to comic; unclear how it will adapt.

Disturbing Content

• Themes of manipulation, control, and assault persist throughout the story.
• Mathias's actions are normalized; outcomes presented as acceptable.
• Ending shows Leila expressing love for Mathias despite his abusive behavior.

Final Thoughts

• Comic is deemed inappropriate for its target audience, particularly young readers.
• Criticism of Webtoon for adapting such content for a young demographic.
• Art style contrasts sharply with the disturbing themes presented in the story.

Conclusion

• Personal Stance: Strong dislike for the story and its portrayal of relationships.
• Author emphasizes the negative impact of such narratives on young readers.
• Urges for better content management on platforms aimed at younger demographics.