The Awl Vol 1

The Awl is a story of ordinary folks struggling to be treated as humans, set in the latter half of the 2000s against the backdrop of a fictional superstore chain in South Korea. The work follows two protagonists: Yi Su-in, a man of principles who has been instructed by the corporation to dismiss workers unjustly, and Gu Go-sin, a labor activist who runs a labor counseling center near the Pureumi chain. Together, they oppose the manipulation and moral harassment to which the employees are cynically subjected, and the process through which they remind ordinary, diligent workers of their rights and bring change together is remarkable in mastery and brilliance. The Awl has left an indelible mark on South Korean comics, proving that popular works can also be created based on social topics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 06 August 2024
Publisher: Ablaze, LLC

The Awl is a captivating story that portrays the struggles of ordinary individuals seeking to be treated as humans. Set in the latter half of the 2000s against the backdrop of "Pureumi," a fictional superstore chain in South Korea, the narrative revolves around two protagonists: Yi Su-in, a man of principles who has been instructed by the corporation to dismiss workers unjustly, and Gu Go-sin, a labor activist. Su-in, a former soldier, has chosen an ordinary job, but he finds himself at odds with the world when the company orders him to forcefully terminate employees. Gu-sin, on the other hand, is a cool-headed and deft labor activist who runs a labor counseling center near the Pureumi chain. Unlike Su-in, who struggles to get along with people and sticks to rules, Gu-sin approaches others without hesitation and even resorts to extreme measures to achieve his goals. Together, Su-in and Gu-sin oppose the manipulation and moral harassment that the employees are subjected to. The process through which these two figures remind ordinary, diligent workers of their rights and bring about change is captivating and inspiring. Author Choi Gyu-seok's mastery and brilliance shine through in this work, as he portrays the adventures of these two worlds with finesse and offers an amazing portrait of a complex Korean society, crossed by multiple tensions. The Awl has left an indelible mark on South Korean comics, proving that popular works can be created based on social topics. It is entertaining, moving, and a monumental work in the nation's comics, consummate in its artistry while conveying a powerful message.

Dimension: 203 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781684971909