Contents
Introduction
Korean manhwa has exploded in popularity worldwide, captivating readers with compelling storylines and stunning artwork. Among the many titles gaining attention is That’s Not How You Do It a manhwa that has sparked conversations across online communities. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about this intriguing series, from its plot and characters to where you can read it and what makes it stand out in the crowded manhwa landscape.
What is That’s Not How You Do It Manhwa?
That’s Not How You Do It Manhwa is a Korean manhwa that has garnered attention for its unique approach to storytelling and character development. The series falls into the drama and romance genres, though it incorporates elements that challenge traditional narrative conventions within these categories.
The manhwa’s title itself hints at its central theme: questioning established norms and methods. This meta commentary runs throughout the series, creating layers of meaning that resonate with readers who appreciate stories that break the fourth wall or subvert expectations.
Published digitally, the manhwa has found its audience primarily through online platforms where readers can access chapters as they’re released. The series has built a dedicated following among manhwa enthusiasts who appreciate its fresh take on familiar tropes.
Plot Summary and Main Characters
The Story
The manhwa centers around characters who find themselves in situations where conventional approaches fail to yield the expected results. The narrative explores themes of miscommunication, societal expectations, and the gap between theory and practice in relationships and personal growth.
Without spoiling key plot points, the story follows protagonists who must navigate complex interpersonal dynamics while questioning the “right” way to handle various situations. The manhwa cleverly uses these scenarios to examine how people often rely on assumed knowledge or social scripts that may not apply to their specific circumstances.
Key Characters
The character development in That’s Not How You Do It Manhwa stands out for its realistic portrayal of flawed individuals learning to adapt their approaches. The main characters are written with depth and authenticity, avoiding the overly perfect or one-dimensional personalities sometimes found in romance manhwa.
The protagonist’s journey involves recognizing that textbook solutions don’t always work in real life, leading to character growth that feels earned rather than forced. Supporting characters contribute meaningfully to the narrative, each bringing their own perspectives on the central theme.
Themes and Artistic Elements
Central Themes
The manhwa explores several interconnected themes that give it depth beyond surface-level romance or drama:
Authenticity vs. Performance: Characters struggle with being genuine versus meeting others’ expectations. This theme resonates particularly well with readers who’ve experienced similar conflicts in their own lives.
Communication Breakdown: The series examines how people often talk past each other, assuming understanding that doesn’t actually exist. This creates both conflict and opportunities for growth.
Challenging Conventions: True to its title, the manhwa questions established ways of doing things, whether in relationships, career choices, or personal development.
Learning from Failure: Characters must adapt when their initial approaches don’t work, emphasizing resilience and flexibility over rigid adherence to rules.
Art Style and Visual Storytelling
The artistic presentation of “That’s Not How You Do It” complements its narrative themes effectively. The art style balances detailed character expressions with clean, readable layouts that enhance story comprehension.
Character designs reflect personality traits subtly, avoiding over-the-top visual cues in favor of more nuanced artistic choices. The artist uses panel composition and pacing to create tension and emotional beats that support the story’s psychological elements.
Color choices and visual metaphors reinforce the manhwa’s themes, with particular attention paid to how characters’ internal states are reflected in their visual presentation. This creates a cohesive reading experience where art and story work together seamlessly.
Reception and Community Response
Reader Engagement
The manhwa has developed a committed readership that actively discusses chapters and theories online. Reader comments often praise the series for its realistic character interactions and willingness to address uncomfortable truths about relationships and communication.
Community discussions frequently focus on how the manhwa’s themes relate to readers’ own experiences. This personal connection has helped build a loyal fanbase that eagerly awaits new chapters and shares recommendations with others.
Critical Reception
Critics have noted the manhwa’s smart writing and well developed characters as standout features. The series has been praised for avoiding common pitfalls in romance manhwa while still delivering emotionally satisfying content.
The manhwa’s approach to subverting reader expectations has been particularly well-received, with many reviewers highlighting how it keeps them engaged by avoiding predictable plot developments.
Impact on the Manhwa Community
“That’s Not How You Do It” has contributed to ongoing conversations about quality storytelling in manhwa. Its success has demonstrated reader appetite for more psychologically complex narratives that challenge genre conventions.
The series has also influenced discussions about representation and authenticity in manhwa, with readers appreciating characters who feel like real people rather than idealized fantasy figures.
Where to Read “That’s Not How You Do It”
Official Platforms
Reading manhwa through official channels supports creators and ensures you’re getting the best quality translations and artwork. Several legitimate platforms offer access to Korean manhwa with proper licensing agreements.
Popular official platforms include Webtoon, Tapas, and Lezhin Comics, though availability varies by region and licensing agreements. These platforms typically offer both free and premium content options.
Reading Tips
For the best experience, consider reading on devices with larger screens to fully appreciate the artwork. Many manhwa are optimized for mobile reading, but tablets or computers can provide more detail visibility.
Keep in mind that official translations may take time to catch up with Korean releases, so patience is often required for the latest chapters.
Similar Manhwa Recommendations
For Similar Themes
If you enjoy “That’s Not How You Do It,” you might appreciate other manhwa that explore complex relationships and psychological themes:
“Cheese in the Trap” offers psychological depth and realistic character flaws that create compelling drama without relying on over-the-top scenarios.
“Something About Us” explores miscommunication and relationship dynamics with a focus on emotional authenticity.
“Girls of the Wild’s” combines action with character development that challenges traditional gender roles and expectations.
For Art Style
Readers who appreciate the visual presentation might enjoy manhwa with similar artistic approaches:
“Untouchable” features detailed character artwork and effective use of visual storytelling techniques.
“Orange Marmalade” combines strong character design with meaningful visual metaphors that enhance the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “That’s Not How You Do It” suitable for all ages?
The manhwa typically contains mature themes related to relationships and communication that may be more appropriate for older teen and adult readers. While not explicitly adult content, the psychological complexity requires a certain level of emotional maturity to fully appreciate.
How often are new chapters released?
Release schedules vary depending on the platform and the author’s production timeline. Most manhwa follow weekly or bi-weekly release patterns, though this can change based on various factors including the creator’s health and other commitments.
Are there plans for an animated adaptation?
There have been no official announcements regarding anime or animated adaptations of “That’s Not How You Do It.” While popular manhwa sometimes receive animation treatment, such projects depend on various factors including popularity, budget, and licensing agreements.
What makes this manhwa different from other romance series?
The series stands out for its realistic portrayal of relationship challenges and its willingness to show characters making mistakes and learning from them. Rather than presenting idealized romance, it explores the messy reality of human connection and communication.
Is the manhwa complete or ongoing?
The completion status depends on when you’re reading this guide. Manhwa series can run for varying lengths, from short series of 20-30 chapters to longer works spanning 100+ chapters. Check official platforms for current status updates.
Why “That’s Not How You Do It” Matters
“That’s Not How You Do It” represents a growing trend in manhwa toward more sophisticated storytelling that respects reader intelligence. By challenging conventional approaches to familiar themes, it demonstrates the medium’s potential for meaningful artistic expression.
The manhwa’s success suggests that readers are hungry for stories that reflect real-world complexity rather than simplified fantasy scenarios. This creates opportunities for other creators to explore similar themes and approaches.
Whether you’re new to manhwa or a seasoned reader, “That’s Not How You Do It” offers a thoughtful entry point into stories that prioritize character development and emotional authenticity. Its examination of communication, relationships, and personal growth provides both entertainment and insight into the human experience.
For those interested in exploring this series, start with the first few chapters to get a feel for the writing style and themes. The manhwa rewards patient readers who appreciate character-driven narratives over action-heavy plots.
