What is in a name? In this case, almost nothing. One of the most compelling and complex stories disguises itself in what I fear is the least helpful manhwa title of all time, “Banana Scandal.” I’m unsure if the Korean phrase is more meaningful than the translation or if the author chose the name before plotting out the second and third seasons, whose themes far overreach this original yellow on the outside, white on the inside commentary. I’m not sure that commentary was even prominent in the first season, as it felt more like a passing moment.
All of that is to say – please don’t let the title determine whether or not you read this manhwa. That is the equivalent of judging a book by its cover. This story has one other hurtle when pitching it to a new reader: the unique art style – especially early on in the 180 episodes. I urge you to look at these artists and writers as people you can see grow and evolve. If season one is giving Hannah Montana, trust me, seasons two and three give Miley Fucking Cyrus. The glow-up is real, and that isn’t to say that the early art style is inadequate – just that you can watch in real-time as the artist develops their style.
If I have convinced you to start this manhwa, I should explain something else – the author began this story with one couple and ended it with one of those character’s brother’s love story. Seasons two and three have entirely different main characters, while the main characters from season one become the side characters. The first season is true love, first love fluff. It is so cute – the chibis are endearing, and the spice is plentiful. There is almost no conflict other than the forced proximity begging some consent questions once or twice.
On the other hand, the second and third seasons deal with characters who are much more limited in their ability to live their truths. These characters have prominent sexual and religious trauma. It is an odd transition, but the author balanced these love stories off of each other. Just as you are about to get sick of the fluff, you get a shot of drama, and just as the drama gets to be too much – you are interjected with enough fluff to stave off the despair.
My favorite content creator, Lexi, who recommended and buddy read this with me, loves to get people into the art by permitting them to bypass season one. I get why – it is not as sophisticated at the beginning as it is in the end seasons, which can distract people. I wouldn’t skip it, though! You will need it as a spark of joy when you get into the depths of the latter seasons.
The author’s themes in this story are sensitive and heavy, and the art wonderfully conveys the four characters’ emotions and personalities. By the end of almost two hundred episodes, I wanted more but felt that the author told the story perfectly and ended it skillfully. I was satisfied with the character growth and plot resolution. The smutty scenes are my favorite of all time while remaining neither unrealistic nor excessive. I indeed related to each character and fell in love with each of them as they fell in love with each other.
I highly recommend Banana Scandal by Dolsha. If you like a story with spice, drama, redemption, and genuine emotion, then you should take this story up. I dare you to make it to episode forty with the same reservations you might have going into it. If the writing hasn’t warmed you up by then, the art will have grown on you, and the chibis will be your favorite, so you will keep reading anyway. Double-dog-dare you to prove me wrong.
Yours in Deep Delusion,
Courtney
*Banana Scandal by Dolsha is available to read legally at Tapas. Please support the artists and authors!
IF YOU WANT MORE BANANA SCANDAL CHECK OUT LEXI’S POST
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