Shotgun Boy grabs your attention from the first frame. You don’t expect a school trip to turn into a horror survival nightmare. A bullied teenager. A shotgun. Monsters. It’s more than just gore; it’s a gut‑wrenching story of fear, revenge and fate.
Created by Carnby Kim, this manhwa (or webtoon) is a prequel to Sweet Home. If you’ve heard about Shotgun Boy and wondered whether it’s worth your time or how it ties into the Sweet Home universe, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the shotgun boy story, its themes, the main shotgun boy characters, its release history and why fans love it.
Whether you’re a longtime reader or thinking of jumping in, this breakdown will help you understand what makes this 엽총소년 so compelling.
Why Shotgun Boy Is So Captivating?
Shotgun Boy isn’t just another horror webtoon. It’s a psychological thriller wrapped in survival horror and high school tension. The stakes feel real: bullying, desperation and mortality loom large.
Gyuhwan, the protagonist, doesn’t pick up a shotgun because he wants to kill he picks it up because survival demands it. When his classmates return from a trip to find their school overrun by brain-eating creatures, everything changes.
What follows is a raw fight for life, but also a deeply personal story about guilt, power and what it means to be trapped between who you are and what you must become.
Because it’s written by Carnby Kim, the same mind behind Sweet Home, the shotgun boy webtoon has thematic ties to that universe but it’s also very much its own story. The tension character development and moral complexity keep readers hooked episode after episode.
Shotgun Boy, Complete Guide: Story, Characters & Themes!
Explore the world of Shotgun Boy, the gripping survival horror webtoon full of monsters, moral dilemmas and unforgettable characters. Here’s everything you need to know.
Origins & Release History
Shotgun Boy (Korean: 엽총소년, Yeopchongsonyeon) is a webtoon/manhwa by Carnby Kim, illustrated by Hongpil. It was first released in Korea on February 22, 2021 and the official English version launched on March 17, 2021.
The series is completed with 69 tightly paced episodes, balancing suspense, character depth and shocking reveals without dragging the story.
The Story in a Nutshell
At its heart, Shotgun Boy is a survival horror tale. Gyuhwan, a bullied high schooler, stumbles upon a shotgun during a school retreat in the woods. When he returns, he discovers that monstrous, brain-eating creatures have invaded his school.
Armed and forced into action, Gyuhwan becomes the unexpected protector for his classmates. But the story goes beyond monsters. It explores human vulnerability, cruelty, moral choices and redemption.
The shotgun is more than a weapon; it’s a symbol of power, fear and the impossible ethical decisions Gyuhwan must face. Who to trust? Who to save? And how do you fight monsters without losing your humanity?
Key Themes
The series tackles survival and desperation, showing Gyuhwan using every resource available, even if it means taking lives. His trauma from bullying shapes his decisions, illustrating how power shifts when someone previously powerless gains influence.
Moral ambiguity is central choices are rarely clear-cut, mistakes have weight and consequences feel real.
As a prequel to Sweet Home, it enriches the universe with backstory and context, connecting seamlessly without requiring prior knowledge of the main series.
Main Characters
Gyuhwan Han is the protagonist: bullied, lonely and fearful, yet driven by survival and self-worth. Zero, a mysterious classmate, adds psychological tension with ambiguous motives and gender.
Other classmates, a mix of friends, bullies and bystanders, face fractured relationships and shifting alliances when monsters strike.
Their fears, regrets and ambitions are deeply intertwined with the story’s central conflict, creating a cast that feels real, flawed and relatable.
Art, Tone & Writing Style
Carnby Kim blends psychological horror with introspective storytelling. Trauma, emotional realism and moral complexity give the story depth.
Hongpil’s illustrations enhance tension with atmospheric forest scenes, dim lighting and terrifying yet meaningful monster designs.
Quiet, reflective moments are balanced with suspenseful action, creating an immersive horror-thriller experience.
Why Shotgun Boy Stands Out?
Fans are drawn to the webtoon because of:
- Emotional relatability: Gyuhwan’s vulnerability makes him feel real.
- High stakes: Every monster encounter carries real danger.
- Moral complexity: Choices are heavy, ambiguous and thought-provoking.
- Connection to Sweet Home: Adds origin context for returning fans while remaining standalone for newcomers.
These factors combine to make Shotgun Boy more than a typical survival horror story; it’s a character-driven thriller with depth.
Writing Lessons From Shotgun Boy
- Strong character motivation drives the plot: Gyuhwan’s trauma shapes every scene.
- Symbolic elements like the shotgun enhance narrative meaning.
- Balance action with internal reflection to elevate suspense.
- Tight pacing ensures no filler, keeping every chapter impactful.
- Integrate prequels or spin-offs thoughtfully to enrich a larger universe without overshadowing the main story.
What Makes Shotgun Boy Unique?
Unlike many horror webtoons, the story focuses on psychological tension over gore, exploring trauma, regret and moral complexity.
The prequel depth adds richness to the Sweet Home universe, while the character-driven narrative ensures survival is about more than just escaping monsters, it’s about understanding human vulnerability.
Potential Weaknesses
Some readers may find the morally ambiguous protagonist challenging or slow-paced reflective episodes. The large cast can feel overwhelming and unlike Sweet Home, there’s no confirmed adaptation yet. These issues are minor compared to the story’s compelling narrative and emotional depth.
How to Read Shotgun Boy
The English version is available on Webtoon and the Korean version on Naver. You can read Sweet Home first or start with Shotgun Boy both orders provide unique perspectives.
Expect a horror-thriller with moral tension, survival stakes and rich character development, rather than a light or casual read.
Fan Theories & Community Buzz
Fans discuss potential sequels, Zero’s true identity and deeper connections to Sweet Home. The series encourages debates on morality, trauma and survival, keeping the community active even after the series concluded.
Conclusion
At its heart, Shotgun Boy is more than a manhwa about monsters it’s a raw, emotional journey. Carnby Kim created a story that asks: what happens when someone pushed to the edge gets a weapon? What do they do when survival demands violence? And when the danger comes from within, who can you trust?
Its connection to Sweet Home makes it even richer but Shotgun Boy stands strong on its own. With tight pacing, meaningful characters and moral depth, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves horror, survival stories or character-driven thrillers.
So if you’re looking to dive into a webtoon that’s both frightening and thought-provoking, pick up Shotgun Boy. You just might find it resonates long after you finish the final episode.
FAQs
Is Shotgun Boy a manhwa or webtoon?
Yes, Shotgun Boy is a manhwa/webtoon written by Carnby Kim with art by Hongpil.
How many episodes (chapters) does Shotgun Boy have?
There are 69 episodes in the English/Webtoon version.
What is the release date of Shotgun Boy?
The Korean 엽총소년 began on February 22, 2021 and the English Webtoon version launched on March 17, 2021.
Is Shotgun Boy connected to Sweet Home?
Yes, Shotgun Boy and Sweet Home are part of the same universe. Shotgun Boy is a prequel to Sweet Home.
Who wrote Shotgun Boy?
It’s written by Carnby Kim (same author as Sweet Home), with art by Hongpil.
What is the basic story of Shotgun Boy?
The shotgun boy story follows Gyuhwan, a bullied teen who finds a shotgun during a school trip. When monsters overrun his classmates, he becomes their unlikely protector.
Who are the main Shotgun Boy characters?
Key shotgun boy characters include Gyuhwan, the conflicted protagonist and Zero, a mysterious peer. Several classmates play crucial roles as the crisis unfolds.
Is there a TV or Netflix adaptation for Shotgun Boy?
No, as of now, Shotgun Boy has no confirmed Netflix adaptation, despite its connection to Sweet Home, which does have a show. Community speculation continues, but nothing official.
