Chasing Red is a famous Wattpad book written by Isabelle Ronin, now adapted on WEBTOON and illustrated by SilentMaru. It is a college romance with the rich boy-poor girl theme, and it is the perfect binge for a slow weekend. I have to say that it was worth it. The book was more steamy from what I remember, but WEBTOON guidelines played a part in the removal of all R rated scenes which made it the best go-to for a get-away weekend.
In this adaptation, Veronica is the product of a toxic marriage and a very abusive dad who she flees from again and again, depending on herself for everything which skewed her view of the world and no can blame her. She approaches everything like it is poison and we see this with help she is offered but always concludes the worst of. That is the only way she can protect herself and I relate with that.
Caleb had it all, or so we thought. He was a famous basketball player and his parents were loaded, but it wasn’t really going all that well with failing grades and an asshole father. I have to say that Caleb’s response to his father in the end was satisfying as he broke off whatever hold the man had on him. Through Caleb's point of view, we see that not all that glitters is gold. His carefree and playboy nature were nothing but a facade. He had his own battles and "Red" was just the distraction he needed until she became more.
I got angry at Veronica so many times but then what she was experiencing was normal, wasn’t it? Girls want to know they are the number one, not just another notch on your belt. Veronica responded like any girl would to a “play-boy” suddenly interested in her. Well, any “sane” woman anyway. First response would be to run away. However, my anger was not at her flight response to Caleb, but to the way she viewed herself and opportunities. She was way too skeptical. Looking closer, I realised that I was angry because her response felt very familiar. I guess looking at your behaviour from a fresh view point takes the gut out of you.
Watching these two fight their demons to be close to each other was vexing as much as it was fun. There were funny moments and some moments with Veronica that were realistically petty, like the part with the towel. That made me laugh. The praise goes to the writer of course, but also the artist. This adaptation was way shorter than the book but it captured the important moments and didn't turn the whole thing upside-down.
I do wonder why the Veronica I see and the one I read have different legs. Or is the animation techniques? "Red" in the comic has not very straight legs but that could just be overly standard self thinking. All in all, if you have read Chasing Red, I'd like to know what you think. If not, maybe read this and let me know what you think too.
