Horn

Horn, authored by Kim Jong Ook, emerged as part of the late 1990s and early 2000s surge in South Korean manwha seeking to establish a distinct voice within the broader East Asian comic landscape. The series is characterized by its gritty, atmospheric narrative style, which was reflective of the era's experimentation with darker themes and more complex, cynical character motivations that departed from the more traditional, heroic archetypes seen in earlier manhwa.

The design and artistic execution of the series prioritize high-contrast visuals and sharp, angular character models, an aesthetic choice intended to heighten the sense of urban isolation and psychological tension embedded in the plot. Upon its release, it was noted by readers and critics for its uncompromising visual direction and its contribution to a maturing medium, marking Kim Jong Ook as a distinctive stylist who utilized the stark black-and-white medium to craft a palpable sense of unease and depth.