Set in the same universe as the global phenomenon Sweet Home, Shotgun Boy is a visceral prequel that dives into the early days of a world-ending apocalypse. The story follows Han Gyuhwan, a high school student pushed to his breaking point by sadistic bullies and apathetic teachers. During a mandatory school camping trip in a remote mountain range, Gyuhwan flees into the wilderness to escape another round of torment. There, he stumbles upon a discarded shotgun and a handful of shells in a wrecked truck—a discovery that initially fuels his darkest desires for retribution.
However, the narrative takes a terrifying turn when Gyuhwan returns to the campsite only to find it overrun by "Variants"—intelligent, shapeshifting monsters that consume human brains to steal their victims' identities and memories. Forced into an impossible situation, Gyuhwan must choose between his thirst for revenge and the survival of his peers. As he battles these evolving threats, he discovers that the monsters in the forest are only the beginning of a much larger, more sinister phenomenon that threatens all of humanity.
Written by master horror storyteller Carnby Kim and illustrated with haunting intensity by Hongpil, Shotgun Boy is a profound exploration of what it means to be a hero in a world where the line between human and monster is blurred. Fans of the original series will appreciate the deep lore and cameos from familiar characters, while newcomers will find a standalone survival story that is as heartbreaking as it is thrilling. With its high stakes and psychological depth, this webtoon is a must-read for any fan of the survival horror genre.
