5 Reasons Why 'The Hounds Of Sisyphus' Is The Must-Read BL Webtoon Of 2026: Mythology, Apocalypse, And The Absurd

The Hounds of Sisyphus has cemented its status as one of the most talked-about Boys' Love (BL) webtoons of the moment, captivating a global audience with its unique blend of Greek mythology, a grim post-apocalyptic setting, and a deeply emotional central romance. As of today, December 17, 2025, the series by the acclaimed creator 945 is generating massive buzz, especially with the anticipation of its next major release window, promising a fresh wave of existential horror and passionate drama.

The series is a masterclass in blending high-concept themes with the intimate storytelling of the BL genre, transcending typical tropes to deliver a narrative that is both thrilling and profoundly philosophical. It’s not just a love story; it’s an exploration of fate, purpose, and the human condition in a world where death is no longer a final escape.

The Creator and Core Biography: 945 (gusao)

The visionary behind The Hounds of Sisyphus is the Korean manhwa creator 945, who is also widely known by the pseudonym gusao. While biographical details about the artist's personal life are kept private, their professional portfolio speaks volumes about their talent for character-driven stories and evocative art.

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• Name: 945 (also known as gusao)
• Nationality: Korean
• Primary Role: Webtoon/Manhwa Author and Illustrator
• Genre Focus: Boys' Love (BL), Drama, Romance, Slice of Life (in previous works)
• Most Famous Work: The Dangerous Convenience Store (a massively popular BL series)
• Current Work: The Hounds of Sisyphus
• Signature Style: Known for detailed character expressions, strong visual storytelling, and a knack for creating compelling, complex relationships.
• Platform: Primarily serialized on major webtoon platforms like Lezhin Comics and Bomtoon.

945’s previous success with The Dangerous Convenience Store established them as a powerhouse in the BL industry, making the launch of a new, genre-bending title like The Hounds of Sisyphus an immediate event for fans worldwide. Their ability to switch from the slice-of-life romance of their earlier work to the dark, apocalyptic drama of their latest project showcases a remarkable versatility and depth.

1. The Post-Apocalyptic World of 'Aimless Wanderers'

Unlike conventional zombie or monster-apocalypse narratives, The Hounds of Sisyphus introduces a unique and unsettling threat: the Aimless Wanderers. The dead no longer stay dead, but they don't rise as ravenous monsters either; instead, they are perpetual, wandering souls, a constant reminder that the hope of immortality has faded, pushing humanity to the brink of collapse.

This setting, known as Stillwater, is a landscape of perpetual, low-grade chaos, where survival is less about fighting hordes and more about enduring the psychological toll of a world without finality.

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The initial premise immediately establishes a high-stakes environment for the central romance. The world itself is a character, reflecting the themes of the endless struggle and the absurd, which are central to the story's mythological underpinnings.

2. The Existential Core: Pyo Guwon and the Myth of Sisyphus

The title is a direct and powerful reference to the Greek myth of Sisyphus, the cunning king condemned in Hades to eternally roll a massive boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down just before reaching the summit.

The protagonist, Pyo Guwon, whose name literally means 'Salvation', is the character embodying this myth. He is a figure who constantly cheats death and is burdened by a seemingly endless, cyclical fate. Fans have noted the clear parallels, such as the appearance of a "round rock" in the story, suggesting Guwon's own struggle is a modern, tragic echo of the ancient king.

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The central question of the story is whether a man called 'Salvation' can truly be saved, or if he is doomed to repeat his punishment forever. This heavy, philosophical layer elevates the manhwa beyond standard genre fare, appealing to readers who appreciate works that explore the philosophy of the absurd, a concept popularized by Albert Camus in his essay, *The Myth of Sisyphus*.

3. The Intense Dynamic Between Guwon and Jinwoo

At the heart of the apocalypse is the relationship between the two main leads: Pyo Guwon and Jinwoo. Guwon, the emotionally guarded, Sisyphus-like figure, is contrasted with Jinwoo, often described as the 'lover' or the one who is trying to save Guwon from his own endless cycle.

The dynamic is one of intense emotional dependency and desperate connection in a world devoid of hope. Jinwoo’s presence acts as a counterweight to Guwon’s fatalistic existence, offering a flicker of purpose and love amidst the chaos. The romantic elements are deeply intertwined with the survival narrative, making every intimate moment feel earned and high-stakes.

This coupling, driven by the need for salvation and genuine connection, is what has made the webtoon a viral hit on platforms like Lezhin Comics and Bomtoon, generating significant discussion within the Yaoi and BL communities. The emotional depth is a testament to 945's skill in character development, making the reader heavily invested in the fate of both protagonists.

4. The Latest Status and Anticipated Comeback in 2026

The fan base for The Hounds of Sisyphus is currently riding a wave of anticipation. Following the conclusion of its successful first season, the webtoon is preparing for its major comeback. The latest updates, including official announcements on platforms, point toward a highly-anticipated return in the near future, with some release schedules hinting at a February 2026 date for the next chapters.

The momentum is so strong that discussions about the Season 1 finale, which left many questions unanswered, continue to dominate online forums like Reddit, with fans speculating wildly about the fate of the main characters and the true nature of the 'Aimless Wanderers.' The author, 945, has acknowledged the excitement, promising a special statement for readers as the series prepares its return.

This ongoing engagement and the promise of new content ensures that The Hounds of Sisyphus remains a fresh and current topic in the webtoon world, maintaining its topical authority through consistent, high-quality releases.

5. Topical Authority: Bridging Mythology, Absurdism, and Boys' Love

What truly sets this webtoon apart is its intellectual ambition. It successfully integrates profound philosophical and mythological concepts with the core tenets of the BL genre, creating a unique cross-genre appeal.

• The Absurd: The constant, inescapable threat of the Aimless Wanderers perfectly mirrors Albert Camus' philosophy of the absurd—the conflict between humanity's innate desire for meaning and the universe's cold indifference.
• Sisyphus as a Metaphor: Guwon's character serves as a powerful metaphor for the human struggle to find meaning in a meaningless existence. His love for Jinwoo becomes his 'rock,' the purpose he chooses to embrace, even if it is temporary or cyclical.
• Genre Evolution: By placing a sensitive, character-focused romance (BL) within a harsh, post-apocalyptic setting, 945 pushes the boundaries of the genre, proving that complex themes like fate, free will, and survival can be explored through the lens of a queer relationship.

The ability of The Hounds of Sisyphus to handle such heavy themes while still delivering the emotional intensity and compelling character dynamics expected of a top-tier manhwa is why it is not just a popular read, but a significant piece of modern webcomic storytelling.