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Under the Oak Tree (The Comic) #1
Under the Oak Tree: The Comic, Vol. 1
Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after—but this is no fairytale. The first volume of the official webcomic based on the hit webnovel by Suji Kim.
When stuttering Lady Maximilian is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her father’s schemes, her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin. Riftan leaves for war the morning after their disastrous wedding night, and it’s three years before Maxi sees him again.
Now, the husband she barely knows is a war hero. And when he comes home to claim her, Maxi will need to master her own bewildering desire—and Riftan’s—before she can hope to become the true mistress of their enormous castle estate. That task will demand courage from Maxi, even as she struggles to find her own voice.
This volume collects episodes 1-24 of Under the Oak Tree, the #1 webcomic on MANTA.
When stuttering Lady Maximilian is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her father’s schemes, her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin. Riftan leaves for war the morning after their disastrous wedding night, and it’s three years before Maxi sees him again.
Now, the husband she barely knows is a war hero. And when he comes home to claim her, Maxi will need to master her own bewildering desire—and Riftan’s—before she can hope to become the true mistress of their enormous castle estate. That task will demand courage from Maxi, even as she struggles to find her own voice.
This volume collects episodes 1-24 of Under the Oak Tree, the #1 webcomic on MANTA.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2024
177 people are currently reading
8830 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 667 reviews
September 30, 2024
A story as old as time, or at least 90s romances. This could be almost every knight in shining armor story I’ve read before, but in beautiful full-color. Valiant knight weds virginal woman who has self esteem issues and a stutter. Loads of non-communication but I still liked this story. Will definitely read the next volume when released.
Any graphic scenes are perfectly blocked so you never see the details.
Now I got a hankering to read a Johanna Lindsey.
Any graphic scenes are perfectly blocked so you never see the details.
Now I got a hankering to read a Johanna Lindsey.
September 11, 2024
RiftanMaxi and me like this 🤞💋
February 18, 2026
Another Korean Fantasy with a rapist male MC, and a case of “selective medieval realism”. Dragons? Yes. Mages? Why not! Women with agency or learning the art of war? Too much! I know Korean manwhas are nothing but trad propaganda but this one is truly the worst I have read.
The MC commits marital rape during the first part, and this is never acknowledged by the narrative at all. Maxi disability and her abusive background only exist so she never stands up for herself. She’s nothing but a “trad fantasy with legs”, like most, if not all timid, passive and stuttering female characters. She exists so Riftan doesn’t have to do anything to be loved, because she is designed to take scraps and endure his abusive behavior. Maximilian Calypse, from a Doylist reading, is one of the worst female characters I have encountered. She is nothing but a misogynist wet dream.
We’re supposed to think Riftan is a romantic hero. He's not a romantic hero. He is a rapist, an immature man who believes he is a legend because he once killed a dragon and looks down on the nobles who gave him his titles and his lands (because that’s how feudalism works). Who do you think legalised your possession of those lands, the goddess of the mountains?
The classic trope of the "broken man who can only love an abused woman," dressed in romantic tragedy. But what seems like an epic love story dismantles quickly when you analyse it with a little logic.
It's not "protection", it's control disguised as “manly heroism”. It's not love for someone shy or with a stutter; it's a preference for someone who doesn't confront them. Because Maxi knows nothing, not even the currency used in her world. She’s helpless and utterly ignorant of everything. Never mind that, in real feudal societies, noblewomen were actually in charge of running the castle; most even knew about warfare and combat, enabling them to defend it when the men were away.
It's not that he "protects her from the world", it's that the world and her need protection from him. Riftan is the typical “Strong male character” from Romantasy*, he believes that being stoic, growling and physically intimidating everyone is how you run a castle. In the real world, he would have been executed for treason a long time ago. Riftan, however, is a Gary Stu in the classical sense: the world was created to he can look perfect in comparison.
*Isn't it funny how people use the bullshit "Strong female" term, sometimes with derision, but never question how ridiculous these male characters are? “He has a penis so he can take down a dragon and an army by himself, but a woman warrior? Too much!”
(The answer to this is misogyny).
The MC commits marital rape during the first part, and this is never acknowledged by the narrative at all. Maxi disability and her abusive background only exist so she never stands up for herself. She’s nothing but a “trad fantasy with legs”, like most, if not all timid, passive and stuttering female characters. She exists so Riftan doesn’t have to do anything to be loved, because she is designed to take scraps and endure his abusive behavior. Maximilian Calypse, from a Doylist reading, is one of the worst female characters I have encountered. She is nothing but a misogynist wet dream.
We’re supposed to think Riftan is a romantic hero. He's not a romantic hero. He is a rapist, an immature man who believes he is a legend because he once killed a dragon and looks down on the nobles who gave him his titles and his lands (because that’s how feudalism works). Who do you think legalised your possession of those lands, the goddess of the mountains?
The classic trope of the "broken man who can only love an abused woman," dressed in romantic tragedy. But what seems like an epic love story dismantles quickly when you analyse it with a little logic.
It's not "protection", it's control disguised as “manly heroism”. It's not love for someone shy or with a stutter; it's a preference for someone who doesn't confront them. Because Maxi knows nothing, not even the currency used in her world. She’s helpless and utterly ignorant of everything. Never mind that, in real feudal societies, noblewomen were actually in charge of running the castle; most even knew about warfare and combat, enabling them to defend it when the men were away.
It's not that he "protects her from the world", it's that the world and her need protection from him. Riftan is the typical “Strong male character” from Romantasy*, he believes that being stoic, growling and physically intimidating everyone is how you run a castle. In the real world, he would have been executed for treason a long time ago. Riftan, however, is a Gary Stu in the classical sense: the world was created to he can look perfect in comparison.
*Isn't it funny how people use the bullshit "Strong female" term, sometimes with derision, but never question how ridiculous these male characters are? “He has a penis so he can take down a dragon and an army by himself, but a woman warrior? Too much!”
(The answer to this is misogyny).
December 12, 2024
Wow....
Okay, I definitely see why so many people are intrigued. This wasn't a perfect book, but my heart broke for Maxi the entire course of the graphic novel. To be so beat down and broken that you don't feel like you're deserving of love is a very real thing. I love that Riftan is so reassuring and gives her so much affection without realizing how this is slowly healing Maxi and changing her perception of herself. This definitely ended on a cliff hanger and now I'm anxiously awaiting volume 2.
Okay, I definitely see why so many people are intrigued. This wasn't a perfect book, but my heart broke for Maxi the entire course of the graphic novel. To be so beat down and broken that you don't feel like you're deserving of love is a very real thing. I love that Riftan is so reassuring and gives her so much affection without realizing how this is slowly healing Maxi and changing her perception of herself. This definitely ended on a cliff hanger and now I'm anxiously awaiting volume 2.
November 1, 2024
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher (Inklore) for promotional purposes.
This was so so so good!
Prior to receiving this book, I had never heard of this webcomic/webnovel series before. I’m so glad it was put on my radar because I’m kind of obsessed with it now. I can see why it’s a popular online series.
First off, the artwork is gorgeous. This is a full color graphic novel printed on thick pages. The colors are vibrant and the art style really made it feel like I’m right there with the characters. Reading the book often felt like watching an anime.
The storyline is fairly basic (arranged marriage trope), but I didn’t mind it. Sometimes simple is better.
As for the main characters, I loved Maxi and Riftan. They were such a cute couple. Riftan was so protective over Maxi and I loved how he showed her love and kindness. Maxi had a rough upbringing so Riftan was exactly what she needed. For supporting characters, I found Ruth (the sorcerer) fascinating. I’m eager to learn more about him.
Overall, I cannot wait to continue this series. I was also sent the novel version, so I will be reading that in the meantime. If you like romantasy and graphic novels, definitely check this one out!
This was so so so good!
Prior to receiving this book, I had never heard of this webcomic/webnovel series before. I’m so glad it was put on my radar because I’m kind of obsessed with it now. I can see why it’s a popular online series.
First off, the artwork is gorgeous. This is a full color graphic novel printed on thick pages. The colors are vibrant and the art style really made it feel like I’m right there with the characters. Reading the book often felt like watching an anime.
The storyline is fairly basic (arranged marriage trope), but I didn’t mind it. Sometimes simple is better.
As for the main characters, I loved Maxi and Riftan. They were such a cute couple. Riftan was so protective over Maxi and I loved how he showed her love and kindness. Maxi had a rough upbringing so Riftan was exactly what she needed. For supporting characters, I found Ruth (the sorcerer) fascinating. I’m eager to learn more about him.
Overall, I cannot wait to continue this series. I was also sent the novel version, so I will be reading that in the meantime. If you like romantasy and graphic novels, definitely check this one out!
Read
October 21, 2024What an interesting experience ~ my first romantasy graphic novel.
I don’t really have anything to compare this too. I thought the art was lovely and the flow of the spreads easy to follow as someone who doesn’t read a lot of episodic comics.
The characters and story weren’t quite for me but it was very entertaining. With Maximillian, we establish the insecure stuttering princess type with an evil abusive father immediately. Within the first few pages we also get an arranged marriage to a stoic gruff VERY LARGE soldier man (Riftan).
It’s a classic “they get married when he’s a lowly soldier and then he comes back a decorated war veteran who has acquired immense wealth and power.” Very tropey, sweet, and lots of stumbling miscommunication if that’s your thing.
The characterization of Max and Riftan was eye roll worthy for me but I think in a kind of junk food romantasy way. Lots of scenarios like this:
Riftan: “You are coming with me. You are my wife.”
Max: “Oh so he’s with me only out of marital obligation! He’s just doing this out of duty!! Once he tired of me he will likely ask for a divorce!”
*Riftan proceeds to grab Max and makeout with her*
So ya…idk. I need my romantasy to have dialogue and tension and an understanding for why these two characters work together and why X person is obsessed with Y. Riftan’s attraction was seemingly random and over the top. But I think it will work for people looking to consume this kind of story.
I don’t really have anything to compare this too. I thought the art was lovely and the flow of the spreads easy to follow as someone who doesn’t read a lot of episodic comics.
The characters and story weren’t quite for me but it was very entertaining. With Maximillian, we establish the insecure stuttering princess type with an evil abusive father immediately. Within the first few pages we also get an arranged marriage to a stoic gruff VERY LARGE soldier man (Riftan).
It’s a classic “they get married when he’s a lowly soldier and then he comes back a decorated war veteran who has acquired immense wealth and power.” Very tropey, sweet, and lots of stumbling miscommunication if that’s your thing.
The characterization of Max and Riftan was eye roll worthy for me but I think in a kind of junk food romantasy way. Lots of scenarios like this:
Riftan: “You are coming with me. You are my wife.”
Max: “Oh so he’s with me only out of marital obligation! He’s just doing this out of duty!! Once he tired of me he will likely ask for a divorce!”
*Riftan proceeds to grab Max and makeout with her*
So ya…idk. I need my romantasy to have dialogue and tension and an understanding for why these two characters work together and why X person is obsessed with Y. Riftan’s attraction was seemingly random and over the top. But I think it will work for people looking to consume this kind of story.
August 29, 2024
High 4.5 Stars
Thank you to Inkstone for sending me a copy of Under the Oak Tree. I really enjoyed this. Loved the characters especially Maxi. I think her character arc is going to be incredible and I can't wait to read more in this series. I also feel like something different is going on with Sir Riftan as well, like there's something darker inside him maybe. I also hope Maxi's dad get's his comeuppance as well.
Thank you to Inkstone for sending me a copy of Under the Oak Tree. I really enjoyed this. Loved the characters especially Maxi. I think her character arc is going to be incredible and I can't wait to read more in this series. I also feel like something different is going on with Sir Riftan as well, like there's something darker inside him maybe. I also hope Maxi's dad get's his comeuppance as well.
November 8, 2024
this has set women back thousands of years
![Profile Image for Yves V.H. [Slow reading].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1768806067i%2F170151541._UY200_CR6%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 11, 2025
The art style 4/5 (I'm kinda done with men being so huge then women being so small but otherwise, it is really beautiful)
The story 4/5 (I find some parts a bit cringe)
The characters 5/5
The story 4/5 (I find some parts a bit cringe)
The characters 5/5
August 10, 2025
Not sure how I feel about this one. Art was great and I liked the FMC Maxi, especially as she starts to develop her sense of self through the story BUT whatttttt is up with Riftan? Homeboy is a 25 red flags in a trench coat, and we’re supposed to like him? My biggest issue was the lack of consent (or dubious consent as another reviewer called it). It was too unclear how Maxi felt in those scenes for me to ever be comfortable with Riftan as a love interest - not to mention his only interest in her is sexual and when she rebuffs him (intentionally or not), he huffs and puffs and gives her the cold shoulder. I’ve read some interpretations of this as social awkwardness, yearning, not knowing how to voice his feelings and sure, okay, if that’s the point then why aren’t we working through any of that? Instead, he quite literally disappears from the narrative for the second half of the book. Perhaps all that is explored in the second installation, and I’m willing to reconsider him if we get some serious self-evaluation and growth…but for now, the red flags abound.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue with this one. I’m curious to see if Riftan does improve, but if he remains toxic abuser disguised as an infatuated husband, I don’t think I can handle it.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue with this one. I’m curious to see if Riftan does improve, but if he remains toxic abuser disguised as an infatuated husband, I don’t think I can handle it.
November 23, 2024
REVIEW ADDED 11/23/2024
I DNF'd this book, which is a shame because the cover is so pretty. I read maybe a quarter of the way through before stopping. I swear to god the first sexual encounter between Max and Riftan was nonconsensual, but it's never addressed? I don't know how else I'm supposed to interpret Max cowering in bed with tears in her eyes, looking absolutely HORRIFIED while thinking 'I don't know how to do this!'.
From a narrative standpoint, I got real tired real quick of Max's and Riftan's dynamic. 'You could at least PRETEND to be glad to see me. It's as if I'm a monster to you'. Yeah, bitch, you are. Max is only there because she was forced into an arranged marriage. I feel like I'm the only person who didn't like this and it's driving me nuts. How dare you invoke Gustav Klimt aesthetics, in MY house.
I DNF'd this book, which is a shame because the cover is so pretty. I read maybe a quarter of the way through before stopping. I swear to god the first sexual encounter between Max and Riftan was nonconsensual, but it's never addressed? I don't know how else I'm supposed to interpret Max cowering in bed with tears in her eyes, looking absolutely HORRIFIED while thinking 'I don't know how to do this!'.
From a narrative standpoint, I got real tired real quick of Max's and Riftan's dynamic. 'You could at least PRETEND to be glad to see me. It's as if I'm a monster to you'. Yeah, bitch, you are. Max is only there because she was forced into an arranged marriage. I feel like I'm the only person who didn't like this and it's driving me nuts. How dare you invoke Gustav Klimt aesthetics, in MY house.
November 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
RTC
RTC
March 24, 2026
The FMC’s entire personality is “would you still love me if I were a worm?”
June 15, 2025
3.5 stars — a good first volume but there were too many miscommunications between our fmc and mmc for my liking
December 22, 2024
Sweet
The illustration is just sooo good. The storylines is good , sweet, lovely and very classy.
The illustration is just sooo good. The storylines is good , sweet, lovely and very classy.
February 1, 2025
*Massive* TW for on-page sexual assault (multiple times) and truly bad representation for stuttering.
An actual mess. The infantilization of the MC coupled with the ridiculous size difference between male and female main characters is very off-putting. The on-page sexual assault of the MC by the love interest is not a great look, either. Also, nothing happens.
An actual mess. The infantilization of the MC coupled with the ridiculous size difference between male and female main characters is very off-putting. The on-page sexual assault of the MC by the love interest is not a great look, either. Also, nothing happens.
April 30, 2024
the manhwa is great, you can feel the characters but the novella is from a nother world, the comics is bearly the tip of the novella, if you liked the manhwa you should defently read the novella
April 14, 2025
I don’t know what I was expecting but I wasn’t expecting a grumpy x madly in love MMC ???????? I am obsessed and I need the next volume out ASAP. And the art is so beautifully drawn. I love all the characters, even grumpy, exhausted Ruth. Everyone just seems so lovely and I’m so glad our girl was rescued and placed into a nicer village (?). I’m intrigued to see where this story will go and I can’t wait to see the full story unfold surrounding the tree!
March 7, 2025
I hated literally everything about this. Ladies, are we that desperate that we'll put up with shit like this? Marital rape is NOT HOT. Guys that keep going when you're crying during sex from fear and pain are NOT HOT. Having zero chemistry is NOT HOT. Sex scenes out of nowhere with no flirting or buildup are NOT HOT. And finally, female characters that are meeker than a mouse are NOT HOT. I am so baffled and confused and honestly depressed that this has such high reviews. We can do better.
I'm sure the ultimate story arc here will have Maxi becoming a brave badass with a great sex life (no tears included) but I will not be sticking around to find out. I was ready to throw it against the wall after the first 20 pages. Sticking through the next 400 was PAINFUL and it did not get any better. Spare yourself and go find better characters to fantasize about...
I'm sure the ultimate story arc here will have Maxi becoming a brave badass with a great sex life (no tears included) but I will not be sticking around to find out. I was ready to throw it against the wall after the first 20 pages. Sticking through the next 400 was PAINFUL and it did not get any better. Spare yourself and go find better characters to fantasize about...
September 19, 2024
Gorgeous style, illustrations, and layout. But the story itself is lacking. Loved the idea and initial setup but the characters don’t grow enough over this volume, overly anxious and dubious situations don’t have enough backing them or any resolution. The backstories and world building were limited and stumbling. There isn’t a solid arc or direction.
Overall, pretty to read but not satisfying.
* I received a free copy from the publisher
Overall, pretty to read but not satisfying.
* I received a free copy from the publisher
Did not finish
March 22, 2026DNF
I expected to love this, yet I found myself immediately offput by the romance from the very start. It felt “soft-r@p€y” (like the FMC didn’t want it but also didn’t know what was happening) and that was disturbing. But I thought I maybe missed something so I pushed on. It happened 2 more times and I gave up at the halfway point.
Also, very boring. There is no “so what”, no world crisis, no bigger picture, no looming threat.
I expected to love this, yet I found myself immediately offput by the romance from the very start. It felt “soft-r@p€y” (like the FMC didn’t want it but also didn’t know what was happening) and that was disturbing. But I thought I maybe missed something so I pushed on. It happened 2 more times and I gave up at the halfway point.
Also, very boring. There is no “so what”, no world crisis, no bigger picture, no looming threat.
June 17, 2025
3 Stars
I love the artwork so much but sadly for me the worldbuilding wasn't great and the characters were lacking in personality.
My main issue is that it always seems like the lead male is raping the lead female. She always says something like "wait" before and he still just forces himself on her. He has no personality other than horny and comes across as brute. I am surprised so many people have loved this to be honest.
It's a yes for the artwork but a no for the story and characters for me sadly.
I love the artwork so much but sadly for me the worldbuilding wasn't great and the characters were lacking in personality.
My main issue is that it always seems like the lead male is raping the lead female. She always says something like "wait" before and he still just forces himself on her. He has no personality other than horny and comes across as brute. I am surprised so many people have loved this to be honest.
It's a yes for the artwork but a no for the story and characters for me sadly.
October 12, 2025
It was entertaining haha
March 1, 2025
So, this was awful.
Like I was pretty intrigued from the start, but in this giant volume we had a ton of sex between two characters that never talk and have so many misunderstandings that neither of them ever say. Maxi has a stutter so was beaten by her father and made to feel worthless, forced into a marriage and lie about herself to her husband who leaves after their wedding night for 3 years. She never asks about the currency of the new country, and doesn't really have friendships with anyone.
There's magic and monsters...that are mentioned and never explained. Like there's this whole fantasy world that we don't have any context for.
I'm glad I didn't impulse buy it.
Like I was pretty intrigued from the start, but in this giant volume we had a ton of sex between two characters that never talk and have so many misunderstandings that neither of them ever say. Maxi has a stutter so was beaten by her father and made to feel worthless, forced into a marriage and lie about herself to her husband who leaves after their wedding night for 3 years. She never asks about the currency of the new country, and doesn't really have friendships with anyone.
There's magic and monsters...that are mentioned and never explained. Like there's this whole fantasy world that we don't have any context for.
I'm glad I didn't impulse buy it.
November 28, 2024
I fear “I’ll cut off a head for every bruise I find on you” would work on me 🤷🏻♀️ Forced marriage, black cat x golden retriever energy, grumpy x sunshine, amazing artwork, storytelling had me blushing and giggling the whole way through
January 5, 2025
The illustrations ruined it for me. Why does Maxi have to look so scared and crying in all her scenes. It almost felt like he was forcing himself on her the entire time. The story is good, especially towards the end with Ruth. But the illustrations made me feel ick.
November 28, 2024
i think i'm lowkey obsessed w them
November 3, 2024
Cheesy and corny, but I enjoyed it. I wasn't a fan of the names. This volume ends on a cliffhanger, and I'll definitely read the next one.
November 3, 2024
The art is beautiful, but characters like Riftan don’t work for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 667 reviews