Book Review: UNDER THE OAK TREE

Our longtime love for Manta Comics’ Under the Oak Tree far extends past its most recent print release. The original story is by Suji Kim, who went on to win the Romance Webnovel Award for the series. Namu adapted the story to comic form, with art provided by P, and released it on the webcomic platform in January 2021. However, we think it goes without saying that we are head over heels for the official print comic.

Manta Comics worked alongside Penguin Random Houses’ Inklore to bring the story to print. It follows Lady Maximilian, who is forced to marry the gruff and sour Sir Riftan, only to be separated as he heads off to war. The story begins three years later, after his return, when the two reconnect, fall in love, and hopefully live happily ever after. Volume one encompasses the first 24 chapters of the series.

Under the Oak Tree Dances Across the Page

If you have ever read a webcomic series, one thing that stands out is the vertical format. They are designed for phones or tablets, and creators have mastered building stories for those platforms. That doesn’t mean the stories won’t translate well to a more traditional book form. However, sometimes, stories can lose the flow of a scene due to breaking it up.

Panels from Under the Oak Tree comic book showing Maxi interacting with magic outside. — Under the Oak Tree Comic Book

Thankfully, Under the Oak Tree manages to maintain its flow and build it in a horizontal format. Major scenes maintain their natural pacing and don’t skip a beat. We also enjoyed how the newly rearranged panels made the story feel brand new. It shows off the whimsical fantasy setting that we love as it strengthens the ever-growing love between Maxi and Riftan.

A Warm Nostalgia Hug

Under the Oak Tree may follow similar tropes to other fantasy romances, and that’s why it’s so good. It has a level of nostalgia that gives the same feeling as one’s favorite comfy sweater. We know it, love it and no matter what form it comes in, we need it. It’s a perfect read when you are looking for something easy to love.

This isn’t a cookie-cutter scenario, however. We may know that beats, but the players, world, romance, magic and whatnot are all their own. For example, the world itself is similar enough to medieval fantasy that we understand the basics but unique enough that it feels all its own. The same with other fantasy and romantic elements.

Love As Strong as an Oak’s Roots

At the center of Under the Oak Tree is a love story. Maxi is an incredible character to follow. She starts off meek and shy but grows throughout the story. While Riftan is a part of that journey, he isn’t the leading guide. She’s finding strength within herself, and there is pure beauty in that. And Riftan even goes through his own growth with and without Maxi, making the relationship feel equal.

A panel from Under the Oak Tree featuring a cutesy scene between Riftan and Maxi. — Under the Oak Tree

It’s their journey and growth that helps the love story shine. It feels organic and true to life. Something that sometimes struggles with fantasy romance. Of course, it has its dramatic moments, but it always finds itself heading back down the same path. And Under the Oak Tree is more than just romantic love. We can’t get enough of all the secondary characters introduced throughout the chapters.

How Should You Read It?

As avid book collectors and webcomic phone/tablet readers, we are going to channel our favorite taco-loving meme and say, “Why not both?” We love how convenient webcomics are with apps like Manta Comics. One can read from the comfort of home or on the go. But there is something so good about picking up a book and reading it.

One downside to reading on the Manta Comics app is either the need to pay for a subscription to open up future chapters or waiting an entire day for the next one to unlock. Having a physical copy of the story allows the reader to pick it up at any time to reread their favorite moments. However, if Under the Oak Tree isn’t the only story you love on the app, binge-reading as much as you want is well worth the cost.

So, our advice is to do both or whatever suits your reading needs. The physical copy of Under the Oak Tree is beautiful and a must-have on the shelf, but we also think you should be able to dive into this story wherever your journey takes you. Readers can find the digital version on the official Manta Comics page and physical versions through Penguin Random House’s site.

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Julia Roth

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Who I Am: A nerd by the strictest definition. I enjoy diving straight into my favorite fandoms without a care in the world. I live on video/board games, fantasy movies and TV, and all things geeky.

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