Have you ever wondered what Maxi and Riftan might look like in the 21st century? Under the Oak Tree‘s artist P answers that question with a delightful artwork.
The artist shares an illustration of the two main characters dressed in school uniforms. In the first square, Riftan is brandishing a thumbs up while Maxi is bringing up her arm for a half heart. In the second picture, Riftan is posing with his arms crossed while Maxi flashes a heart. In the third, they’re doing the cheek heart that was popularized by K-Pop idol WJSN’s Luda. Finally, in the last picture, they’re both wearing glasses with Riftan holding his hand out like he’s showing off Maxi (and who can blame him?).
The artwork showcases a collaboration with LIFE4CUTS, a customized photo booth experience where fans pose with their favorite characters using different filters. Fans can find the filter at LIFE4CUT stores and on the app from January 9 to April 30.
Suji Kim originally wrote Under the Oak Tree as a webnovel, focusing on Maximilian Croyso and Riftan Calypse’s complex relationship. The two are forced into an arranged marriage thanks to Maxi’s cruel and abusive father. Not long after they consummate their marriage that Riftan disappears for three years to fight in battle. When he returns, Maxi is petrified and anxious that Riftan may want a divorce for who could love someone who stutters like her? And yet, to her surprise, Riftan seems determined to show her just how right she is as the lady of the Calypse estate and how much she means to him.
Fans embraced the webnovel’s popularity, and its webcomic adaptation by namu (writer) and P (illustrator) achieved similar success. The webcomic and webnovel are both published by Manta Comics, with the webnovel ending in April 2024 and the webcomic still ongoing. It is one of the top romance titles on the platform. Inklore has published the print versions of the webnovel and webcomic, with the former making history as the first Korean novel on the NYT Best Sellers List.
Under the Oak Tree is available to read on Manta Comics.
Source: X, formerly known as Twitter
