Interview: LOVE IN RUINS creator Flannce talks Polynesian inspiration, Manta deal, and tips for aspiring webcomic creators

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

K-Comics Beat is delighted to present our interview with Flannce Stories, the creator of the debut webcomic Love in Ruins, which premiered on Manta this past May. Flannce crafts the story’s narrative, while Pepe Studio brings the visuals to life.

Set in Polynesia, Love in Ruins is a modern Boys’ Love (BL) adventure that follows businessman Caleb Makoa and archaeologist Dr. Isaac Gideon. When Caleb hires Isaac to investigate the mysteries of an ancient temple, the two are swept into a perilous journey that forces them to rely on one another—both physically and emotionally—to survive.

K-Comics Beat: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got into storytelling and webcomics?
Flannce: Yeah, of course. I stumbled onto webcomics online (where I discover most things) and immediately loved them. I was reading nonstop. When I get really into something, I usually want to try it myself, so I started jotting down ideas. Turns out it’s a lot easier to think up a story than it is to actually create one, haha.

KCB: What inspired your pen name?
Flannce: Honestly, it doesn’t have a cool story. It’s just a name I came up with back in high school, and it stuck. It’s unique enough that I don’t have to compete with others for it, which is nice.

KCB: How would you describe Love in Ruins to someone who’s never read it before?
Flannce: I’d call it an Indiana Jones/temple explorer BL story with strong influences from Polynesian cultures—like Hawai’i, New Zealand, and Easter Island.

KCB: What was the initial spark that led to the creation of Love in Ruins?
Flannce: In 2024, I visited Hawai’i for the first time. At the time, I was actually working on a different story, but I was so captivated by the culture and history that I set my other project aside. The ideas for Love in Ruins just flowed, and the story came together quickly. It felt amazing.

KCB: Are any of the characters inspired by real people or personal experiences?
Flannce: Not directly, but each character has bits of myself and people I know—both those I love and those I don’t! That mix helps make the characters more well-rounded.

KCB: Which character has been the most challenging to write?
Flannce: Any of the supporting characters. The main characters came very naturally—I knew exactly who I wanted them to be. But for the others, it’s more like, “Uh, who are you?”

KCB: What stories, creators, or genres have influenced your work?
Flannce: BL as a whole has inspired me, of course. While reading tons of BL stories, I noticed a lot of repeating tropes and themes. That actually pushed me to create a story that went in a different direction—the story I wanted to read. I also love adding little Easter eggs from some of my favorite works.

KCB: How did your partnership with Manta come about? Did you pitch Love in Ruins directly, or did they approach you?
Flannce: I reached out to them first. At first, I was denied, but not long after, someone from Manta contacted me to say they were interested. I had already prepared a pitch since I was ready to approach other platforms, so I sent it to Manta.

KCB: What was the process like, from initial contact to finalizing the deal?
Flannce: It was a long process. I was new to all of this, so I took my time to really understand what I was agreeing to. I had a lawyer review the contract and asked the Manta team lots of questions. They were very respectful and responsive, which made everything much easier.

KCB: For creators hoping to work with platforms like Manta, what advice would you give? Anything you wish you’d known beforehand?
Flannce: My number one piece of advice: finish your story first. It sounds obvious, but creating as you go will cause you a lot of stress. Also, make chapters in advance so you have a buffer—being on schedule is so important.
When it comes to platforms, ask every question you have. Make sure you retain the rights to your IP, and make sure the platform is right for your story. Take your time. And remember, being on a platform doesn’t guarantee success—you’ll still need to put in a lot of work.

KCB: Now that Love in Ruins is live on Manta, how has the journey been so far? What’s been the most rewarding part?
Flannce: Honestly, I still can’t believe it’s real. Like, me—an average person—created something that’s being read by so many others? That’s unbelievable. And having fans? That’s even crazier. Thinking about it makes me smile every time.

KCB: Do you already know how Love in Ruins will end, or is it still evolving?
Flannce: I do know how it ends, but new ideas always pop up along the way, so there’s still room for changes.

KCB: Are there other projects you’re currently working on or hoping to release in the future?
Flannce: I’ve got a couple of stories I’m playing with. I’m often inspired by other media, so I never know when an idea will strike. But coming up with an idea is the easy part—actually finishing it is the challenge, haha.

KCB: Is there anything you’d like to say to K-Comics Beat readers?
Flannce: Thank you so much for supporting indie creators! Every time you read, share, or recommend our work, you’re helping a small creator live their dream. It can be exhausting and overwhelming sometimes, so showing love to your favorite creators really means a lot.

Love in Ruins is just getting started, but it’s already proving to be an exciting addition to Manta’s catalog of BL titles. With its rich Polynesian setting, adventurous spirit, and heartfelt characters, Flannce Stories has crafted a tale that’s as thrilling as it is emotional.

If you haven’t yet, you can start reading Love in Ruins now on Manta and join Caleb and Isaac on their journey. And don’t forget to follow and support indie creators like Flannce—your reads, shares, and kind words help bring even more amazing stories to life.