Popverse's top stories of the day

• Winona Ryder was reduced to tears on the set of Stranger Things when the young cast couldn't identify a vinyl record
• Watch: The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power cast explains what's coming in season 2
• Bleach's character designer says pop culture's greatest villain isn't from anime, but Disney

Citizens of Anatol, rejoice! Under the Oak Tree, the sensational fantasy romance webcomic created by Suji Kim, is returning to Manta after a months-long absence. And although the story won't focus on original main characters Riftan and Maximillian, fans will get to return to the fabled land of Wedon and even get a better understanding of how it works. Here's everything we know about prequel webnovel White Dragon, the latest chapter in the Under the Oak Tree saga.

Described by Manta as "a new Under the Oak Tree side story," White Dragon will focus on Ursuline Ricaydo, a secondary character in the three seasons of Under the Oak Tree released so far and a knight in the order of The Remdragon Knights. The webnovel appears to act as both a spinoff and prequel of the core series, as it will be witness to Ursuline's journey into knighthood and explain how he came to join the order. Below is the official plot synopsis:

"Under the Oak Tree - The White Dragon is narrated from the point of view of Ursuline Ricaydo, a knight of the Remdragon Knights and a subordinate of the series' male lead, Riftan Calypse. In this side story, a seventeen-year-old Ursuline’s world is turned upside down when his ruthless half-brother arrives in the capital, demanding Ursuline become his squire.  An encounter with the enigmatic knight Riftan forces Ursuline to confront the true meaning of chivalry. Torn between family loyalty and his own aspirations, Ursuline faces a daunting challenge that could change his future forever. "

White Dragon marks the first story in the Under the Oak Tree realm since the ending of its third season in April of 2024. And the good news is that readers will hardly have to wait much longer for more sorcery and seduction - Under the Oak Tree: White Dragon will be available to read on July 25. 

For now, the first three seasons of Under the Oak Tree are available on Manta.

Get into the vibrant world of comics with our guide to buying digital comics, how to make the most out of comic shops, our comprehensive guide to the upcoming comics, manga, and graphic novels you should be looking for, and everything you need to know about Free Comic Book Day and Local Comic Shop Day.