King’s Maker Volume 1 Review: Palace Pretty Boys and One Very Angry Prince

Brett H.
3 days ago
3 min read

King’s Maker Volume 1 is the kind of BL manhwa that grabs you by the collar, kisses you too hard, and throws you straight into a palace full of beautiful men, dangerous politics, and one king who definitely needs an ounce of faith. Haga and Kang Jiyoung knew exactly what they were doing when they made every single character this attractive. Honestly, respect.

Two figures sit on a throne in ornate robes. The background features golden patterns. Text reads "King's Maker" by Haga and Kang Jiyoung.

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Welcome to Goldenleonard, Where Everything Shines and Everyone Is a Problem

The worldbuilding comes in hot. Stained glass. Gold trim. Soldiers who look like they were cast from statues. And then there’s the king, sitting on his throne like the sun personally hired him. The man thinks the entire kingdom is his. Land. Air. Water. People. Everything.

Into this glittering disaster walks Wolfgang. The fourth prince. The feral one. The boy who said “I’m not living in the palace, I’m living in the barn, actually.”

The moment he shows up, hood up, eyes sharp, barefoot, dirty, muscles flexing, and ready to fight anyone who speaks too loudly, you know he’s about to be the center of the entire kingdom’s attention. Daddy issues? Definitely. A rage problem? Absolutely. A face that could break your heart and your spine? Yes.

Comic panels show a blonde character glaring and leaping, while another exclaims "Y-Your Highness!" Armor-clad figures appear. Text: "Stubborn to a fault?"

And Then There’s Soohyuk

Soohyuk Shin is that elegant, quiet beauty with the glasses and the energy of a man who could fix you or ruin you. He’s brilliant. He’s calm. He’s the king’s so-called “Sovereign Darling,” which is basically the monarchy’s version of a collectible pretty boy.

He does not want this life. Not even a bit. He wants out. And he needs someone bold enough to help him pull off the rebellion he’s been plotting in his head. Every prince he’s tested before has been too obedient, too scared, or too boring.

Comic panels show a tense exchange between characters, highlighting anger and confrontation. Text: "Your Highness!" and "You have quite the sharp tongue."

Then he sees Wolfgang. A prince in rags. A prince who just threatened a maid. A prince who jumps off ladders like a street brawler. Soohyuk studies him like a scientist. Wolfgang looks back like he’ll bite if you get too close.

Perfect match.

Palace Drama Served Piping Hot

Volume 1 gives you full fantasy insanity.

Wolfgang yelling at maids trying to dress him. Guards dragging him off while he fights like a feral animal. The king reclining on his throne like a smug golden god. Soohyuk silently watching all of this unfold with a face that says “I can work with this.”

The art is gorgeous. Golds and warm tones everywhere. Every panel looks like it belongs in a cathedral lit by candlelight.

Wolfgang vs The Whole System

One of the cleanest visual moments is the contrast between Wolfgang crouched alone in the shadows of a stable and the king shining in warm sunlight above the city. It’s gritty versus polished. Wild versus controlled. Everything Wolfgang hates versus everything the monarchy worships.

Wolfgang doesn’t want power. He wants freedom. The palace wants him anyway. And the tension between them is delicious.

Soohyuk’s Plan Is Already Happening

Soohyuk has reached his limit. He wants the king out, his freedom back, and actual justice for the kingdom. He needs a spark. Someone who can shake the throne just by existing.

He watches Wolfgang and sees potential. Rage. Defiance. Instinct. Pride. Wolfgang looks at Soohyuk like “touch me and I’ll bite you.” Soohyuk looks back like “good, that’s exactly what I need.” If this is not peak BL energy, I don’t know what is.

Final Take on King’s Maker Volume 1

Grab this volume if you’re into:

Pretty princes with emotional disasters instead of hobbies
Court intrigue that hits like a round of shots
A barefoot blonde prince who fights everyone
A dark-haired mastermind who would absolutely give a TED Talk about rebellion
A king who needs help but also a jail cell
Art that makes your eyes feel blessed

King’s Maker Volume 1 is royal BL insanity wrapped in stunning visuals and characters who jump off the page. It’s dramatic, sexy, intense, and fun in all the best ways.

If these men walked into a club, I’d be texting you at 2AM saying, “Babe. I found trouble. And he’s wearing a crown.”

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