The Spring 2025 K-Comics Guide

Dominant Castle (18+)

What's It About? 

When graduate student Jeyeon arrives at Linderk Castle, she expects to uncover hidden masterpieces — not visions of ruin or the dangerously alluring Count Einbern. He holds the key to these treasures, but his lingering gaze and cutting words threaten to unravel everything — starting with her.

Dominant Castle has a story by Seomo and art by Mercury, based on a work by SAHA. English translation and lettering by Manta Comics. Published by Manta Comics (April 15, 2025). Rated 18+.

CONTENT WARNING: Dubious Consent, Sexual Assault

Is It Worth Reading?

MrAJCosplay
Rating:

In a lot of ways, I would argue the prologue of this story doesn't do it justice. Our story starts in the throes of passion, where a young woman is enjoying a moment of intimacy with somebody who she acknowledges is not opening himself up emotionally to her. This would lead you to think the story was going to be a sexually charged drama, but I would argue it's only about a third of that. As for the remaining two thirds, that's a little hard to say, considering that Dominant Castle is a bit more of a slow burn than I was expecting. It keeps a lot of its cards close to the chest and I think it's better off for that.

There isn't a lot of sex in this first volume of chapters, but there are definitely a lot of innuendos and scenes framed in specific ways to create an air of sexually charged mystery. Technically one of the first bits of actual physical intimacy leans more on the side of being assaulted due to misunderstanding, but I like the fact that the story has the people involved take responsibility for that in order to thrust the plot forward. After that, it's a lot of innuendo and carefully directed scenes like how trying a cigar for the first time is framed in the same way as giving oral sex. It's actually clever and titillating in its own way from a presentation standpoint.

A lot happens in these first couple of chapters, and yet there's still a lot about this story that I don't know. There's the mystery of the castle and its owner, as well as the backstory of our female lead and how it ties into her insecurities. Are there supernatural forces at work or is all of this just heightened due to the stress of the situation that our young woman finds herself in? All of these are valid interpretations and I am genuinely enraptured. You can feel the intimacy slightly escalate as more of the story becomes revealed, which is an excellent way of getting us in the mindset of our protagonist. You want her to make the most of what she wants as a career woman as well as a woman with her own sexual needs

I will definitely keep an eye on this one. It's been a while since something like this has grabbed my attention so thoroughly. I think the chemistry is great between the two leads, the presentation is strong, and I genuinely want to see what happens next. If you can get over some of the initial uncomfortable scenes that act as the story's starting incident, then maybe you'll be just as curious as I am.