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多聞くん今どっち!? [Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!?] #1
Two F/Aced Tamon, Tome 1
Utage Kinoshita est une lycéenne fan absolue du groupe F/ACE, et plus précisément de Tamon Fukuhara, l'un de ses membres. Un jour, alors qu'elle se rend au domicile d'un client pour son petit boulot de femme de ménage, elle se retrouve nez à nez avec son chouchou ! Mais quel choc quand elle découvre sa véritable nature ! Loin d'être, comme à son habitude, le visage sexy & wild de la bande, le jeune chanteur se révèle d'un caractère timide et carrément cafardeux...
Mais qu'importe son mode off , Tamon reste le même aux yeux d'Utage qui décide de lui offrir tout son soutien !
Mais qu'importe son mode off , Tamon reste le même aux yeux d'Utage qui décide de lui offrir tout son soutien !
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2022
61 people are currently reading
3160 people want to read
About the author
Yuki Shiwasu
43 books107 followersName (in native language) : 師走ゆき
Associated Names:
СИВАСУ Юки
师走ゆき
Associated Names:
СИВАСУ Юки
师走ゆき
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
August 16, 2023
What happens when you discover that your favorite idol is just a person? If you're Utage, you devote yourself to helping him manage his crippling anxiety and depression so that it's easier for him to turn "on." The story tries to strike a balance between the silly and the serious, and it mostly succeeds - Utage's intense fangirling doesn't blind her to Tamon's reality, and he really needs someone to know both sides of him, especially since his idea of "going out in disguise" is to put an actual paper bag over his head. That, and the fact that he thinks of his idol persona as a creepy sexual predator because of the slimy lines he spouts, both made me laugh out loud, but the greatest strength of this volume is the way that it shows that idols and fangirls are really just people. The usage of Tamon's depression for humor doesn't thrill me, but this is definitely worth picking up for fans of Phantom of the Idol and My Special One.
May 17, 2023
this feeds my parasocial tendencies tho i'm not as hardcore as the fl
August 26, 2024
Over the course of my manga reviews, I've mentioned a few times that shoujo comedy often has a tough time with me. Yuki Shiwasu's other title Takane and Hana didn't come close to making the grade after its three-volume trial, but this one is making a much better impression.
I like the idea of a super-cool idol who's a basket case as soon as he's offstage. Utage, his fan who becomes his housekeeper-girl Friday through coincidence*, is very cute. It isn't hard to see the parallels between this situation and Kyoko's at the beginning of Skip-Beat!, but as long as Tamon is vulnerable and needs Utage's help, and doesn't pivot to using or manipulating her because she adores him, we'll be fine.
* a writer friend of mine says that every story starts with a coincidence. I'm not sure about that, but this one certainly does. :)
Some of the interactions didn't make a lot of sense to me. There's one scene that looked like Tamon had kicked Utage in the face, and it took a second reading for me to realize that was a metaphorical "kick in the face," showing his emotional effect on her. But I can overlook the odd head-scratcher--they only last a panel or two at most, anyhow--because this has otherwise been genuinely funny. For some reason, a girl being completely off-the-wall undignified tickles me every time, and being in thrall to an idol is as undignified as they come!
I've got a couple more volumes of this series, and we'll make the call to stop or continue from there. One thing I'm hoping to see is more of Tamon's fellow boy-band members (or more accurately, any of them). One-on-one interactions between Utage and Tamon could get stale after a while, and comedy is always more fun with a cast of characters to bounce off each other.
I like the idea of a super-cool idol who's a basket case as soon as he's offstage. Utage, his fan who becomes his housekeeper-girl Friday through coincidence*, is very cute. It isn't hard to see the parallels between this situation and Kyoko's at the beginning of Skip-Beat!, but as long as Tamon is vulnerable and needs Utage's help, and doesn't pivot to using or manipulating her because she adores him, we'll be fine.
* a writer friend of mine says that every story starts with a coincidence. I'm not sure about that, but this one certainly does. :)
Some of the interactions didn't make a lot of sense to me. There's one scene that looked like Tamon had kicked Utage in the face, and it took a second reading for me to realize that was a metaphorical "kick in the face," showing his emotional effect on her. But I can overlook the odd head-scratcher--they only last a panel or two at most, anyhow--because this has otherwise been genuinely funny. For some reason, a girl being completely off-the-wall undignified tickles me every time, and being in thrall to an idol is as undignified as they come!
I've got a couple more volumes of this series, and we'll make the call to stop or continue from there. One thing I'm hoping to see is more of Tamon's fellow boy-band members (or more accurately, any of them). One-on-one interactions between Utage and Tamon could get stale after a while, and comedy is always more fun with a cast of characters to bounce off each other.
November 11, 2023
I was enjoying this, until the end.
Then I fell in LOVE.
The characters are great, OTT but not in an annoying way. The storyline is completely in the realm of fantasy, but it's not difficult to go along for the ride. The artwork is appropriate for the story, being beautiful where it needs to be and being gloomy when the story calls for it.
And once you GET to the last few pages!?!? Chef's kiss, I was blown away! Highly recommended if you like OTT light romance high-school aged manga with a serious plot point involving depression.
TW: the MC H is severely depressed and talks SEVERELY down about himself a LOT. He even indicates suicide, so this is not all light and fluffy. It's also not really dealt with in an appropriate way (like therapy and perhaps medication if necessary), so that could be a big no for some readers. It didn't bother me, but YMMV.
5, I COMPLETELY did NOT see that ending coming and now I NEED the next volume like YESTERDAY, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Then I fell in LOVE.
The characters are great, OTT but not in an annoying way. The storyline is completely in the realm of fantasy, but it's not difficult to go along for the ride. The artwork is appropriate for the story, being beautiful where it needs to be and being gloomy when the story calls for it.
And once you GET to the last few pages!?!? Chef's kiss, I was blown away! Highly recommended if you like OTT light romance high-school aged manga with a serious plot point involving depression.
TW: the MC H is severely depressed and talks SEVERELY down about himself a LOT. He even indicates suicide, so this is not all light and fluffy. It's also not really dealt with in an appropriate way (like therapy and perhaps medication if necessary), so that could be a big no for some readers. It didn't bother me, but YMMV.
5, I COMPLETELY did NOT see that ending coming and now I NEED the next volume like YESTERDAY, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
This is hilarious and I'm definitely buying it for work.
May 16, 2025
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/HTi6ADNKLbA
Updated Review 4/9/25: I'm so glad I came back to this series! I had such a blast reading, but maybe where I am right at this moment, I found Tamon to be so incredibly relatable compared to the first time I read. Not to the same extreme he shows, but wanting to make people smile but feel your "gloom" is fighting back against it is something that really hit me this time. I found his perseverance in wanting to give his all really admirable and encouraging when I've been coming out of some really hard mental struggles.
Utage is still a blast of a heroine and I love how she won't even put up with Tamon degrading himself, even though he is the very idol she loves. LOL!
Looking forward to finally reading the second volume!
Original Review: 9/29/23: "Being an idol is also a job but the fans all praise us anyway."
As much as I LOVED Takane & Hana, I was a little unsure if I would like this one or not. When I started reading, that was extremely true because while sometimes Gloomyhara DOES say some funny things about himself, it was really hard for me to see him degrade himself. More than once he says that he is not even worthy to be equal with landfill waste and as someone who personally can easily start degrading themselves when they mess up, it was really triggering for me at times. I know it's supposed to make the reader all the more appreciative of Utage and how she affirms that Tamon DOES have value and not just as Tamon, but Gloomyhara too, but I think it was hard for me at times nonetheless.
I wouldn't say I "got over that"so I could keep reading, but somewhere along the way seeing how Utage does encourage Tamon really helped me appreciate the story and have fun. Utage is hilarious and love her love for Tamon and how she will NOT put up with him berating himself for X reason. It definitely made me feel all the warm fuzzies when she even tells Gloomyhara that he is important too and not just the idol size of him. I DEFINITELY felt invested in seeing this turn into a romantic story(??) with a specific scene near the end! Like SQUEALS!! I can definitely say it was THAT moment that had me preordering a physical volume because I was like I am invested enough in this series to read physically and not just digitally! LOL!
Overall, this was a great first volume! I didn't always appreciate the "church" stuff but I did really like the characters, the humor, and the art. I'm excited to see where it goes and if the romance will be more prevalent in volume two!
*(I received an e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
Updated Review 4/9/25: I'm so glad I came back to this series! I had such a blast reading, but maybe where I am right at this moment, I found Tamon to be so incredibly relatable compared to the first time I read. Not to the same extreme he shows, but wanting to make people smile but feel your "gloom" is fighting back against it is something that really hit me this time. I found his perseverance in wanting to give his all really admirable and encouraging when I've been coming out of some really hard mental struggles.
Utage is still a blast of a heroine and I love how she won't even put up with Tamon degrading himself, even though he is the very idol she loves. LOL!
Looking forward to finally reading the second volume!
Original Review: 9/29/23: "Being an idol is also a job but the fans all praise us anyway."
As much as I LOVED Takane & Hana, I was a little unsure if I would like this one or not. When I started reading, that was extremely true because while sometimes Gloomyhara DOES say some funny things about himself, it was really hard for me to see him degrade himself. More than once he says that he is not even worthy to be equal with landfill waste and as someone who personally can easily start degrading themselves when they mess up, it was really triggering for me at times. I know it's supposed to make the reader all the more appreciative of Utage and how she affirms that Tamon DOES have value and not just as Tamon, but Gloomyhara too, but I think it was hard for me at times nonetheless.
I wouldn't say I "got over that"so I could keep reading, but somewhere along the way seeing how Utage does encourage Tamon really helped me appreciate the story and have fun. Utage is hilarious and love her love for Tamon and how she will NOT put up with him berating himself for X reason. It definitely made me feel all the warm fuzzies when she even tells Gloomyhara that he is important too and not just the idol size of him. I DEFINITELY felt invested in seeing this turn into a romantic story(??) with a specific scene near the end! Like SQUEALS!! I can definitely say it was THAT moment that had me preordering a physical volume because I was like I am invested enough in this series to read physically and not just digitally! LOL!
Overall, this was a great first volume! I didn't always appreciate the "church" stuff but I did really like the characters, the humor, and the art. I'm excited to see where it goes and if the romance will be more prevalent in volume two!
*(I received an e-ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
November 30, 2024
This made me laugh but also it’s a bit concerning
January 14, 2024
With her life revolving around beloved idol group F/ACE, and especially its main heartthrob Tamon, Utage works part time as a housekeeper to keep herself in merch and tickets. No points for guessing whose house she shows up at, but it turns out that Tamon is hiding a very secret side…
Sometimes ignorance really is bliss. I had no idea until I finished this volume that it was by the mangaka behind Takane & Hana and, given my dislike for how long that series drew itself out, I might not have even bothered with the preview that lead me to buy the whole thing.
Which would have been a shame, as this is, minus one particular part that really went weird, a brutally funny first volume if you like your comedy good and absurd, which I assure you I do. It spoofs idols and the people who love them, but not by forgetting to make them characters at the same time.
Yuki Shiwasu seriously knows how to make a joke work, at least as far as this volume goes, and I would say that this is funnier moment to moment than any given volume of Takane & Hana. The secret is in the escalation.
Hearing poor Tamon, who actually has a lack of confidence that makes me feel better about myself, moan about how worthless he is would normally wear out its welcome very fast, but the constant iterations on this one joke are very, very good.
Hearing Tamon say he’s going to flee the continent and live on his own? Fine. Having him follow that up by asking where the Straits of Magellan are is so specific and weird that it pretty much set me up to enjoy the rest of the story too. He really lays into his showbiz persona and how it comes across to the public.
The other joke they hammer home is having girls’ heads basically explode whenever Tamon is in his full showbiz mode, or other crazy reactions, which also never manages to get old. Utage is working hard on him to be a better person to himself and his sudden switches are very rough on the poor girl.
Utage is the sort of hardcore fan that would normally be a huge turnoff, basically being a religious zealot for a teenage boy, but that works to the story’s advantage because she needs to be that extra to keep up with Tamon (and his poor beleaguered cat-herding manager).
Also, there seeds of the inevitable romance begin to sprout as he repays her kindness and she begins to really come to appreciate him in both his idol mode and his more depressing gloomy mode. Tamon may not think he deserves anything in life, but he also appreciates his fans. She’s really coming through for him and he notices it, which is sweet.
If you don’t want to see the same jokes hammered into fine paste, yeah, don’t bother. With the constant nonsense flowing out of Tamon’s mouth and Utage bullying him to be more confident it kept me very entertained the whole way through, so no complaints in that respect.
The one scene that really speed bumps this volume is one of Utage and her friends in class, where her equally obsessed friends all promise to murder any girl who gets close to Tamon and gleefully dance around like they’re about to film the end of The Wicker Man if they track this non-existent hussy down (except she might exist sooner than they think).
It’s the one instance where I think the joke goes too far and is kind of uncomfortable. Not that murder jokes aren’t inherently unfunny, I was raised on a healthy diet of Looney Tunes, it’s just how creepy it gets with their joy over killing somebody.
Otherwise, this is a great start, provided you don’t mind what they’re serving up, because this is one consistent menu. I was very okay with both the light sprinklings of romance and the lunacy of how those jokes kept changing and had a good time.
And, yeah, the artwork is perfect for what it’s trying to do. The endless censoring of what is even happening to the poor women in the story is just the best. Shiwasu’s really upped her game here.
4 stars - I mean, this can’t possibly work for a huge number of volumes, but until that time, I shall be more than happy to read the next volume and see what kind of nonsense is about to come out of Tamon’s mouth next.
Sometimes ignorance really is bliss. I had no idea until I finished this volume that it was by the mangaka behind Takane & Hana and, given my dislike for how long that series drew itself out, I might not have even bothered with the preview that lead me to buy the whole thing.
Which would have been a shame, as this is, minus one particular part that really went weird, a brutally funny first volume if you like your comedy good and absurd, which I assure you I do. It spoofs idols and the people who love them, but not by forgetting to make them characters at the same time.
Yuki Shiwasu seriously knows how to make a joke work, at least as far as this volume goes, and I would say that this is funnier moment to moment than any given volume of Takane & Hana. The secret is in the escalation.
Hearing poor Tamon, who actually has a lack of confidence that makes me feel better about myself, moan about how worthless he is would normally wear out its welcome very fast, but the constant iterations on this one joke are very, very good.
Hearing Tamon say he’s going to flee the continent and live on his own? Fine. Having him follow that up by asking where the Straits of Magellan are is so specific and weird that it pretty much set me up to enjoy the rest of the story too. He really lays into his showbiz persona and how it comes across to the public.
The other joke they hammer home is having girls’ heads basically explode whenever Tamon is in his full showbiz mode, or other crazy reactions, which also never manages to get old. Utage is working hard on him to be a better person to himself and his sudden switches are very rough on the poor girl.
Utage is the sort of hardcore fan that would normally be a huge turnoff, basically being a religious zealot for a teenage boy, but that works to the story’s advantage because she needs to be that extra to keep up with Tamon (and his poor beleaguered cat-herding manager).
Also, there seeds of the inevitable romance begin to sprout as he repays her kindness and she begins to really come to appreciate him in both his idol mode and his more depressing gloomy mode. Tamon may not think he deserves anything in life, but he also appreciates his fans. She’s really coming through for him and he notices it, which is sweet.
If you don’t want to see the same jokes hammered into fine paste, yeah, don’t bother. With the constant nonsense flowing out of Tamon’s mouth and Utage bullying him to be more confident it kept me very entertained the whole way through, so no complaints in that respect.
The one scene that really speed bumps this volume is one of Utage and her friends in class, where her equally obsessed friends all promise to murder any girl who gets close to Tamon and gleefully dance around like they’re about to film the end of The Wicker Man if they track this non-existent hussy down (except she might exist sooner than they think).
It’s the one instance where I think the joke goes too far and is kind of uncomfortable. Not that murder jokes aren’t inherently unfunny, I was raised on a healthy diet of Looney Tunes, it’s just how creepy it gets with their joy over killing somebody.
Otherwise, this is a great start, provided you don’t mind what they’re serving up, because this is one consistent menu. I was very okay with both the light sprinklings of romance and the lunacy of how those jokes kept changing and had a good time.
And, yeah, the artwork is perfect for what it’s trying to do. The endless censoring of what is even happening to the poor women in the story is just the best. Shiwasu’s really upped her game here.
4 stars - I mean, this can’t possibly work for a huge number of volumes, but until that time, I shall be more than happy to read the next volume and see what kind of nonsense is about to come out of Tamon’s mouth next.
June 24, 2025
OKay so I love Tamon, I love Gloomyhara even more - like come on he's amazing. The thing that bothers me is that's a shoujo and uh...honestly this'd have worked as a bl so well imo *sob* but anyway. I don't really like shoujo's mostly cause i hate the fl's and...here that's the case too. I just can't like her. She's fine at her own but I really do hope she doesn't end up with Tamon sorry not sorry.
Also don't come at me, please, let me live in my little world.
The artstyle is really cute and the story is interesting so far (and I can't wait to meet my other guy Kai rrraahhh) so yeah - this one's a great read so far :)
Also don't come at me, please, let me live in my little world.
The artstyle is really cute and the story is interesting so far (and I can't wait to meet my other guy Kai rrraahhh) so yeah - this one's a great read so far :)
July 25, 2024
This was a surprise for me but I really enjoyed the story! Tamon's anxiety is something I really relate to (minus being an idol). While I see the issue of crossing the parasocial line, I think this story is going to go somewhere interesting regarding Utage and Tamon's relationship and her relationship to fan culture.
February 23, 2025
Picked this up on a whim and really enjoyed it!
Cute, funny and easy to pick up and enjoy.
Cute, funny and easy to pick up and enjoy.
February 23, 2025
in another life this is me and soobin but way less parasocial and more normal and chill and awesome (3.5 stars)
February 8, 2024
(Thank you to both Netgalley and Viz Media for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.)
I had such a good time with this manga! An idol with self-esteem issues, and his die-hard fan that won't let him sulk make for a really funny and cute combo. I think a lot of my students and friends would also enjoy this manga, as idol groups have continued to become more and more popular with the general public.
I really enjoyed this first volume, and it definitely made me interested to continue on and see where the plot leads this duo :).
I had such a good time with this manga! An idol with self-esteem issues, and his die-hard fan that won't let him sulk make for a really funny and cute combo. I think a lot of my students and friends would also enjoy this manga, as idol groups have continued to become more and more popular with the general public.
I really enjoyed this first volume, and it definitely made me interested to continue on and see where the plot leads this duo :).
December 16, 2025
Idol culture is insane
This manga was hilarious and so cute. I will definitely be continuing
This manga was hilarious and so cute. I will definitely be continuing
February 23, 2025
J'ai vraiment bien rigole
June 14, 2024
Ho scoperto un pò in ritardo questa simpatica serie e devo dire che per ora non mi sta deludendo ora sono curiosa di scoprire cosa succederà nel secondo volume.
April 6, 2025
Okay, so the first three volumes of this showed up on my Vinted FYP and I read the blurb like "What the heck? Let's try it." The anime is also coming out in July of this year, or so I read somewhere after a shallow Google search of this series. Ongoing, only 10 volumes thus far... I may be in this for the long haul -- we'll see.
Rated 4/5 (4.5, maybe?) because it's not perfect. Not even a statement to be taken with a grain of salt. It's obviously a manga spoofing K-pop (J-pop, in this case, because the story is based in Japan and all the characters are obviously Japanese for all intents and purposes, as are most animes), stans and idols. More specifically BTS, though it's not ever specified, at least to my knowledge. It's certainly up there. I'm not really a K-pop fan, so it shows how even as I'm not in the primary demographic for this series, I still found it quite enjoyable.
The reasons as to why this is far from perfect (that may be mentioned further in the review) are as follows:
- Romanticises depressive thoughts and self-esteem. Not in an "oh my god he's so cute and depressed way" but in a "oh he's so hopeless (this is a gag)" type way, as the majority of animes/mangas do. Because of how common this trope is in this stylised media, it probably is more palatable to the majority of this series' demographic than what the written review may make it seem, but I can see how some may find it repetitive or insensitive or even a gaudy cocktail of both.
- As of just the first volume, they're not fully there at the mutual "oh I'm not good enough for [them], [they] only see me as a friend!" trope that a good portion of romance arcs in mangas have, but it's close. Like, an adulterated version: watered down, somewhat more tolerable, if only barely.
- The main female character's (Kinoshita's / "Kino's") design sucks ass, and it sort of feels like an after-thought. Her fashion sense is also subpar in comparison to Tamon/Gloomyhara's, though that could be way more subjective in comparison to the previous points. Maybe that's to make her seem like more of a self-insert for the projecting portion of the audience? But, Kiss Him, Not Me was like that, but at least that female lead's design was interesting and stand-outish. However, unlike KHNM's fem-protag, B-Side's fem-protag at least "keeps it together" (albeit, with a few stumbles) for a good cause. Other than the extreme coincidence that landed them in the situation they're now in, and the over the top anime blood-vessel-bursting, most interactions seem... probable. Even if that is a generous term to give this, LOL.
- If you sit and think about it for long enough, the dynamic between the two become unhealthier by the minute; not by how it unfolds, but rather, by how it naturally is when the relationship begins. She's a super fan, he's a celebrity. That's parasocial as fuck. Then you have the flip-side (or, if you would, the B-side) of the mental health... state... imbalance(?). Basically, where he's super depressed and hates himself, borderline suicidal - at least in meta-terms of hyperbolising his expressive dialogue - and she'sinadvertently there to help him, which then sort of enables him to view her as his, like, only light? It's not ever stated, at least not yet, to be like that, but that's it in basic terms.
- The whole reasoning of "Tamon may be acting, but he's not lying!". I mean. Yes, technically. It makes sense and I'm angry that it does -- it really isn't as convoluted in context as the simple word makes it sound. (Insert angry '!!!' noises here.)
Also, it's mostly down to the font, but without any specific graphology "/" and "I" look the same (and I mean literally the same), so "F/ACE", the band name of Tamon (& co.), looks like "FIACE" and then my brain just fills in the blank for "FIANCE" and that just makes no grammatical sense so it always takes me out of reading a bit, without fail.
Now, onto the actual sort-of review.
Let's start with how, yes, this manga does have certain "anime-y" tropes in its arsenal, but most of them aren't played out in whole. The main reason is probably because of how transparent Tamon makes himself. He's always proclaiming his true feelings - as Gloomyhara, therefore his "feelings" are all negative and self-directed, but out in the open nonetheless - and therefore isn't deceitful or secretive. If he thinks something sweet about Kino, he's going to say it. If he thinks something bad about himself, he's going to say it. If Kino has made him feel a certain way, he'll say it.
Like at the end of chapter 2: I was so expecting (and dreading) that anime-type fakeout when he said he wanted her approval, like him saying it was just for the meet and greet act, but it never came (and I hope it is never later addressed/revealed); Gloomy was being genuine! Beautiful.
There's no internal struggle or conflict via internal monologue with this man (watch me jinx myself for later volumes) because he says anything and everything that's on his damn mind. I'll let you decide if that's a good thing. I mean, it is for us, because that conflicted internal monologue overused in such types of media can get old super quick - but in terms of the characters/his psyche? Probably not.
I'm also just waiting - craving - the moment where they actually do become a couple and act tender and sweet and shit together. Knowing these types of build-up long-winded romances(*cough* Kiss Him, Not Me), it probably won't happen until the very end of the series, so I'll probably have to resort to AO3 for this sort of feast, but these two just have such soft couple, words-of-praise, words-of-affirmation energy already, just during volume one alone, that I'm looking forward. Also glad there hasn't been that "two step forwards, one step back" shit that romance mangas/animes like to pull, but - again - watch me jinx myself.
The artstyle and stylisation is super cute. For me, Kino's design (as I said) is neither here nor there, but there's a lot to be said for Tamon/Gloomy's design and expressions. Gloomy has bags under his eyes (think, Shinsou Hitoshi from MHA) whereas Tamon, as an idol, does not. That's always a nice touch. You also get these cute li'l' chibi Tamon/Gloomys in the background of most shots and they are adorable. However, one thing that bugged me, is that at least three times (that I picked up on), Tamon/Gloomyhara was drawn in such a burly, broad way that made his head seem small and some might find this derpy or even cute but I was just so taken offguard by these sort of panels because I don't think it's consistent. However, the bag over his head in chapter chapter 3 was super cute, very visually appealing in the way it was drawn, at least to me, and make some great screenshots/panels of interest. Definitely something to be appreciated. Not just chapter 3's baggy disguise but the artstyle as a whole.
As for things I'm hoping won't happen. Arguably you could call these predictions but I just really don't want them to happen. As previously mentioned, I don't want them to start the "two steps forward, one step back (one step forward, two steps back, more like)" dribble for the sake of elongating (and frustrating) the narrative to either hook readers in further and drag them along the riverbed like carp or to cash in on more volumes.
I'm also staring at the cover of volume 2 with great dread, at that second boy that I am praying is Kino's brother or something (he has black hair) yet know that he most likely isn't because when a new main cast member is introduced way after of the get-go in romance media, especially for the sole purpose to foil the mainmonogamous romance, it is so inexcusably, stupidly jarring. The lesser of this evil would be Dandadan, a greater though not the worst example would be - unsurprisingly, given the rest of this review - Kiss Him, Not Me with that awkwardly inserted Sebastian Michaelis kinny. Not saying introducing a larger cast post-introductory stage in a series isn't an achievable thing; MHA and Black Clover do this well because it progresses the story. Sake-of-it, Scrappy Doo-type characters just aren't it.
Also am hoping they don't turn the manager into an Unnecessarily Evil™-type, and keep him well-meaning if not a bit accidentally harsh. Let the man be at the end of his tether without snapping.
Naturally, I am also hoping that the points I've praised volume one for don't fall off in the future volumes. I like this set up, and I am so hoping that the story doesn't get fucked. Give me that soft, affirming couple! Get the Valentines' day and White day chocolates out in future chapters! Get the "he cooks for her successfully" plot out where it's all sweet and domestic, carried on from chapter 4 where she teaches him how to make an omelette after he fails at doing so.
WHAT DO WE WANT? DOMESTIC FLUFF! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? NOW!
So, yeah. Good read (name-drop, much), but not perfect. Am looking forward to the next volume which I hope to also review once done, though no promises, but that new guy on the cover is making me a bit apprehensive... LOL.
Rated 4/5 (4.5, maybe?) because it's not perfect. Not even a statement to be taken with a grain of salt. It's obviously a manga spoofing K-pop (J-pop, in this case, because the story is based in Japan and all the characters are obviously Japanese for all intents and purposes, as are most animes), stans and idols. More specifically BTS, though it's not ever specified, at least to my knowledge. It's certainly up there. I'm not really a K-pop fan, so it shows how even as I'm not in the primary demographic for this series, I still found it quite enjoyable.
The reasons as to why this is far from perfect (that may be mentioned further in the review) are as follows:
- Romanticises depressive thoughts and self-esteem. Not in an "oh my god he's so cute and depressed way" but in a "oh he's so hopeless (this is a gag)" type way, as the majority of animes/mangas do. Because of how common this trope is in this stylised media, it probably is more palatable to the majority of this series' demographic than what the written review may make it seem, but I can see how some may find it repetitive or insensitive or even a gaudy cocktail of both.
- As of just the first volume, they're not fully there at the mutual "oh I'm not good enough for [them], [they] only see me as a friend!" trope that a good portion of romance arcs in mangas have, but it's close. Like, an adulterated version: watered down, somewhat more tolerable, if only barely.
- The main female character's (Kinoshita's / "Kino's") design sucks ass, and it sort of feels like an after-thought. Her fashion sense is also subpar in comparison to Tamon/Gloomyhara's, though that could be way more subjective in comparison to the previous points. Maybe that's to make her seem like more of a self-insert for the projecting portion of the audience? But, Kiss Him, Not Me was like that, but at least that female lead's design was interesting and stand-outish. However, unlike KHNM's fem-protag, B-Side's fem-protag at least "keeps it together" (albeit, with a few stumbles) for a good cause. Other than the extreme coincidence that landed them in the situation they're now in, and the over the top anime blood-vessel-bursting, most interactions seem... probable. Even if that is a generous term to give this, LOL.
- If you sit and think about it for long enough, the dynamic between the two become unhealthier by the minute; not by how it unfolds, but rather, by how it naturally is when the relationship begins. She's a super fan, he's a celebrity. That's parasocial as fuck. Then you have the flip-side (or, if you would, the B-side) of the mental health... state... imbalance(?). Basically, where he's super depressed and hates himself, borderline suicidal - at least in meta-terms of hyperbolising his expressive dialogue - and she's
- The whole reasoning of "Tamon may be acting, but he's not lying!". I mean. Yes, technically. It makes sense and I'm angry that it does -- it really isn't as convoluted in context as the simple word makes it sound. (Insert angry '!!!' noises here.)
Also, it's mostly down to the font, but without any specific graphology "/" and "I" look the same (and I mean literally the same), so "F/ACE", the band name of Tamon (& co.), looks like "FIACE" and then my brain just fills in the blank for "FIANCE" and that just makes no grammatical sense so it always takes me out of reading a bit, without fail.
Now, onto the actual sort-of review.
Let's start with how, yes, this manga does have certain "anime-y" tropes in its arsenal, but most of them aren't played out in whole. The main reason is probably because of how transparent Tamon makes himself. He's always proclaiming his true feelings - as Gloomyhara, therefore his "feelings" are all negative and self-directed, but out in the open nonetheless - and therefore isn't deceitful or secretive. If he thinks something sweet about Kino, he's going to say it. If he thinks something bad about himself, he's going to say it. If Kino has made him feel a certain way, he'll say it.
Like at the end of chapter 2: I was so expecting (and dreading) that anime-type fakeout when he said he wanted her approval, like him saying it was just for the meet and greet act, but it never came (and I hope it is never later addressed/revealed); Gloomy was being genuine! Beautiful.
There's no internal struggle or conflict via internal monologue with this man (watch me jinx myself for later volumes) because he says anything and everything that's on his damn mind. I'll let you decide if that's a good thing. I mean, it is for us, because that conflicted internal monologue overused in such types of media can get old super quick - but in terms of the characters/his psyche? Probably not.
I'm also just waiting - craving - the moment where they actually do become a couple and act tender and sweet and shit together. Knowing these types of build-up long-winded romances
The artstyle and stylisation is super cute. For me, Kino's design (as I said) is neither here nor there, but there's a lot to be said for Tamon/Gloomy's design and expressions. Gloomy has bags under his eyes (think, Shinsou Hitoshi from MHA) whereas Tamon, as an idol, does not. That's always a nice touch. You also get these cute li'l' chibi Tamon/Gloomys in the background of most shots and they are adorable. However, one thing that bugged me, is that at least three times (that I picked up on), Tamon/Gloomyhara was drawn in such a burly, broad way that made his head seem small and some might find this derpy or even cute but I was just so taken offguard by these sort of panels because I don't think it's consistent. However, the bag over his head in chapter chapter 3 was super cute, very visually appealing in the way it was drawn, at least to me, and make some great screenshots/panels of interest. Definitely something to be appreciated. Not just chapter 3's baggy disguise but the artstyle as a whole.
As for things I'm hoping won't happen. Arguably you could call these predictions but I just really don't want them to happen. As previously mentioned, I don't want them to start the "two steps forward, one step back (one step forward, two steps back, more like)" dribble for the sake of elongating (and frustrating) the narrative to either hook readers in further and drag them along the riverbed like carp or to cash in on more volumes.
I'm also staring at the cover of volume 2 with great dread, at that second boy that I am praying is Kino's brother or something (he has black hair) yet know that he most likely isn't because when a new main cast member is introduced way after of the get-go in romance media, especially for the sole purpose to foil the main
Also am hoping they don't turn the manager into an Unnecessarily Evil™-type, and keep him well-meaning if not a bit accidentally harsh. Let the man be at the end of his tether without snapping.
Naturally, I am also hoping that the points I've praised volume one for don't fall off in the future volumes. I like this set up, and I am so hoping that the story doesn't get fucked. Give me that soft, affirming couple! Get the Valentines' day and White day chocolates out in future chapters! Get the "he cooks for her successfully" plot out where it's all sweet and domestic, carried on from chapter 4 where she teaches him how to make an omelette after he fails at doing so.
WHAT DO WE WANT? DOMESTIC FLUFF! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? NOW!
So, yeah. Good read (name-drop, much), but not perfect. Am looking forward to the next volume which I hope to also review once done, though no promises, but that new guy on the cover is making me a bit apprehensive... LOL.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2024
I really like the concept--it's very cute, if a bit cliche--but I agree with some of the other comments, that playing Tamon's depression for laughs is a little...tone-deaf. There's also the scene where Utage's friends cheerfully decide that they are going to kill any cute girl who gets close to Tamon...and, uh........if you're REALLY a fan...please let the person you're a fan of...be happy? Even if it's not with you?? ESPECIALLY since it's not with you, because...you don't actually know them IRL...???
But yes, otherwise it's a very cute manga. The art is very shoujo, but it's clean and very pretty. Not sure if I'll read more, but this one wasn't bad
But yes, otherwise it's a very cute manga. The art is very shoujo, but it's clean and very pretty. Not sure if I'll read more, but this one wasn't bad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2022
Such a cute shoujo with a cleaner FL x two personality idol (he’s confident on stage and less confident when he’s at home) ❤️❤️❤️❤️
November 12, 2023
Everyone has depth to them, and this manga illustrates that really well. There’s depth and understanding for everyone, but the focus is most of all on Tamon and Kinoshita. I initially expected a lot of humor from “Tamon’s B-Side” and while it did deliver, it gave the readers so much more. There is so much empathy and kindness to be found in this manga. I really love Tamon, and Kinoshita too. Tamon only wants to make the world smile, and he can’t help but fulfill every wish of his fans to the utmost fullest, to the point that his perfectionism (and perhaps something else) had crippled him… until meeting Kinoshita.
It’s interesting to me how Kinoshita is often trying to define and rationalize her relationship with Tamon, such as in chapter 4 when she applies her knowledge of Tamon’s circumstances to come to the conclusion that she is a “convenient fan.” Tamon needed someone and he was in a position where, eventually, that someone was probably going to be a “nosy fan” that conveniently showed up in front of him. But I can’t entirely agree, as these two have an undeniable chemistry. And as seen at the end of this volume, Tamon already seems to be in love with her, or perhaps he at least feels a strong attraction for her, accompanied with reliance. It makes sense though. They made an intimate connection almost immediately when Tamon had nobody else. Furthermore, for all of Tamon’s self-loathing, he doesn’t forget to consider Kinoshita’s kindness. I think that for all of her efforts to help him, the act which helps him the most is having someone next to him who truly cares for him, regardless of the personality he’s fronting. Even so, his severe anxiety pushes a self-loathing, paranoid scenario to the front of his mind. Many of us have been in a similar position to Tamon, thinking everyone around us secretly hates us, no matter how they act. Tamon can’t trust anyone. He acts like he’s been hurt tremendously before, which he more than likely has, considering his kind, gentle, and considerate personality. But Kinoshita is able to pull him out of his spirals, and creates a space for him so that he can feel comfortable enough to do more than cower. She really brings out the best in him, and he knows it. She’s trying desperately to convince herself that this is all from a fan to an idol, a housekeeper to a client, but for Tamon, they’re friends.
I think that Kinoshita wouldn’t be able to define the line between her fantasies and reality if she didn’t create this harsh line in her mind, but I do hope they can come to meet on the same page soon. They’re both special to one another, they always have been. Even if Kinoshita never knew Mr. Gloomyhara before now, Tamon has been someone special to her. Even if Tamon never knew Kinoshita’s identity before now, it’s the fans just like her that have not only fulfilled but also sustained his dream and his determination. Now that they’ve finally met, their connection is sure to blossom into something far more intimate than their previous parasocial relationship.
Lastly, some personal comments and opinions here. I adore them and their relationship! They’re so cute and funny and they bounce off of each other so well. The art is so great too! And I became exceedingly excited at Kinoshita’s line “Tamon’s dream has become my dream. *I* don’t have to be special, because *you* are. Just having you show me your dream brings me so much happiness.”
I can’t contain how seen and fulfilled I felt at this line! And so excited! Someone understands this feeling!
I’m an editor and my dream is to help others shine. It’s not quite the same but it comes from a similar place. But in terms of career, I don’t think anything would make me happier.
Also, it’s so darn easy cuz I don’t have to ever be the special one. But I must be the best I can be at my craft. Anything less wouldn’t be fair to future clients, nor myself… which brings me to my final point.
In the end, Tamon and Kinoshita’s dreams come from the same place. They want others to smile, they want to serve and support others. They want to spread happiness. They’re really an idol pair.
It’s interesting to me how Kinoshita is often trying to define and rationalize her relationship with Tamon, such as in chapter 4 when she applies her knowledge of Tamon’s circumstances to come to the conclusion that she is a “convenient fan.” Tamon needed someone and he was in a position where, eventually, that someone was probably going to be a “nosy fan” that conveniently showed up in front of him. But I can’t entirely agree, as these two have an undeniable chemistry. And as seen at the end of this volume, Tamon already seems to be in love with her, or perhaps he at least feels a strong attraction for her, accompanied with reliance. It makes sense though. They made an intimate connection almost immediately when Tamon had nobody else. Furthermore, for all of Tamon’s self-loathing, he doesn’t forget to consider Kinoshita’s kindness. I think that for all of her efforts to help him, the act which helps him the most is having someone next to him who truly cares for him, regardless of the personality he’s fronting. Even so, his severe anxiety pushes a self-loathing, paranoid scenario to the front of his mind. Many of us have been in a similar position to Tamon, thinking everyone around us secretly hates us, no matter how they act. Tamon can’t trust anyone. He acts like he’s been hurt tremendously before, which he more than likely has, considering his kind, gentle, and considerate personality. But Kinoshita is able to pull him out of his spirals, and creates a space for him so that he can feel comfortable enough to do more than cower. She really brings out the best in him, and he knows it. She’s trying desperately to convince herself that this is all from a fan to an idol, a housekeeper to a client, but for Tamon, they’re friends.
I think that Kinoshita wouldn’t be able to define the line between her fantasies and reality if she didn’t create this harsh line in her mind, but I do hope they can come to meet on the same page soon. They’re both special to one another, they always have been. Even if Kinoshita never knew Mr. Gloomyhara before now, Tamon has been someone special to her. Even if Tamon never knew Kinoshita’s identity before now, it’s the fans just like her that have not only fulfilled but also sustained his dream and his determination. Now that they’ve finally met, their connection is sure to blossom into something far more intimate than their previous parasocial relationship.
Lastly, some personal comments and opinions here. I adore them and their relationship! They’re so cute and funny and they bounce off of each other so well. The art is so great too! And I became exceedingly excited at Kinoshita’s line “Tamon’s dream has become my dream. *I* don’t have to be special, because *you* are. Just having you show me your dream brings me so much happiness.”
I can’t contain how seen and fulfilled I felt at this line! And so excited! Someone understands this feeling!
I’m an editor and my dream is to help others shine. It’s not quite the same but it comes from a similar place. But in terms of career, I don’t think anything would make me happier.
Also, it’s so darn easy cuz I don’t have to ever be the special one. But I must be the best I can be at my craft. Anything less wouldn’t be fair to future clients, nor myself… which brings me to my final point.
In the end, Tamon and Kinoshita’s dreams come from the same place. They want others to smile, they want to serve and support others. They want to spread happiness. They’re really an idol pair.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
Tamon's B-Side is the type of series you could never take seriously, but it sure is worth your time! I don't have high expectations for this manga at all, as idol-fan tropes are often handled in the cringiest way possible. The story follows Utage, a die-hard fan of Tamon, a member of the popular idol group F/ACE. She’s completely devoted to him—snatching up all his merch and fan goods like her life depends on it. However, in order to support her extravagant fangirl life, she works part-time as a housekeeper. One day, she got assigned to a new client, and it turned out to be none other than her idol, Tamon himself. But instead of her usual charming idol, what she saw was the gloomy and horribly pessimistic, a huge opposite of the Tamon she worshiped.
The story took the dynamic between persona and real identity in a fun way. I think most fangirls are aware that their idols often put on their personas when they're onstage and act differently offstage— which is not a bad thing. It does not mean the idols are trying to 'scam' or lie to you, but it just means that they are trying to show their best side to the fans, because either way, both versions are still part of who they are. This comes through clearly in the story, in how the 'gloomy' and charming Tamon is still him, but he just can't control it when he's not working. I also love our main character, Utage. Such a refreshing character to have. While I did feel related to her most of the time, what makes me love her is the way she carries herself—being straightforward and how she sometimes couldn't control her fangirling in front of Tamon but it never felt cringe at all.
Her dynamic with Tamon is absolutely adorable. I love that their relationship gradually progressed rather than rushing into romance which mostly happens in the first volume nowadays. The comedy is done in a lighthearted way and is never over-the-top. Utage and Tamon's scenes are always hilarious and chaotic but that is the biggest charm in the series. I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses and to seeing how they navigate the boundary between friendship and idol-fan relationship! Giving this a solid 4 ⭐️
The story took the dynamic between persona and real identity in a fun way. I think most fangirls are aware that their idols often put on their personas when they're onstage and act differently offstage— which is not a bad thing. It does not mean the idols are trying to 'scam' or lie to you, but it just means that they are trying to show their best side to the fans, because either way, both versions are still part of who they are. This comes through clearly in the story, in how the 'gloomy' and charming Tamon is still him, but he just can't control it when he's not working. I also love our main character, Utage. Such a refreshing character to have. While I did feel related to her most of the time, what makes me love her is the way she carries herself—being straightforward and how she sometimes couldn't control her fangirling in front of Tamon but it never felt cringe at all.
Her dynamic with Tamon is absolutely adorable. I love that their relationship gradually progressed rather than rushing into romance which mostly happens in the first volume nowadays. The comedy is done in a lighthearted way and is never over-the-top. Utage and Tamon's scenes are always hilarious and chaotic but that is the biggest charm in the series. I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses and to seeing how they navigate the boundary between friendship and idol-fan relationship! Giving this a solid 4 ⭐️
August 29, 2023
Church of Tamon unite!
Utage is a highschooler that lives the delusional lifestyle for a boy group called F/ACE. In order to maintain her fangirl funds, she works a part-time gig as a housekeeper. Well, what happens when her new client is THE Tamon and her ultimate Bias? Like any other fan, she freaks out! But as it turns out, behind-the-scenes Tamon is FAR different from his boygroup persona. What Utage soon finds out is that her favorite, flirtacious idol, is actually a home-body that only owns one outfit! And it's sweatpants!
As Tamon and Utage grow closer, she learns how to navigate being an ultimate fan of his, while also encouraging him through his social anxiety. As we see the two grow closer, we watch their relationship transform quickly before our eyes. Funny, relatable, and entertaining, this first volume was 4.5 stars for me. Thank you to Netgalley and Viz for a copy of this arc in exchange for my review.
Utage is a highschooler that lives the delusional lifestyle for a boy group called F/ACE. In order to maintain her fangirl funds, she works a part-time gig as a housekeeper. Well, what happens when her new client is THE Tamon and her ultimate Bias? Like any other fan, she freaks out! But as it turns out, behind-the-scenes Tamon is FAR different from his boygroup persona. What Utage soon finds out is that her favorite, flirtacious idol, is actually a home-body that only owns one outfit! And it's sweatpants!
As Tamon and Utage grow closer, she learns how to navigate being an ultimate fan of his, while also encouraging him through his social anxiety. As we see the two grow closer, we watch their relationship transform quickly before our eyes. Funny, relatable, and entertaining, this first volume was 4.5 stars for me. Thank you to Netgalley and Viz for a copy of this arc in exchange for my review.
October 17, 2023
I wanted to like this one. I really did. I mean the cover is GORGEOUS and it’s by the same mangaka that created Takane and Hana. This series just isn’t for me. I thought it was supposed to be a rom com but it wasn’t very funny to me and the romance just isn’t there. There was too much “Gloomyhara” and not enough Tamon for my taste. I was getting very annoyed when Utage would have to constantly pull him up out of his depressive/anxious state. It just wasn’t enjoyable.
March 5, 2024
I loved this! Tamon is the exact opposite of how he is on stage. He's moody and gloomy and generally depressing but he's so cute at the same time. The MC tries to cheer him on because he's her bias in f/ace, a pop group. There's lots of things going on as she tries to control herself and help tamon.
December 3, 2025
I enjoyed the concept of this story and the K-pop idol culture aspect. I've recently been diving more into the fandom side of K-pop, and it's been fun to see some elements in this volume! I did find some of the characters to be a bit annoying at times, but I'm interested in seeing how this story progresses and the romance develops!
April 1, 2024
It’s actually crazy how good this first volume was. Hella ridiculous and so absolutely fun to read.
June 4, 2024
love an infp e4 idol lol
June 28, 2024
SO SILLY I LOVE IT !!!!
July 10, 2024
I need the rest of this series immediately
July 31, 2024
Living my fanfic dream
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