殺し屋の推し 1

殺し屋の推し [Koroshiya no Oshi] #1

by Rintarou Ohshima, 大島 琳太郎

伝説の殺し屋が見つけた人生の光。それは、地下アイドルだった!

超巨大闇組織「藤山会」が擁する最強の殺し屋・エンドウオワル。
無慈悲な仕事ぶりと圧倒的な戦闘力から、”殺人機械”と恐れられた彼が、ある日引退を決断する。
その理由は、地下アイドル・ろ~ゼシアのかおりんに胸を張って生きるためだった――。

ライブTシャツ、チェキ会、生写真ガチャ……。
闇の掟が肉体に染み付いた男は、果たして無事に推し活できるのか?
連載開始時から漫画誌ハルタにて大人気。命懸けの地下アイドル応援記、開幕!!


【作家情報】
大島 琳太郎(おおしま・りんたろう)
2021年、「テラン 2021(SUMMER)」掲載の「日向インパクト」でデビュー。
2022年、初連載『殺し屋の推し』を開始。
キレのある作画で爽快な笑いを描く。

Genres: Manga, Comedy, Comics, Seinen, Fiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2023

Reviews

[Nyx · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very nice comedy-action manga about a hitman and his favorite idol.
i absolutely loved this - the art is great, the stories are short but make sense in a bigger picture, and our main character is just amazing.
Big points for the idols actually being friends and not faking it for the camera :))

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volume 1: (Ch. 1 - 5)

This manga is so freaking awkward, earnest, and hilarious!

We have our H who is a legendary assassin and emotionless killing machine...that is until he found the light of life- an underground idol! Endo Owal is the most powerful assassin in the Fujisan-kai, a huge black market organization, but one day he decides to retire. The reason for his decision was to live his life proudly with Kaorin of the underground idol group Ro~Xesia.

Can a man covered in blood and sorrow protect the light of life that he has finally obtained?! [x]

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite genre of manga.

I love stories that take a tough character—a yakuza, mafioso, gangster, etc.—and pair them with a cute interest or fixation. To me, it’s the pinnacle of what manga can be. It’s what manga is for—having a yakuza hitman be an idol stan.

So, I enjoyed this first volume VERY much.

I had so much fun reading it. Uniquely, this series has the idol (Kaori)—the object of interest—actually interact with the hitman (Endou) on a regular basis.

They actually have a relationship of sorts? They chat???

Usually, there’s far more distance between characters in this scenario. But, I appreciate this closer relationship. It opens up a lot of possibilities.

That said, the main issue a lot of readers have with series like this one is that the gimmick gets old after a while. Many of these stories are a one-trick pony.

I’m hoping that the slightly different approach to the central relationship may add enough novelty that it keeps that issue at bay for a while longer.

But, we’ll see.

Anyway.

If you are also a reader who enjoys this “tough but cute” genre of manga, I think you’d be delighted by this story. It has “Geek Ex-Hitman” and “The Yakuza’s Bias” vibes. So, if you liked those series, you would probably like this one~

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun start to a series. Owaru Endou is a legendary hitman in his early thirties, maybe. He’s been an emotionless killing machine for a long time, but lately things have changed. He’s found a girl group to idolise, particularly a member named Kaorin. To be worthy of her handshake, which he’s refused so far, he quits his job. Surprisingly, the crime boss he works for let’s him go.

Endou devotes his life to the idol group and Kaorin. They’re only started their career, so he has a fairly good access to Kaorin who knows him in return. He works several part time jobs, more or less successfully, to be able to buy tickets and merch with clean money. But no matter how much he tries, he gets pulled back to his old life.

This was a good combination of overly serious and silly. The age gap between Endou and Kaorin is wide, but he doesn’t seem to be romantically interested in her. I’m not sure about her. A more experienced otaku teaches Endou the ways of stanning and he makes friends, but he remains reserved. The peek to the next volume at the end hints that he won’t be able to keep his new life for long. Looking forward to reading more.

I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This manga reminds me of The Yakuza's Idol (not sure if the title is correct) and I believe I also gave it a 3⭐.

The manga story is funny yes, but most of the time I cringed from the panel, probably because it hasn't grown to me yet.

I'd still probably continue this and see how it goes.

As always, thank you Yen Press for the arc copy.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally laugh out loud at a book, but this one is the exception. I think this is what I wanted Sakamoto Days to feel like, but it never quite got there for me. I will definitely be picking up volume 2.

[beronica kamila · Rating 5 out of 5]

very fun and refreshing i loved it so fun to read im excited when book 2 and 3 are translated

[Annalise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good, goofy manga like this😂😭 the juxtaposition of this Hitman participating in idol-culture is so freaking funny and I’m definitely reading the next volume🙂‍↕️

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a HOOT to read! Will write a longer review soon and it will be up in Jan/Feb!

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the adventures of Endou-san.

Books like this remind me of how fun and interesting it is to dive deep into the things you care about and how sharing those things with others can even turn your life around.

There's plenty of heartwarming moments, lots of cuteness from Endou-san, and lots of action too. Can't wait for the next book.

Received a DRC on Edelweiss

[Zephorah Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! Some older otaku's get a bad rep for being pervy, but it seems like for Endo-san, that is the farthest thing from his mind.
The picture taking scene was hilarious but the backstory behind it was gutwrenching.

I'm really excited to see where this series will go and if Endo-san can maintain his freedom. (also shoutout to him for quitting and immediately finding a new gig).

Thanks so much to Yen Press for the DRC!

[MargReadsManga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was the perfect balance between action and comedy! I will definitely be continuing this series! I had a blast reading it even though I don’t know a whole lot about Korean idol culture.

This was another volume I would have never picked up on my own! I received this copy as an affiliate with Manga Spice Cafe! Use code MARG10 if you’d like to get 10% off!

[leilu · Rating 5 out of 5]

the idea of mixing oshi culture with the yakuza makes for pure comedic gold

[lauras_garden_of_books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Durch die Reihe „Shimazaki in the Land of Piece“ (ebenfalls aus dem Panini-Verlag) habe ich ein Herz für Geschichten mit ehemaligen Auftragskillern entwickelt und war daher recht gespannt auf „The Hitmans Fave“; jedoch wird hier ein völlig anderer Weg gewählt, der durchaus seinen Reiz hat, der meinen Geschmack aber leider nicht so ganz treffen konnte. Für mich war das Ganze leider zu oberflächlich und auch zu repetitiv.
Owaru Endou hat sein Leben als Profikiller aufgegeben und dies nun vollends an sein Idol Kaorin verschrieben. Mit Nebenjobs hält er sich über Wasser, um auf Konzerte und Meet & Greets zu gehen, Foto-Cards zu sammeln, und was man halt als Idol-Fan noch so alles macht - sein komplettes Leben richtet sich danach aus. Das ist auf der einen Seite unterhaltsam, grade weil Endou seine Killermentailtät schwer ablegen kann, Welten aufeinander prallen und dies für allerlei skurrile Situationen sorgt. Auf der anderen Seite nutzt sich das in meinen Augen aber auch recht schnell ab, vor allem weil es so oberflächlich bleibt und sich viel wiederholt, wodurch die Geschichte leider zunehmend mein Interesse verloren hat.
Die amüsanteste Szene war die, als Endou ein Foto mit seinem Idol machen will; Ihm wurde aber durch seinen Job anerzogen, sich nie ablichten zu lassen, damit seine Spuren verwischt bleiben. Dieser Instinkt sorgt somit für ein amüsantes Fotostrecken-Desaster, das zeichnerisch sehr unterhaltsam umgesetzt ist. Dennoch konnte mich der Band insgesamt nicht neugierig genug machen, um die Reihe weiterlesen zu wollen.

[Ery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vielleicht erinnert sich jemand an den englischen Manga „The Geek Ex-Hitman“. Im Grunde sind sich die beiden Geschichten sehr ähnlich. Der Unterschied ist auf den ersten Blick wohl der, dass der Protagonist in „The Geek Ex-Hitman“ sehr auf Animefiguren und 2D-Frauen steht, während in „The Hitman’s Fave“ ein Idol im Vordergrund steht.

Auf jeden Fall habe ich es bei „The Geek Ex-Hitman“ nie über den ersten Band hinausgeschafft. Auch wenn ich das Konzept eigentlich spannend fand, hat es bei mir nie so richtig geklickt.

Dann habe ich „The Hitman’s Fave“ gelesen. Es hatte den gleichen Vibe und ich habe den Manga dann bereits abgeschrieben.

ABER: Tatsächlich konnte mich der Manga ab der zweiten Hälfte überraschen und mit Witz überzeugen. Spannend finde ich auch, dass das Idol eine doch ziemlich zentrale Rolle spielt und Endou eigentlich nie wirklich creepy rüberkommt. Außer vielleicht, dass er im Anzug zum Konzert geht. Aber er ist einfach ein leidenschaftlicher Fan, und das auf keinerlei sexuelle Weise. Gerade bei der Stelle, wo die Fotos getauscht werden, habe ich das einfach so gefühlt. Ich denke, jeder, der Pocas von Manhwas oder Idols sammelt, kennt den Schmerz, ein Set zu vervollständigen.

Auch das Idol Kaorin ist mir bislang sehr sympathisch, und ich denke, dass sie alles andere als eine „Damsel in Distress” ist.

Ich freue mich daher schon sehr auf den zweiten Band.

[Sol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I laid eyes on this, I knew I had to read it ASAP! But my library and other county libraries didn't have it yet, so I went ahead and bought it from Amazon, which is always a risk.

... and let me tell you, the moment I finished this volume, I pre-ordered volume 2 INSTANTLY!

God, this made me smile and giggle so much. It like, genuinely lightened my mood and made my heart warm. I think I'm biased because I also engage in oshikatsu culture (which this book translates as stanning), so I really saw myself in the main character. Wanting to support your idol so much, having them be your reason for working hard at your job... but also wanting to be "good" for them, to be the kind of person that "deserves" idolizing them... I just really get that!!

I thought the art was gorgeous and the character dynamics between Endou and Kaorin were just precious. Kaorin genuinely seems like a good, sweet girl. Seeing Endou happy, too, made me happy. I'm happy that he's found something that makes him so happy even though he's clearly had such a difficult upbringing.

I'm adding this book to my favorites shelf right away. It instantly captured my heart and I'm so glad I took a chance on buying it ASAP. I CANNOT wait for volume 2!

[AP · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Not my usual jam and I will give this a couple of more volumes from the library... It is not inherently bad.... it's comedy, something I rarely read as the main genre or how to put it as I am not that into comedy in any format for the most part. My gripe with this is not as much the humour, but more the fact I personally think this will be a gimmick/joke I'll grow tired off after just a couple of volumes. It might prove me wrong, but right now I have a hard time picturing how this series can remain interesting and non repetitive after more than a handful of volumes.

[Regalia Lenzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

To trochę tak, jakby złapać Schimpachi'ego, wyszkolić go na zabójcę, a potem dać mu wolną rękę przy wielbieniu swojej idolki — tutaj Kaorin (a w Gintamie, wiadomo, Tsuu-chan). No i nawet wyszło fajnie i chcę więcej.

Jest to bardziej komedia niż kryminał, chociaż pierwszy rozdział i drugi zwiastują wątki tego typu (kto czytał, ten ojca zna). Spodziewam się powtórki z Costnerem i Whitney, ale na szczęście, nic takiego nie dostałam; no, może oprócz ratunku. Na razie to jest szukanie nowej pracy, chodzenie na koncerty i poznawanie tajników łączenia Kill Billa z Twoja twarz brzmi znajomo.

Obśmiałam się i miałam niezły ubaw, także pierwszy tom dostaje u mnie ładną ocenę i zapowiedź kupna tomu drugiego. Bo najbardziej obawiałam się, że pójdą w jednorozdziałowce, prawie wcale ze sobą niepowiązane. Ale jakoś te pięć rozdziałów trzyma kupę i nie puszcza, nawet jakąś główną fabułę ma.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eine weitere Serie im Yakuza-Comedy-Bereich :D und dieser trifft das Thema auf ganzer Linie. Endou und sein Idol-Fan-Sein sind so super witzig, vorallem weil zwischendrin immer noch die Sachen mit dem Profkiller durchkommen, wenn es z.B. um Fotos von ihm machen geht und er sich nicht fotografieren lassen will.
Generell ist der Manga sehr ähnlich zu Yakuza goes Hausmann, nur dass es eben im Idolbereich ist. Ich hab jedenfalls mehrfach ziemlich gelacht :D es ist wirklich spaßig.

[Sarah Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating based on a Digital ARC

I loved this, it is so funny, so clever, so sweet, but with a strong dose of "Good Wholesome Violence". I have a feeling this is going to be a very popular series. I'm already hooked!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was hilarious!! reminds me of the yakuza's bias and sakamoto days, in terms of humor and plot. I love endou so far, favorite chapter was the photography one for sure...and hopefully we get more backstory, because what we've seen so far of his past is actually quite dark!!

[Anthony Wendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was first installment was genuinely funny. If your looking for something in the vein of Sakamoto Days or Way of The Househusband you have found your new series. The over the top action mixed with comedy hits hard and really leaves you smiling. I will be continuing with the next volume.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this one! There’s definitely darker moments but mostly we just have funny/cute stuff going on. I like all the characters a lot and I’m definitely looking forward to reading the second volume

[Sunny ☀︎ Sunflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so cute. T_T
I love it when yakuza men/hitmen are just a bunch of softies.

[Jourdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only note I have is it her being the minister’s daughter comes back into okay I’ll be happy!

[Zero · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is what joy feels like

[Ryli Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received exactly what I signed up for and a lil something more. I thoroughly enjoyed.🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

not generally a huge fan of episodic works in this style

[Cornelius Strange · Rating 5 out of 5]

awe he has trauma

[Anirudh Reddy Patel]

So peak, kaorin San is so good