The Idol's Escape

偶像エスケープ [Guuzou Escape] #1-2

by Ito Kira, Matthew Alberts (Translator), Dietrich Premier (Letterer)

Ainosuke is a gay man who spends his days full of gloominess and regrets. He desperately wishes he could be as cute and gorgeous as Karen, the idol he aspires to. But one night, Karen herself, on the run from an exploitative producer, appears right in front of him! A journey of escape and heart-pounding, fleeting love begins...

Genres: Manga, LGBT

Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2026

About the author

吉良いと

Reviews

[Sol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that this story is very rough around the edges (especially considering the way gay people and homophobes are written), and some fat could have been trimmed, but overall, I appreciate what it's trying to communicate. It's really nice and refreshing to read something that focuses on a deep, platonic relationship.
For such a big book, it's easy to fly through, and is good if you want a quick and easy drama that doesn't get too dark or sad. Overall, not bad.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous emotional read about two teens fleeing after something terrible happened and I loved seeing them explore, get closer, discover love and freedom, but for me I think it would have worked even better if the MMC was bi instead of gay. I wouldn't mind more Bi representation after all plus for me the ending would have just clicked more.

[SummerRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just wanted to give these two a hug and tell them it gets better lol. I really loved the story. Two kids trying to find where they fit in the world getting caught up in a mess. Trauma will either break you or make you stronger. Definitely will continue, gorgeous art too fyi

[Alcaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story could've used a little more space to breathe, but I'm thrilled with the main relationship. I've never run into such an explicitly queerplatonic relationship in the wild like this before.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This two-volume omnibus of The Idol's Escape paints the whole picture including in the second volume an epilogue 10 years after the conclusion of the story featuring Ainosukue and pop idol Karen. Ainosuke is gay but has an affinity for idol star Karen who he ends up crossing paths with in order to save her and then ultimately they are indebted and connected for the rest of their lives. Karen trying to run from an abusive father where a murder takes place and escaping the limelight and Ainosuke wanting to protect and love Karen while battling his own demons. Together they are destined but in a way that shows that life is often unkind.

It's a touch of a mystery though more thriller-like in its aspects with a pervasive sadness.

The shifting settings keep a pace with the story itself as cops are on the heels of the killer of Karen's father and there are discoveries about who it could be while the two of them are (sort of) hiding in plain sight and out of sight including an inn that Karen used to visit as a child. Highly emotional.

[Haylee Blystone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this not knowing a single thing about and it was pretty good. A little confusing, but good. My only complaint is that even though the MC is gay, I wanted him to be with Karen! Couldn't he be bi?

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG SO CUUUTE. The beginning was a bit sudden but so im glad i stuck with this book. I have NEVER seen a better representation of platonic love ANYWHERE, and it makes me so happy its so important. 10/10! 🤗

[Amaryllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. this was very interesting to say the least. i know this was supposed to be a serious story but there were so many parts where i couldn’t help but laugh at how silly they were