Skip Beat!, Vol. 05

スキップ・ビート! [Skip Beat!] #5

by Yoshiki Nakamura

When Kyoko’s heart is broken, she decides that revenge is a dish best served in the spotlight!

Kyoko Mogami followed her true love Sho to Tokyo to support him while he made it big as an idol. But he’s casting her out now that he’s famous! Kyoko won’t suffer in silence—she’s going to get her sweet revenge by beating Sho in show biz!

Kyoko lands a regular role on a TV show...as a giant chicken. Not content to settle for poultry recognition, Kyoko tries out for a big commercial. At the audition she runs into her Love Me-rival Moko, who's having rival woes of her own. With a jealous rich girl out to bring them down, can Kyoko and Moko overcome their differences and act as a team to trounce the competition?

Chapters: 24-29

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Graphic Novels, Humor, Young Adult, Comedy

200 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2003

About the author

Yoshiki Nakamura (仲村佳樹) is a Japanese mangaka. She was born June 17. Nakamura made her manga debut with "Yume de Auyori Suteki" in the manga magazine Hana to Yume in 1993.

Reviews

[Riana (RianaInTheStacks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So strangely enough, I feel like Vol. 5 is now my favorite of the series so far, even though I did also really like the first one. The budding friendship between Kyoko and Moko is so heartwarming <3. I love so much that even though Kyoko has a hard time having confidence in herself because she feels so empty, she actually discovers parts of herself that make her unique by truly learning to care for Moko and root for her! I certainly feel like the "Love Me" section is working, except that instead of like a lot of the other actors that have been shown who are kinda spoiled and only care about the audiences attention and love, Kyoko and Moko are learning on a deeper level that allowing yourself to care for others and forming a more personal, genuine bond with them, is what will really allow you to perform at your best and to have the confidence you are doing your best.

I got so excited about the development of the Kyoko and Moko relationship and particularly with their 2nd group audition when they really got put on the spot and had to totally rely on each other...it was such a beautiful moment <3. This may seriously be the first time in a manga that I have read where they actually have such good development of a friendship aspect over a romantic one. I'm sure later, romantic relationships will become a focus point, but I honestly can't wait to see more of Kyoko and Moko's friendship, and I feel like it is really unique in the face of what most mangas like this seem to focus on.

Of course the shifting dynamic between Kyoko and Moko was the primary plot of this volume, but there were other parts of this one that also really shined. The girl that kept trying to one-up Moko their whole life basically, really really got on my last nerve. Her expressions and actions were just perfect at showing her character. I feel like when the person that is supposed to be getting on the main character's nerves is getting on my nerves even more, that is just good character portrayal on the creator's part. Which leads into one of my favorite parts of the Skip-Beat! Series: none of the characters seem like just "stock" characters. I figured from the beginning that we would be getting a different impression of Ren across the series, but having characters like Moko, and the LME president's granddaughter, and Ren's agent, all have this deeper development-- I wouldn't be surprised if we learn later that super annoying girl changes her attitude after these experiences.

Once again, Skip-Beat! has delivered a whole spectrum of emotions, from funny, to serious, to sad, to angry, to determined. This series has been a journey of discovery for Kyoko that is just beginning, and while she is on her way to finding out who she is and what she really cares about, I can't wait to see all the other characters that come to change from interacting with this girl that is just so honest, both to others and herself. And though she seems to take "plain" as a bad thing, just being as true to herself as possible and giving everything her best try, while giving others the benefit of the doubt: I'd say, having someone "plain" like that in a celebrity world full of actors, is rather refreshing.

[RoRo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Character Development: N/A (for all mangas)

Diversity: Not Really

Likes: I liked the action about this book.

Dislikes: At some parts of the book it was a little confusing. And I feel that this book even though we are book 5 (when I am writing this book, I have finished 6) I just wanted more, I feel this series is going nowhere.

What mood should you read this book in?: Emotional, Adventure, Romance

Pace: Fast

Likable Characters?: N/A (for all mangas)

Characters or Plot?: Character and PLot so 50/50

Overall, I am excited to start vol.7 (look at the dislikes)

[Anna 'Bookbuyer' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad Kyoko was so so popular that she got asked back to be Bo! I know she keeps that job for awhile so even though her face can't be seen it's still a good job for her!!! :D

I can't believe Erika! She is a piece of work bullying Kanae for so long!!! I'm glad that we don't meet up with her again!!!!

It was wise of Kyoko to remember Ren's advice and to use it to her and Kanae's benefit! :D

Edit:

The first part of volume 5 is really confusing because she was fired but then you see her on the show? It's not till a couple of pages later it's explained so it's a bit jarring.

I really like the woman at Kyoko's restaurant job. She is a good motherly figure!

Ren is so scary!!!!!! His gentleman smile is so confusing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poor Kyoko. No safety in the bathroom!

Erika is weird. I really don't like her. She makes Kanae feel small. Honestly this is one of my least favorite arcs. :/

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We get a a slight glimpse into Ren's past. A teaser if you will. And I liked that we start to get to know about Moko. From her acting past and wanna-be rival clues us in to her personality. I didn't like her at first but I am slowly coming around a tiny bit. I love that Kyoko is still determined to be friends regardless! Fantastic commercial auditions that test them both! Loved their auditions! Both were unique and creative in making things work even with a few obstacles thrown in their path. Great growing in the relationship and in their acting.

[Марија · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* za ženska prijateljstva, smrt dušmanima!

[Soobie is expired · Rating 4 out of 5]

E con questo sono di nuovo in pari con i libri letti e inseriti su Goodreads. Ogni tanto mi perdo...

La scena della sfida di recitazione mi è piaciuta un sacco!

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read. I think the manga is the best version of the story, but I want to give the anime and tv series based on the manga a chance as well. In this volume, Kyoko lands her first acting job as a chicken on a tv show. I think this role gives her a boost in the right direction when it comes to her acting. In this one, I also grew more attached to Kanae. I thought her character was very sweet and intriguing throughout this volume. I am in love with this manga. It is one of my all-time favourites. Also, I love the characters besides Shou. The ending was fantastic. Can't wait to read Volume 6 and I hope it keeps getting better. Overall, an incredible read.

[GuisBell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaya parece que Kyoko va ganándose una amiga más, que linda!!!!!!

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love those moments when Kyoko shows those mean peeps.

[august · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God, I am LIVING for Kyoko and Moko.

[keikii Eats Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

29:09

[~Cyanide Latte~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLY CRAP, ARE WE ACTUALLY GETTING THE BEGINNINGS OF A FEMALE FRIENDSHIP IN THIS MANGA? MAYBE?! DARE I HOPE?!?

[An · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorito

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that in this one, Kyouko got to continue with her role as Bo (despite the rather... lively... performance in the last volume) and that she seemed to get along with the hosts so well.

Ren reaction to finding out that he had been acting more friendly towards Kyouko was a bit disheartening, I mean - he clearly likes her, so why is he so determined to dislike her and treat her badly just because they got off on the wrong foot (...VERY wrong foot).

I really loved the audition for the commercial, and the introduction of Moko's childhood nemesis. What on EARTH made Erika so determined to beat Moko in everything though? I mean, she blamed Moko for "ruining her life"... but she was the one that basically followed Moko everywhere in an attempt to beat her at everything and destroy her spirit? ._.

Hopefully the results of the commercial (...to be revealed in the next volume) will be positive. I don't mind if Moko and Kyouko don't win so long as the brat Erika DOESN'T win :P

[Marguerite · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars.


Ahhh, the audition chapters were great - the ending of the audition for the soda company was the best and the director was hilarious!! This is the last volume I have from the library at the moment and I wish I had Volume 6 right now! I can't wait to read on.

Re-Read 1:

Yep, still feel this away about the audition chapters and already starting Volume 6 again. Making good progress through the volumes I've borrowed at the moment! :)

[Tatiana Comet · Rating 5 out of 5]

L'amicizia tra Kyoko e Moko penso sia tenerissima, soprattutto per il modo in cui si sviluppa! In questo numero in particolare ho amato la parte dell'audizione per la pubblicità, poiché dimostra quanto la nostra protagonista sia geniale, senza neanche rendersene conto.

[Joyzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good volume. I love Moko san and Kyoko san. My heart goes doki doki doki doki. It's exciting and I love to see Kyoko improve more and more.

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good volume of Skip Beat!
I just loved how I could really imagine the way that Kyoko and Moko acted for the commercial, it was well illustrated and written!

[Amy-Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just gets better and better. Loveeeee

[sheymar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Kyoko is a rly good friend to Moko and I love how she basically boosted her confidence against Erika and made her feel competitive, I really adore their friendship. I also love how the director was listening in on all the tea and the tension was real when Kyoko slapped Moko I physically gasped.

That Erika girl was giving major fan behavior and definitely had an obsession with Moko to the point where she would made sure to go to the school’s Moko attended and follow her everywhere so she can “win against her.” Like gurl please the only winning you’re doing is winning over your dads money missy. We all know u ain’t honestly winning against our queen and are a loser who depends on her rich dad. How pathetic.

I love Moko so much shes literally goals and I hope her and Kyoko become besties because Kyoko needs a bestie desperately and tbh who doesn’t wanna be her friend? Because I know for sure thay at I want to she is so funny, pretty, genuine, chill and overall an amazing person.

I cannot with Ren accidentally being nice to kyoko and blaming it on the past and his whole “I’ll forget about the past then” moment like sir you’re doing too muchhhh. I love my husband tho and the lack of his scenes were made up for with those ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND STUNNING PANELS. WOW. I AM NOT LYING WHEN HE CAME UP I ALMOST FAINTED.

I love how the director raised the audition to two people being able to pass after seeing my queens arguing and getting inspiration from them. Ugh and why is the director kinda hot… kinda hoping he’s brought up again later I really like him. When he was laughing at the duo for wearing the pink suits I lost it! ALSO KYOKO AND MOKO’S FIRST PERFORMANCE WAS SO SMART AND WELL DONE. I WAS LAUGHING SO MUCH AT HOW THEY LITERALLY HAD EXTRA TIME LEFT BUT JUST WALKED AWAY.

AND WHY DID THAT PIECE OF SHIT GIRL STEAL KYOKO’S IDEA FOR PART 2 I HATE WHNE THAT HAPPENS SO MUCH IT ANGERS ME. Ugh whatever, its fine because can we talk about how Kyoko came up with AN EVEN BETTER ROUTINE on the spot and WITHOIT PRACTICE. I was literally giggling with them during the routine it was perfectly done UGH I NEED THEM TO BE BESTIES!! I watched all of this in the anime but I completely forgot it and ugh this scene hit different and I’m so proud of them for both passing the audition together I feel like a proud mom.

Anyways, my thoughts up there are a bit jumbled up but those were me genuine reactions while reading, everytime I was surpirsed I’d pause reading and start aggressively typing away. This was soooo good I enjoyed it too much and Kyoko and Kanae are my icons <3

[Hannah Haake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! I started it in high school, but my favorite books within the series are most certainly when Kyoko acts.

The character is a bit broken by her past and left directionless from events at the start of this manga, but I love seeing her start to come out of her shell and find something that she is good at. He story builds so much as this series progresses and I love her journey. As a teen I found that inspiring and I still feel like the the message is strong.

In this volume, Kyoko attends her first official audition for a commercial and notes her fellow LME member, Moko, is also auditioning. Kyoko is desperate for friendship as you get a flashback and realize that her connection to Sho when she lived in Kyoto kept her from having those. Moko is the person she tries to build that friendship with since they are both in a unique situation at the entertainment company.

At the audition Erika, a rival of Moko’s since they were children is also attending. She has some sort of vendetta against Moko and has made it her mission to attend anything Moko does to take the role from her. She uses her family’s name and wealth to bribe her way to the top which usually works, but the director for this commercial can’t be bought and is looking for pure talent.

Erika decides to try other tactics since her bribe doesn’t work. She convinces the judges not to let Kyoko and Moko prep their auditions together since they have an unfair advantage working at the same company, even though the two have barely talked before this point. Moko is able to get past that by using Kyoko’s skill of picking up cues for reacting to make it through the first part without an issue.

In the second part Erika spies on Kyoko and ends up stealing her routine since she and her partner get to go first. Kyoko is shocked by the routine but in the spur of the moment says she is ready and gets some props to preform. She ended up changing her routine on the fly and the two girls end up with a stronger performance than Erika and her partner. Naturally it ends with the reveal of Kyoko and Moko getting the parts for the commercial!

[Luana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beh, i primi sviluppi non si sono fatti attendere, soprattutto per quanto riguarda il rapporto tra Kyoko (che nel mentre ha ripreso il suo ruolo di Bondo il pollo) e Kanae, entrambe impegnate nelle audizioni per uno spot televisivo. Qui incontrano una tizia insopportabile che conosce bene la nostra Uffina, una stronza figlia di papà che ha fatto dei soldi della sua famiglia uno dei suoi punti di forza.
Denaro contro talento. Una sfida apparentemente senza storia. Ma se c'è una cosa in cui Kyoko sa eccellere è la sua testardaggine, la capacità di sorprendere e di non farsi mettere i piedi in testa. Sarà lei ad accendere lo spirito della competizione in Kanae, spingendola a combattere senza paura contro la persona che per anni l'aveva relegata a ruoli marginali. E le due faranno centro. Con le loro tute rosa shocking, sembrano due disperate, ma in realtà riusciranno a sorprendere tutti, regista compreso. Indicative le loro prove di recitazione: visto che appartengono alla stessa agenzia, alle due non viene consentito di consultarsi; ergo, dovranno fidarsi l'una dell'altra, in modo da veicolare il messaggio giusto. Oltre a questo, la cara Kyoko dimostrerà di avere molto inventiva quando è costretta a trovare così su due piedi una soluzione alternativa, visto che la burina riccona le aveva rubato la sua prima idea.
A catturare il regista è l'affiatamento che lega le due ragazze, la capacità di spronarsi a vicenda, la spontaneità delle loro reazioni, il talento recitativo di Kanae, l'esuberanza di Kyoko. Ecco perché, appena le vede, decide che nello spot ci vogliono due ragazze e non una. E così, Kyoko sembra aver finalmente trovato un'amica e la nostra Uffina sembra apprezzare le peculiarità della sua compagna di sezione. Due ragazze che hanno qualche problema nella gestione e nell'espressione dei loro sentimenti, ma questa amicizia potrebbe rappresentare un passo in avanti per entrambe.

Adesso rimaniamo in attesa di sviluppi tra Kyoko e Ren, che in questo volume si è mostrato più carino del solito con la nostra protagonista. Chissà..

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's post is on Skip Beat!, vol 5 by Yoshiki Nakamura. It is the fifth in her long running series and you need to have read the four volumes previous to understand what is going on. It is 184 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Kyoko and Kanae on it looking tough and cool. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this book. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo manga, strong heroines, and funny revenge stories. The story is told from third person close of Kyoko the main character. There Be Spoilers Ahead.


From the back of the book- Kyoko lands a regular role on a TV show...as a giant chicken. Not content to settle for poultry recognition, Kyoko tries out for a big commercial. At the audition she runs into her Love Me rival Moko, who's having rival woes of her own. With a jealous rich girl out to bring them down, can Kyoko and Moko overcome their difficulties and act as a team to trounce the competition?


Review- So Kyoko doesn't lose her job as Bo the chicken because she was over the top with Sho but she's still trying to be taken seriously. Add in her very complicated feeling now about Ren and she's got some problems. The plot of the volume is about Kyoko and Kanae aka Moko auditioning for a commercial. But they have some hardcore competition in the form of an old rival of Moko's. The rival has money mostly and little talent but she's not Kyoko or Moko and she knows it. She's used to getting her own way with money and she for some reason has it out for Moko. That is never fully explored in this chapter but I'm okay with that. I loved seeing Kyoko and Moko interacting and just acting together. Kyoko continues to shine and I continue to love her so much. I look forward to whatever the next volume has for me.


I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually pretty good. I'll probably continue to struggle some with the art and the panel layout, but it helped to have a focused storyline in this volume, with Kyoko and Momo getting their first real acting gig - in a soda commercial.

Nakamura does a good job of developing their friendship through the audition. It feels real and earned, with the mutual respect and honesty that Kyoko really needs as both support and motivation.

I like the director, too, who definitely seems more seasoned and settled than the director from the earlier film shoot. (Nakamura finally got to draw another middle aged man, and it worked better.) I appreciate that while he's looking past the Moko's rich-girl-rival's connections and money to give all the competitors a fair chance, he doesn't actually rule her out for trying to bribe him. He really intends to treat them all equally, including the girl who may have enough talent to pick up roles on her own - but he wants her to show that's the case, rather than buying her way through. And she does almost succeed.

Having two opportunities to showcase their talent and improvisational ability (Kyoko's strength) was smart for both the audition and the story. Like the execs watching the audition, the soda explosion scene and giggly makeup always makes me smile; it's an effective little skit that works really well on multiple levels.

Love the little tidbits of Ren, too, with his immense kindness towards his coworkers. He's gentle and supportive with everyone who works hard, regardless of their talent; he doesn't berate someone for flubbing their lines and requiring multiple takes, as long as they show that they're truly doing their best. He's such a strong contrast to self-centered Sho.

A good volume! I think that's most of the boring bits out of the way (by which I mostly mean Maria), so maybe it'll be smoother sailing from here.

[Luna Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick note: I honestly believe I read (or watched) this a long ass time ago because some things are giving me “I’ve seen this shit before”.

Repeated review, sort of.

Real life knowledge is ignored, in my mind, so I can enjoy this. Ignoring things I don’t like in real life, this is entertaining and chaotic. I should ignore real life logic far more often when reading, so I can enjoy more things like this.

Characters are annoying and not annoying all at once; a lot of them are complete assholes, but some of them have moments of kindness. I don’t consider any of them one dimensional but that’s just me.

I want Ren and Kyoko as homies/lovers, potentially; in the far future, not now. I still will throw a fit if Kyoko and Sho become an item; I will accept a redemption friendship arc but nothing more.

I like Kyoko the most. I sort of like just about everyone else you see; the assholes that sometimes don’t act like assholes, but my emotions still flip flop with them. Sho can step barefoot in mud.

Sometimes, Kyoko gets what she deserves and other times, she doesn’t. Positive and negative.

Oh, she got to keep the mascot job after all? Because the people watching were entertained? About time she got a win; I’m considering it a win, even if she hates it. It’s a win for me.

Moko should just accept her fate and become best-friends with Kyoko. She’s delaying the inevitable.

[kuristina- tabreez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't quite remember the past well enough to write a review from my old perspective, but from watching the anime and flipping through the pages of this volume; I'll do my best.
It's Moko/Kotonami's turn for the spotlight now, and it is quite welcomed, I'd say. She's refreshing character to see take up some deserved attention. Not only that, but the way that her and Kyoko interact and bond is endearing. I've changed a lot since I read this over 11 years ago, and as it stands now, I can appreciate these two characters in a very different way than before (just as I appreciated them both in yet another way a little over two years ago when I started reviewing these volumes). Life changes, people change, coming back to this series two times now, a total of three times experienced, all in very, very, VERY different aspects of my life, have taught me that people, including myself, change FAR more than I thought they did; more than I thought I ever had. And it's great that these characters are written in ways that can be appreciated in many aspects of life. I think I've become more like Kotonami in her way of thinking as I've grown older; if they're trash talkers, then they're not friends of mine, and I won't pretend to myself nor to them that they are!

[♡Kayla♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moko and Kyoko are really starting to have their friendship blossom, and it's just so beautiful and sweet to see! I especially loved the scene where Moko defends Kyoko from that rich brat, even though she refuses to stand up for herself usually. It really shows that she cares a lot about her, even if she won't easily admit it to Kyoko herself haha.

It's also just really fun to have an unapologetic antagonistic character, who is constantly stirring up trouble for people we actually like. While the idol girl from the previous storyline was sort of like that, she wasn't quite as awful to me as Erika was, and I think that has a lot to do with that fact that Erika continuously targets Moko, and tries to take everything away from her, while the idol girl (I am so sorry, I completely forgot her name lol) was just a bit selfish and self centered.

I'm also SO happy that Kyoko has finally gotten a part that she'll be recognized for, her and Moko will do so well, I just know it.

Volume 6, here I come!

[Caitlan Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this series is just getting better and better for me. From start to finish I was deeply involved and loved it. I was curious initially why she was refusing to have dinner with the guys from her show but maybe it’s to hide her identity because it doesn’t seem that they know who she is. But I honestly didn’t mind once the changed the rest of the plot to them trying out for a commercial. Their dynamic was amazing and I loved what the characters came up with for their auditions. Then the fact that they got it I was so excited! I thought they would possibly make it a cliffhanger which I would of hated! But now I can’t wait to read the next volume.

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Questo volume mi è piaciuto un po' di più. c'è ancora da migliorare. Alcune scene sono irrealistiche o esagerate. I dialoghi a volte senza senso. I disegni sono belli però i personaggi sono quasi tutti uguali. Cambiano le pettinature e le tonalità del colore dei capelli ma a volte ho difficoltà a capire chi è chi. Altra cosa che mi rende pesante la lettura, è che oltre ai baloon nelle vignette ci sono molte altre scritte, che sicuramente riguardano i dialoghi interiori dei protagonista ma difficile seguire tutto. Comunque la storia questa volta mi ha intrattenuta ed ho avuto il desiderio di arrivare in fondo per scoprire come finiva.

[Shaked Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I think this volume was really important to the story and plot, and to the characters. We get to see Kyoko’s and Moko’s relationship get stronger and friendlier, which is definitely important to Kyoko’s slow change of personality. Kyoko gets to see Ren’s softer side, and this time not from the inside of a hen’s costume, and that is due to Ren’s discovery from the previous volume.
So overall this volume was important to the continuation of the manga, it wasn’t the best volume in the series but it was still quite amusing as always with this series!