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スキップ・ビート! [Skip Beat!] #2
Skip Beat!, Vol. 02
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!
After failing her audition, Kyoko has just about given up on her revenge--until Sho shows up at the gas station where she works and doesn't even recognize her! With her desire for vengeance rekindled, Kyoko goes back to the talent agency and gets assigned to the new "Love Me Section." There, she can earn points for good behavior, and if she earns enough, the agency will back her debut! The only problem is that she has to do whatever they tell her to! Will her first assignment be her last?
Chapters: 6-11
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!
After failing her audition, Kyoko has just about given up on her revenge--until Sho shows up at the gas station where she works and doesn't even recognize her! With her desire for vengeance rekindled, Kyoko goes back to the talent agency and gets assigned to the new "Love Me Section." There, she can earn points for good behavior, and if she earns enough, the agency will back her debut! The only problem is that she has to do whatever they tell her to! Will her first assignment be her last?
Chapters: 6-11
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2002
89 people are currently reading
1656 people want to read
About the author
Yoshiki Nakamura
132 books1,068 followersYoshiki 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
September 9, 2018
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, I love Kyoko and her determination. Although she thought about giving up, when she saw Shou, it refueled her passion. Although, she wants to take revenge on someone (which I really do not think is right), I feel in Kyoto’s situation, it is okay. I can’t wait to see what happens to the Love Me Section in the upcoming volumes. Also, I love the characters besides Shou. The ending was fantastic. Can't wait to read Volume 3 and I hope it keeps getting better. Overall, an incredible read.
September 9, 2018
This volume reminded me why I am not a fan of celebrities in real life. So many have attitude problems or think they are better than everyone else. Seriously each person irked me with their cocky, "higher than thou" behaviors. Ruriko wins the prize there though. Brat!
This volume starts Kyoko off as the first member of the Love Me section of LME. And her uniform! I feel so sorry that she has to wear that. I wish she would better explain her obsession with Sho. I feel it might help her out. Especially with the President of LME. He is so curious about her. She has a lot to learn and needs to re-open her heart but her coworkers don't make that easy! Ren is a bit of a butthead at first to her in a way. I liked the break away from Sho. While he is mentioned a bit he is not a character to be concerned with in this volume.
I am loving seeing her first transformation with makeup. And I LOVE how she looks in a sophisticated kimono! Although her love for it makes her seem a bit shallow. Overall-very happy read!!
March 18, 2020
I can't believe how arrogant Ruriko-chan is! I very much dislike people like that!!! -.-
I'm glad that Kyoko didn't give up on her desire to enter the entertaiment industry. Even if she has ulterior motives.
I'm also really looking forward to the eventually 'warming up' of the feelings between Kyoko and Ren! :D
Edit:
Things I liked:
Her being mistaken for a fan. So funny.
Lory. He is always interesting to look at. :P
Ren teaching Kyoko a lesson like a good senior.
Kyoko wanting to learn to love again.
The Love me Uniform. So funny even if I hate pink!
Kyoko's personality when she had to go overboard and made everyone fall.
Things I didn't like:
When Kyoko gave up.
When Shou didn't recognize her! -.-
The actress Kimiko. So rude and stuck up. -.-
I'm glad that Kyoko didn't give up on her desire to enter the entertaiment industry. Even if she has ulterior motives.
I'm also really looking forward to the eventually 'warming up' of the feelings between Kyoko and Ren! :D
Edit:
Things I liked:
Her being mistaken for a fan. So funny.
Lory. He is always interesting to look at. :P
Ren teaching Kyoko a lesson like a good senior.
Kyoko wanting to learn to love again.
The Love me Uniform. So funny even if I hate pink!
Kyoko's personality when she had to go overboard and made everyone fall.
Things I didn't like:
When Kyoko gave up.
When Shou didn't recognize her! -.-
The actress Kimiko. So rude and stuck up. -.-
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2024
I really am not loving anyone in this story… 😅😅😅😅
The story itself IS very engaging and I really liked the end, but I’m just not feeling overly compelled to keep reading, which makes me incredibly sad because I skimmed through volumes as the series was arriving and loved what I was looking at!
But it hasn’t been the same starting at the beginning and getting a feel for the story. I love the older couple in Kyoko’s life and the imagery of being a daruma because they have been so encouraging in her life, but even Ren has surprised me by not being the character I thought he would be.
I think I’ll try volume three because I love the story, but not the characters, which is one of the weirdest reading experiences I’ve had in such a long time.
The story itself IS very engaging and I really liked the end, but I’m just not feeling overly compelled to keep reading, which makes me incredibly sad because I skimmed through volumes as the series was arriving and loved what I was looking at!
But it hasn’t been the same starting at the beginning and getting a feel for the story. I love the older couple in Kyoko’s life and the imagery of being a daruma because they have been so encouraging in her life, but even Ren has surprised me by not being the character I thought he would be.
I think I’ll try volume three because I love the story, but not the characters, which is one of the weirdest reading experiences I’ve had in such a long time.
January 30, 2021
2009: oh, the infamous love me section! love it! the little kyokos and the expressions on all of the characters become true staples in this series. i honestly chuckle (and sometimes just start laughing) every time i read this. then there's the fairy tale obsession. oh, you start to fully see how much kyoko loves her fairy tales.
October 5, 2021
3.5 stars
Character Development: I feel that the main character will be developing over the volumes.
Diversity: Not Really
Likes: I liked the romance and savage main character about this book.
Dislikes: At some parts of the book it was a little confusing.
What mood should you read this book in?: Emotional, Adventure, Romance
Pace: Fast
Likable Characters?: Ren
Characters or Plot?: Character and PLot so 50/50
Overall, I liked the first volume better but I cannot wait to read the thrid volume
Character Development: I feel that the main character will be developing over the volumes.
Diversity: Not Really
Likes: I liked the romance and savage main character about this book.
Dislikes: At some parts of the book it was a little confusing.
What mood should you read this book in?: Emotional, Adventure, Romance
Pace: Fast
Likable Characters?: Ren
Characters or Plot?: Character and PLot so 50/50
Overall, I liked the first volume better but I cannot wait to read the thrid volume
September 3, 2018
Great continuation of the first one - this one starts following Kyouko's failure to pass the audition and get into the LME company, and is instead attempting to find and keep a dayjob. Of course, when Shou (the douche) turns up at the gas station and shows just how much he truly cared about her (by not recognising her AT ALL, despite them being friends [or "friends"] since childhood), she basically has her "vengeful spirit" rekindled and goes to try again at being a star.
I really loved Kyouko's landlord/boss in this. He's a grump, but he clearly cares for her like a daughter and I loved his advice for her to be like a Daruma - essentially, "don't let anyone get you down for good".
The introduction of Ruriko as a villain (see: spoiled little brat/"princess") was great, and I loved seeing the jealousy that Ruriko had when Ren helped out Kyouko (...after she was injured as a RESULT OF RURIKO BEING A BRAT). The relationship between Ren and Kyouko is adorable, and if they're not "end-game" by the end of this series I will be super mad because they're clearly perfect for each other.
Looking forward to Volume #3 ;D
I really loved Kyouko's landlord/boss in this. He's a grump, but he clearly cares for her like a daughter and I loved his advice for her to be like a Daruma - essentially, "don't let anyone get you down for good".
The introduction of Ruriko as a villain (see: spoiled little brat/"princess") was great, and I loved seeing the jealousy that Ruriko had when Ren helped out Kyouko (...after she was injured as a RESULT OF RURIKO BEING A BRAT). The relationship between Ren and Kyouko is adorable, and if they're not "end-game" by the end of this series I will be super mad because they're clearly perfect for each other.
Looking forward to Volume #3 ;D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2018
With the first volume, I really wasn't entirely sure what to think. The storyline was going to be interesting enough, but I hadn't been fully captured by it yet. This volume gripped me a little bit more and I'm thrilled to go on the journey this will take me on.
Kyoko is still determined to make it into the entertainment industry anyway that she can. She works hard on any task put in front of her determined to impress anyone and everyone.
Throughout this volume, she grew on me a lot. We got to see a little more about how Sho's betrayal affected her. We got a bit more of a glimpse into her past as well which has made me curious to see a little bit more of that.
Kyoko is still determined to make it into the entertainment industry anyway that she can. She works hard on any task put in front of her determined to impress anyone and everyone.
Throughout this volume, she grew on me a lot. We got to see a little more about how Sho's betrayal affected her. We got a bit more of a glimpse into her past as well which has made me curious to see a little bit more of that.
March 14, 2021
Wish I had 1% of her determination please 😂
August 28, 2022
Okay, starting off with the obvious, I really enjoyed this volume and ugh skip beat is just so ENTERTAINING I love it! I love Kyoko so much and her character is so relatable.
Now onto my more specific character rants, the rage I felt was THROUGH THE ROOF when Kyoko ran into Sho at her gas station job. I get it if he didn’t recognize her from far considering her new look with the dye job and everything, BUT THEY STRAIGHT UP MADE EYE CONTACT AND HE HAD NO IDEA LIKE HELLO?? She even asked him if he really doesn’t recognize her and he had the audacity to say that he doesn’t recognize all of his fans. LIKE SIR, FIRST OF ALL, SHES NOT YOUR FAN YOU FILTHY TRASH. SECOND OF ALL, THIS IS THE GIRL YOU GREW UP WITH AND THE GIRL WHO WAS AT YOUR FEET HER WHOLE LIFE AND YOU DONT RECOGNIZE HER WHEN SHE LITERALLY SPOKE TO YOUR FACE AND TOLD YOU THE SAME WORDS TO INFLATE YOUR ALREADY GIGANTIC EGO THAT SHE USED TO!?? He’s so self centered and out of touch with reality, even if he has character development which I doubt, I will never see my self liking this oaf.
I clearly despise Sho and everything he stands for, so the satisfaction I felt at the Ren and Sho interaction was probably seen from miles away. I’m so glad Ren put him in his place and way to embarrass yourself Sho… He’s so immature and you know what, I’m just gonna say it to him since nobody else seems to want to- Ren is better looking than you, not to forget the fact that’s he’s also about 6 inches taller than you, more mature, more popular, and more respectable than you ever will be. Ok, end of my rant about that waste of a beautiful drawing by the name Shotaro. -P.S. Ren is my husband I love him so much ajhdhjskakxbfjkaksjwjsj (incase you haven’t already noticed).
Now on to the Ruriko and Kyoko situation, the way that Kyoko treated and wanted to take care of Ruri at first really reminded me of how her relationship with Sho used to be like. I feel like Kyoko is actually a very genuine but naive person and people tend to take advantage of her, which seems to be the reason why she’s even in the love me section. I’m also failing to understand why Kyoko is in the love me section but people like Ruri got to make their debut and succeed when she clearly lacks the emotion of love just like Kyoko. At least Kyoko actually has a reason for that lack unlike Ruri who is a stuck up brat that thinks she’s better than everyone.
I also was not appreciating how Kyoko was being used so that the president and director can fix Ruri’s attitude and childishness? I feel like even when Kyoko performs better than Ruri in the ‘competition,’ they wouldn’t even actually put her in the movie because she was just a means for them to teach Ruri a lesson. Anyways, overall loved this volume and I can never get bored, also stan Kyoko <33
Now onto my more specific character rants, the rage I felt was THROUGH THE ROOF when Kyoko ran into Sho at her gas station job. I get it if he didn’t recognize her from far considering her new look with the dye job and everything, BUT THEY STRAIGHT UP MADE EYE CONTACT AND HE HAD NO IDEA LIKE HELLO?? She even asked him if he really doesn’t recognize her and he had the audacity to say that he doesn’t recognize all of his fans. LIKE SIR, FIRST OF ALL, SHES NOT YOUR FAN YOU FILTHY TRASH. SECOND OF ALL, THIS IS THE GIRL YOU GREW UP WITH AND THE GIRL WHO WAS AT YOUR FEET HER WHOLE LIFE AND YOU DONT RECOGNIZE HER WHEN SHE LITERALLY SPOKE TO YOUR FACE AND TOLD YOU THE SAME WORDS TO INFLATE YOUR ALREADY GIGANTIC EGO THAT SHE USED TO!?? He’s so self centered and out of touch with reality, even if he has character development which I doubt, I will never see my self liking this oaf.
I clearly despise Sho and everything he stands for, so the satisfaction I felt at the Ren and Sho interaction was probably seen from miles away. I’m so glad Ren put him in his place and way to embarrass yourself Sho… He’s so immature and you know what, I’m just gonna say it to him since nobody else seems to want to- Ren is better looking than you, not to forget the fact that’s he’s also about 6 inches taller than you, more mature, more popular, and more respectable than you ever will be. Ok, end of my rant about that waste of a beautiful drawing by the name Shotaro. -P.S. Ren is my husband I love him so much ajhdhjskakxbfjkaksjwjsj (incase you haven’t already noticed).
Now on to the Ruriko and Kyoko situation, the way that Kyoko treated and wanted to take care of Ruri at first really reminded me of how her relationship with Sho used to be like. I feel like Kyoko is actually a very genuine but naive person and people tend to take advantage of her, which seems to be the reason why she’s even in the love me section. I’m also failing to understand why Kyoko is in the love me section but people like Ruri got to make their debut and succeed when she clearly lacks the emotion of love just like Kyoko. At least Kyoko actually has a reason for that lack unlike Ruri who is a stuck up brat that thinks she’s better than everyone.
I also was not appreciating how Kyoko was being used so that the president and director can fix Ruri’s attitude and childishness? I feel like even when Kyoko performs better than Ruri in the ‘competition,’ they wouldn’t even actually put her in the movie because she was just a means for them to teach Ruri a lesson. Anyways, overall loved this volume and I can never get bored, also stan Kyoko <33
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2018
Actual rating 3.5
April 7, 2018
The main character is so determined! I want to be like her :D
September 11, 2018
The Love Me Section is ridiculous, and, of course, the celebs are out to get Kyoko! And Ren has two different personalities! Yaaaayyyy.
August 28, 2022
I don’t really have the time to write a long review but I have to make note of a couple of things. One, I’m starting to suspect this is a comedy manga instead of a shoujo because it seems that I’m constantly toppling over myself in laughter.
Two, Kyoko and Sho are similar in the ways that they get fired up when they’re challenged. I realized this during the scene where Sho was picking a fight with Ren. From the way Sho was acting, I thought I was looking at the male version of Kyoko. It’s not a bad thing, it just means more funny scenes for me, and even more reason why Sho and Kyoko are definitely not compatible. They would just constantly clash if they were ever in that kind of relationship so good thing it’s not a possibility anymore. The way Kyo got pissed off also reminded me of Kyoko and the appearance of her inner demons whenever she’s enraged. It’s absolutely hilarious and I couldn’t avoid commenting on this similarity. Sho is just as funny as Kyoko, and for some reason that makes me hate him less, even though I still hate him so don’t misunderstand.
Three, Ren is an extremely blunt and straightforward guy when it comes down to it and I love that. Especially when it comes to work. If he doesn’t like what he sees, he makes sure to make that clear. I absolutely respect and adore that aspect of his personality, and I actually hope that he’ll use it on Kyoko more often because to me it seems like he gives genuine advice even though to Kyoko it comes across in a threatening manner.
Four, Ruri is the most annoying character thus far and even though I know it won’t happen it would be nice if Kyoko stole that role from her and gave her a taste of her own medicine. She’s not even all that, but we can’t have a shoujo manga without a character that looks down on others, can we?
Five, Mr. Yashiro is perfect manager goals. He seems to totally get Ren even though he doesn’t at the same time and that just proves how well he actually knows him when he acknowledges that he doesn’t understand all parts of his personality. I mean, clearly he’s been paying attention and doing his job in a very friendly and professional manner. I completely approve, and I can’t imagine anyone else who would handle Ren better. On top of that, Mr. Yashiro is also very kind, and I’m a sucker for that type, so he’s already got me sold. He was very attentive to Kyoko who was rude to Ren despite his offer for help. That was uncalled for, but at least Mr. Yashiro dissolved the situation. I love him!
Six, that movie director is hella annoying. I hate how we all know he’s just using Kyoko to get Ruri to become more serious about her role and regain her past passion for her career instead of only caring about her “fair complexion” and inconveniencing the whole staff and crew. He’s lucky Kyoko is playing along despite her injury. I feel bad because she’s going to such lengths and won’t get anything out of it because of this stupid director. Glad to know he shouldn’t be a recurrent character because his personality is not one I’m fond of.
That definitely turned into more than a couple points but since when did I keep my word in any of these reviews? I did want to do an analysis on all the scenes that made me laugh my ass off, but it seems my sister took care of that job in her own review of this book so I’ll just leave you with the knowledge that this series is just as funny as it is engaging. It really, really is.
I love that I’m rereading this. I wish I could wipe it from my memory for a fresh read, but alas, that’s not possible. It’s still just as good the second time, though.
Two, Kyoko and Sho are similar in the ways that they get fired up when they’re challenged. I realized this during the scene where Sho was picking a fight with Ren. From the way Sho was acting, I thought I was looking at the male version of Kyoko. It’s not a bad thing, it just means more funny scenes for me, and even more reason why Sho and Kyoko are definitely not compatible. They would just constantly clash if they were ever in that kind of relationship so good thing it’s not a possibility anymore. The way Kyo got pissed off also reminded me of Kyoko and the appearance of her inner demons whenever she’s enraged. It’s absolutely hilarious and I couldn’t avoid commenting on this similarity. Sho is just as funny as Kyoko, and for some reason that makes me hate him less, even though I still hate him so don’t misunderstand.
Three, Ren is an extremely blunt and straightforward guy when it comes down to it and I love that. Especially when it comes to work. If he doesn’t like what he sees, he makes sure to make that clear. I absolutely respect and adore that aspect of his personality, and I actually hope that he’ll use it on Kyoko more often because to me it seems like he gives genuine advice even though to Kyoko it comes across in a threatening manner.
Four, Ruri is the most annoying character thus far and even though I know it won’t happen it would be nice if Kyoko stole that role from her and gave her a taste of her own medicine. She’s not even all that, but we can’t have a shoujo manga without a character that looks down on others, can we?
Five, Mr. Yashiro is perfect manager goals. He seems to totally get Ren even though he doesn’t at the same time and that just proves how well he actually knows him when he acknowledges that he doesn’t understand all parts of his personality. I mean, clearly he’s been paying attention and doing his job in a very friendly and professional manner. I completely approve, and I can’t imagine anyone else who would handle Ren better. On top of that, Mr. Yashiro is also very kind, and I’m a sucker for that type, so he’s already got me sold. He was very attentive to Kyoko who was rude to Ren despite his offer for help. That was uncalled for, but at least Mr. Yashiro dissolved the situation. I love him!
Six, that movie director is hella annoying. I hate how we all know he’s just using Kyoko to get Ruri to become more serious about her role and regain her past passion for her career instead of only caring about her “fair complexion” and inconveniencing the whole staff and crew. He’s lucky Kyoko is playing along despite her injury. I feel bad because she’s going to such lengths and won’t get anything out of it because of this stupid director. Glad to know he shouldn’t be a recurrent character because his personality is not one I’m fond of.
That definitely turned into more than a couple points but since when did I keep my word in any of these reviews? I did want to do an analysis on all the scenes that made me laugh my ass off, but it seems my sister took care of that job in her own review of this book so I’ll just leave you with the knowledge that this series is just as funny as it is engaging. It really, really is.
I love that I’m rereading this. I wish I could wipe it from my memory for a fresh read, but alas, that’s not possible. It’s still just as good the second time, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
Kyoko ha fallito il provino per la LME, perché le manca un elemento fondamentale per lavorare alla compagnia, nonché il sentimento più grande di tutti: l'amore.
Il presidente Lory Takarada, però, sente di non poter rinunciare a lei e crea appositamente la sezione Love me.
Seppur titubante (e preoccupata per la tutina rosa shocking), per Kyoko inizia un nuovo cammino: tanti compiti l'aspettano, ma riuscirà a farsi volere bene da chi chiederà il suo aiuto?
Con il primo vero ingaggio da parte di Ruriko, un idol piena di sé e per niente simpatica, non sembra filare tutto liscio... Ma possiamo vedere brillare per la prima volta la nostra Kyoko come attrice!
Il presidente Lory Takarada, però, sente di non poter rinunciare a lei e crea appositamente la sezione Love me.
Seppur titubante (e preoccupata per la tutina rosa shocking), per Kyoko inizia un nuovo cammino: tanti compiti l'aspettano, ma riuscirà a farsi volere bene da chi chiederà il suo aiuto?
Con il primo vero ingaggio da parte di Ruriko, un idol piena di sé e per niente simpatica, non sembra filare tutto liscio... Ma possiamo vedere brillare per la prima volta la nostra Kyoko come attrice!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2013
There are a lot of really asshole-ish people in this manga. It's really off putting. I think it's stupid that she won't be hired because she doesn't "love" others but all these spoiled brats and fuckwits are already hired into the business. How is that fair? How is that right? Why didn't the boss hire those people and not her? She has just as much right with her own motivation as the rest of these fractured people.
July 12, 2022
I love Kyoko’s personality so much normally when someone criticise you, you normally feel bad for yourself or do a self reflection for a sec at least but she knows where she is coming from and believe that she can do it. Plus I also love how she hold grudges against everyone lol who thinks she can’t achieve what she wants. Definitely a strong female lead! This volume shows her guts and I just love it!❤️
September 19, 2021
Ogni volumetto finisce sempre troppo presto,all'annuncio dell'edizione italiana ho letto perlopiù commenti preoccupati circa la lunghezza dell'opera,io però sono veramente felice di sapere che questa storia mi accompagnerà per tanto tanto tempo.
February 14, 2011
It was enjoyable and I did laugh at some parts but still nothing interesting is happening. I'm looking forward to the next volume because I wanted to find out if Kyoko can make her debut in showbiz.
June 26, 2014
Hahahaha there are some really funny parts in this book <3
I was laughing out really loud, even though my family was sleeping, i was shocked that i didn't wake hem up :D
I was laughing out really loud, even though my family was sleeping, i was shocked that i didn't wake hem up :D
July 24, 2018
Zum Inhalt:
Kyoko Mogami nimmt an einem Pop-Casting teil, um sich an ihrem Kindheitsfreund, dem populären Sänger Sho Fuwa zu rächen. Beim Casting gewinnt sie durch ihr ungewöhnliches Auftreten die Aufmerksamkeit der Prüfer... doch man durchschaut, dass ihr etwas für einen Popstar Unentbehrliches fehlt, nämlich »ein Herz, das die Menschen lieben und wiedergeliebt werden will«, und sie fällt durch... Kyoko verliert den Mut und gibt den Gedanken ans Pop-Business auf. Werden ihre Ambitionen auf einen Einstieg in die Welt der Stars und ihr Plan, sich an Sho Fuwa zu rächen, etwa hier enden?!
Nachdem Kyoko bei dem Casting kläglich gescheitert ist, arbeitet sie neben ihrem Job in dem Restaurant an einer Tankstelle. Noch immer trauert sie ihrer Chance ein bisschen hinterher, will aber nach vorn blicken und das Showbiz Showbiz sein lassen. Das ändert sich rapide, als Sho, ihr ehemaliger Schwarm und Superstar auftaucht und seine alte Jugendfreundin wieder einmal schlecht behandelt, indem er sie nicht einmal mehr erkennt. Für Kyoko steht fest, dass sie irgendwie bei LME Fuß fassen muss und macht sich auf den Weg, um um eine neue Chance bei dem Manager zu bitten. Dass der Chef der LME in Kyoko jedoch ein gewisses Potential gesehen hat und eine Section gegründet hat, bei der man als Praktikant bei LME aufsteigen und sich beweisen soll, das weiß Kyoko nicht und eh sie sich versieht ist sie wieder bei LME voll mit dabei und ist das Mädchen für alles. Neben einer weiteren unschönen Begegnung mit dem Schauspieler Ren, muss sich Kyoko so manche Demütigung gefallen lassen. Als schließlich der Popstar (Name wird nachgetragen) Kyoko für ihre Zwecke einspannt und Kyoko ausspielen will, kann Kyoko beweisen, was in ihr steckt.
Der zweite Teil von Skip Beat beginnt recht spannend, sinkt dann aber schnell in ein ellenlanges BlaBla über Wollen und Können und mit dem Herzen dabei sein ab, bis es schließlich wieder spannend wird, als Kyoko ihren ersten Job hat und sich beweisen muss. Dabei wird ihr von der Popsängerin dermaßen schlecht mitgespielt, dass sich für Kyoko unverhofft eine Tür öffnet, denn sie darf die Szenen aus einem Werbespot mitspielen und soll so der Popsängerin beweisen, dass man auch als Laie gute Leistungen bringen kann. Außerdem ergibt sich für Kyoko so die Chance ihr schauspielerisches Talent unter Beweis zu stellen und wer weiß, vielleicht kann dadurch im nächsten Band ihre Karriere schon voran getrieben werden, denn der Chef von LME scheint in ihr wirklich Potential zu sehen.
Was mich in diesem Band ungemein fasziniert hat, ist die Art, wie die Autorin Sho darstellt. Er ist ein absolutes Ekel und man möchte ihn am liebsten erwürgen, wenn er so herablassend ist. Dass er Kyoko aber nicht einmal mehr erkennt, das ist schon ein starkes Stück. Aber auch Ren entpuppt sich am Anfang als Ekel. Das ändert sich erst, als Kyoko verletzt ist und er ihr hilft. Dass er aber damit dafür sorgt, dass die Popsängerin auf Kyoko noch schlechter zu sprechen ist, wird schließlich das Hintertürchen für Kyoko, um sich zu beweisen und das macht Kyoko wirklich ganz fabelhaft, sodass der Leser richtig Spaß an der Geschichte hat.
Die Zeichnungen des Mangas sind eine Mischung aus humoristischer Karikatur, wenn zum Beispiel wieder einmal die inneren Teufelchen von Kyoko auftauchen, aber auch eine Mischung aus detaillierten Elementen, besonders dann, wenn der Fokus auf wichtige Szenen gelegt werden soll. Das ist wirklich abwechslungsreich und macht Spaß. Was mir persönlich ein bisschen an diesem Manga missfällt sind die ewig andauernden Dialoge. Es wird zeitweise dann doch ein bisschen langatmig, besonders, wenn der Chef auftaucht und man das alles noch nicht so ganz einordnen kann. Wer die Reihe schon eine weile verfolgt wird bereits gemerkt haben, dass man irgendwann hinter das System der Autorin kommt, auch wenn es gewöhnungsbedürftig ist. Ein bisschen mehr Starthilfe zu Beginn wäre jedoch nicht schlecht gewesen.
Empfehlen möchte ich Skip Beat allen Mädels die gern eine emotionsgeladene Geschichte mit vielen Geheimnissen lesen wollen. Hier wird Kyokos ganze Geschichte ausgerollt und das ist wahrlich kein Zuckerschlecken. Es ist spannend verpackt und macht Spaß. Ein Muss in jedem Mädchenregal!
Kyoko Mogami nimmt an einem Pop-Casting teil, um sich an ihrem Kindheitsfreund, dem populären Sänger Sho Fuwa zu rächen. Beim Casting gewinnt sie durch ihr ungewöhnliches Auftreten die Aufmerksamkeit der Prüfer... doch man durchschaut, dass ihr etwas für einen Popstar Unentbehrliches fehlt, nämlich »ein Herz, das die Menschen lieben und wiedergeliebt werden will«, und sie fällt durch... Kyoko verliert den Mut und gibt den Gedanken ans Pop-Business auf. Werden ihre Ambitionen auf einen Einstieg in die Welt der Stars und ihr Plan, sich an Sho Fuwa zu rächen, etwa hier enden?!
Nachdem Kyoko bei dem Casting kläglich gescheitert ist, arbeitet sie neben ihrem Job in dem Restaurant an einer Tankstelle. Noch immer trauert sie ihrer Chance ein bisschen hinterher, will aber nach vorn blicken und das Showbiz Showbiz sein lassen. Das ändert sich rapide, als Sho, ihr ehemaliger Schwarm und Superstar auftaucht und seine alte Jugendfreundin wieder einmal schlecht behandelt, indem er sie nicht einmal mehr erkennt. Für Kyoko steht fest, dass sie irgendwie bei LME Fuß fassen muss und macht sich auf den Weg, um um eine neue Chance bei dem Manager zu bitten. Dass der Chef der LME in Kyoko jedoch ein gewisses Potential gesehen hat und eine Section gegründet hat, bei der man als Praktikant bei LME aufsteigen und sich beweisen soll, das weiß Kyoko nicht und eh sie sich versieht ist sie wieder bei LME voll mit dabei und ist das Mädchen für alles. Neben einer weiteren unschönen Begegnung mit dem Schauspieler Ren, muss sich Kyoko so manche Demütigung gefallen lassen. Als schließlich der Popstar (Name wird nachgetragen) Kyoko für ihre Zwecke einspannt und Kyoko ausspielen will, kann Kyoko beweisen, was in ihr steckt.
Der zweite Teil von Skip Beat beginnt recht spannend, sinkt dann aber schnell in ein ellenlanges BlaBla über Wollen und Können und mit dem Herzen dabei sein ab, bis es schließlich wieder spannend wird, als Kyoko ihren ersten Job hat und sich beweisen muss. Dabei wird ihr von der Popsängerin dermaßen schlecht mitgespielt, dass sich für Kyoko unverhofft eine Tür öffnet, denn sie darf die Szenen aus einem Werbespot mitspielen und soll so der Popsängerin beweisen, dass man auch als Laie gute Leistungen bringen kann. Außerdem ergibt sich für Kyoko so die Chance ihr schauspielerisches Talent unter Beweis zu stellen und wer weiß, vielleicht kann dadurch im nächsten Band ihre Karriere schon voran getrieben werden, denn der Chef von LME scheint in ihr wirklich Potential zu sehen.
Was mich in diesem Band ungemein fasziniert hat, ist die Art, wie die Autorin Sho darstellt. Er ist ein absolutes Ekel und man möchte ihn am liebsten erwürgen, wenn er so herablassend ist. Dass er Kyoko aber nicht einmal mehr erkennt, das ist schon ein starkes Stück. Aber auch Ren entpuppt sich am Anfang als Ekel. Das ändert sich erst, als Kyoko verletzt ist und er ihr hilft. Dass er aber damit dafür sorgt, dass die Popsängerin auf Kyoko noch schlechter zu sprechen ist, wird schließlich das Hintertürchen für Kyoko, um sich zu beweisen und das macht Kyoko wirklich ganz fabelhaft, sodass der Leser richtig Spaß an der Geschichte hat.
Die Zeichnungen des Mangas sind eine Mischung aus humoristischer Karikatur, wenn zum Beispiel wieder einmal die inneren Teufelchen von Kyoko auftauchen, aber auch eine Mischung aus detaillierten Elementen, besonders dann, wenn der Fokus auf wichtige Szenen gelegt werden soll. Das ist wirklich abwechslungsreich und macht Spaß. Was mir persönlich ein bisschen an diesem Manga missfällt sind die ewig andauernden Dialoge. Es wird zeitweise dann doch ein bisschen langatmig, besonders, wenn der Chef auftaucht und man das alles noch nicht so ganz einordnen kann. Wer die Reihe schon eine weile verfolgt wird bereits gemerkt haben, dass man irgendwann hinter das System der Autorin kommt, auch wenn es gewöhnungsbedürftig ist. Ein bisschen mehr Starthilfe zu Beginn wäre jedoch nicht schlecht gewesen.
Empfehlen möchte ich Skip Beat allen Mädels die gern eine emotionsgeladene Geschichte mit vielen Geheimnissen lesen wollen. Hier wird Kyokos ganze Geschichte ausgerollt und das ist wahrlich kein Zuckerschlecken. Es ist spannend verpackt und macht Spaß. Ein Muss in jedem Mädchenregal!
September 4, 2021
Volume 2 picks up after Kyoko’s audition for LME has failed, so she finds another day job instead. She feels like a loser, which is bad enough, and then she sees Sho in a cosmetics commercial on TV, reminding her of why she wants to succeed in show business. Then just by coincidence a large bus pulls into the place where she works, and who should step out of the bus but Sho himself? Kyoko is terrified he’ll see her and realise her failure, but he doesn’t even recognise her, in all fairness she did get an expensive makeover after selling her Sho memorabilia. Rather than release her anger at Sho, however, she pretends to be a number one fan, to throw him off the track, even speaking the words he longs to hear.
Meanwhile, the head of LME, Lory, is intrigued by what he has seen of Kyoko, and sets the stage for her return. At least he hopes she’ll return. Ren Tsuruga does not hope so, since he dislikes her reason for wanting to succeed in show business. But Lory sees something in her and wants to fan that spark into a flame.
And go back she does, determined to succeed. Which is how she ends up in LME’s new section – the Love Me Section. Not quite what she was hoping for, but hey, it’s a foot in the door. Work her way up from the bottom? In this case, she’s starting from the basement! And she has to do anything that is requested of her, no matter how silly or menial or demeaning. How well she does will be reflected in the points she is given for her job. And if she earns enough points, she can become a proper part of the agency. What does it matter that she has to wear a bright hot pink uniform with Love Me written on back and front, and that people who see her are laughing at her? He who laughs last laughs best, after all.
Kyoko runs into LME actress Ruriko Matsunai, who wishes to make a request of her, which Kyoko agrees to. Unknown to her, Lory is hoping that by putting Ruriko into a film with Ren, Ren can help to cure some of her bad habits. Such as lack of punctuality. And demanding to be pampered. Ruriko has had a special umbrella made for some outdoor scenes (costing a day of delay waiting for the umbrella). She wants Kyoko to carry it for her. Kyoko, thinking the actress is allergic to UV rays, is determined to be her white knight and help keep her safe. She ends up carrying the actress up a hill toward the shooting set and injuring herself in the process. Can that be Ren Tsuruga to the rescue?
When Ruriko displays her usual bratty behaviour and refuses to work, the director gets Kyoko to step in for her, despite her injury. And suddenly Ruriko is worried that she may actually lose her role to someone she refers to as a hyena. Could this be Kyoko’s big break?
This second volume is an improvement on the first and I enjoyed the humour quite a bit. There were several laugh out loud moments. Kyoko is an interesting character but she certainly is not perfect. You could definitely say she has issues, chief among them Sho Fuwa. But she has integrity and she takes pride in her work, and goes above and beyond the call of duty. And she has a very big heart. How can you not hope she gets the final laugh at Sho? Lory is quite the character, a man of a million costumes and quirks, but he has a good heart and good instincts about people.
Meanwhile, the head of LME, Lory, is intrigued by what he has seen of Kyoko, and sets the stage for her return. At least he hopes she’ll return. Ren Tsuruga does not hope so, since he dislikes her reason for wanting to succeed in show business. But Lory sees something in her and wants to fan that spark into a flame.
And go back she does, determined to succeed. Which is how she ends up in LME’s new section – the Love Me Section. Not quite what she was hoping for, but hey, it’s a foot in the door. Work her way up from the bottom? In this case, she’s starting from the basement! And she has to do anything that is requested of her, no matter how silly or menial or demeaning. How well she does will be reflected in the points she is given for her job. And if she earns enough points, she can become a proper part of the agency. What does it matter that she has to wear a bright hot pink uniform with Love Me written on back and front, and that people who see her are laughing at her? He who laughs last laughs best, after all.
Kyoko runs into LME actress Ruriko Matsunai, who wishes to make a request of her, which Kyoko agrees to. Unknown to her, Lory is hoping that by putting Ruriko into a film with Ren, Ren can help to cure some of her bad habits. Such as lack of punctuality. And demanding to be pampered. Ruriko has had a special umbrella made for some outdoor scenes (costing a day of delay waiting for the umbrella). She wants Kyoko to carry it for her. Kyoko, thinking the actress is allergic to UV rays, is determined to be her white knight and help keep her safe. She ends up carrying the actress up a hill toward the shooting set and injuring herself in the process. Can that be Ren Tsuruga to the rescue?
When Ruriko displays her usual bratty behaviour and refuses to work, the director gets Kyoko to step in for her, despite her injury. And suddenly Ruriko is worried that she may actually lose her role to someone she refers to as a hyena. Could this be Kyoko’s big break?
This second volume is an improvement on the first and I enjoyed the humour quite a bit. There were several laugh out loud moments. Kyoko is an interesting character but she certainly is not perfect. You could definitely say she has issues, chief among them Sho Fuwa. But she has integrity and she takes pride in her work, and goes above and beyond the call of duty. And she has a very big heart. How can you not hope she gets the final laugh at Sho? Lory is quite the character, a man of a million costumes and quirks, but he has a good heart and good instincts about people.
January 30, 2018
Skip Beat is a good book by Yoshiki Nakamura that is upbeat and a colorful story. The main character is a girl that loves a guy only to find out that he brought her along to be a housemaid. Then the conflict arises after only a few pages when he says these devastating things to her, her dark box that nobody should open opens in that moment. The guy she loves Sho Fuwa is a rising star and he’s rising fast so, to get her revenge on him she has to enter showbiz and out shine the rising star. Along the way she runs into another celebrity that Sho Fuwa hates so as an instinct she hates him too until she realizes what she’s saying. Along the way they become closer and closer but her heart is still broken. To become the star that outshines Sho Fuwa she has to learn to love.
I think that this was a great book that is uplifting and dreadful which is critical to the book. I think it’s great because of the main character Kyoko is happy and cheerful over the slightest things that make her happy because for so long she hasn’t lived for herself. I also think that it is critical to the book that it has all the anger and hate running through every page of the book and in the inks. The hate made it so much more captivating when she starts to let go and starts to learn to love herself and that’s when she starts to outshine Sho Fuwa in the beginning. This book has a great feel of it in my opinion. Another reason I think that this book was great was because of the impression Kyoko left everywhere she went and each time she learned something about herself, showbiz, and about how she can be herself after all the years she’s lived for someone else and almost everybody but, herself. So in the end of the book it is really great because of the fun experience and lessons inside the book.
Throughout the book it has a main theme for most of the people in the book are lacking. Love is needed to live. Whether love is to love yourself or to love someone else or something else love is essential in everyone’s lives no matter who the person or how strong the person is. Like when Kyoko is really good at the auditions but, doesn’t make it into the company because she doesn’t know how to love for real and to be in showbiz she has to learn to love her fans. Another example of this theme is when the other celebrity she meets Ren Tsuruga and he finds out the truth why he can’t keep a girlfriend because he hasn’t learned how to truly love someone, and then he learns about himself and, that he might be falling in love with Kyoko. In the end they learn and grow the more they learn to love themselves and others.
I think that this was a great book that is uplifting and dreadful which is critical to the book. I think it’s great because of the main character Kyoko is happy and cheerful over the slightest things that make her happy because for so long she hasn’t lived for herself. I also think that it is critical to the book that it has all the anger and hate running through every page of the book and in the inks. The hate made it so much more captivating when she starts to let go and starts to learn to love herself and that’s when she starts to outshine Sho Fuwa in the beginning. This book has a great feel of it in my opinion. Another reason I think that this book was great was because of the impression Kyoko left everywhere she went and each time she learned something about herself, showbiz, and about how she can be herself after all the years she’s lived for someone else and almost everybody but, herself. So in the end of the book it is really great because of the fun experience and lessons inside the book.
Throughout the book it has a main theme for most of the people in the book are lacking. Love is needed to live. Whether love is to love yourself or to love someone else or something else love is essential in everyone’s lives no matter who the person or how strong the person is. Like when Kyoko is really good at the auditions but, doesn’t make it into the company because she doesn’t know how to love for real and to be in showbiz she has to learn to love her fans. Another example of this theme is when the other celebrity she meets Ren Tsuruga and he finds out the truth why he can’t keep a girlfriend because he hasn’t learned how to truly love someone, and then he learns about himself and, that he might be falling in love with Kyoko. In the end they learn and grow the more they learn to love themselves and others.
July 8, 2019
Today's post is on Skip Beat!, vol 2 by Yoshiki Nakamura. It is the second in her long running series and you need to have read the first volume to understand what is going on. It is 184 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Kyoko in the center looking cute and confident. 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 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!
After failing her audition, Kyoko has just about given up on her revenge- until Sho shows up at the gas station where she works and doesn't even recognize her! With her desire for vengeance rekindled, Kyoko goes back to the talent agency and gets assigned to the new "Love Me Section". There, she can earn points for good behavior, and if she earns enough, the agency will back her debut! The only problem is that she has to do whatever they tell her to! Will her first assignment be her last?
Review- We start with Kyoko trying to think about her life and what she wants to do now. Sho comes and doesn't recognize her and then we're back in the revenge cycle. So back she goes to LME and becomes the first member of the "Love Me Section". But Kyoko still does not understand what President Lory is trying to teach her. So she makes mistakes but I love Kyoko so much! She has guts, determination, and a drive to succeed. Her first real struggle is a spoiled pop-princess who wants to bring others down around her. She brings out Kyoko rage and then it's on between them. We see more of Ren in this volume and he is a puzzle but I'm cool with him. The humor is the same with Kyoko's over-the-top behavior, the plot is going fast with lots happening, and Kyoko continues to be her awesome self. I cannot wait to read more of her!
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.
From the back of the book- 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!
After failing her audition, Kyoko has just about given up on her revenge- until Sho shows up at the gas station where she works and doesn't even recognize her! With her desire for vengeance rekindled, Kyoko goes back to the talent agency and gets assigned to the new "Love Me Section". There, she can earn points for good behavior, and if she earns enough, the agency will back her debut! The only problem is that she has to do whatever they tell her to! Will her first assignment be her last?
Review- We start with Kyoko trying to think about her life and what she wants to do now. Sho comes and doesn't recognize her and then we're back in the revenge cycle. So back she goes to LME and becomes the first member of the "Love Me Section". But Kyoko still does not understand what President Lory is trying to teach her. So she makes mistakes but I love Kyoko so much! She has guts, determination, and a drive to succeed. Her first real struggle is a spoiled pop-princess who wants to bring others down around her. She brings out Kyoko rage and then it's on between them. We see more of Ren in this volume and he is a puzzle but I'm cool with him. The humor is the same with Kyoko's over-the-top behavior, the plot is going fast with lots happening, and Kyoko continues to be her awesome self. I cannot wait to read more of her!
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.
December 18, 2021
3,5
Sembra che, a dispetto della delusione rimediata nel volume precedente, Kyoko non abbia ancora chiuso del tutto i conti con il suo piano di entrare nel mondo dello spettacolo. Complice anche un incontro alquanto umiliante con l'ex migliore amico Sho, la ragazza prende il coraggio a quattro mani e torna all'agenzia LME....e lì trova una sorpresa: l'eccentrico presidente ha creato una divisione appositamente per lei, chiamata "Love me". Il nome quantomeno imbarazzante si accompagna a un'altrettanto agghicciante tuta "rosa-pugno-in-un-occhio" (cit.): obiettivo di questa iniziativa è quello di aiutare Kyoko a recuperare quei sentimenti che sembra aver perso a causa del tradimento del cretinoide biondo, amore e devozione per il prossimo. Infatti, le verranno affidati degli incarichi e dovrà fare del suo meglio per rendere felice e aiutare la persona che si è rivolta a lei. Alla fine di ogni incarico le verrà assegnato un punteggio.
Bene, tutto molto bello, se non fosse che Kyoko fa veramente fatica a entrare in quest'ottica di idee. E, a dirla tutta, le persone che si affidano a lei non fanno niente per ispirare sentimenti positivi. Come nel caso della idol Ruriko Matsunai, che di fatto sfrutta la nostra protagonista per poterla umiliare, tanto che Kyoko, mossa da una genuina voglia di aiutare, finisce per farsi seriamente male. Eppure questo capriccio potrebbe permettere alla ragazza di fare il suo debutto nel mondo dello spettacolo ben prima del previsto...
Anche in questo volume, vediamo i danni fatti da Sho Fuwa (spero tanto che, prima della fine, qualcuno si prenda la briga di mollargli un cartone in faccia): Kyoko, una ragazza solare e gentile per natura, si è trincerata dietro il suo risentimento e voglia di vendetta, e ora deve trovare il modo di relazionarsi di nuovo con il prossimo. Fiducia, amore, sostegno: sono tutti sentimenti che per ora la ragazza ha messo da parte, probabilmente convinta di non meritarli a sua volta. In tutto questo, non ho ancora ben inquadrato Ren Tsuruga e il suo atteggiamento, chissà se i prossimi volumi mi aiuteranno a schiarirmi le idee in merito.
Vedremo se il progetto messo in piedi dal presidente della LME avrà l'effetto sperato e se Kyoko saprà trovare la sua strada...
Sembra che, a dispetto della delusione rimediata nel volume precedente, Kyoko non abbia ancora chiuso del tutto i conti con il suo piano di entrare nel mondo dello spettacolo. Complice anche un incontro alquanto umiliante con l'ex migliore amico Sho, la ragazza prende il coraggio a quattro mani e torna all'agenzia LME....e lì trova una sorpresa: l'eccentrico presidente ha creato una divisione appositamente per lei, chiamata "Love me". Il nome quantomeno imbarazzante si accompagna a un'altrettanto agghicciante tuta "rosa-pugno-in-un-occhio" (cit.): obiettivo di questa iniziativa è quello di aiutare Kyoko a recuperare quei sentimenti che sembra aver perso a causa del tradimento del cretinoide biondo, amore e devozione per il prossimo. Infatti, le verranno affidati degli incarichi e dovrà fare del suo meglio per rendere felice e aiutare la persona che si è rivolta a lei. Alla fine di ogni incarico le verrà assegnato un punteggio.
Bene, tutto molto bello, se non fosse che Kyoko fa veramente fatica a entrare in quest'ottica di idee. E, a dirla tutta, le persone che si affidano a lei non fanno niente per ispirare sentimenti positivi. Come nel caso della idol Ruriko Matsunai, che di fatto sfrutta la nostra protagonista per poterla umiliare, tanto che Kyoko, mossa da una genuina voglia di aiutare, finisce per farsi seriamente male. Eppure questo capriccio potrebbe permettere alla ragazza di fare il suo debutto nel mondo dello spettacolo ben prima del previsto...
Anche in questo volume, vediamo i danni fatti da Sho Fuwa (spero tanto che, prima della fine, qualcuno si prenda la briga di mollargli un cartone in faccia): Kyoko, una ragazza solare e gentile per natura, si è trincerata dietro il suo risentimento e voglia di vendetta, e ora deve trovare il modo di relazionarsi di nuovo con il prossimo. Fiducia, amore, sostegno: sono tutti sentimenti che per ora la ragazza ha messo da parte, probabilmente convinta di non meritarli a sua volta. In tutto questo, non ho ancora ben inquadrato Ren Tsuruga e il suo atteggiamento, chissà se i prossimi volumi mi aiuteranno a schiarirmi le idee in merito.
Vedremo se il progetto messo in piedi dal presidente della LME avrà l'effetto sperato e se Kyoko saprà trovare la sua strada...
May 6, 2024
I'm glad I didn't rush off and impulsively buy 40 volumes of this series. The art is...not great, which I'd heard as one complaint about it not being as popular in some of the circles I run in, but which I hadn't really understood from my experience with the anime. Sure, it's not "pretty" like a lot of shoujo art, but it's so fun and dynamic in animated form. Reading just really makes me wish the show had gotten more seasons, because it does work better in motion. On the page, the action gets pretty muddy and sometimes feels kind of...I hate to say it, but more like amateur sketches.
It reminds me a little of Love Stage's Izumi's attempts at creating manga, although his drawing was definitely much worse. But again, the author's notes really don't help. Like the one at the beginning of this volume:
So that's why the art still feels like unpolished sketches - there's probably no time for the initial storyboarding to get cleaned up in time to hit deadlines. And it's no wonder this story has dragged out for so long over so many years...it sounds like Nakamura still hasn't figured out where it's going or how to get there! I'm a little weary in advance, although I do still really want to get to the new stuff to find out what's happening with Kyoko and Ren.
This volume covers Kyoko's temporary job at a gas station, her running into Sho and him not recognizing her at all (more effective and emotional in the anime), and her introduction to and first couple jobs for the Love Me section. We cut off here at her broken foot and Ren warning her about the tea ceremony scene. I do still like him a lot, although it was sort of funny to have Kyoko looking...not particularly attractive during her full page Glow Up With Makeup On scene.
Oh well. I'm sorta skim-reading now to try to get through the anime parts of the manga, but we'll see if I wear out on that.
It reminds me a little of Love Stage's Izumi's attempts at creating manga, although his drawing was definitely much worse. But again, the author's notes really don't help. Like the one at the beginning of this volume:
Now I go with whatever I think up in the moment. I know that doesn't sound like a good thing to say, and I'm having trouble effectively developing and bringing together the story I just thought up. Doing my storyboards is taking so much time, I feel like I'm in a crisis, and I feel a little disgusted with myself. What am I doing?
So that's why the art still feels like unpolished sketches - there's probably no time for the initial storyboarding to get cleaned up in time to hit deadlines. And it's no wonder this story has dragged out for so long over so many years...it sounds like Nakamura still hasn't figured out where it's going or how to get there! I'm a little weary in advance, although I do still really want to get to the new stuff to find out what's happening with Kyoko and Ren.
This volume covers Kyoko's temporary job at a gas station, her running into Sho and him not recognizing her at all (more effective and emotional in the anime), and her introduction to and first couple jobs for the Love Me section. We cut off here at her broken foot and Ren warning her about the tea ceremony scene. I do still like him a lot, although it was sort of funny to have Kyoko looking...not particularly attractive during her full page Glow Up With Makeup On scene.
Oh well. I'm sorta skim-reading now to try to get through the anime parts of the manga, but we'll see if I wear out on that.
August 16, 2024
Sooooo some parts of this volume didn't age well but it's not the worst since it's just a few instances here and there but it still bugs me, misogynistic ideas passed as "kindness" (Ren is the only culprit) & a lot of whitening talk where they keep on praising having the whitest skin possible because it's considered more beautiful. 💀
80% is also boring af because NOTHING happens it's just that the author takes way too many pages for things that could be shorter. Which is crazy because the pages are used at 120% of their capacity, there is not one white space.
The last 20% are okay, we're finally getting some of what we're here for.
Tho Im wondering... how old is Kyoko??? She is not supposed to drink so a minor but she's going to end with Ren who's 20 I think so I sure as hell hope she's not 16 like Sho rn. I hope she's at least 18 😭 That's the only acceptable thing age-wise, older it's gross that she liked sho & if younger, Ren should go to prison once he gets feelings for her.
I understand that they try to keep their ages low because it's a shojo & usially the protagonist is around the age of the reader but it ends way too often with gross age gaps (especially ones with the girl being much younger & considering the target demographic is girls it's really bad). Here we know Sho's age but not Kyoko's. I feel like they often do that to muddy the waters... but you can obviously understand with the context that the person is supposed to be too much younger.
Also Sho being 16 & 7th place in the "celebrity people want to date the most" contest is icky af (they shouldn't even be able to vote for him in my opinion or at least separate minors from adults & make two lists) but I try to think it's teenagers who voted for him & that thank god he's not number one.
They could make them 18 and NOTHING IN THE STORY WOULD CHANGE WHY MAKE HIM 16??? Also didn't they leave after they finished school? Doesn't school finishes at 18 or older in Japan?
80% is also boring af because NOTHING happens it's just that the author takes way too many pages for things that could be shorter. Which is crazy because the pages are used at 120% of their capacity, there is not one white space.
The last 20% are okay, we're finally getting some of what we're here for.
Tho Im wondering... how old is Kyoko??? She is not supposed to drink so a minor but she's going to end with Ren who's 20 I think so I sure as hell hope she's not 16 like Sho rn. I hope she's at least 18 😭 That's the only acceptable thing age-wise, older it's gross that she liked sho & if younger, Ren should go to prison once he gets feelings for her.
I understand that they try to keep their ages low because it's a shojo & usially the protagonist is around the age of the reader but it ends way too often with gross age gaps (especially ones with the girl being much younger & considering the target demographic is girls it's really bad). Here we know Sho's age but not Kyoko's. I feel like they often do that to muddy the waters... but you can obviously understand with the context that the person is supposed to be too much younger.
Also Sho being 16 & 7th place in the "celebrity people want to date the most" contest is icky af (they shouldn't even be able to vote for him in my opinion or at least separate minors from adults & make two lists) but I try to think it's teenagers who voted for him & that thank god he's not number one.
They could make them 18 and NOTHING IN THE STORY WOULD CHANGE WHY MAKE HIM 16??? Also didn't they leave after they finished school? Doesn't school finishes at 18 or older in Japan?
March 21, 2018
Once again, it's been so long that I don't really remember much about this book or how I felt or what I thought or how I even took it in. But it is very good, funny, and I still wish that Ren and Kyoko would get along better, though watching their dynamics is pretty amusing.
It's odd how much my entire world has changed from when I first read this to now. I can hardly remember anything from back then because how I saw this comic and everything in it is completely different from how my eyes perceive it now. Things really can change a lot. I grew an awful lot. Still, matured or immature, this comic is worth a read. It's a good ride, and there's a lot to soak in, and a lot to inspire you to try your best in everything.
P.S. I vaguely remember way back then, I hated how the author drew men in Skip Beat!, which is why I don't remember ever having a thing for Ren, or shipping him with Kyoko, until later volumes when I had gotten used to the art style. I thought the only pretty ones at all were the more childlike girls-- haha!
Times read: 1
It's odd how much my entire world has changed from when I first read this to now. I can hardly remember anything from back then because how I saw this comic and everything in it is completely different from how my eyes perceive it now. Things really can change a lot. I grew an awful lot. Still, matured or immature, this comic is worth a read. It's a good ride, and there's a lot to soak in, and a lot to inspire you to try your best in everything.
P.S. I vaguely remember way back then, I hated how the author drew men in Skip Beat!, which is why I don't remember ever having a thing for Ren, or shipping him with Kyoko, until later volumes when I had gotten used to the art style. I thought the only pretty ones at all were the more childlike girls-- haha!
Times read: 1
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