Skip Beat!

It's been such a long time since I first started reading this manga, and throughout the years, I've revisited it at least four times. Two months ago, a wave of nostalgia hit me, prompting another read—only to discover that about a hundred new chapters had been released since my last dive into its world.

This manga is truly everything. I began reading it as a teenager, and even now, as a 23-year-old young adult, I still find immense value in it. Here are some reflections based on my most recent reading experience.

Story:

Honestly, if there's one thing this manga excels at, it's the story. This rollercoaster ride never ceases to amaze. Even when you think the mangaka can't possibly come up with anything new, they introduce a fresh storyline, a new movie for the characters to shoot, a new challenge for them to overcome, or a new setting to explore—anything to keep things interesting. Remarkably, after 276 chapters, it still works!

Characters:

Each character is distinct and guaranteed to win your heart. There are no cliché characters here; by the third chapter they appear in, they are well-developed and fascinating. You'll always want to know more about them.

The main character, Kyoko, is the best shoujo—not just any shoujo, but the BEST—character I've ever encountered in any manga (and even some books). As she undergoes significant character development, she remains true to herself, using her past experiences to grow into a woman she can be proud of.

Art:

The art has significantly improved since the beginning and recently underwent a big—and somewhat controversial—change. For longtime fans, it might feel strange at first, but it's undoubtedly fresher and more modern now. That said, I still adore the original style too.

Conclusion:

I could write endlessly about how amazing this manga is, but let me sum it up like this: whatever you love about shoujo manga—whether it's the emotional romance, the love triangles, the slow-burn development, the excitement, or anything else—you'll find something to cherish here. Maybe even everything. I strongly recommend giving it a chance because once you start, you won't want to stop. It's an unforgettable journey.

First and foremost, before diving into this manga, it's crucial to understand that it significantly surpasses the anime. I watched Skip Beat years back and found it decent, but the manga is an entirely different experience. Additionally, this is indeed an ongoing series, and despite having nearly 200 chapters so far, each one more incredible than the last, we have yet to reach the climax – a prospect that excites me immensely.

The STORY here is nothing short of amazing. Interestingly, it begins as what appears to be a rather dull narrative. You start with a teenage girl who naively sacrifices everything to move to the city with her childhood friend, who happens to be a famous pop star. He treats her terribly, and she selflessly does everything for him, which can be infuriating to read. Then, events take a turn, and you watch this naive girl begin to see reality. While the romantic development might seem slow, it doesn't mean the romance is lacking. The comedy in this manga is some of the best I've ever encountered in a rom-com. The dialogue alone is fantastic, but when paired with their expressions and personalities, it becomes priceless!

The ART is noteworthy too. This is quite an old manga, with its first volume released over ten years ago. Naturally, the art has continuously improved over time. Even from the beginning, the artwork was superb! Their 'slightly' exaggerated faces make you laugh uncontrollably, and amidst all the gags, the serious scenes are beautifully drawn. This mangaka truly has a way of drawing you in.

The CHARACTERS are by far much better than expected. Saying it that way might sound negative, but honestly, I had no idea what kind of characters to anticipate. They have a past and future goals, constantly seeking ways to improve themselves and work towards their dreams. Watching these characters grow and mature is fascinating.

In terms of ENJOYMENT, there's no doubt about it – this manga is a gem. It makes you laugh, smile, hurt, and get mad. It’s a story that keeps you wanting to read more. I've read through it three times already, each time straight through with only breaks for food. That speaks volumes.

OVERALL: READ IT!

Okay, first off, I need to confess: I absolutely detest shoujo manga. Really, I can't stand it at all. The stories, the art styles, the characters – it's just not my cup of tea.

But… I've been utterly astounded by how much I'm loving this particular shoujo manga. Why do I like it? Because it takes the typical genre conventions of shoujo and elevates them to a whole new level, transforming into something genuinely original.

Firstly, I still don't particularly care for the artwork. Sorry, but I've never been a big fan of that style. It's GOOD, sure, but personal preference dictates that I simply don't like it. A bit too stereotypically bishie for my taste. But everything else more than makes up for this shortcoming.

The story is absolutely fantastic. I was so engrossed that I couldn't stop reading! (I nearly put off my homework for days just to keep going! … oops). There are a few moments that frustrated me, like when some of my favorite characters disappeared for several chapters, but the character interactions are so intriguing that I overlook these minor grievances.

The characters are what really won me over. I am so tired of the "perfect girl" heroines in both shoujo and shounen manga. What I love about Skip Beat's heroine is that she ISN'T perfect. Kyoko is driven by revenge, clueless when it comes to relationships, yet has a strong sense of duty towards those she’s responsible for. She doesn't fit the mold of the common cute, clumsy, endearingly stupid "Mother Teresa" type. This isn’t Tohru from Fruits Basket.

Skip Beat’s humor is well-executed, and the romance is highly enjoyable to read. I’m always eagerly anticipating the next chapter.

Skip Beat is one of the highest-quality shoujo manga out there, and it truly deserves a read. I VERY highly recommend it to anyone, whether you're a shoujo fan or not.

Skip Beat! is the sole manga I have followed with unwavering dedication. Truly, every month, I eagerly await the latest chapter as if it were a sacred ritual. Having been a devoted fan for over ten years, I now invite you to join this captivating fandom. So, settle in, my friends, as I extol the virtues of the masterpiece that is Skip Beat!

Story: Meet Kyouko Mogami, a young girl who dedicates herself entirely to supporting her childhood crush, Shoutaro, so he can become a top celebrity. It turns out he’s a narcissistic jerk who has been using her all along without any gratitude. Realizing her pure feelings have been trampled upon, Kyouko decides to upstage him and make him fear the wrath of a scorned woman. In an amusing twist, Kyouko enters the world of show business through LME, a top talent agency, setting off a series of life-changing experiences. The manga skillfully balances light-hearted humor with dramatic elements, focusing on Kyouko's journey into acting, where she seeks to regain her self-confidence and worth.

The storytelling is superb. Every arc adds depth to the story and characters. Nakamura-sensei uses flashbacks, supporting characters, and different jobs to highlight various layers of the protagonist. No detail goes unnoticed; even minor panels may foreshadow future events months or years ahead.

Art: Since 2002, Nakamura-sensei has been working on Skip Beat!, and her style has evolved beautifully. The art is clean and showcases her skill. Initially, I was put off by the male character designs, but they have improved significantly and are now some of the hottest in shoujo manga. Another visual treat is Kyouko's many transformations according to her roles. The expressions are stunning, lending authenticity to the characters' conflicts. The eyes capture every emotion perfectly. Chibi art is seamlessly incorporated alongside detailed profiles, adding amusement. Despite the gorgeous art, the focus remains on gestures and conveying a sense of movement within the pages.

Character: This is easily the manga’s greatest feature. There are no flat characters in Skip Beat!. Kyouko is a complex mix of innocence, obsession, clumsiness, humor, friendliness, eagerness, elegance, intelligence, confusion, vengeance, love, and ambition. Readers quickly empathize with her multifaceted personality. Her acting career draws on these traits, requiring a process of self-discovery. Even characters like Shoutaro aren’t discarded after the inciting incident. He continues to develop, serving various purposes, enhancing his betrayal's impact as readers learn about Kyouko’s complicated childhood.

Meet Ren Tsuruga, an actor admired by every woman in Japan. At first, he seems just another handsome gentleman. However, Kyouko initially judges him as a detestable rival due to his condescending attitude. But his many charms win her over, and she eventually admires him as a mentor. Ren struggles with sincerity, revealing darkness within him over the course of the story. He is a perfect counterpart to Kyouko, afforded as much depth and personal growth as her.

Nakamura-sensei breathes life into an endearing cast, creating a diverse community. New opportunities bring Kyouko into contact with unique individuals contributing to her growth. You can’t miss eccentric characters like President Lori or capable manager Yashiro, who provides solemn advice and true-fan commentary, establishing himself as the voice of the readership. And there are plenty of other colorful individuals, so I recommend reading Skip Beat! to meet them all.

Enjoyment: Surely, you’ve gotten my opinion by now. If I comment further, I’ll exhaust the thesaurus of positive connotations related to Skip Beat! ;D

The binge-ability of this manga is extremely high. The only complaint is the agonizing wait for the next installment once you’ve caught up. Sometimes it feels like the story drags, but revisiting previous arcs reveals excellent pacing. Don’t expect quick resolutions and savor each chapter. I hope Nakamura-sensei writes the conclusion before I die, but fulfilling relationships take time.

Overall: Skip Beat! and its adaptations are why people haven’t lost hope in the shoujo genre. It is comparable to Akatsuki no Yona, Glass Mask, Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge, Ouran High School Host Club, Fruits Basket, and Akagami no Shirayuki-hime. If you haven’t read it yet, prioritize it.

Re-readability is also very high. I fell in love with this manga over a decade ago and continue to love it with zeal. I’ve read and re-read all chapters and seen the anime and drama adaptations countless times. The story remains refreshing and enjoyable no matter how many times I revisit it.

Parting Remarks: Thank you for reaching the end of this long rant. I apologize if the review wasn’t substantial enough, but I’m just one advocate among many. Don’t just take my word for it. Go and find out if you will love Skip Beat! as much as the rest of the fanbase. (And if anyone tries to tell me that Yashiro isn’t a princess amongst us – then you better be ready to step outside because imma fight you.)

The story is humorous and induces laughter numerous times. The protagonist, Kyoko Mogami, is a young girl who vowed to seek revenge on the boy she once loved. She ventured into show business for this very reason. Kyoko aims to become a renowned actress; hence, she must learn to trust herself and rediscover love.

This tale brims with amusing situations, alongside moments of sadness and romance. It stands as the finest manga I've ever read. Among the characters, Kyoko's demons are particularly outstanding—they truly are the comic relief of the story.

I can genuinely say this is among the finest mangas I've ever read. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. It's an incredible, humorous, yet refined manga about self-discovery and overcoming past challenges within a showbiz backdrop. This is undoubtedly one of those mangas where you eagerly await each new update.

When I initially started reading, I admit I wasn't overly impressed with the story; primarily because Kyouko's reason for entering showbiz and her somewhat peculiar, overly enthusiastic personality didn't resonate with me at first. However, shortly after, I found myself increasingly captivated by the narrative and its characters.

Nakamura Yoshiki is an extraordinary author. Unlike some who plunge straight into action from the outset, she adeptly builds tension gradually and skillfully.

Her storytelling prowess allows readers to deeply empathize with the characters in Skip Beat!, and as mentioned, "fall in love" with them. She excels from character introductions to developing their intricate personalities and backgrounds. It continually astonishes me how much more there is to learn about each character with every chapter.

The artwork has undeniably improved significantly since the earlier chapters. This manga consistently surprises me with its character designs, especially those of Kyouko and Ren. It's fascinating to see the beautifully distinct transformations of Kyouko and Ren as they take on various roles throughout the series.

If I wished, I could endlessly extol the virtues of this manga, but I won't (since this is already quite lengthy). To summarize, this manga is unparalleled: I don't believe you'll find another with such a unique plot and well-developed, enjoyable characters. I seldom give full marks, but I must say this manga thoroughly deserves a perfect score of 10 out of 10! :)

This manga means the world to me! I deeply connect with the main character, Kyouko. After experiencing betrayal, she refuses to believe in or seek love again. To get back at the person who betrayed her, she decides to enter showbiz and outshine them. You WILL laugh, and there will be moments where you'll almost cry. This isn't your typical love story; it takes time for Kyouko to find love and learn to love many other things. The main characters are Kyouko, Ren, and Sho! You will fall in love with numerous characters in this manga! Please enjoy! :)

The manga is incredibly epic. It's so wild and hilarious that you won't want to stop reading! I was completely captivated after reading the first chapter, enough said! Dive into it and enjoy because this might just be the best manga ever written!... at least in my opinion, it is! It's so funny that you'll laugh way more than you'll cry, so make sure to take regular bathroom breaks... trust me, I learned this the hard way!

Oh, how I adore this one! I initially picked it up simply because I had nothing else to read and it happened to be at the top of my list. I was instantly smitten from the very first page. I spent an entire 35 hours straight devouring it. The story completely enthralled me.

The artwork didn't appeal to me at first as it reminded me somewhat of the Chinese style (based on the three Chinese mangas I've read), but after rereading it at least seven times, I have grown to absolutely love the art style. It may not be the best out there, but it perfectly complements the story. The rough edges and oh-my those expressions in their eyes are just remarkable.

This manga somehow encapsulates a wide array of experiences. The main protagonist is far from the sweet angel you typically find in shoujo manga, and that's exactly why I love her. Her development throughout the series is beautifully crafted. The romance unfolds so slowly, making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Those few erotic moments were tastefully done and added a unique charm to the story.

The age gap between characters is adorable. The comedy is marvelous, and the drama is outstanding. I believe this will remain on my re-read list for many years to come. And when it finally ends, I know I'll be heartbroken.

When I initially considered reading Skip Beat!, I was quite hesitant. I’m not someone who enjoys lengthy stories, and the synopsis didn’t particularly grab my attention. However, after relentless persuasion from a friend, I gave it a try and ended up unable to put it down.

Story:

Skip Beat! is far from your typical cliché shoujo romance manga where the plot revolves around the main characters falling in love and ending up together. While romance is certainly an element, the manga offers much more than that. It’s the tale of a young girl with a history of mental abuse discovering her own path and happiness in life, learning to love herself (and eventually others) along the way.

The narrative is deeply grounded since the mangaka had a clear plan from the start, resulting in plenty of foreshadowing. The story is filled with humorous, hilarious, heart-wrenching, and angsty moments, making you laugh one minute and cry the next. The storytelling is incredibly detailed and somewhat slow-paced yet still enjoyable. The mangaka pays close attention to every little detail, which makes the story unique and gives it a true slow-burn feel. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, pulling you further into the story.

Art:

In my opinion, the art is the only downside of Skip Beat!. At the beginning, the art style isn't very appealing; the chins are too narrow and long, the arms and legs are disproportionately sized compared to the body, giving an overall unimpressive impression. However, you can clearly see improvements as the series progresses, with recent chapters being beautifully drawn.

In an odd way, the art is also one of the manga's strengths. Nakamura Yoshiki excels at drawing the emotions displayed on the characters' faces and in their eyes. Her ability to convey feelings so strongly to readers is truly remarkable.

Character:

This might be the strongest aspect of the manga. Every character is uniquely crafted and very human, complete with notable flaws. Even the supporting characters get their valuable "screen time" and undergo character growth.

The female lead is unlike any shoujo heroine I've encountered before. She is vengeful, her heart full of hate, and she has lost the ability to love others. On the other hand, she is also incredibly strong-willed, strong, and naive. Her mentally abusive past makes her relatable and influences her actions and thoughts. She drives the main story and message of Skip Beat!, focusing on her growth, self-discovery, and learning to love again.

The male lead is equally complex, with his story, background, and character growth being just as important and relevant to the storyline as hers. Coming from a physically abusive, painful, and guilt-ridden past, he too must go through a lot to let go of his past and allow himself the happiness and love he deserves.

The story is ultimately about these two people finding each other and, unknowingly, healing each other along the way.

Enjoyment:

To sum it up, I believe the "shoujo" label is misleading because I’m certain that anyone, not just girls, can enjoy the story this manga offers. It has everything a good story needs: an outstanding storyline, complex characters, a torturously slow-building romance, good humor, and angsty moments.

I would recommend everyone not to judge the book by its cover, or rather, don't dismiss it due to the unappealing art style at the beginning. The story is well worth the time it takes to read.

Skip Beat stands out from traditional shojo manga in several ways. Unlike the typical fluffy and light-hearted narratives, Skip Beat presents a more intense and action-packed storyline. The heroine, Kyoko Mogami, is anything but ordinary. Her avant-garde actions and unwavering spirit make her an unforgettable character. How can someone be both naive and thoughtful, yet dark and skeptical at the same time? You’ll have to read to find out.

Complementing this stunning narrative is Ren Tsuruga, the almost-perfect hero who becomes Kyoko’s confidant and love interest. Ren has a kind and gentle demeanor, but as the story unfolds, his dark past and insecurities slowly come to light. The interactions between Ren and Kyoko are particularly captivating, as are the less-than-pleasant encounters between Kyoko and her childhood love, Sho Fuwa, who left her for fame and fortune. Despite Sho’s unkind treatment of Kyoko, it’s clear that he still cares for her, making it hard to completely hate him.

What I especially appreciate about Skip Beat is the consistent development in every chapter. The characters grow and evolve in meaningful ways, ensuring that the story never feels stagnant. Each chapter offers something new, keeping readers engaged and eager for the next update. Additionally, the characters are incredibly likable, whether they’re heroes or villains. Nakamura-san’s illustrations bring them to life, even the supporting roles, making each update a joy to read.

Skip Beat is definitely a page-turner, keeping you on the edge of your seat for the next installment. It masterfully blends themes of finding strength in adversity, rediscovering oneself, and discovering friendship and romance in unexpected places. In Skip Beat, love isn’t about possession; rather, it’s about being each other’s guardian angel, offering support and affection when needed most.

This manga is far from over, but my review is based on the first 166 chapters. Regardless of how the mangaka decides to proceed, the journey has been nothing short of incredible—and lengthy.

If you think this story revolves around a bubbly girl caught in a love triangle just because she's scorned, all I can say is HA!

What makes this manga special?

The characters, for one. Kyoko, in particular, was portrayed brilliantly. How can one character be so psychotic and innocent at the same time? Not only does she have multiple personalities (and you can clearly see the differences), she's also one of the nicest people you could ever meet. She’s naive and clueless, but when she gets angry, watch out. She breaks all the rules and becomes someone so great that she doesn’t even recognize herself. Throughout the manga, you see her evolving as a person and as an actress.

The only thing that bothered me initially about both the manga and the anime was how tall the men were drawn. Even their faces seemed elongated, which felt strange at first. But you soon realize it’s part of the author's style, and the plot is so captivating that you eventually overlook it.

Like all my favorite manga, this one carries a moral lesson:

Sometimes, you need to change yourself and become someone unrecognizable to truly discover who you are.