This manga had me completely captivated. Once I began reading, I couldn't put it down. I ended up sitting in my chair for nearly 24 hours straight and finished all 169 chapters in one sitting.
The storyline follows a young girl with aspirations of becoming an actress. She possesses a wealth of raw talent and passion, which she continues to hone and refine throughout the narrative. The manga introduces a diverse cast of characters who are not always as they initially appear but are fundamentally human. Each character has their own history that influences their choices and actions, keeping readers engaged and intrigued.
Rather than merely highlighting key moments, the author allows readers to experience almost the entirety of the plays depicted, providing exciting narratives that are considered classics in real life as well.
Maya, the protagonist, faces a rival who has been dedicated to becoming the best actress since childhood. Their rivalry is fascinating as they deeply respect each other and share an understanding of what it means to live for acting. Both characters grow and gain new perspectives in their pursuit of the leading role in The Crimson Goddess.
Romance also plays a significant role in this manga, as various individuals fall in love with Maya while she navigates her own feelings for those around her. The love portrayed is sweet and pure, sure to warm the hearts of readers.
A central message in this manga is the importance of perseverance and hard work for one's passions. This theme is beautifully illustrated and inspires determination in readers. Personally, I found the art style somewhat different from what I'm accustomed to, but I grew comfortable with it after a few chapters. Overall, I believe this is a masterpiece and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an enjoyable, feel-good manga with depth and a compelling plot.
Do the constant squabbles and poor attempts at "comedy" in Skip Beat bother you? Does the angular, unappealing art irritate you? Well, here's a much more coherent and visually enjoyable alternative!
So what exactly does this manga provide? In terms of story, it offers something quite unique among mangas about actors and actresses—a comprehensive walkthrough of several stories. Others might offer summaries or perhaps a bit more, but nothing like this. This can be seen as a downside because the story drags on for what feels like forever (decades, in this case!), but it's also a strength since you get to experience multiple stories within the overarching narrative. Some of these stories have genuinely touching moments, so it's not just a random collection of text.
The art has that classic old-school charm of goofiness and slim, "inadequate" figures that, despite lacking perfect realism, is incredibly fun to look at (ch. 26 p. 12). The biggest artistic flaw is the random inclusion of flowers on several pages. Granted, I don't understand their purpose (is it to remind us of the "purple rose"?), but they unnecessarily take up space regardless.
Now, some spoilers ahead, so stop reading if you'd rather not know. I want to highlight what I found to be weak versus strong storylines or aspects.
The storyline where her friends believe she abandoned them is completely unbelievable—no one would so easily accept that a BEST FRIEND left without a fight; they'd need convincing! She even came back to make amends, which should have resolved the issue or at least allowed an opportunity for explanation with a simple phone call.
The storyline where Maya is drugged makes the least sense in the entire manga—how would revealing she was forcibly attacked make matters worse instead of better? Instead, she's blamed for partying with them and getting high! I guess the author thought it would add more drama by having her lose everything, but the author was mistaken; everyone turning on her to such an extent is absurd and nearly impossible in real life unless involved in a scandal like rape/murder/pedophilia (ch 74-80ish).
She became a superstar...and got NOTHING out of it? No savings? Really?! (ch 80). She repeatedly becomes destitute in this manga, and it doesn't make sense, similar to how Tsukikage being destitute also doesn't add up. Again, maybe it's supposed to be dramatic and develop Maya's character, but it's really senseless and incorrect.
Beyond the interesting play stories alone, examples of truly great storylines include:
The duality of Ayumi being genuinely fortunate (and having such an outrageous number of advantages over Maya, including starting acting 10 years earlier), yet also genuinely resenting being rewarded for her parents' status rather than her merit, makes Ayumi more intriguing, especially since it's specifically stated that she wants to play the crimson goddess so badly.
Ayumi taking revenge specifically for Maya was somewhat fascinating, particularly when Maya became blacklisted by illicit means. It added a new layer of depth to their rivalry, though it almost inevitably made it too friendly from that point onward.
It gets a bit tiresome how often it's referenced, but the purple rose storyline was sweet and meaningful for a long while. I think this was diluted more due to the author stretching the manga on too long; when that happens, an author usually loses some of their original dedication to creativity and meaningful dialogue, and it seems to be what's happening here.
Anyway, this wasn't really a conventional review, sorry; I just jotted down thoughts as I read and decided to quickly try to make it more coherent and see if anyone would appreciate it. It's not the greatest manga ever, but even someone who strictly enjoys shounen/seinen can enjoy this shoujo/josei, so I felt I should share something!
Glass Mask is undoubtedly one of the finest shoujo manga ever created. While it features a familiar shoujo setting, the storyline skillfully avoids the typical clichés often found in this genre. The artwork reflects a classic 80s style, not particularly groundbreaking, but the mangaka pays meticulous attention to minor details. Her grasp of common facial expressions is exceptional.
What truly sets Glass Mask apart are its main characters and compelling narrative. The protagonist is someone you can't help but empathize with, and all supporting characters, including antagonists, are richly developed with realistic, human traits. The plot arc is engaging, with each mini-arc presenting challenges to the protagonist's confidence and abilities, which she overcomes in surprising ways, leaving both readers and in-story audiences amazed. The main arc builds gradually, leading to an impending crisis about halfway through.
Glass Mask's themes of hard work, natural talent, and achieving success despite lacking conventional beauty or grace make it one of my personal favorites. It's a must-try for every shoujo fan. <p>
Glass Mask stands as a legendary Shoujo Manga, renowned for its deep and emotional storyline. It portrays a world where those passionate about the performing arts relentlessly strive to realize their dreams. Beneath the masks worn by actors on stage lie touching stories of love and camaraderie, along with the enduring passion for acting shared by characters whose destinies are intertwined by the work "Crimson Goddess."
Have you ever pondered why the stage and acting hold such allure for artists? They willingly risk everything, even their lives, for fleeting moments to honor their characters before thousands of spectators. Throughout history, artists have faced prejudice. Even in Western countries, they were often seen merely as entertainment at parties or commodities for sale. In Asia, particularly in a country with a millennia-old history like Japan, artists lacked solid social standing. Despite this, through many challenges and harsh conditions, they poured all their passion into their careers.
In terms of creative thinking and the true value of acting, it's impossible to cover everything. However, across 49 volumes, Suzue Miuchi skillfully paints a vivid picture of the artist's world—their struggles, efforts, behind-the-scenes happenings, and the price paid to shine under the spotlight. When artists step onto the stage, they cease being themselves, instead embodying the characters they portray, wearing an invisible “glass mask” to conceal their identities. That same endearing face transforms from the shy Maya girl into noble figures like Princess Aldis, Wild Wolf Jane, or the essence of a thousand-year plum tree—"Crimson Goddess."
The masks they wear aren't mere fictions assigned by others; they're the result of hard work, truly valuable and deserving respect, knowing the artists pour their heart and soul into sublime performances to satisfy the audience. Yet, life is full of insidious individuals harboring hatred, envy, and willing to harm others for personal gain. An artist's life is no exception, sometimes making the stage a fierce battlefield. With extraordinary energy, Maya overcomes everything to achieve her dream: to live as a theater actress and play various roles on stage. To Maya, understanding a character goes beyond subjective emotions; it's an arduous process of striving to interpret and live up to the character she performs. Unlike typical young actors who might be impulsive, arrogant, or egotistical, Maya is different. She may transform on stage, wearing countless masks while acting, but offstage, she remains herself, behaving kindly toward friends and fairly competing with her greatest rival, Ayumi.
If clichés and tropes in some Manga irritate you, worry not here. The two heroines of Glass Mask—Maya and Ayumi—are not stereotypical. Their feelings, emotions, thoughts, are very human. Regarding Maya, aside from her acting talent, she's inept in other areas. She can't even remember simple math formulas. When angry or hateful, she reacts strongly without backing down, with one victim being Daito Art’s cold and heartless machine, Masumi. Maya hates him because he indirectly caused her beloved mother's death and tried to suppress her teacher Tsukikage and her small group.
Speaking of Ayumi, called a genius destined for leading roles, her image resembles a beautiful, cheerful, talented princess. Confident yet never arrogant, she knows she must mature and stand on her own. Facing Maya, a formidable rival more talented in acting, it's natural jealousy might arise, leading her to harm Maya. Instead, Ayumi respects Maya, seeing her as the biggest opponent. There was even a time when Ayumi retaliated against someone harming Maya, causing Maya to leave the stage and be ostracized. Ayumi sees Maya as a goal to fight for the right to perform as the main actress of "Crimson Goddess," because only competing with Maya makes her truly feel "I can do it." In Ayumi’s eyes, ignoring rivalry and external circumstances, Maya is like her confidante, both sharing the same passion for acting and stage.
Even Masumi, a workaholic indifferent to anything besides business, changes upon meeting an innocent 11-year-younger girl whose smile made his heart beat irregularly. Masumi isn’t as cold-blooded as perceived; his past is painful and tragic, so he seeks success, ignores everything, and doesn't need love from anyone. Despite this, since human hearts inherently beat, they can't help vibrating, and little Maya melts the thick ice covering his heart. As an adopted child himself, enduring memories of his estranged mother haunt him because in his adoptive father's mind only "Crimson Goddess" mattered. Seeing that beautiful portrait burned to ashes left haunting memories. Initially, his action of securing Daito Art's exclusive rights to perform "Crimson Goddess" aimed to bury his tumultuous past, but later, it was also to see the goddess's image in the girl he fell deeply in love with.
"Ironically, the person secretly supporting Maya since early days is none other than Masumi, whom she hates most. In classic Shoujo, the line between love and hate is vague and hard to define. Still, it's an endless topic that never bores readers because it reflects pure emotion within each heart. The dynamic between Masumi and Maya shines like stars in the sky when all resentments seem to vanish. On the opening night of "Forgotten Wilderness," an unexpected typhoon hit, preventing people from coming to the theater. Yet, despite this adversity, Masumi braved the typhoon to keep his promise to Maya. That night, there was only one person in the auditorium. Stewart’s blue scarf that "Jane" used to dry water droplets remained on the face of the "Daito Art’s machine," appearing only once on the first night. And "Mr. Purple Roses" finally revealed himself, always secretly supporting her for years. This event set the stage for their love to blossom. Whatever will be, will be. Later, in the hometown of "Crimson Goddess," after seeing Ms. Tsukikage's sublime performance, Maya pondered the goddess's love. Guided by fate, Maya donned the robe once worn by the goddess. At that moment, paranormal events occurred. Meeting Masumi on the river's other side, she realized how fervently she loves him. Their souls seemed to escape their bodies, ready to join together. Sadly, reality is harsh; that moment was an illusion, perhaps because neither fully believed in miracles.
"Glass Mask" presents not only young romance and passion for art but also the hardships they endure, as their path isn't strewn with roses. Just as Yin and Yang represent Taiji's aspects, our world has bright and dark sides. While some choose to trample others to rise, others advance independently. Solidarity is strength; true friendship always shines with mutual trust. Success comes with earnest work and love for the stage. That's what the Tsukikage group and the Ikkakuju group achieved. Despite being different groups, they became friends and teamed up for a performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," attracting over 6000 audiences. This was also the stepping stone to bring Maya back to the stage after being ostracized. The friendship between Ayumi and Maya compares to Princess and Cinderella, yet they remain good friends. The kinship-like relationship between Maya, Rei, and their co-stars in the Tsukikage group is significant to the story's progress. Especially the teacher-student relationship between the former "Crimson Goddess"—Ms. Tsukikage—and Maya, Ayumi, brings this Manga to its climax. Some consider Ms. Tsukikage strict and stern because she urgently sought a successor, not wanting the play wasted. Some said she's selfish. But if Ms. Tsukikage were truly selfish, she would live in the past as "Crimson Goddess" and never relinquish it. Instead, she didn't, acknowledging "Crimson Goddess" doesn't belong solely to her. It's the essence of stage and acting, a classic work worthy of being passed down. She wanted to revive the divine spirit hidden in the plum tree through a new image, thus devoting herself entirely. It may sound exaggerated, but "Crimson Goddess" had become her life.
There’s much more to discuss and analyze in this Manga, but I'll stop here. I'd also like to commend Miuchi-sensei for creating this masterpiece, knowing she had minimal knowledge about stage and acting before writing it. Between Maya and Ayumi, who will earn the right to perform "Crimson Goddess"? Will Maya and Masumi become lovers? The hiatus has lasted ten years, but I hope one day we'll see the ending of this wonderful tale. With 50 million copies sold, Glass Mask ranks second among highest-selling Shoujo Manga ever made. Old but gold, despite seeming obsolete or unsung in today's market, this Manga undeniably stands as a classic masterpiece with a magnificent character-driven narrative captivating those who love stage plays or merely enjoy Shoujo Romance.
Glass Mask, also known as Garasu no Kamen, is undoubtedly one of the oldest manga still in serialization today. Celebrating its 36th anniversary in January 2012 — yes, it was first serialized in 1976 — this manga continues to evolve even after all these years, and we still can't predict how it will end.
The story centers around Maya Kitajima, who seems to be an ordinary girl with little to offer, but possesses a profound passion for drama and acting. When her hidden talent is discovered by Tsukikage Chigusa, a renowned retired actress, she embarks on a journey to fulfill her dream of playing the lead role in the famous work, Crimson Goddess, which was originally Tsukikage's. However, Maya isn't the only contender — there's also Ayumi Himekawa, another girl chosen by Tsukikage, who is a well-known actress of the same age as Maya. Ayumi serves as Maya's counterpart — she's intelligent, beautiful, and famous. But little does anyone know that Maya is actually more talented than Ayumi?
Up to this point, the plot is exceptionally crafted, original, and captivating! We witness Maya's continuous growth throughout the series, filled with remarkable dramas and performances, ensuring that things never get dull. This manga is the kind that grabs your attention from the very start and leaves you eager to read more. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that, like many other shoujo mangas, this one also features elements of romance. But this romance is far from ordinary. No spoilers from me; you can read, see, and be amazed at how beautifully love blossoms between Maya and a certain man. While there may be some clichés in the romance, it doesn't matter — it's still fantastic. Their love is eternal and cherished by all Glass Mask fans.
The characters develop gradually but surely in this series. Maya, once timid and lacking confidence, begins to realize her true potential and never gives up on pursuing her dreams. Ayumi, who started out as overly confident, evolves into a true gentlewoman (?), admitting defeat and always striving to outdo Maya.
Don't even get me started on the characters and story because, in all those aspects, this series is a masterpiece. The only average aspect is the art, which reflects the classic style of the 80s, nothing extraordinary, but the mangaka excels at drawing emotions and conveying them to the readers. You might find the art amusing at first, but trust me, as the story progresses and you continue reading, you'll grow accustomed to it.
It's truly fascinating to observe how much the series has transformed from the first chapter to the latest one available, and believe me, you won't regret diving into this manga.
Popular Reviews
The storyline follows a young girl with aspirations of becoming an actress. She possesses a wealth of raw talent and passion, which she continues to hone and refine throughout the narrative. The manga introduces a diverse cast of characters who are not always as they initially appear but are fundamentally human. Each character has their own history that influences their choices and actions, keeping readers engaged and intrigued.
Rather than merely highlighting key moments, the author allows readers to experience almost the entirety of the plays depicted, providing exciting narratives that are considered classics in real life as well.
Maya, the protagonist, faces a rival who has been dedicated to becoming the best actress since childhood. Their rivalry is fascinating as they deeply respect each other and share an understanding of what it means to live for acting. Both characters grow and gain new perspectives in their pursuit of the leading role in The Crimson Goddess.
Romance also plays a significant role in this manga, as various individuals fall in love with Maya while she navigates her own feelings for those around her. The love portrayed is sweet and pure, sure to warm the hearts of readers.
A central message in this manga is the importance of perseverance and hard work for one's passions. This theme is beautifully illustrated and inspires determination in readers. Personally, I found the art style somewhat different from what I'm accustomed to, but I grew comfortable with it after a few chapters. Overall, I believe this is a masterpiece and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an enjoyable, feel-good manga with depth and a compelling plot.
So what exactly does this manga provide? In terms of story, it offers something quite unique among mangas about actors and actresses—a comprehensive walkthrough of several stories. Others might offer summaries or perhaps a bit more, but nothing like this. This can be seen as a downside because the story drags on for what feels like forever (decades, in this case!), but it's also a strength since you get to experience multiple stories within the overarching narrative. Some of these stories have genuinely touching moments, so it's not just a random collection of text.
The art has that classic old-school charm of goofiness and slim, "inadequate" figures that, despite lacking perfect realism, is incredibly fun to look at (ch. 26 p. 12). The biggest artistic flaw is the random inclusion of flowers on several pages. Granted, I don't understand their purpose (is it to remind us of the "purple rose"?), but they unnecessarily take up space regardless.
Now, some spoilers ahead, so stop reading if you'd rather not know. I want to highlight what I found to be weak versus strong storylines or aspects.
The storyline where her friends believe she abandoned them is completely unbelievable—no one would so easily accept that a BEST FRIEND left without a fight; they'd need convincing! She even came back to make amends, which should have resolved the issue or at least allowed an opportunity for explanation with a simple phone call.
The storyline where Maya is drugged makes the least sense in the entire manga—how would revealing she was forcibly attacked make matters worse instead of better? Instead, she's blamed for partying with them and getting high! I guess the author thought it would add more drama by having her lose everything, but the author was mistaken; everyone turning on her to such an extent is absurd and nearly impossible in real life unless involved in a scandal like rape/murder/pedophilia (ch 74-80ish).
She became a superstar...and got NOTHING out of it? No savings? Really?! (ch 80). She repeatedly becomes destitute in this manga, and it doesn't make sense, similar to how Tsukikage being destitute also doesn't add up. Again, maybe it's supposed to be dramatic and develop Maya's character, but it's really senseless and incorrect.
Beyond the interesting play stories alone, examples of truly great storylines include:
The duality of Ayumi being genuinely fortunate (and having such an outrageous number of advantages over Maya, including starting acting 10 years earlier), yet also genuinely resenting being rewarded for her parents' status rather than her merit, makes Ayumi more intriguing, especially since it's specifically stated that she wants to play the crimson goddess so badly.
Ayumi taking revenge specifically for Maya was somewhat fascinating, particularly when Maya became blacklisted by illicit means. It added a new layer of depth to their rivalry, though it almost inevitably made it too friendly from that point onward.
It gets a bit tiresome how often it's referenced, but the purple rose storyline was sweet and meaningful for a long while. I think this was diluted more due to the author stretching the manga on too long; when that happens, an author usually loses some of their original dedication to creativity and meaningful dialogue, and it seems to be what's happening here.
Anyway, this wasn't really a conventional review, sorry; I just jotted down thoughts as I read and decided to quickly try to make it more coherent and see if anyone would appreciate it. It's not the greatest manga ever, but even someone who strictly enjoys shounen/seinen can enjoy this shoujo/josei, so I felt I should share something!
What truly sets Glass Mask apart are its main characters and compelling narrative. The protagonist is someone you can't help but empathize with, and all supporting characters, including antagonists, are richly developed with realistic, human traits. The plot arc is engaging, with each mini-arc presenting challenges to the protagonist's confidence and abilities, which she overcomes in surprising ways, leaving both readers and in-story audiences amazed. The main arc builds gradually, leading to an impending crisis about halfway through.
Glass Mask's themes of hard work, natural talent, and achieving success despite lacking conventional beauty or grace make it one of my personal favorites. It's a must-try for every shoujo fan. <p>
Have you ever pondered why the stage and acting hold such allure for artists? They willingly risk everything, even their lives, for fleeting moments to honor their characters before thousands of spectators. Throughout history, artists have faced prejudice. Even in Western countries, they were often seen merely as entertainment at parties or commodities for sale. In Asia, particularly in a country with a millennia-old history like Japan, artists lacked solid social standing. Despite this, through many challenges and harsh conditions, they poured all their passion into their careers.
In terms of creative thinking and the true value of acting, it's impossible to cover everything. However, across 49 volumes, Suzue Miuchi skillfully paints a vivid picture of the artist's world—their struggles, efforts, behind-the-scenes happenings, and the price paid to shine under the spotlight. When artists step onto the stage, they cease being themselves, instead embodying the characters they portray, wearing an invisible “glass mask” to conceal their identities. That same endearing face transforms from the shy Maya girl into noble figures like Princess Aldis, Wild Wolf Jane, or the essence of a thousand-year plum tree—"Crimson Goddess."
The masks they wear aren't mere fictions assigned by others; they're the result of hard work, truly valuable and deserving respect, knowing the artists pour their heart and soul into sublime performances to satisfy the audience. Yet, life is full of insidious individuals harboring hatred, envy, and willing to harm others for personal gain. An artist's life is no exception, sometimes making the stage a fierce battlefield. With extraordinary energy, Maya overcomes everything to achieve her dream: to live as a theater actress and play various roles on stage. To Maya, understanding a character goes beyond subjective emotions; it's an arduous process of striving to interpret and live up to the character she performs. Unlike typical young actors who might be impulsive, arrogant, or egotistical, Maya is different. She may transform on stage, wearing countless masks while acting, but offstage, she remains herself, behaving kindly toward friends and fairly competing with her greatest rival, Ayumi.
If clichés and tropes in some Manga irritate you, worry not here. The two heroines of Glass Mask—Maya and Ayumi—are not stereotypical. Their feelings, emotions, thoughts, are very human. Regarding Maya, aside from her acting talent, she's inept in other areas. She can't even remember simple math formulas. When angry or hateful, she reacts strongly without backing down, with one victim being Daito Art’s cold and heartless machine, Masumi. Maya hates him because he indirectly caused her beloved mother's death and tried to suppress her teacher Tsukikage and her small group.
Speaking of Ayumi, called a genius destined for leading roles, her image resembles a beautiful, cheerful, talented princess. Confident yet never arrogant, she knows she must mature and stand on her own. Facing Maya, a formidable rival more talented in acting, it's natural jealousy might arise, leading her to harm Maya. Instead, Ayumi respects Maya, seeing her as the biggest opponent. There was even a time when Ayumi retaliated against someone harming Maya, causing Maya to leave the stage and be ostracized. Ayumi sees Maya as a goal to fight for the right to perform as the main actress of "Crimson Goddess," because only competing with Maya makes her truly feel "I can do it." In Ayumi’s eyes, ignoring rivalry and external circumstances, Maya is like her confidante, both sharing the same passion for acting and stage.
Even Masumi, a workaholic indifferent to anything besides business, changes upon meeting an innocent 11-year-younger girl whose smile made his heart beat irregularly. Masumi isn’t as cold-blooded as perceived; his past is painful and tragic, so he seeks success, ignores everything, and doesn't need love from anyone. Despite this, since human hearts inherently beat, they can't help vibrating, and little Maya melts the thick ice covering his heart. As an adopted child himself, enduring memories of his estranged mother haunt him because in his adoptive father's mind only "Crimson Goddess" mattered. Seeing that beautiful portrait burned to ashes left haunting memories. Initially, his action of securing Daito Art's exclusive rights to perform "Crimson Goddess" aimed to bury his tumultuous past, but later, it was also to see the goddess's image in the girl he fell deeply in love with.
"Ironically, the person secretly supporting Maya since early days is none other than Masumi, whom she hates most. In classic Shoujo, the line between love and hate is vague and hard to define. Still, it's an endless topic that never bores readers because it reflects pure emotion within each heart. The dynamic between Masumi and Maya shines like stars in the sky when all resentments seem to vanish. On the opening night of "Forgotten Wilderness," an unexpected typhoon hit, preventing people from coming to the theater. Yet, despite this adversity, Masumi braved the typhoon to keep his promise to Maya. That night, there was only one person in the auditorium. Stewart’s blue scarf that "Jane" used to dry water droplets remained on the face of the "Daito Art’s machine," appearing only once on the first night. And "Mr. Purple Roses" finally revealed himself, always secretly supporting her for years. This event set the stage for their love to blossom. Whatever will be, will be. Later, in the hometown of "Crimson Goddess," after seeing Ms. Tsukikage's sublime performance, Maya pondered the goddess's love. Guided by fate, Maya donned the robe once worn by the goddess. At that moment, paranormal events occurred. Meeting Masumi on the river's other side, she realized how fervently she loves him. Their souls seemed to escape their bodies, ready to join together. Sadly, reality is harsh; that moment was an illusion, perhaps because neither fully believed in miracles.
"Glass Mask" presents not only young romance and passion for art but also the hardships they endure, as their path isn't strewn with roses. Just as Yin and Yang represent Taiji's aspects, our world has bright and dark sides. While some choose to trample others to rise, others advance independently. Solidarity is strength; true friendship always shines with mutual trust. Success comes with earnest work and love for the stage. That's what the Tsukikage group and the Ikkakuju group achieved. Despite being different groups, they became friends and teamed up for a performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," attracting over 6000 audiences. This was also the stepping stone to bring Maya back to the stage after being ostracized. The friendship between Ayumi and Maya compares to Princess and Cinderella, yet they remain good friends. The kinship-like relationship between Maya, Rei, and their co-stars in the Tsukikage group is significant to the story's progress. Especially the teacher-student relationship between the former "Crimson Goddess"—Ms. Tsukikage—and Maya, Ayumi, brings this Manga to its climax. Some consider Ms. Tsukikage strict and stern because she urgently sought a successor, not wanting the play wasted. Some said she's selfish. But if Ms. Tsukikage were truly selfish, she would live in the past as "Crimson Goddess" and never relinquish it. Instead, she didn't, acknowledging "Crimson Goddess" doesn't belong solely to her. It's the essence of stage and acting, a classic work worthy of being passed down. She wanted to revive the divine spirit hidden in the plum tree through a new image, thus devoting herself entirely. It may sound exaggerated, but "Crimson Goddess" had become her life.
There’s much more to discuss and analyze in this Manga, but I'll stop here. I'd also like to commend Miuchi-sensei for creating this masterpiece, knowing she had minimal knowledge about stage and acting before writing it. Between Maya and Ayumi, who will earn the right to perform "Crimson Goddess"? Will Maya and Masumi become lovers? The hiatus has lasted ten years, but I hope one day we'll see the ending of this wonderful tale. With 50 million copies sold, Glass Mask ranks second among highest-selling Shoujo Manga ever made. Old but gold, despite seeming obsolete or unsung in today's market, this Manga undeniably stands as a classic masterpiece with a magnificent character-driven narrative captivating those who love stage plays or merely enjoy Shoujo Romance.
The story centers around Maya Kitajima, who seems to be an ordinary girl with little to offer, but possesses a profound passion for drama and acting. When her hidden talent is discovered by Tsukikage Chigusa, a renowned retired actress, she embarks on a journey to fulfill her dream of playing the lead role in the famous work, Crimson Goddess, which was originally Tsukikage's. However, Maya isn't the only contender — there's also Ayumi Himekawa, another girl chosen by Tsukikage, who is a well-known actress of the same age as Maya. Ayumi serves as Maya's counterpart — she's intelligent, beautiful, and famous. But little does anyone know that Maya is actually more talented than Ayumi?
Up to this point, the plot is exceptionally crafted, original, and captivating! We witness Maya's continuous growth throughout the series, filled with remarkable dramas and performances, ensuring that things never get dull. This manga is the kind that grabs your attention from the very start and leaves you eager to read more. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that, like many other shoujo mangas, this one also features elements of romance. But this romance is far from ordinary. No spoilers from me; you can read, see, and be amazed at how beautifully love blossoms between Maya and a certain man. While there may be some clichés in the romance, it doesn't matter — it's still fantastic. Their love is eternal and cherished by all Glass Mask fans.
The characters develop gradually but surely in this series. Maya, once timid and lacking confidence, begins to realize her true potential and never gives up on pursuing her dreams. Ayumi, who started out as overly confident, evolves into a true gentlewoman (?), admitting defeat and always striving to outdo Maya.
Don't even get me started on the characters and story because, in all those aspects, this series is a masterpiece. The only average aspect is the art, which reflects the classic style of the 80s, nothing extraordinary, but the mangaka excels at drawing emotions and conveying them to the readers. You might find the art amusing at first, but trust me, as the story progresses and you continue reading, you'll grow accustomed to it.
It's truly fascinating to observe how much the series has transformed from the first chapter to the latest one available, and believe me, you won't regret diving into this manga.