I've been doing Manga Mondays every week since I started my blog 2 years ago. It's always been a personal feature, but now I'm going to try turning it into a meme. There are quite a few people who do Manga Mondays. I don't claim by any means that I owned or created the idea of Manga Mondays - it's an obvious choice given the alliteration. I think a meme would be a good way for everyone to publicize their own Manga Mondays and get a little more publicity.
The linky will be below my review.
Skip Beat! vol. 16 by Yoshiki Nakamura
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!
Saving Kyoko from Reino's attack has finally knocked some sense into Sho's head, and he realizes how much he cares for her. But before he can declare his devotion, Ren shows up to ruin the moment. Both men realize that Kyoko has no idea of their true feelings for her and begin a secret battle for her affections! (courtesy of the back cover and Goodreads)
Review
*Warning: Potential spoilers. My manga reviews tend to be more of a summary than a review. I find it hard to review manga in the same way I do regular books.
It's Kyoko and Ren versus Kyoko and Sho!
Ren shows up after Kyoko was attacked by Reino and subsequently saved by Sho. He has no idea what happened, although realizes that something is up. Kyoko is far too embarrassed to tell him. Of course, he finds out. And he flips. He's upset that Kyoko was threatened by seems just as upset that it was Sho who showed up to save her. Nothing like fear and jealousy combined.
Sho is as arrogant as they come, but even he is astute enough to realize that Ren's anger is not simply the emotion of a close colleague, but of someone who is personally interested in Kyoko. Sho isn't going to let anyone other than him have Kyoko. I don't think that Sho is all that attracted to Kyoko, at least not consciously. He wants her because he realizes what he's missing and because she's like his property. That and having a rival interested in her makes her more appealing.
I'm interested to see how the rivalry between Ren and Sho develops. I'm definitely a fan of Kyoko and Ren - who wouldn't be? But there's something to the chemistry between Sho and Kyoko. If this were an adult romance, they would alternate between screaming at each other and tearing their clothes off and going at it. Theirs is a raw, physical attraction that I don't think they realize. In contrast, Kyoko and Ren are a sweet couple who would hold hands while walking down the street and cuddle while watching movies. As much as I prefer sweet, simply romance, my stomach does do butterflies at the hotness of Kyoko and Sho.
Awwwww I'm still rooting for Ren! I don't know why, but I've decided he has my favor and I'll be sad if she chooses Sho. Maybe I see Ren as the underdog and I always throw my support behind the underdog:)
ReplyDeleteI have to root for Ren though I do think that Sho has begun unconsciously realizing what he's lost - or maybe he's falling for the person Kyoko is becoming without realizing that he's the one that put her on that path to begin with? I think his past with her makes him feel a bit like Kyoko still 'belongs' to him. Ren is a great motivator!
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to give this series a try!
ReplyDeleteGreat point you made about Kyoko and Sho! Definitely not consciously aware of his attraction to Kyoko, but Sho really does still have that burning interest deep down. Now it's just how amusing it is to watch him realize it and fight back at Ren for Kyoko XD Awesome review as usual, Alison!
ReplyDeleteOh, Sho! He sounds like such a jerk--especially with the wanting Kyoko for himself because she's "his" in some way. Get her, Ren!
ReplyDeleteI will ship Ren and Kyoko, I like my sweet guys ^_^.
ReplyDeleteSandy
Scribing Shadows
When this series first came out, I was buying it, but didn't start readiing it until maybe volume 10 or so. It sounded interesting, but In had so many more things to read. Then I told myself "This is ridiculous". I have all these manga books I keep collectinig, but I never get around to reading and that is why I have about 20 boxes of manga in the basement I am getting rid of.
ReplyDeleteBut I digress. Anyway, I decided to read vol 1 to see if I liked so I could decide if I wanted to keep purchasing the series or drop it. I could not put it down and was soon compeltely caught up with the series.
Now, I have a lot of manga around the house and I am not caught up on even 10% of them, but I am caught up on this series and it is now one of my favorites.
Glad you enjoyed!
I also have a Monday manga post, so I am really happy I can link up to yours!
Enjoy!
Tammy @ http://bosbooknook.blogspot.com
I'm rooting for Ren. He just sounds sweet and genuine. I wonder if Sho would even care if there wasn't any competition around.
ReplyDelete