Get ready to laugh over and over again!
Wouldn't Skip Beat be one of the most hilarious mangas that exists? Honestly, I think so.
First the synopsis. The main character - Kyōko Mogami - moved to Tokyo to follow her childhood friend - Shō Fuwa - (whom she is in love with). Having become a well-known singer in Japan, he ended up manipulating Kyōko, throwing her away from his life like she was nothing to begin with. Put yourself in her shoes? What would you do? I would probably cry. Well Kyōko has decided otherwise and she intends to take revenge. She decides to become an actress and integrate the competing company of Shō which produces stars such as actors and singers. Then she will meet the other main character - Ren Tsuruga – a handsome talented man recognized as one or even the best actor in Japan. He will become his mentor and will start falling in love with Kyōko.
A love triangle like no other
Let's agree, I hate love triangles in shojos, too cliché for my taste. The main character is generally in love with the brown hair guy, the brown is also in love with her but cannot admit his feelings. Then the sad heroine will find some comfort in the arms of a very kind blond, respectful and always present. Their story develops and then plot twist! The brown finally wakes up after months and decides to win back her love and the worst is that he succeeds. And the blond guy (way too nice) lets his sweetheart join his true love... MY GOD STOP!
Skip Beat offers a completely different approach:
1°) The heroine has built a real relationship with the two men. As a result, we appreciate these two relationships.
2°) The three characters are charismatic, funny, ambitious and slightly naive which gives them an endearing side. It also allows the story to go further.
More than 250 chapters...
Skip Beat has been published monthly since 2002. The series is still in progress with over 250 chapters/42 volumes (83 chapters/18 volumes for Ouran High School Host Club, 85 chapters/18 volumes for Kaichou Wa Maid-sama!).
Why is the story still not finished?
If we constantly wonder how the love story will evolve, we do not forget that the main character is Kyōko, and which heroine: beautiful, funny, intelligent, ambitious. She is not just reduced to a girl who seeks love since Kyōko, betrayed by Shō, refuses to fall in love again. She has a real goal: to become the greatest actress in Japan. The story invites us to follow her dream.
In summary
I read a lot of shōjos and for now Skip Beat is my favorite one. I have read it over and over again with the same enthusiasm. I therefore advise it to all those who are revolted by weak main characters who take no initiative. Kyōko Mogami is an example for all the heroines of shōjo.
