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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
This was a really interesting story. I definitely want to read the next volume. It's in part a mystery, in part a social commentary, and in part an idol story (although it's more former idol at the moment). I really enjoyed reading it. Nina is a main character with some trauma, but she's also pretty cool at times. I'm curious to see how her character will evolve and grow, as she's isolated for the most part right now. I liked the art in this, no complaints or anything. Overall, I would definitely recommend this one, and look forward to volume two! 4 stars.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thought and opinions are my own.*
It isn't often I fall upon a psychological thriller in manga form, even more so when it is shoujo. Add in that this one deals with fan and idol culture and I knew I had to check it out. There are some great characters here, great build up of suspense, and cute artwork. I did think the attack on her would be... more considering the trauma she is going through, but I think I get it. The artwork is also... it is cute, but sometimes it doesn't feel right for what we are reading. Perhaps that is the point...
Anyhow a great first volume!
It isn't often I fall upon a psychological thriller in manga form, even more so when it is shoujo. Add in that this one deals with fan and idol culture and I knew I had to check it out. There are some great characters here, great build up of suspense, and cute artwork. I did think the attack on her would be... more considering the trauma she is going through, but I think I get it. The artwork is also... it is cute, but sometimes it doesn't feel right for what we are reading. Perhaps that is the point...
Anyhow a great first volume!
medium-paced
This is a fantastic manga!
While it deals with sensitive material, I feel the author did an amazing job with how it was handled.
The art is marvelous and the storyline intriguing. It will keep you turning pages until you reach the end.
It talks about what a lot of women feel and have to deal with on a daily basis for just being a woman. For how men think they can behave towards them and how trauma can change a person.
I can't wait for the next volume because of that cliffhanger...wow.
Warning: Trigger warnings for some.
While it deals with sensitive material, I feel the author did an amazing job with how it was handled.
The art is marvelous and the storyline intriguing. It will keep you turning pages until you reach the end.
It talks about what a lot of women feel and have to deal with on a daily basis for just being a woman. For how men think they can behave towards them and how trauma can change a person.
I can't wait for the next volume because of that cliffhanger...wow.
Warning: Trigger warnings for some.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Viz Media for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion!
Great new manga that focusses on some serious issues - such as the discrimination and derogation of woman and peer pressure and bullying. It's probably a good thing that I received a free copy, because it's been a while since I read a manga, not because of anything specific reason but 'life' usually gets in the way. Nonetheless, Not Your Idol is a very interesting take on the whole girl dressing like a boy idea. The story gives the trope depth that I feel has yet to be seen - at least in manga available in western media!
Nina is great. In the sense that her fear is not overly dressed, nor is her reactions to the events happening around her. She does misunderstand sometimes, but at the same time these misunderstandings are valid because of the trauma she experienced. I particularly liked the criticism that the manga (so far) provides on idol culture in relation to gender roles in society. While I can't say much about Japan's own culture, but it's a relateable concept even here, where women had been objectified in music videos and various movies roles (though these have, in varying degrees, improved over the years, it still needs work). I like also that Nina is scared but she also hates the hypocrisy, yet wants to improve the way people view 'beauty', 'role of women', and 'being an idol'.
Hikaru, on the other hand, is currently being projected as the potential but not necessarily love interest of Nina. he has his own problems and seems to understand Nina because of what happened to his sister. However, as we are viewing the story through Nina's eyes, she sometimes doubts him.
On the whole, I am interested in this manga. It feels serious, yet there are some light moments that break through, and give the general feel of your expected Shoujo manga. I look forward to reading this further, hopefully the next volume comes out soon after this one!
Great new manga that focusses on some serious issues - such as the discrimination and derogation of woman and peer pressure and bullying. It's probably a good thing that I received a free copy, because it's been a while since I read a manga, not because of anything specific reason but 'life' usually gets in the way. Nonetheless, Not Your Idol is a very interesting take on the whole girl dressing like a boy idea. The story gives the trope depth that I feel has yet to be seen - at least in manga available in western media!
Nina is great. In the sense that her fear is not overly dressed, nor is her reactions to the events happening around her. She does misunderstand sometimes, but at the same time these misunderstandings are valid because of the trauma she experienced. I particularly liked the criticism that the manga (so far) provides on idol culture in relation to gender roles in society. While I can't say much about Japan's own culture, but it's a relateable concept even here, where women had been objectified in music videos and various movies roles (though these have, in varying degrees, improved over the years, it still needs work). I like also that Nina is scared but she also hates the hypocrisy, yet wants to improve the way people view 'beauty', 'role of women', and 'being an idol'.
Hikaru, on the other hand, is currently being projected as the potential but not necessarily love interest of Nina. he has his own problems and seems to understand Nina because of what happened to his sister. However, as we are viewing the story through Nina's eyes, she sometimes doubts him.
On the whole, I am interested in this manga. It feels serious, yet there are some light moments that break through, and give the general feel of your expected Shoujo manga. I look forward to reading this further, hopefully the next volume comes out soon after this one!
there's more to this story than you might think - and the artwork is just gorgeous.
That was way more intense than I was expecting. I really liked how both characters deal with each other, each trying to careful because of the trauma she has suffered. I am also really nervous to find out who really is the person who attacked her previously, it still feels like there's something we don't know. I really liked Nina, she was still trying to be strong for others even though she was suffering herself.
Thank you to Netgalley and Viz Media for providing me with an ARC of this manga in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Viz Media for providing me with an ARC of this manga in exchange for an honest review.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I was surprised by the serious topics this tackled, but it highlights some really important issues. Seeing an idol recovering from and trying to integrate back into everyday life after an assault is a really rare look at the dark side of celebrity. I also appreciated how the author expanded on these themes by also including the issues average women also deal with regarding objectification, assault, not being believed, and trauma/PTSD. It may be triggering for some readers, although content is more implied than graphic.
What a stunning book! The art style was gorgeous! This was about an idol who retired because a 'fan' hurt her. Nina was amazing and is my favorite character. She made a choice at the end that I question a lot but we will see how she resolves this.
Thanks to VIZ Media via NetGalley for the book!
Thanks to VIZ Media via NetGalley for the book!
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This handled its heavy content well. I really appreaciated how they didn't try to make light of the situation all while continuing to paint it in such a realistic way. Because especially at that age.... that is exactly how girls would have been treated which is extremely shitty but real....