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A review by wolfiegrrrl
Phantom of the Idol, Volume 1 by Hijiki Isoflavone
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Given that the author is a self-proclaimed lover of the idol world, this series doesn't seem to be making any plans to deeply explore idol culture beyond the "idols give their lives/love to their fans and their fans' love in turn keeps them moving forward" narrative that is often already perpetuated by idol media... but there could be so much potential for it down the line if the story ever becomes brave enough to address it. For the time being, I can at least appreciate the acknowledgement of how hard idols work at their job just to survive in their career.
As it is right now, the first volume focuses on introducing the main characters and the ways their clashing personalities are somehow a surprising fit for each other. There is very little development in between the establishment of the idol ghost as a plot device, the comedic ways their polar opposite personalities confuse Yuya's few loyal fans, and the brief acknowledgment that he and his partner should work on building up their relationship.
It very much seems like the goal of the plot will be to slowly develop Yuya's motivations for his current career path with each experience encouraging him to grow into an idol who wants to put in the effort for his fans, and maybe even for Asahi and Kazuki as well. The bonus panels at the end make it very clear that neither Yuya nor Asahi have any interest in romance... and yet, I find myself craving love geometry in this series.
Asahi and Kazuki have some absolutely adorable chemistry. They understand each other's feelings and insecurities about being idols, and their one sort-of date got off to a very sweet start. Plus, Kazuki already gets blushy whenever he contemplates how cool he thinks Yuya is. The potential for Asahi and Kazuki to develop feelings for each other and the shenanigans that could ensue with Yuya in the middle is too great. It is unlikely that this will happen, but there's probably fanfiction for that, so my interest is piqued.
As it is right now, the first volume focuses on introducing the main characters and the ways their clashing personalities are somehow a surprising fit for each other. There is very little development in between the establishment of the idol ghost as a plot device, the comedic ways their polar opposite personalities confuse Yuya's few loyal fans, and the brief acknowledgment that he and his partner should work on building up their relationship.
It very much seems like the goal of the plot will be to slowly develop Yuya's motivations for his current career path with each experience encouraging him to grow into an idol who wants to put in the effort for his fans, and maybe even for Asahi and Kazuki as well. The bonus panels at the end make it very clear that neither Yuya nor Asahi have any interest in romance... and yet, I find myself craving love geometry in this series.
Asahi and Kazuki have some absolutely adorable chemistry. They understand each other's feelings and insecurities about being idols, and their one sort-of date got off to a very sweet start. Plus, Kazuki already gets blushy whenever he contemplates how cool he thinks Yuya is. The potential for Asahi and Kazuki to develop feelings for each other and the shenanigans that could ensue with Yuya in the middle is too great. It is unlikely that this will happen, but there's probably fanfiction for that, so my interest is piqued.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Car accident