Yeah, yeah, Skip Beat! is one of those series where the cover art isn't indicative of the actual story. This is about as much romance as we're going t...moreYeah, yeah, Skip Beat! is one of those series where the cover art isn't indicative of the actual story. This is about as much romance as we're going to get.
Misleading covers aside, Dark Moon is wrapping up, after-party and all, and now it's time for Ren's role as Black Jack to start. Ren's worried that he'll lose himself to the darkness that used to be part of his past. Kyoko has other worries on her mind, including trying to keep a lock on her heart.
Even after 29 volumes, this series is still going on strong. In fact, this is the only manga series that is going to go beyond 30 volumes that I am determined to keep reading. I drop most series by this time because I tend to get bored of the serialized feel, but Skip Beat! manages to still feel fresh and fun. I do have my issues, however, the art style being chief among them. I know it's the style, but at times, the disproportions get to me a little (this coming from a CLAMP fan where they seem to specialize in disproportions!).
Looking forward to the next volume once my library acquires it (though my husband keeps trying to talk me into just buying this series ourselves...but if it keeps at this pace, we'll be reading this well into the 50's or 60's and I don't think I can take that plunge in buying that many volumes, no I don't think I can, ha). (less)
And here we are at 30 volumes. I think Skip Beat! may be the longest running manga series that I'm willing to keep reading. It's not that long running...moreAnd here we are at 30 volumes. I think Skip Beat! may be the longest running manga series that I'm willing to keep reading. It's not that long running series aren't any good - many are - but they require a lot of investment on my part. Even a moderate length series requires years of investment as I wait for each volume to be released here in the US, which releases happen as often as every other month, or with those "caught up with Japan" only once or twice a year.
But, Skip Beat! is fun in that regardless of what is going on in the story, our heroine, Kyoko, is always fun to watch. Right now, the current arc is a little bit on the dull side for me as we are continuing to learn more about Ren's past and all the baggage that comes with it. It's not that his past is dreadfully dull as it's just the same as last volume - lots of angst and fear that he'll slip back into his former self. A little bit of angst goes a long way, often into overkill territory, and I'm missing the more upbeat and lighthearted tones of the series. Hopefully in another volume or two, we can move right along and get to better and brighter things. Cheer up, Ren, you've got Kyoko at your side.(less)
I fell three volumes behind, but I'm all caught up now. At 26 volumes, there is no end in sight for this series. As my husband likes to say, Skip Beat...moreI fell three volumes behind, but I'm all caught up now. At 26 volumes, there is no end in sight for this series. As my husband likes to say, Skip Beat! is the shounen of shoujo. That said, it's actually a pretty good series. I still have my issues with style (proportions are off a lot of the time, and that gets to me...I know it's the mangaka's style, but it's not a style I particularly enjoy). However, Kyoko continues to be an enjoyable heroine as she navigates the showbiz industry and influences people around her in positive ways.(less)
In this current arc, the focus in on Ren. He's accepted a role that may bring back memories of his past, which we see a little bit of in this volume....moreIn this current arc, the focus in on Ren. He's accepted a role that may bring back memories of his past, which we see a little bit of in this volume. He's kept his history under lock and key, but it's about time that we learn a little more about him.
Continuing with learning more about Ren's background, there's still enough mystery remaining that he's still somewhat of an enigma.
Meanwhile, is Kyoko...moreContinuing with learning more about Ren's background, there's still enough mystery remaining that he's still somewhat of an enigma.
Meanwhile, is Kyoko ready to accept that her heart may be falling in love again?(less)