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Not Your Idol, Vol. 2

(Not Your Idol #2)

Aoi Makino

4.04 · Rating details · 210 ratings · 46 reviews

"This is exactly why she got herself stabbed by a fan."

Heartbroken Nina Kamiyama is a former idol. She’s decided to live her life by keeping her past identity a secret, but her situation intensifies when another discovers who she really is. Who can she trust? ...more

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Paperback, 168 pages

Published September 1st 2020 by VIZ Media LLC (first published March 25th 2019)

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· 210 ratings · 46 reviews

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Oct 14, 2020 Ambur rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: manga

Still loving the artwork and the mystery vibe, but not loving the way the story is going at the moment. It’s breaking my heart and I wasn’t expecting that to happen so early on in a series. 😭

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Sep 04, 2020 Mark Evans rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I don’t normally engage in spoiler-heavy reviews, but there is a dark shadow at the back of this book that colours the whole experience with its inky tendrils.

Good stuff first. Nina and Hikaru really connect this volume and all the credit to the writing for how good they are as characters. They both have real nuance and make reasonable story choices considering their pasts.

When they realize a way to confirm that Hikaru wasn’t Nina’s assailant and Nina has a meltdown because she wants to be able I don’t normally engage in spoiler-heavy reviews, but there is a dark shadow at the back of this book that colours the whole experience with its inky tendrils.

Good stuff first. Nina and Hikaru really connect this volume and all the credit to the writing for how good they are as characters. They both have real nuance and make reasonable story choices considering their pasts.

When they realize a way to confirm that Hikaru wasn’t Nina’s assailant and Nina has a meltdown because she wants to be able to simply trust him on her terms, without needing proof, it is legitimately heart wrenching.

You also see how hard Hikaru pushes himself because he feels he failed his sister years ago. I will say, however, that if Nina’s stalker turns out to be the teacher who assaulted Hikaru’s sister I will be less than impressed.

So past informs present, but, unfortunately, present informs everything else. That means this very good kernel of a story is wrapped up in the stalker storyline and it goes where angels fear to tread this time out.

Miku gets sexually assaulted this volume and while the act is not shown, the aftermath is rather brutal. The scene where she shows up at school wearing black leggings to hide the bruises is as awful a moment as it sounds.

Seeing her ways of processing this is pretty tough (Nina reaches out in a way that has me hoping their might be some character redemption possible for Miku), especially after she slut-shames Nina earlier by posting pictures of her as an idol wearing just her underwear in their classroom.

I guess my feeling is this - if you’re using a rape or sexual assault as a plot device you better be damn careful with how you go about it and I am not sure this story justifies its inclusion at all. It’s weird how the writing can be so good with some things and so... overboard... with others.

This book has a lot of trauma to work through and I don’t know that it needed more. It’s all starting to feel very misogynistic, which I recognize is part of the point, but at the same time it’s like eating four bags of salt - do you really want to take that trip just to become a desiccated, empty husk at the end?

I’d give this two stars, but what’s good about this volume is really good and it has the chance to make things better next volume. So, a very trepidatious three stars. It’s leaning too hard into what it doesn’t do well, unfortunately, and that could really hamstring its best parts going forward. ...more

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Sep 23, 2020 Rebecca rated it liked it

Shelves: manga, ya

I'm still piecing together my thoughts but at this moment, I'd say that this is what we in academia call "teen torture porn," or at least well on its way to getting there. I really respect that the author wants to take down the sexualization of girls and the whole KGOY (kids getting older younger) phenomenon, and using Miku to point out that some women buy into the whole idea of power exclusively through sexuality is an interesting choice, as is having Hikaru be so shaken in his faith in his own ...more

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Aug 16, 2020 Shae rated it it was amazing

WOW THIS VOLUME IS INCREDIBLY INTENSE!!!

This series continues to keep me on my toes, and I can't believe the way this volume ends. We see some resolutions to certain questions within the volume, and then we also see that things are not as clear cut as we think they are in the first volume.

I have some inclinations as to certain parts of our mystery, but I won't share because spoilers, and I don't want to be boo boo the fool!

This series is currently on hiatus, but I hope you will still read it!
...more

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Jan 09, 2021 Gemma ♕ antari.and.the.books rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lgbtq-rep, bame-bipoc-author, manga

So so good! I loved the storyline, the characters and the topics being covered.

From what I understand this is currently on hiatus so we don't know when we will get volume three and I regret EVERYTHING and also NOTHING!

This was so good but where it was left has broken me! BROKEN ME! How do I go on now with no idea on when we will get a resolution?! I neeeeeed more!!

This manga does deal with some heavy topics . It deals with sexual harassment, sexual assault, toxic masculinity and its affect on w ...more

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Oct 02, 2020 Jillian -always aspiring- rated it really liked it

Shelves: manga-i-have-read, 2020-reads

2020 Read #613

Wow. This series keeps getting more and more deep — as if the first weren’t already pretty powerful! I cannot even guess where the next volume is going to go.

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Oct 29, 2020 Aymee rated it really liked it

The first volume of this series really hooked me. I love a good mystery and one involving a stalker of sorts only intrigues me more. The story does a deeper dive into Nina’s past and why she left the group at the height of her popularity. Also, I enjoy that this manga is a bit darker than the ones I usually read. Although, I love something light and fluffy, I do also enjoy something a bit grittier at times.

This second volume left me with some mixed feelings. The writing is excellent as is the a ...more

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Aug 10, 2020 Lou (Lou and Life) rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, read-2020, manga, contemporary, shojo, ebooks, arc, favourites-2020

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger Warnings for sexual assault.

Check out my review of Not Your Idol Volume 1: https://youtu.be/B6j8Abpjv7I

I was so excited when I saw that this volume was available to request on NetGalley, and I really hoped that I would be approved because the first volume is quite literally one of the best mangas that I've read in 2020 so far. I even did a whole YouTube book review on it, which means that it's on ...more

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Aug 07, 2020 Lauren rated it it was amazing

This volume shows the depth of Nina's trauma from her attack at the Pop Idol handshake event. As things unfold, we see the true nature of other characters as their own stories come to light.

Again, sexual harassment is the main issue in this volume as Nina's stalker becomes more active. The way sexual harrasment is handled in this manga is very well done. I love that the victims have a voice in this and it's so refreshing.

I feel like this manga series definitely brings something fresh to the genr ...more

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Sep 04, 2020 Hisgirl85 rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: overdriveloan, kindle, manga

4 stars. I like this manga. It's different, angsty, and is questioning sexist views and media. Also, cw for sexual abuse discussions and off screen activity. ...more

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Feb 09, 2021 Hayli rated it liked it

Shelves: 2021, graphic-novel-comics

I need volume three and there’s no pub date in sight! :’(

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Jan 28, 2021 Azbaqiyah rated it really liked it

Shelves: manga

Plot - 4.5 ☄
Character - 4 ☄
Writing Style - 4 ☄
World Building - 4.5 ☄
Art - 4.8 ☄
Cover - 4.8 ☄

Overall - 4.43 ☄

Oh my god! The story is getting better and better with add some great plot twist but the clifthanger...why...why...and why....

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Aug 06, 2020 Sionna rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2020-books, contemporary, netgalley, dark, manga, young-adult, thriller

*I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Volume 2 of this suspense series continues on giving us questions. It also raises the drama. While it happens off the page, there is sexual assault. I love that victims get to speak out, but it is hard when other characters berate their decisions -- even if this is realistic. I honestly have no idea were this series is going, but I'm definitely going to keep reading. ...more

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Nov 28, 2020 Snow rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. SPOILERS AHEAD

TW // sexual assault, physical assault

**Note: I am mainly speaking on the assaults on female characters/girls in general in this review, but I don't mean to leave out the fact that men and non-binary people are often assaulted as well, and that those events are even more underreported than those of women. But since the manga is seeking to talk about assaults on women, that's what I have primarily written about**

I felt like I needed to say this because I have seen a lot of negative SPOILERS AHEAD

TW // sexual assault, physical assault

**Note: I am mainly speaking on the assaults on female characters/girls in general in this review, but I don't mean to leave out the fact that men and non-binary people are often assaulted as well, and that those events are even more underreported than those of women. But since the manga is seeking to talk about assaults on women, that's what I have primarily written about**

I felt like I needed to say this because I have seen a lot of negative reviews on this manga's representation of assault and its victims. Every feeling toward this is justified and valid, and I don't disagree with any of them. When you're writing something dealing with assault, you do have to be careful with how you go about it. But, honestly? I feel like what Not Your Idol is doing is trying to show that not only do victims process things differently, but they are also heavily influenced by the dominating ideals in our culture and allow that to dictate how they process things. What is interesting about these volumes is that they are seeking to show how different victims react and process the trauma that comes with being assaulted. Some get angry. Some try to let it slide by because 'what else is there to do?'. Some completely change themselves. Some lash out. Some hyper-fixate on celebrities or books or music to cope. Some struggle with finding any venue for coping. None of these reactions are 'wrong'; and, in fact, I found the reactions of the characters in this manga to be very real. There's no one way to react to being assaulted. I've seen girls react in such a way that they've said they were saying thankful for their assault, I've seen girls completely close in on themselves and never come out of the walls they've built, I've seen girls just try to move on with their lives. Everyone processes trauma differently, and I don't think this manga is doing a poor job of showing that.

Miku's reaction may feel wrong, and there's a reason for that. She's lashing out in a similar way to Darcy Edwards in Degrassi, manipulating things around her because she feels she can; it's the only way for her to feel control. To say this portrayal is doing a disservice to victims doesn't sit well with me, because again, people process things like this in many different ways, especially if they are someone who enjoys being well-liked by guys and have thus let the minds of men dictate how they live their lives.

I'm not going to say whether someone should read this or not, because I think we are all going to take something different away from the way sexual assault and its victims is represented in this manga series. I just wanted to throw my interpretation into the mix, because I felt like it was something not many people were saying. I don't know how this series is going to progress because it is very new, and I don't know how I feel about the direction it's going in other than that I look forward to reading the next volume. ...more

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Aug 10, 2020 Jennifer rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, thanks-netgalley, full-review, around-the-world, 2020, manga

Recommended: sure
For a continuation from part 1, for more exploration into side characters

Thoughts:
This followup installment was more thoughtful than the first installment, with less action. This section of chapters focuses more on the people and investigating their motivation. As is expected from a second set, we get a look into the people around Kamiyama and dig deeper into her own emotions and motivation.

Our focus is on Hariuchi (the boy you might have to hate from Volume 1) and his family, a ...more

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Oct 11, 2020 Jill Jemmett rated it really liked it

Nina Kamiyama is a former pop idol, who left the group Pure Club after she was attacked by a fan. She disguised herself as a boy and started attending a regular high school. At the end of the last volume, someone threatened to reveal her identity. Her friend Hikaru had some photos of her in his bag, so Nina’s friends think he can’t be trusted. Another student at their school, Miku, is also threatened with someone sending her secret photos of her walking down the street. Miku doesn’t feel safe wa ...more

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Aug 06, 2020 Krys rated it really liked it

Shelves: emotional, school-setting, netgalley, mystery, strong-women, dark, manga, feminism, trauma, 2020-releases

Not Your Idol vol. 2 ups the drama from the previous volume.
Nina, previous idol star Karen, has been hiding in a high school after a traumatic event with a violent fan/stalker and events are beginning to unfold as the stalker has narrowed on her location and starts to toy with her and those around her.
***
You know what I like about this series? For all the drama going on in it, it has incredibly important discussions. It talks about bodily autonomy, how girls/women tend to be disregarded when th ...more

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Sep 30, 2020 Silvia rated it really liked it

Shelves: manga, review-copies, netgalley

In this second volume, suspense is on high level with Nina’s stalker becoming more frightening, and some revelations moving the plot towards an even darker path . . .

While the beautiful artwork keeps you captivated, the subject of sexual assault is treated with an intensity and realism that constantly put the reader on edge. Society and media views on girls are almost as creepy as the stalker here, and that can be unsettling. Right because it’s not far from real life—in fact, it’s scarily accura ...more

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Aug 16, 2020 Annie (Putt) rated it really liked it

4.5

Again, this series doesn't disappoint with how it tackles tough issues. I think it's almost a little too good at showing how quickly people turn on one another when someone assumes something about someone else, as in the case of a girl being sexually harassed and how people somehow assume it was because she "led the guy/girl on."

So in that vein, trigger warning for sexually assault and rape.

I found the story very good, if a bit difficult to read simply because of the topics at hand. This is a ...more

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Aug 09, 2020 Shani rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, ya-romance, manga, ya-realistic-fiction

The drama and suspense continue to build in the second volume of Not Your Idol.

Nina Kamiyama's past continues to unravel in the second volume. We pick up at the end of volume 1 with Nina escaping with Hikaru. Their friendship is tested and Hikaru's shame over is the inability to help his sister is further explained. Sara, a member of Pure Club, reveals more of Karen/Nina's past and the group's intentions. Miku plays more of a role in the volume and continues to make Nina's life difficult.

This vo ...more

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Aug 17, 2020 Teresa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

Thank you to NetGalley, VIZ Media, and Aoi Makino for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The drama continues in the second volume of this psychological suspense manga. Some people seem to not like some of the topics in this series, but I find these to be situations that people really deal with and relate with the topic, making this series even more real and immersive for me.

In this volume, the reader gets a little bit more of Nina's past as an idol, the tensions i ...more

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Sep 01, 2020 Amanda Stelter rated it it was amazing

*I got a review copy of this from NetGalley and VizMedia for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.*

**Trigger warning for sexual assault**

This volume dives really deep into the effects of assault and how women and their bodies are portrayed and used, especially in media. This one gets really dark and may be hard for some readers to get through.

I think that this is a really interesting manga to follow because it follows a girl who used to be a popular idol and ended up going into hiding after ...more

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Oct 31, 2020 Julie rated it liked it

Shelves: read-graphic-novels-manga, manhwa-manga-graphic-novels

This series makes me angry!! Like the way the girls are treated drives me crazy, but shit like this actually happens. Girls are sexually assaulted and blamed for it or their stories aren't believed and it's so frustrating. I will say the way the author handled the sexual assault in this was tastefully done. There's nothing that blatantly shows the assault, you just know it happens. Like you don't need to see all the details and traumatize the reader in order to get the point across.

I thought th ...more

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Dec 13, 2020 Noelle Haycraft rated it really liked it

Shelves: graphic-novels-comics-mangas

Wow!! This manga series is just non-stop action!! I'm constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what's going to happen.

Usually, in manga series, there's one boy that I literally cannot stand because he's either really weird or really gross. In this one, it's a girl. Sure, sometimes the boy students can say some shitty things (are we really surprised?), but there's one girl character that I simply want to get a reality check. Or a vibe check.

Anyways, the second volume wasn't as good as t ...more

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Aug 26, 2020 Diane Hernandez rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley

In Not Your Idol Vol 2, high school students Nina and Hikaru continue to explore their relationship. But now there is another student trying to break them up.

I was disappointed by Vol 2. It was much slower paced than the first volume, which I loved. There are many conversations but no humor and only a bit of action.

I realize the importance of exposing the issues of victims of violence. However, not much happens until near the end. I’m still waiting for Vol 3. Unfortunately, Not Your Idol Vol 2 ...more

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Aug 03, 2020 Amanda K rated it really liked it

Shelves: manga

Thanks to Edelweiss for the e-ARC!

The plot surrounding Nina's past attacker and current stalker deepens. Several other characters have had trauma in their pasts and we see how this has shaped them. I'm really enjoying the dynamic between the two main characters.

This manga continues to impress me by showing varied reactions of survivors of sexual assault. It also addresses common responses when family, friends, loved ones and the community find out about the assault, helpful and understanding or ...more

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Aug 29, 2020 Martha Sullivan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: manga, thriller, contemporary

I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley, and will continue to request this series as long as Netgalley will let me.

Not Your Idol continues to thrill while also taking on the immense task of untangling issues of gender identity, feminism, gender expectations, and interpersonal relationships. Despite the issues being presented from a distinct Japanese point of view, American readers will find much to relate to here, as Nina and Hikaru figure out their relationship to each other and ...more

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Sep 03, 2020 John rated it liked it

Shelves: manga

The speed at which Nina overcomes her aversion to men and receives a bare chested hug from Hikaru (who seems cloying and aggressive) feels rather contrived. I’ll chalk it up to the emotional heft of the moment. Miku is taking shape as a rather complex, flawed antagonist. She is the most interesting character, however unlikable, so far. The art is strong. Characters are render clearly and easily differentiated (outside of Hikaru and “Karen’s” assailant—plot reasons). This is a sometimes dark, but ...more

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Aug 07, 2020 Elia rated it really liked it

OMG the sheer drama! This series is really getting good!
So Nina/Karen has realized that Hikaru is a really good guy and even has come to terms with the fact that she likes him as more than a friend... BUT Nagasu, the school's resident mean girl disguised as a sweet and loveable cutie will not have it. She wants Hikaru for herself.... BUUUUUUUUUUUT the man who attacked Nina is not going to have that either and decides to take matters into his own hands. SO MUCH DRAMA!!!!! ...more

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Oct 01, 2020 Bee (BacchusVines) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020-challenge, manga, favorites, celebrity-business, 2020-releases, read-manga-2020

If volume one was an anxiety attack, volume two had me in an anxiety coma. The author does not hold back with the attacks, violence, and the looking-glass of ptsd. I love the set up for a romantic rival, could not believe what happened to a classmate, and the ending was just heartbreaking. I hope this story continues soon because this volume was perfect.

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