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wolfiegrrrl's review against another edition
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
duckyreads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Phantom of the Idol focuses on Yuuya, one half of the idol duo ZINGS, and the ghost of Asahi Mogami, a beloved singer whose life was cut short in a tragic accident. Yuuya became an idol because he thought it would be an easy way to make money. As a result, he's a sloppy performer and gives horrible fan service. After a terrible concert, Yuuya's idol life is on the brink, and he meets Asahi, who wishes she could still be an idol. They come to an agreement, and this first volume follows the two of them working together to continue Yuuya's idol life. This was a fun, lighthearted read that I would recommend to anyone, but especially to anyone who enjoys idol culture. I'm looking forward to volume 2 to see how the story continues!
Thanks to Kodansha Comics for approving a copy of the e-ARC on NetGalley for this honest review.
Thanks to Kodansha Comics for approving a copy of the e-ARC on NetGalley for this honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Car accident
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