By koyubi sugawara
My Idol Sits the Next Desk Over!, Vol. 1 (ARC Book Review)
What would you do if one day you went to school and found your favorite idol sitting one desk over? That’s exactly the situation shy little Sakiko finds herself faced with in My Idol Sits The Next Desk Over! Vol. 1. by Koyubi Sugawara. While trying to keep her fangirling at bay, Saki must also grapple with how to act around someone she looks up to so much. But it turns out that she might not be the only fan around trying to catch Chiro-chan’s eye…
This fun and cutesy manga, great for fans of Not Your Idol is a lighthearted read. A story of good-old-fashioned friendship between two charming characters, it’s a sweet little read paired with an art style that’s just as lovely, although it becomes a bit cluttered at times.
However, this story toes an odd and unsettling line. The plot seems to veer toward darker ideas at moments but instead twists them into good-natured, girlhood dynamics in a way that seems questionable. I’d be interested to see where the story ends up going and if wrongs are righted (or at least addressed) or if this series continues to be a cursory glance at best, glossing over grittier and somewhat alarming ideas. But as it stands, it’s a good time and a quick read that simply shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
I rated My Idol Sits the Next Desk Over!, Vol. 1 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!
bullying/cyberbullying, stalking, obsession
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