The first volume of Not Your Idol established a fascinating premise and cast of characters to explore, and this volume delivers upon it further by exploring the themes of social conformity of identity. The relationship between Nina and Hikaru feels especially genuine, and you can see them grapple with their past regrets and trauma through their interactions. The additional commentary on idol culture and its ramifications also helps present a complex perspective on its underlying issues. The series shows both the social and mental burdens of the idol industry, but also why individuals pursue it in spite of that. Despite her trauma, Nina doesn't regret her previous life as an idol, but she is also content with pushing forward towards a better future. If I'm disappointing by anything, it's that there isn't more of this series to read. With the manga still being on hiatus in Japan, it's hard to say when we can continue Nina's story, but I'm eagerly awaiting it.

This story had a great start, but this volume had me feeling very off. Definitely exposes double standards, but just didn’t seem right.

Domestic violence and violence against women are important subjects. Sadly, this series does not treat the topic with dignity, but rather reinforces some pretty harmful stereotypes and encourages violent behavior.

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 artwork, however, the story takes a turn at the end that I’m not sure was necessary. Possibly, it’ll come into play in the next few volumes and I hope that that’s truth. Otherwise, using that event as a way to make another character feel badly is not a good look. However, I will reserve my judgement on that until I’ve read a few more volumes.

The relationship that’s beginning to form between Nina and Hikaru is really nice. They’re both starting to open up to one another a bit, trusting where neither was able to before. It was also a lot of fun meeting the other girls that are a part of the group Nina left. I’m a big fan of large friend groups in stories, so this made me very happy to see. I hope they pop up more in the subsequent volumes.

The search for Nina’s attacker kicks up in this volume, giving us a clue as to how we can identify them later on. I was glad to see that they ruled out Hikaru finally since I like seeing him and Nina together. They can learn a lot about coping and moving on from each other, while leaning on each other as well.

Overall, I think this second installment is better than the first, digging deeper into the backstory of the characters and giving us questions in regard to some others. I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes in the future.

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 walking by herself, so she gets Hikaru to walk her home. However, he can’t protect her all the time.

This was an intense story. The themes of sexual assault were introduced in the first volume, but they became much more prominent in this volume. Nina is still recovering from the post traumatic stress of being attacked by a fan. Hikaru’s sister was sexually harassed by her teacher, but when she spoke up, she wasn’t taken seriously. Other students were randomly attacked as well, but they were shamed into keeping it a secret. This is a disturbing reality for many girls.

The sexual exploitation of girls was also an important part of the story. When Nina was in the pop group, Pure Club, they had to pose for lingerie photos to give out the male fans. They were young girls and it was extremely inappropriate to put them in these revealing outfits and positions. This has happened to many young female performers, and still happens today. These kinds of photos also make men think they have permission to do whatever they want to the young women. This story showed the aftermath of putting girls in these kinds of situations.

This is a great story!

Thank you Viz Media for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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 accurate—certain words and actions get you particularly angry, but also emotional. All the fear, the tension and doubts instilled in Nina are more than understandable, and so is her trust issues. Hence the reason why developing a friendship seems like an impossible task. Can someone who knows her secret crack the shield she put on? Or is that too risky, and perhaps the opening of another dangerous scenario?

Darkly enthralling, this is an unputdownable manga with a very strong story and twists filling your mind with wonder—and worry. If you haven’t grabbed the first volume yet, I’d suggest you to revise that.

A thoroughly enjoyable twist on the idol trope. I wish the series was not on hiatus in Japan as this is the most recent volume and I would love to read more!

This volume sealed it for me. I think the series is fantastic. Things get darker and each character moves ever so slightly forward in their progression which is just the right amount for what they are experiencing. One of our characters starts to feel more real as their mysterious aura fades away and there are some sweet and tender moments in between that reminds you this is a shojo.
The art is still fantastic as well! Albeit silly faces are still not her strongsuit and makes the story feel a little offbeat between all the tension, those moments are rare. Furthermore, this author's true strength is in the drama and her unveilings of scenes is truly startling.
Yet again I was left wanting to read more although unfortunately it seems the series is on hiatus. Still, I look forward to whenever the third volume comes out!

I absolutely adore this manga series! This volume shows more depth into Nina’s trauma from her attacker as well as sexual assault as a whole. This series is willing to take on the tough subjects!

**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 she was stabbed by a stalker. We are following how that’s affected her and other characters in the story dealing with different forms of sexual assault. This isn’t a story everyone will be able to read, but I think it’s important to if you can.

I’m interested to see where the story will go from here, though. I think it’s only going to go down a darker path from here on.

A good second volume to an interesting series. Not Your Idol tackles the double bind girls are put in trying to navigating being sweet and accommodating and while still trying to remain safe. The tension between the protagonist and her rival is the most interesting thing about the whole story. The characters are reflections of each other and you see the ways the world forces them to contort themselves into different shapes to fit in it. It's also nice to have the caring, if bland, love interest there to keep them safe.

I'd recommend this for someone who enjoyed the first book for sure.

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 to themselves.

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.

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, as well as Miku Nagasu (the girl you probably kind of hate from Volume 1). For some people that might sound frustrating, if you're the kind of reader who wants to stick with the MC and the MC only, but I promise it all connects together! Even when it might feel like it's unrelated to the central plot, everything weaves in eventually and tightens the web between each character that much more. Learning who is in Kamiyama's life enhances the experience of learning about her life.

The art style is familiar from the first volume, with no drastic changes. You'll recognize the characters easily! The humor is toned down a bit from Volume 1, but it still sparks up once or twice. Overall, this was a more serious and somber addition. The first page includes a brief recap on main characters and plot points as well, which was a nice touch. I went into it remembering more or less what had happened, but it reminded me of a few side points that were a useful reminder to add meaning to the upcoming events.

And yes: this one also left off on a cliffhanger, so I am again quite eager for the next installment!!!

Thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media for a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

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 didn’t quite hit it out of the park for me. 3 stars.

Thanks to VIZ Media and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

VIZ Media and Shojo Beat’s Not Your Idol’s series debut by mangaka Aoi Makino was heartfelt and deep. It’s main theme confronted rape culture, misogyny, and everything that goes with that through the eyes of Nina Kamiyama. A high school girl, Nina is also a former member of the popular idol group, Pure Club. But, gone are the days of mini-skirts and photoshoots. Instead, Nina decided to stop presenting as a girl. By shunning her femininity and starting to dress as a boy, Nina hopes to fade into the background as she recovers from a traumatic attack at a handshaking event. While the last volume touched on Nina’s PTSD, it focuses more on describing the world she’s in, how her fellow students view sexual assault and harassment, and ultimately, how she is adapting to her new school and her first crush. In Not Your Idol Volume 2, we get a larger discussion about Nina’s PTSD, more cultural commentary, and in all of it, we also see her blossoming relationship with Hikaru.

Not Your Idol Volume 2 pushes its labeling as a psychological suspense series. The last volume ended with a question: is Hikaru, Nina’s first crush, the person responsible for her assault? Picking up immediately after the last volume, this one begins with a dramatic confrontation between Nina and Hikaru. While her friends are pushing her not to trust him, Nina knows that he isn’t the one who attacked her. But beyond that, as the two hide in the first club Nina ever performed in, they connect with each other and Nina details her emotions and her fears. She does so in a way that doesn’t only showcase how she is processing her trauma, but also in a way that takes Hikaru’s questions and feelings into account.

The way Makino writes the two characters in this moment at the beginning of the volume is emotional. The two speak openly but they also speak with empathy. While Hikaru is thoughtful towards Nina, she is also concerned in turn. The two characters hold each other’s emotions in themselves and it helps shape their relationship.

But while the opening of the book is about understanding, the rest of the Not Your Idol Volume 2 is not. When some of Nina’s actions while a part of Pure Club are spread throughout the school, she has to endure hearing things like how disgusting it is for women to choose to show their bodies. She begins to once again internalize the misogyny. In doing so, she’s a victim again, as she reels from having to feel like her attack was her fault. That said, Nina is still safeguarding her past identity as an idol. She hides it, but her romantic rival is trying to dig it back up and in the process retraumatize her.

This volume has even harder conversations than the first. Makino dives headfirst into subject matter that directly confronts how women and girls internalize the world around them and blame themselves for their assaults. In addition, the manga also presents a position that some women act out because they are forced to. In other words, mean girls are mean girls because they have to be. They choose to leverage a patriarchal system and believe that they have to play by the “rules” society sets for them. While this manga began by throwing Nina into a petty love triangle, the meaning behind it has come to fruition as it investigates the way women perpetuate harmful rape culture themselves, and towards themselves.

While I am trying to avoid spoilers for Not Your Idol Volume 2, it has to be noted that a character is sexually assaulted. While it happens off-panel, we see the trauma that results from it and this can be triggering. The trauma is palpable and Nina’s attempt to help is awkward, but for a reason. Nina is trying to console someone who hates her, but at the same time, is so similar to her that she can’t help but feel for her.

In addition to all of the emotional elements of the volume that tackle a hard conversation, the romance between Nina and Hikaru is beginning to flourish, and oh, so naturally. Even when surrounded by the trauma, Not Your Idol Volume 2 is able to offer up a budding romance that succeeds because both parties care about each other. As a whole, this series is doing important work and can open the conversation for young women everywhere to discuss important issues and trauma they may be carrying. Because of that, Not Your Idol Volume 2 is phenomenal. While those who experienced trauma akin to that in the book may want to proceed with caution, this is a title that is not only beautifully written and illustrated but more importantly, necessary.

Not Your Idol Volume 2 is available in bookstores on September 1, 2020.

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 in her relationship with Hikaru as she navigates her feelings, and the growing romantic conflict with love rival Nagasu. Hikaru vows to walk Nina to and from the station every day before and after school to help keep her safe, but when Nagasu's friends claim she has a stalker, they ask Hikaru to walk her to and from school. He must choose, but Nina's insistence leaves Hikaru with Nagasu.

Amazingly beautiful artwork, a great story, and I cannot wait for volume three!

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 direct continuation of volume 1, so the main conflict of volume one both gets wrapped up and continued with added layers to each character.

I think what's really disturbing is how quickly people cut one another down in this and how, despite this being a fictional work, I have seen and heard people do this about someone else. Men cutting down women, women cutting down men, girls fighting because drama is all they've been taught. If anything, this series really showcases how toxic it is to encourage this kind of infighting between people, especially between women, and how it quickly escalates to some of the worst scenarios.

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!

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 a level higher than most of the books that I read in general because of the amount of extra time that I dedicate to promoting it. I ended up reading the manga as soon as I saw that I was approved, and finished it in one sitting!

Volume 2 continues to have the same tense, dark atmosphere of volume 1. It picks up from the cliffhanger of Volume 1 which makes the reader question Kamiyama's safety when she is with Horiuchi. The series continues to discuss sexual assault, however it starts to become more of a plot device in this volume. Hopefully I can explain this well. In the first volume it debates the idea of 'asking for it' with it being clear that the author does not believe that people ask for it. Yet, in this book sexual assault is used as a plot twist with one of the characters. I thought that this volume would have been perfect if it was edited out, because it didn't need to be in there. Apart from that, I thought that the plot was very good and made me really connect with Kamiyama's emotional pain. I liked seeing the developing friendships, and more of Kamiyama's life as an idol.

I would definitely recommend this series, but I would warn people about it's dark nature.