A review by half_bloodreader
Not Your Idol, Vol. 2 by Aoi Makino

dark reflective tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

"Pay attention. Why does a Halloween costume contest turn into a beauty pageant? Why do high school sports teams for boys have managers who are girls? Why do female Idols disappear before they turn 30?" 

This psychological suspense manga keeps its discussion of PTSD, feminism, and femininity. It's interesting because it uses the typical shoujo manga tropes & scenarios to present real life issues girls/women face. It's scary how true it all is. 

To quote Forbes' review "As an idol, Karen always navigated an undercurrent of male entitlement; she was only taken by surprise when it transformed into overt cruelty." 

Another tense volume divided between the tension of ex-idol Karen/Nina's unknown assailant still being out there, of us readers knowing he's stalking her new anonymous life, and the ever present misogyny & sexism in Nina's classroom, still supported by Pick Me Girl Miku, as if that will keep her safe. 

Hikaru presents not just the typical kind attractive love interest the girls swoon over, but a boy who is actually self-aware of his privilege and power, and willing to learn more (due to his sister being harassed). He stands out from the toxic masculinity around them. He particularly stood out by being understanding of how he may induce fear in women even at his best behaviour, and his willingness to let Nina take her time instead of pushing her to trust him, or having her force herself. 

Again, that beginning. It makes no sense for the traumatized mc to put herself in possible danger, or worry those who care about her, when there's plenty of reasons to worry indeed! Almost cost it half a star. In the end, I decided the work done the previous & and following chapters was more important.

Does the assailant have no other clothes? I know it's mostly to help us identify this faceless evil immediately, but it also gives the vibe that he's getting pumped up into his evilsona by wearing the same outfit of the day of the crime 😬 Or that he doesn't shower 😬 

TW: mentions of s*xual harassment, implied assault